‘What Test’: Bhagwant Mann’s Blunt Reply to ‘Drunk’ Allegation

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday dismissed allegations by the Opposition that he attended the Assembly session in an inebriated state, saying his rivals “have no real issues to raise.” Responding to demands by the Congress for an “alcohol test”, Mann said, “They have no issues… what test can they ask for?” The row erupted during a special Assembly session, with both the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party accusing Bhagwant Mann of being under the influence."They have no issues to raise. What test should be done," he says on Congress' demand for an 'alcohol test' on him," Mann told reporters.

#WATCH | Chandigarh: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann says, "...All speculations have been put to rest today regarding all those

who were saying that 65 or 40 MLAs of AAP are going away.""They have no issues to raise. What test should be done," he says on Congress' demand for an… pic.twitter.com/k9HazXZlYp

— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2026

Congress MLA Pargat Singh said the party had urged the Speaker to conduct a “dope test” on the Chief Minister, citing allegations raised by MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira.Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa termed the accusation “serious”, questioning the purpose of the session if the Chief Minister was “sozzled”.

BJP Joins In, Seeks Breathalyser Test

The BJP echoed similar demands, with state chief Sunil Jakhar calling for a breathalyser test. Calling the Assembly a “temple of democracy”, he said entering it under the influence would amount to contempt and insisted that a test should precede any other proceedings.BJP State Working President Ashwani Sharma posted, “On a solemn occasion like Labour Day… Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's faltering tongue is revealing a harsh truth. Such a grave insult to the dignity of the sacred Legislative Assembly… Punjab cannot function like this.”The controversy overshadowed the purpose of the special one-day session, which the AAP government said was convened to mark Labour Day and discuss workers’ welfare. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the House was meant to deliberate on “how to advance labourers and provide them dignity,” while AAP state chief Aman Arora termed the Opposition’s remarks “baseless and frivolous”.As tensions escalated, Congress MLAs staged a walkout, raising slogans against the Chief Minister. Meanwhile, the BJP held a parallel “Janta di Vidhansabha” in Chandigarh, calling the official session a “mockery” and accusing the government of avoiding real issues.