The Punjab Assembly saw a dramatic and tense session on Friday. The day included loud protests, political clashes, and finally, the passing of a confidence motion in support of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

The developments came just months before the state is expected to go to elections early next year.

Confidence Motion Amid Political Shifts

The Mann government introduced the confidence motion after several political setbacks. Six Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab, led by Raghav Chadha, recently switched from AAP to the BJP. Another MP, Swati Maliwal, also left the party.

After winning the trust vote, Mann said the motion aimed to address public confusion. “A few rumours have created some confusion among the general public. This Confidence Motion has been brought to clear all that confusion,” he stated.

He also responded to the defections by saying, “When a broom is used to clean the dirt, few bristles come out, but it doesn’t affect the broom.”

Opposition Boycotts the Vote

The opposition parties, including the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), boycotted the voting process. They accused Mann of attending the session in an “inebriated” state. However, the government went ahead and passed the motion without their participation.

Mann later said he would carry a copy of the passed motion when he meets the President of India on May 5.

Mann Attacks Opposition

After the session, Mann criticised the opposition for not participating in the vote.

“There were some rumours in recent days that 52 of the government MLAs are here, 51 are there. The Congress has created this ‘here and there’ chaos, but they weren't present during the voting on the confidence motion. At least they should have stayed and opposed it. Their not being present is also an approval of the Aam Aadmi Party,” he said.

Assembly Sees Protests Over Alcohol Test Demand

Before the confidence motion was passed, the Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes. Members of the ruling AAP and the opposition Congress clashed after the opposition demanded an alcohol test for the chief minister.

Congress MLAs insisted on a breath analyser test, while AAP members responded with slogans. The situation became so tense that the House had to be adjourned after it resumed post-lunch.

The Speaker rejected the demand for an immediate dope test for the chief minister and other MLAs.

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa had raised concerns about Mann’s “conduct” and had written to the Speaker on the issue.

BJP Joins Demand for Tests

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also supported the demand for alcohol testing.

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar said, "If the government comes to the Assembly in an inebriated state, I believe it's not only an insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution, but also an insult to the temple of democracy."

He added, “The Punjab Assembly is considered the temple of democracy. If someone enters a temple or gurudwara under the influence of alcohol, it's contempt and disrespect. Whether CM Bhagwant Maan goes for a floor test today or not...I have one request: given the importance of today's special session, all leaders should definitely undergo a breathalyser test...If the breath analyser test of all leaders is done, then there will be no need for a floor test.”

AAP Rejects Allegations

The ruling AAP strongly denied all accusations made by the opposition.

Punjab AAP chief and cabinet minister Aman Arora criticised the opposition, saying, “The Congress has been making baseless and frivolous remarks, which is unfortunate and amounts to adding salt to the wounds of workers and undermining the dignity of the House."

Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Elections

Overall, the events in the Assembly highlighted rising political tensions in Punjab ahead of upcoming elections.

While the AAP government secured a confidence vote, the sharp exchanges and protests showed deep divisions between the ruling party and the opposition.