PunjabPolitics – Confidence Motion Passed Amid Uproar in Assembly Session
PunjabPolitics – The Punjab Legislative Assembly on Friday approved a confidence motion backing the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during a special one-day sitting held on Labour Day. Despite the successful passage of the motion, proceedings were repeatedly disrupted by sharp exchanges and serious allegations from opposition members.
Opposition Raises Allegations During Heated Debate
Tensions escalated when opposition legislators accused the chief minister of appearing intoxicated while addressing the House. Members from the opposition benches demanded that all legislators undergo an alcohol test to ensure transparency and uphold the dignity of the Assembly. However, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan declined the request, allowing proceedings to continue.
Dispute Over Assembly Conduct Sparks Confrontation
The controversy began when the chief minister objected to Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira for using a mobile phone during the session. Mann emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum, noting that members are expected to follow strict conduct rules within the House.
Khaira responded by referencing a previous session where Mann’s wife was present in the visitors’ gallery, which further intensified the exchange. The chief minister reacted strongly, accusing Khaira of making inappropriate remarks and suggesting that his comments were unwarranted.
Chaos in the House and Walkout by Congress
As the debate grew more heated, opposition members claimed that Mann’s speech appeared unclear and alleged that he was not in a proper state. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa supported these claims and reiterated the demand for alcohol testing of all members present.
The situation soon descended into chaos, with legislators from both the ruling party and opposition entering the well of the House and raising slogans. Amid the uproar, Congress members staged a walkout in protest. When the session resumed after lunch, disruptions continued, ultimately leading to an adjournment.
Political Reactions Intensify Outside the Assembly
Outside the Assembly, political reactions further amplified the controversy. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal called for the chief minister’s resignation, stating that the alleged conduct undermined the dignity of the House and public trust.
Meanwhile, Bajwa addressed the media, criticizing the chief minister’s refusal to undergo an alcohol test. He argued that the refusal raised questions and contributed to growing public concern regarding leadership accountability.
Confidence Motion Passed Despite Disruptions
Despite the intense confrontation and repeated interruptions, the ruling government succeeded in passing the confidence motion. The outcome reaffirmed the majority support enjoyed by the administration within the Assembly.
However, the events of the day highlighted deep political divisions and underscored the challenges of maintaining decorum during high-stakes legislative proceedings. Observers note that while the motion secured the government’s position, the controversy surrounding the session may continue to influence political discourse in the state.