Chandigarh: Leader of the opposition in the Punjab assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Friday said chief minister Bhagwant Mann's refusal to undergo an alco-meter test in the Vidhan Sabha has only exposed the truth and deepened public suspicion.
Claiming that CM appears drunk with power and liquor, Bajwa, in a written statement, said the Congress Legislative Party made a clear, reasonable, and transparent demand for immediate alco-meter and dope testing of all MLAs, beginning with the chief minister, to uphold the dignity and sanctity of the House.
The demand came after serious allegations were raised on the floor of the House by Sukhpal Singh Khaira, to which the CM chose not to respond, he said.
The senior leader stated that the Congress specifically proposed that the tests be conducted by an independent and credible medical team from PGI, Chandigarh, starting with the chief minister and the leader of opposition, followed by all other MLAs, to ensure complete transparency and fairness.
In any functioning democracy, such allegations require immediate clarification. However, instead of addressing the issue, the CM avoided accountability. This, Bajwa said, only strengthened doubts in the minds of the people.
The Qadian legislator said the refusal to allow a simple and scientific alco-meter test speaks volumes. He added that if there was nothing to hide, the CM should have voluntarily undergone the test. Denial only exposes what the government is trying to conceal.
He also questioned the decision of the Speaker in disallowing the testing, stating that permitting a uniform and transparent testing protocol would have restored confidence in the institution.
The Congress leader added that the denial has instead undermined the credibility of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
Bajwa stated that it is for the first time in the history of Punjab that such serious allegations have been made against a sitting CM. If these allegations are true, then the CM has not only ridiculed his own party but also brought embarrassment to Punjabis across the world.
Taking a swipe at AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Bajwa said he has stated many times that if Kejriwal cannot make his own chief minister nasha-mukt, how can he claim to make Punjab nasha-mukt?
Emphasising that the issue is not personal but institutional, Bajwa stated that the Congress party remains committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in public life. He added that the dignity of the House cannot be compromised, and the truth must come out before the people of Punjab.
