The Punjab Assembly on Friday witnessed an eventful day with an uproar over the Opposition’s demand for alcohol test of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and a motion passed “unanimously” expressing confidence in the Prime Minister-led Aam Aadmi Party government, just months before elections are due in the state early next year.
The proposal was tabled by the Mann government after six Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab led the way Raghav Chadha, switched from AAP to BJP. The seventh AAP MP to be swapped was Swati Maliwal from Delhi.
“Some rumors have created some confusion among the general public. This confidence motion has been brought to clear all this confusion,” CM Mann said while speaking after his government won the vote of confidence.
Speaking about the recent escape of Rajya Sabha members, Mann said: “When a broom is used to clean dirt, a few bristles come out, but they do not affect the broom.”
The entire opposition, including the National Congress Party, boycotted this proposal Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), who alleged that Bhagwant Mann attended the session in an “intoxicated” state.
Mann said he would bring with him a copy of the confidence motion passed by the Council when he meets the President of India on May 5.
Addressing a press conference after the session ended, the Punjab Chief Minister launched an attack on the opposition Congress, saying they should have at least opposed the motion by remaining during the vote.
“There have been some rumors in recent days that there are 52 government MLAs here, and 51 there. Congress has created this mess ‘here and there’, but they were not present during the vote on the confidence motion,” Mann told reporters. At least they should have stayed and opposed him. Their non-attendance is also an endorsement of the Aam Aadmi Party.”
Drama in Punjab Assembly, Mann sought doping test
Before passing the motion of confidence, the Punjab Assembly Dramatic scenes were witnessed when members of the ruling AAP and the opposition Congress stormed the well of the House amid the opposition’s demand for a breathalyzer test on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The House, which met after lunch break, was adjourned as Congress MLAs demanded breath analyzer test on Mann, while AAP MLAs retaliated with slogans.
The Speaker also rejected the Opposition’s demand to conduct an “immediate” dope test on PM Mann and all his legal aides during the ongoing special session of the Punjab Assembly. Earlier, Opposition Leader Partap Singh Bajwa raised concerns over Mann’s “conduct” and wrote to the Speaker.
Joining the breathalyzer and alcohol testing choir was the goal Punjab BJP, whose president Sunil Jakhar, has called for testing for all legislators present in the state assembly.
“If the government comes to Parliament drunk, I think it is not just an insult to the Constitution of Babasaheb Ambedkar, but also an insult to the temple of democracy,” Jakhar said.
“Punjab Assembly is considered a temple of democracy. If someone enters a temple or gurudwara under the influence of alcohol, it is contempt and disrespect. Whether CM Bhagwant Mann goes for floor test today or not… I have one request: Given the importance of today’s special session, all leaders must definitely undergo breathalyzer test… If breathalyzer test is done for all leaders, there will be no need for floor test,” he said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Rejecting the allegations and “concerns” raised by the opposition Congress, the ruling Justice and Development Party accused him of making “frivolous and baseless statements.”
“Congress has been making frivolous and baseless statements, which is unfortunate and amounts to adding salt to workers’ wounds and undermining the dignity of the House.” Punjab AAP President and Minister Aman Arora told PTI.
