Allegations raised during special session
A political storm erupted in Chandigarh during a special sitting of the Punjab Assembly held on the occasion of Labour Day, after opposition parties alleged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann participated in the proceedings while intoxicated.
Demand for alcohol test
Soon after the House convened, a Congress MLA accused the Chief Minister of coming to the Assembly under the influence of alcohol. Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa said the allegation was serious and called for alcohol tests to be conducted on all MLAs to establish the truth.
Akali Dal cites video claim
The Shiromani Akali Dal also levelled strong charges, saying it had released a video related to the Chief Minister in the Assembly. The party termed the alleged conduct “shameful” and insisted that Mann should undergo a test to bring out the facts.
CM’s response
With the controversy escalating, Mann urged members to avoid arguments and maintain the dignity of the House during the Labour Day special session. He did not, however, respond directly to the allegation of intoxication.
Political backdrop
The allegations come amid reports that eight Aam Aadmi Party MPs from Punjab have joined the BJP, with claims that some AAP MLAs are backing them, adding to pressure on the Mann government.
