WATCH: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Presents Lock At Assembly To ‘Prevent Oppn From Running Outside’

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann handed an envelope containing a lock and key to the State Speaker to prevent opposition members from leaving during discussions

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann speaks during the Budget session of Punjab Legislative Assembly, in Chandigarh, Monday, March 4, 2024.

Source : PTI

Tensions rose in the Punjab Assembly as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann handed over a lock and key to the Speaker, symbolically suggesting locking the Opposition inside the House during discussions. Mann, addressing the Assembly on the second day of the Budget session, criticised opposition MLAs for disrupting the Governor's address on March 1 and urged for a discussion on the matter.

Before the discussion began, Mann handed an envelope containing a lock and key to the Speaker, emphasising the need to prevent opposition members from leaving during discussions, news agency PTI reported. "I will speak the truth and they will not tolerate it. Put a lock so that they do not run away," said Mann.

VIDEO | Here's what Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) said after presenting a lock to the Speaker of the House in Chandigarh earlier today.

"The opposition fled from the House during the Governor's address, so I request you to lock the door from within to prevent… pic.twitter.com/gSM8eohkMR

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 4, 2024

CM Bhagwant Mann-LoP Partap Singh Bajwa's Heated Exchange In Punjab Assembly

An argument ensued between CM Mann and Leader of Opposition, Congress member Partap Singh Bajwa, regarding the lock. Despite assurances from Bajwa that they would not leave, Mann remained adamant, leading to a heated exchange between the two, PTI reported.

The Speaker intervened, stating that the symbolic act of locking the door was to facilitate discussions in the House. However, tensions persisted, and the Speaker adjourned the House for 15 minutes after a heated exchange between treasury benches and Congress MLAs.

Even after adjournment, tensions flared up as ruling AAP members approached the opposition benches following remarks made by Bajwa. The situation remained tense, with verbal exchanges narrowly avoiding turning physical, as per PTI's report. 

The disruption stemmed from the opposition Congress MLAs' protest during Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit's address on March 1. Issues related to protesting farmers were raised, resulting in Purohit cutting short his address amid sloganeering.

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