The Punjab Assembly session erupted into chaos on May 1, 2026, as opposition members demanded an alcohol test for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. This outburst stemmed from heated confrontations during a special Labour Day session, where tensions between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress escalated.
Opposition MLAs voiced their demands after Mann objected to Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira using a mobile phone during proceedings. As the situation intensified, Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan rejected the call for an alcohol test, stating it was inappropriate. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa supported the demand, suggesting that all MLAs, including the Chief Minister, should undergo breath analyzer tests.
The controversy surrounding Mann’s behavior attracted further scrutiny when Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal accused him of appearing ‘drunk’ in the assembly. BJP leader Sunil Jakhar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that entering a sacred space like a temple or gurudwara under such influence is disrespectful.
Amid the uproar, the AAP government managed to pass a confidence motion unanimously. However, the Congress staged a walkout in protest against what they termed as undermining public trust in the institution. The BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal members also exited the assembly shortly thereafter.
Key events during the session:
- Opposition MLAs demanded an alcohol test for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
- Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan rejected this demand outright.
- Partap Singh Bajwa called for alcohol meter tests for all legislators.
- The AAP government passed a confidence motion unanimously amidst chaos.
- The Congress staged a walkout in response to ongoing tensions.
Aman Arora from AAP criticized Congress remarks as baseless and damaging to workers’ dignity. He stated that such accusations only added salt to existing wounds within the assembly. Yet, the political landscape continues to shift as both sides prepare for upcoming challenges.
The special session convened by AAP aimed to honor workers on Labour Day but instead highlighted deep-rooted political divisions. The next steps from this chaotic assembly meeting remain unclear as all parties reassess their strategies moving forward.
