Punjab Assembly Special Session Live Updates: CM Mann faces allegations of coming drunk in House; Oppn seeks dope, alcohol test

May 1, 2026 02:51 PM

May 1, 2026 02:24 PM

Notably, the special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly convened on International Labour Day began on a solemn note with tributes paid to prominent personalities and participation from labour union representatives. The ruling AAP had issued a whip through Chief Whip Baljinder Kaur, making attendance compulsory for all 94 MLAs.

However, the session soon turned into a heated political battleground. Tensions escalated when Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann briefly stood up to leave the House during a debate, prompting objection from Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, who accused him of walking out during an important discussion. CM Mann returned to his seat and engaged in a sharp exchange, with ruling party members rallying in his support.

The situation intensified further when Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa intervened and raised concerns over the conduct inside the Assembly. He suggested that elected representatives entering the House should undergo breath analyser tests, a remark that triggered uproar and chaos in the proceedings.

Adding to the controversy, BJP Punjab president Sunil Jakhar posted on X (formerly Twitter) stating that while Assembly sessions are important, special sessions carry greater significance and controversially remarked that breath analyser tests of leaders entering the House could “expose many faces.”

Leader of Opposition Vijay Sampla further escalated the matter, stating that it was “shocking” to hear claims suggesting that the Chief Minister had arrived at the Assembly under the influence of alcohol during the Labour Day session.

The Speaker repeatedly intervened to restore order as heated exchanges continued between the ruling and opposition benches.

May 1, 2026 02:22 PM

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, Bajwa alleged that such a step had become necessary to uphold the dignity and decorum of the Assembly. He raised questions over the conduct inside the House, particularly citing the Chief Minister’s abrupt exit from the proceedings.

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) backed the demand, calling for alco-meter tests to begin within an hour, starting with the Chief Minister, followed by all members of the House. The party further insisted that comprehensive dope tests should be conducted subsequently to ensure transparency and accountability.

Bajwa emphasised that the demand is not targeted at any individual but is aimed at restoring public trust in the functioning of the legislature and ensuring ethical standards among elected representatives.

He also stressed that the tests should be conducted by an impartial medical team from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, rather than any other medical institution, to maintain neutrality and credibility.

May 1, 2026 01:42 PM

Partap Singh Bajwa writes to Speaker, seeks immediate alcohol and dope tests for CM and all MLAs

May 1, 2026 12:58 PM

Meanwhile, fresh chaos erupted in the Assembly while minister Lal Chand Kataruchak was addressing the House. As disruptions intensified, the Speaker warned that any member creating disorder would be asked to leave.

Amid the uproar, Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa urged that all members be subjected to an alcohol breath test. He requested that the doors of the House be closed and that everyone present undergo an “alcometer” check, citing the seriousness of the allegations raised during the session.

May 1, 2026 12:58 PM

Congress MLA Sukhwinder Singh Kotli raised concerns over labour-related policies, stating that increasing daily working hours from eight to twelve is “completely unjustified.”

Addressing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, he pointed out that no worker has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha from the state. He added that Congress legislators want the AAP government to complete its full five-year term, but stressed that laws must be upheld and not violated.

Kotli also demanded an increase in the financial assistance under the “Shagun Scheme” and called for greater benefits for agricultural labourers. Highlighting the plight of ASHA workers, he said their service is often counted as only 11 months, while their monthly honorarium remains between Rs 2,500 and Rs 3,000, something he said the government has the capacity to improve.

He further urged that payments should be made according to DC rates and expressed concern over labour-related provisions introduced by the central government, claiming they restrict the formation of unions. He called for legislation at the state level to address these issues and safeguard workers’ rights.

May 1, 2026 12:56 PM

The BJP organised a parallel session in Chandigarh to raise questions over the functioning of the Punjab government. The proceedings were conducted in an Assembly-like format, with senior leader Charanjit Singh Atwal assuming the role of Speaker.

The session began with a condolence motion to pay tribute to the deceased. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar suggested that homage should also be paid to youths who lost their lives due to drug abuse in the state, as well as victims of gangster-related violence.

Senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh further proposed that those who died in recent flood-related incidents should also be included in the condolence resolution.

The session was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney along with other party leaders.

May 1, 2026 12:55 PM

Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa called for immediate financial support to registered workers and suggested prioritising their dues. In response, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann pointed out that worker registration in the state remains low. He added that a large number of construction workers come from states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on a temporary basis and return after completing their work, while local workers continue to stay.

Bajwa assured full cooperation to ensure proper utilisation of available funds. He highlighted that there is a wage gap of nearly Rs 5,000 between Haryana and Punjab, suggesting that Punjab should consider raising wages to remain competitive.

He further raised the issue of pending dearness allowance (DA) for around 7.5 lakh government employees, noting that many had to approach the courts for relief. Bajwa proposed that the government clear these dues at the earliest and, as a symbolic step, suggested withholding salaries of ministers, MLAs and IAS officers, including his own, until the payments are made. He said such a move would send a strong and positive message.

May 1, 2026 12:54 PM

At a parallel session held by the Punjab unit of BJP in Chandigarh, a resolution was introduced to pay tribute to departed souls.

The proposal included the name of warehouse District Manager Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, who allegedly died by suicide in Amritsar after levelling accusations against a minister. The resolution also paid homage to around 1,600 persons who reportedly lost their lives due to drug abuse in Punjab.

May 1, 2026 12:52 PM

Tarunpreet Singh Sond moves a resolution in Assembly on May Day

May 1, 2026 12:52 PM

Punjab Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond moved a resolution in the Assembly on the occasion of May Day, stating that the special session had been convened to honour the contribution of workers. He emphasised that labourers form the backbone of the nation, society and the state, and that every development project is built on their hard work and dedication.

