May 1, 2026: The Punjab Assembly witnessed high drama as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann secured a confidence vote for the Aam Aadmi Party government amid massive uproar from the opposition. The motion was introduced to counter speculation after several Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, switched parties. Mann said the move was aimed at clearing confusion and reaffirming the government’s majority ahead of upcoming state elections.
The session turned chaotic as opposition parties, including Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, demanded an alcohol test for the chief minister, alleging he attended the House in an inebriated state. The Speaker rejected the demand, leading to protests, slogan-shouting, and eventual boycott of the vote by opposition MLAs. Despite their absence, the confidence motion was passed unanimously, with the ruling party claiming it as proof of stability.
Reacting strongly, Mann dismissed the allegations and criticised the opposition for skipping the vote. BJP leader Sunil Jakhar also backed the demand for breath analyser tests for all legislators, while Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa had earlier raised concerns about the CM’s conduct. The ruling AAP, however, termed the accusations “baseless and frivolous,” accusing the opposition of undermining the dignity of the Assembly.