The controversy has quickly turned into a major talking point, with opposition parties linking the allegations to the broader issue of Punjab drug problem, Bhagwant Mann controversy, and Punjab Assembly row.
BJP Calls It ‘Shameful’, Questions Governance
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva did not hold back, expressing shock over the alleged incident.
“I am surprised that a person who has taken the oath of the Constitution, is holding such a position, and speaking in the premises of the Assembly, is struggling under the influence of alcohol,” he said.
He went on to describe legislative institutions as sacred spaces, adding, “Both the Assembly and Parliament are temples of democracy. If Bhagwant Mann is doing such a practice in that temple, then it is very shameful.”
Sachdeva also took aim at Mann’s earlier claims of tackling substance abuse in Punjab, saying, “This is the same Chief Minister who claims to make Punjab free of intoxication; rather he has pushed all the youth of the state into intoxication.”
‘Disgraceful’: Fresh Attack from BJP Leaders
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also criticised Bhagwant Mann, calling the situation “disgraceful”.“Shame on you, it’s disgraceful. In the temple of democracy, no state head should show up in an inebriated state and bring shame to the entire state,” she said.
She added, “How can a person who lives in a drunken stupor save the people of his state from addiction? Punjab is India’s border state, and it’s in such hands?”
Swati Maliwal Demands Action, Calls for Alcohol Test
Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal also weighed in, posting a strongly worded statement online.
“Today, once again, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has arrived at the temple of democracy… completely intoxicated with alcohol,” she alleged.
She further claimed, “The CM of a sensitive border state like Punjab stays intoxicated all the time… signs files while under the influence. What shamelessness.”
Maliwal demanded accountability, adding that Mann “should undergo an alcohol test, and if found guilty, he should be removed from the CM position.”
Congress Joins In, Seeks Clarification
Leaders from the Indian National Congress also raised concerns. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said that if the Chief Minister does not follow Assembly rules, it raises serious questions.
“If the Opposition has raised a point and if there is no such thing, then the Chief Minister should prove it. Due to such acts, the image of Punjab and its people is being tarnished,” he said.
Warring also suggested that the ruling AAP government is under pressure, claiming, “They are in a very delicate situation. They are not even trusting their own MLAs.”
‘Serious Allegation’: Opposition Leader Raises Stakes
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa described the situation as unprecedented.
“This is the first time in 75 years after Independence that such a serious charge has been levelled against the Chief Minister… and he was not ready to accept it,” he said.
He added that the Chief Minister had an opportunity to clarify his position but did not do so, which, according to him, strengthens the Opposition’s claims.
Political Row Intensifies Despite Confidence Motion Win
Interestingly, the controversy comes even as Bhagwant Mann secured a confidence motion in the Assembly with unanimous support.
Despite this, the Punjab political controversy, Bhagwant Mann intoxication row, and Punjab Assembly allegations continue to dominate headlines, with opposition parties pressing for answers and accountability.
As the debate intensifies, all eyes are now on how the Chief Minister responds to these allegations—and whether the issue will have any long-term political impact.
