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High drama in Punjab assembly as CM, Congress MLA clash
A one-day special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha saw a heated clash between chief minister Bhagwant Mann and Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira while addressing a minimum wage resolution. The exchange led to expunged remarks, warnings from the Speaker, and a walkout by Congress after a call for alcohol testing of all members.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights tensions within Punjab's legislature and raises questions about decorum and conduct in the assembly, as well as the opposition's leverage during crucial policy discussions.
Timeline
6 Events
Congress enters well of the House and walks out
May 1, 2026
Following continued noisy scenes and slogans from Congress and treasury benches, Congress members entered the well of the House and staged a walkout, with both sides exchanging slogans.
Opposition calls for alcohol test; 'black day' remark
May 1, 2026
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa demanded that all members undergo an alcohol test, framing it as a remedy to the disruption and calling it a black day for democracy. The Speaker invited a cabinet minister to continue his speech amid the chaos.
Speaker admonishes; remarks expunged; warning issued
May 1, 2026
A heated exchange continued between the treasury benches and Congress lawmakers when Khaira made a remark about Mann. The Speaker expunged the remarks made without his permission and warned that any member defying the Chair would be named.
Khaira challenges Mann's authority; order requested
May 1, 2026
Khaira asked Mann who he was to issue directions to him in the House. Mann urged Speaker Sandhwan to ask Khaira what he had said about the resolution, after which Khaira was asked to maintain order.
Mann objects to Khaira using a mobile phone
May 1, 2026
Chief minister Bhagwant Mann rose from his seat to object to Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira reportedly using a mobile phone, saying Khaira was not paying attention to the resolution and asking him to step out and use it.
Session starts; Speaker reads resolution on minimum wages
May 1, 2026
In the Punjab Vidhan Sabha's one-day special session, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan began proceedings by reading the official resolution on increasing the minimum wages for labourers.