Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Tensions flared in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday as ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators and Congress MLAs clashed over the state’s drug problem and law and order situation. The confrontation culminated in the Assembly passing a privilege motion against Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira in the absence of Congress members.
The second day of the session began amid noisy protests, with Congress legislators demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The Opposition accused the AAP government of failing to tackle drug trafficking and address pressing concerns affecting the state.
During Question Hour, Congress members raised slogans against the Chief Minister and entered the Well of the House carrying a letter of condemnation. The move prompted a counter-response from treasury bench members, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who directed criticism at Khaira over his alleged involvement in a drugs-related case.
Cheema Moves Privilege Motion Against Khaira
The confrontation intensified when Cheema moved a privilege motion against Khaira, objecting to what he described as the Congress MLA’s use of unparliamentary language. The Finance Minister sought Khaira’s suspension for the remaining sittings of the session.
Cheema also alleged that Khaira’s remarks were directed against poor people and Dalits and called for a resolution condemning the Congress. The Assembly subsequently passed the privilege motion while Congress MLAs were not present in the House.
Congress Protests Inside and Outside Assembly
Congress legislators continued their opposition to the government both inside and outside the Assembly complex. Led by Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief Pargat Singh, party members staged a protest outside the Vidhan Sabha wearing black robes.
The protesters raised slogans against Mann and presented a letter of condemnation, accusing the state government of failing to address major issues facing Punjab. Their demands centred on the drug trade and concerns over law and order.
First Day of Session Lasts Just 10 Minutes
The latest confrontation followed a brief opening day on Thursday, when proceedings lasted only around 10 minutes. Congress and BJP legislators had targeted the AAP government over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.
The repeated disruptions highlight the sharp political divisions surrounding the state’s response to drug trafficking and public safety. With the Opposition pressing for accountability and the treasury benches defending the government, the Assembly session has been marked by protests, heated exchanges and a privilege motion against a prominent Congress legislator.