Highlighting the significance of Labour Day, he noted that “May Day” is observed in memory of workers who lost their lives during the historic 1886 movement at Haymarket Square in Chicago, where labourers had demanded an eight-hour workday. The day symbolises the ongoing struggle for social justice and improved working conditions.

Referring to Punjab’s cultural and spiritual heritage, he said the land has been shaped by saints, prophets  and warriors. He invoked the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who advocated the principles of “Kirat Karo, Naam Japo  and Vand Chhako,” underscoring the dignity of labour and honest work.

Sond further pointed out that the base rate of minimum wages for workers in Punjab was last revised in 2012. While dearness allowance has seen periodic increases since then, the core minimum wage rate has remained unchanged.

On the occasion of Labour Day, he presented a proposal recommending a revision and increase in minimum wages. The resolution strongly urges the government to take a decision to enhance wages, recognising the vital contribution of workers and ensuring they receive due respect and appreciation.

May 1, 2026 12:50 PM

A row erupted in the Assembly over Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, as legislators from the ruling AAP objected to his seating posture, asking him to sit properly.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also raised objections over the manner in which Khaira was seated. Responding to the situation, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema alleged that the opposition repeatedly attempts to disrupt and influence the proceedings of the House.

May 1, 2026 12:49 PM

During the proceedings, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann interrupted while the Speaker was addressing the House on the motion, remarking that “members from the Congress are busy on their mobile phones.”

His comment triggered a sharp exchange between legislators of the Indian National Congress and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, leading to heated arguments inside the Assembly.

May 1, 2026 12:49 PM

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann responded to the Leader of Opposition, stating that the previous session had led to the passage of a law against sacrilege, which was subsequently approved by the Governor.

Addressing the opposition’s concerns, he questioned their reluctance to participate in the proceedings. Mann assured that a full-fledged Monsoon Session could be convened for around 10 days, during which all questions raised by the opposition would be taken up. He urged them not to boycott the Assembly.

Highlighting representation from different regions, he said members from areas like Gurdaspur and Sangrur were present in the House and stressed the importance of participating in discussions, especially as the session coincided with Labour Day. He invited all parties to take part in the debate dedicated to workers’ issues.

During the exchange, Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa interjected, asking whether any concrete outcomes had emerged from such sessions.

May 1, 2026 12:48 PM

Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa criticised the repeated convening of special sessions of the Punjab Assembly, stating that this was the eighth such session and that “nothing meaningful has come out of them.”

He said the opposition had extended support to the government on multiple occasions, but questioned the purpose of holding special sessions instead of regular ones. Bajwa pointed out that there was no provision for Question Hour or Zero Hour, which limited the opposition’s ability to raise key public issues.

He added that the current format of the session does not allow for meaningful discussion, leaving the opposition with little opportunity to present concerns affecting the people.

May 1, 2026 12:47 PM

BJP working president Ashwani Sharma alleged that opposition voices are consistently sidelined in the Punjab Assembly, claiming they are not given adequate time to speak.

He said the special session of the Assembly is “not a new development,” and accused the ruling AAP of turning such sessions into a “stage” to level what he described as baseless allegations against the Government of India led by Narendra Modi.

Sharma further claimed that even when the opposition is allotted a brief speaking window of two minutes, they are not allowed to present their views. He added that the BJP had issued a whip for the session and participated to raise public issues.

Accusing the government of repeating its approach, he said a resolution against the Centre was likely to be introduced again, and alleged that the session would ultimately be reduced to “self-praise” while wasting public funds. 

May 1, 2026 12:43 PM

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar said he was compelled to post his remarks “with a heavy heart,” expressing concern over the ongoing special session of the Assembly.

He alleged that while the session has been convened, the government itself appeared “disoriented.” Jakhar further claimed that during a Cabinet meeting held earlier in the day, two ministers were allegedly humiliated, and the language used in the meeting was “deeply troubling.”

He also raised concerns over the reported treatment of the Chief Secretary, calling it an issue of serious concern for the state.

Jakhar added that a session being held in the name of workers would, in his view, end up disrespecting them rather than addressing their issues.

May 1, 2026 12:37 PM

AAP MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal dismissed claims of any internal rift within the Aam Aadmi Party, saying the party remains united.

Reacting to the BJP holding a parallel “special session” near the Assembly, Dhaliwal took a swipe, saying the party has only two MLAs and even offered to arrange basic facilities like water for them.

He further stated that no matter how much political maneuvering or attempts at destabilisation are made, the BJP will not be able to form a government in Punjab.

May 1, 2026 12:36 PM

Congress MLA Pargat Singh accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party of indulging in “political theatrics under the guise of workers.” He alleged that the party was attempting to divert attention through drama rather than addressing real issues.

Referring to the earlier nominations to the Rajya Sabha, he said questions were raised in 2022 over matters linked to Sidhu Moosewala’s song, yet no clarity was provided. “This is all political gimmickry. We have not brought any such proposal,” he said.

Pargat Singh further alleged that AAP had “betrayed Punjab” and claimed the party was acting as a “B-team” of the BJP. He also suggested that recent political developments have strengthened Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann while delivering a setback to Arvind Kejriwal.

Questioning the Rajya Sabha representation, he remarked that a party with minimal legislative strength managing to send six members to the Upper House raises concerns, alleging possible collusion in the process.

May 1, 2026 12:34 PM

Massive uproar erupts in Punjab Assembly

Chief Minister came to House under influence of alcohol, alleges Sukhpal Singh Khaira

All members should undergo an alcohol test, says Partap Singh Bajwa

Amid the chaos, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann quietly exits the Assembly