Punjab CM Mann Dismisses Floor Test Demand
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday asserted that his government enjoys full confidence both inside and outside the assembly, calling any demand for a floor test "unnecessary". He added that he remains open to proving his majority on the floor of the House if challenged by other parties.
Special Session on May 1
The Punjab government has convened a special session of the assembly on May 1 to "pay homage to the working class of the state". Responding to speculation that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government will bring a confidence motion during the special session, Mann stated, "The people of Punjab already have confidence in the government. There are 94 MLAs of the party. What could be a bigger confidence for the people of Punjab than this? When the state budget was passed, it also showed confidence. If a budget fails, then a government can fall. All our bills were passed almost unanimously in the assembly."
Open to Prove Majority
Mann further said, "But if someone claims that so many AAP MLAs are in touch with them and the government will fall, then we can show the confidence with a motion." This remark comes amid allegations from opposition parties that some AAP MLAs are in contact with other parties.
Response to Sunil Jakhar
Replying to a question on Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, who asked the AAP government to clear pending dues of state employees, Mann urged the BJP leader to first ensure Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "guarantees" of giving Rs 15 lakh into everyone's bank account and creating 2 crore jobs are fulfilled.
Previous Confidence Motion
The last time the AAP government passed a confidence motion in the Punjab assembly was on October 3, 2022. The treasury benches moved the motion after accusing the BJP of attempting to topple its government under "Operation Lotus" by allegedly offering bribes to AAP MLAs.
Criticism of Modi Government
Replying to a question about the rationale behind convening the Vidhan Sabha session, Mann said, "Those questioning the rationale must first answer for the guarantees fulfilled by the Modi government before raising questions about us."
