Munish Sood
Mandi
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has once again found himself at the centre of a political controversy, with opposition leaders questioning his conduct during an ongoing session of the state legislative assembly.
The issue escalated on Friday after Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa publicly alleged that the Chief Minister appeared to be under the influence of alcohol while attending proceedings. Bajwa called for immediate alcohol and dope testing not only of the Chief Minister but also of all members present in the House, arguing that such measures are necessary to maintain the dignity of the institution.
Adding to the controversy, Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, who recently parted ways with the Aam Aadmi Party, amplified the allegations on social media. Sharing a video clip of Mann addressing the assembly, she demanded that he undergo a formal alcohol test and suggested that any proven misconduct should invite strict constitutional consequences.
Maliwal launched a sharp personal attack, accusing the Chief Minister of repeatedly attending official, religious, and international engagements under alleged intoxication. She also referred to past public commitments made by Mann, questioning his credibility and suitability for leading a sensitive border state like Punjab.
The controversy comes amid a broader political churn involving Maliwal, who, along with several Rajya Sabha members, recently severed ties with AAP and aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Her fallout with the party dates back to last year, following allegations of assault involving an aide of AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal—a claim she has continued to reiterate.
This is not the first time Mann has faced such accusations. In 2022, opposition parties had raised similar concerns, alleging that he was removed from a flight in Germany due to intoxication—charges that were strongly denied by the ruling party at the time.
While the Chief Minister and his party have yet to issue a detailed response to the latest allegations, the controversy has reignited debate over political accountability and decorum in public office. The episode has also triggered a larger question within political circles: can governance remain effective when leadership itself is under repeated scrutiny over personal conduct?
As the assembly session continues, all eyes remain on how the government responds to mounting opposition pressure and whether the issue will escalate into a broader political confrontation.
