Amidst a surge of commotion in the Punjab Assembly during the second day of the Budget session, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann orchestrated a dramatic gesture by presenting a symbolic "lock and key" to the Speaker, signifying a measure to ensure the presence of Opposition members during ensuing discussions. Mann emphasized that the provision of the lock would serve as a preventive measure, ensuring that the Opposition representatives do not hastily depart from the House.
Before initiating the discourse on the session's agenda, Mann unveiled his unprecedented "gift" to the Speaker, a symbolic token encapsulated within a yellow envelope, encompassing the lock and its corresponding key. The unveiling of this emblematic gesture swiftly escalated into a tumultuous exchange between Mann and Partap Singh Bajwa, the Leader of the Opposition and a Congress member, with both leaders engaging in a heated verbal altercation.
In a retaliatory retort directed at Bajwa, Mann seized the opportunity to question the latter's political affiliations, alluding to his engagements with national figures such as Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. This exchange of words further fueled the charged atmosphere within the assembly hall.
In a bid to restore order amidst the escalating tension, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan intervened, characterizing the provision of the lock as a symbolic measure aimed at fostering a conducive environment for constructive dialogue within the Assembly. Subsequently, the session was temporarily adjourned for 15 minutes.
Despite the temporary cessation of proceedings, the charged atmosphere persisted, with members of the ruling AAP reportedly converging towards the opposition benches in response to perceived provocations from Bajwa. The situation teetered on the brink of physical altercation, underscoring the heightened tensions prevailing within the Assembly.
Post the adjournment, Partap Singh Bajwa denounced Bhagwant Mann's conduct, alleging the Chief Minister's employment of derogatory language towards opposition members, particularly citing an offensive remark directed at a Dalit MLA. Bajwa vehemently demanded Mann's resignation and issued a call for a formal apology to redress the matter.
Meanwhile, Sukhwinder Singh Kotli, the aggrieved Dalit MLA, expressed his dismay over Mann's purported derogatory remark, calling attention to the emotional toll it exacted. The incident underscored the deep-seated discord and acrimony prevalent within the political landscape of Punjab.
In a further display of defiance, Partap Singh Bajwa announced his intent to contest against Bhagwant Mann in the upcoming elections, signifying a stark escalation in the political rivalry between the two leaders. This declaration of intent epitomized the simmering tensions and political brinkmanship characterizing the contemporary political climate in Punjab.
