Punjab Opposition Accuses CM Mann of Intoxication, Demands Tests

High drama erupted in the Punjab Legislative Assembly on Friday during a special session when opposition parties accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of attending proceedings while intoxicated.

Leaders from the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and others demanded immediate breathalyzer and dope tests for Mann and all lawmakers present. Congress members staged a walkout, urging Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan to initiate action, while the party's legislative group formally wrote to him requesting mandatory testing within one hour, starting with the chief minister. The letter proposed deploying an independent medical team from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh to conduct impartial alcohol and drug screenings across both treasury and opposition benches.

Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa questioned the purpose of the session, stating, "What should we even do coming to the Assembly where the Chief Minister is in an inebriated state? What is the purpose of holding a session when the head of the state is completely sozzled? We demand that everyone's test be conducted."

Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira echoed the call on social media,...