A Labour Day session of the Punjab Assembly descended into chaos on May 1, 2026, after Opposition leaders accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of attending proceedings under the influence of alcohol. The allegations led to massive disruptions, demands for alcohol testing inside the House, and a walkout by Congress MLAs. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has dismissed the claims as baseless, but the controversy has escalated into a full-blown political confrontation.
Allegations and Disruptions
Opposition lawmakers, primarily from the Congress party, raised the issue soon after the session began. They alleged that the Chief Minister appeared disoriented and slurred his speech, suggesting he might be intoxicated. The Opposition demanded that an alcohol test be conducted on the Chief Minister inside the assembly premises to verify the claims.
The allegations triggered heated exchanges between ruling and opposition members. Congress MLAs staged a walkout, accusing the government of undermining the dignity of the House. The Speaker tried to calm the situation, but the session remained adjourned amid the uproar.
AAP's Response
The AAP has strongly refuted the allegations, calling them a desperate attempt by the Opposition to divert attention from developmental issues. Party spokespersons argued that the Chief Minister is known for his disciplined lifestyle and that the accusations are politically motivated. They also criticized the Opposition for disrupting the session on a day meant to honor workers.
Political Fallout
The incident has intensified the ongoing political rivalry in Punjab. The Congress has demanded a formal inquiry into the matter, while the AAP has accused the Opposition of creating unnecessary drama. The controversy is expected to dominate headlines in the coming days, with both sides digging in for a prolonged battle.
This is not the first time Mann has faced such allegations. In the past, political opponents have raised questions about his behavior, but no concrete evidence has ever been presented. The current episode, however, has added a new layer of tension to the state's already volatile political landscape.
