Punjab Opposition Alleges CM Bhagwant Mann Was Drunk During Session

Opposition legislators accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of being intoxicated during a special Labour Day session on May 1, 2024 ^[1].

The confrontation highlights deep political friction in the Punjab Legislative Assembly and raises questions about the personal conduct of the state's highest executive. Such allegations of public intoxication during official proceedings can lead to formal censure or motions of no confidence if proven.

The incident occurred in Chandigarh during the session held on May 1, 2024 ^[1]. Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira led the charge, demanding that the chief minister undergo immediate testing to verify his sobriety. "We demand a breath‑alcohol test for the Chief Minister immediately," Khaira said ^[1].

Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa (Congress) supported the demand, saying that the chief minister's behavior was a violation of a previous personal pledge. "He was clearly under the influence; this is a breach of his promise not to drink," Bajwa said ^[2].

Chief Minister Mann rejected the demands for a medical test and maintained his ability to lead the session. "I have no intention to submit to any alcohol test; I am fit to address the House," Mann said ^[3].

The disagreement escalated into chaos, prompting opposition leaders, including Bajwa, Khaira, and activist Ramnik Mann, to stage a walkout. This maneuver was intended to protest the alleged misconduct and the chief minister's refusal to comply with the requested test ^[1], ^[2].

The walkout disrupted the proceedings of the special session, leaving the assembly in turmoil as members clashed over the validity of the accusations. The opposition maintained that the chief minister's refusal to take a test served as an implicit admission of the claims ^[2], ^[3].