CHANDIGARH – In a high-stakes session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha convened on Labour Day, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a significant 15% increase in minimum wages for workers across both government and non-government sectors. While the move was framed as a historic “gift” to the state’s workforce, the session was quickly overshadowed by intense political drama and a staged walkout by the opposition.
A “Labour Day Gift” After a Decade of Stagnation
Addressing the House during a special session dedicated to workers, Chief Minister Mann highlighted that wage increments had been neglected for over a decade.
“Two governments have come and gone since 2013, but the wages of our hardworking citizens remained frozen,” Mann stated. “This 15 percent hike is not just a policy change; it is a tribute to the sweat and toil of Punjab’s laborers.”
The Chief Minister further emphasized that the path to true empowerment lies in quality education. He argued that while discussions about workers are frequent in the House, meaningful change only occurs when the children of the working class are provided the tools to succeed academically and professionally.
Political Firestorm: Allegations and “Liquor Meters”
The atmosphere turned volatile when members of the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leveled grave personal accusations against the Chief Minister. Opposition leaders alleged that Mann had entered the House in an inebriated state, sparking an immediate uproar.
The Opposition’s Stand:
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Pratap Singh Bajwa, Leader of the Opposition, described the allegations as “very serious” for the head of a state.
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The Demand: Bajwa called for the mandatory use of breathalysers within the assembly, stating, “A liquor meter should be brought, and all members should be tested to maintain the dignity of this House.”
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The Protest: Raising slogans of “Down with the Chief Minister,” Congress MLAs staged a walkout and continued their protest outside the Vidhan Sabha.
The Speaker’s Intervention
Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan attempted to restore order, cautioning members against making unverified allegations. He maintained that such claims should not be accepted against any member without proof and warned that those found guilty of making baseless accusations would be named and held accountable.
The Government’s Response
Dismissing the ruckus as a diversionary tactic, CM Mann criticized the Congress party for having a “traditional difference” with the working class. He claimed the opposition routinely finds pretexts to walk out of the House to avoid discussing real issues that affect the common man.
Amidst the controversy, the AAP government successfully presented a vote of confidence, signalling its intent to push forward with its legislative agenda despite the deepening political divide in Punjab.
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