During the budget session of the Punjab Assembly on May 30, 2024, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa of the Congress party formally demanded compulsory alco-meter testing for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs. This demand followed public accusations by former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal, who alleged that Chief Minister Mann arrived in the assembly in an inebriated state.

The controversy began when Swati Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP, posted on social media platform X on May 29, stating she had observed the Chief Minister's condition in the assembly. On May 30, she explicitly accused Mann of being "drunk" during legislative proceedings, describing the situation as "a shame." Maliwal's statements quickly gained traction, prompting a strong reaction from the opposition.

During the assembly session, LoP Bajwa addressed the Speaker, reiterating the allegations and emphasizing the need to uphold the decorum and dignity of the legislative house. He specifically named Chief Minister Mann, stating, "Today also he is drunk." Bajwa extended his demand beyond the Chief Minister, alleging that "some of them are intoxicated and come to the house after drinking," referring to other AAP members. The Congress MLAs staged a walkout from the assembly following the Speaker's lack of immediate action on their demand.

  • Accusation Origin: Swati Maliwal, former DCW chief and Rajya Sabha MP, made initial observations on May 29, followed by a direct accusation of intoxication against CM Mann on May 30 via social media.
  • Opposition's Demand: LoP Partap Singh Bajwa called for mandatory alco-meter testing for CM Bhagwant Mann and other AAP MLAs within the Punjab Assembly.
  • Stated Rationale: Bajwa emphasized that such testing is crucial to maintain the dignity and sanctity of the legislative body.
  • Legislative Context: The demands and accusations were made during the ongoing budget session of the Punjab Assembly.
  • Immediate Response: Congress MLAs walked out of the assembly proceedings after their demand for testing was not immediately addressed by the Speaker.

The Aam Aadmi Party government has not yet formally responded to the specific demand for alco-meter testing. The Speaker of the Punjab Assembly did not immediately issue a ruling or directive regarding the Opposition's request. This development has intensified political discourse in Punjab, raising questions about conduct within legislative bodies and the accountability of public officials. Further developments are anticipated as political parties continue to engage on this issue.