A delegation of the Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit, led by state President Sunil Jakhar, on 3 May met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria in Chandigarh and formally demanded the replacement of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The delegation alleged that Mann's conduct during the recently concluded Assembly session — where he reportedly appeared in an inebriated state — renders him unfit to lead a sensitive border state.

What BJP Alleged Against CM Mann

Jakhar alleged that Mann's reported conduct during the Assembly session is a disqualifying event. "If the law does not allow a person under the influence of alcohol to drive, then how can such a person be allowed to run a state?" he said. He added that Mann has "lost the moral right to remain Chief Minister" and urged the Governor to direct the ruling party leadership to select a new leader in his place.

The delegation also requested the Governor to summon the Chief Secretary and ascertain whether he is working under any pressure. Jakhar alleged that during the 1 May Cabinet meeting — held ahead of the Assembly session — apart from two ministers, the Chief Secretary was allegedly threatened and humiliated, according to sources quoted by Jakhar.

Assembly Session and Confidence Motion

The BJP chief claimed that the Labour Day Assembly session on 1 May was not a routine legislative exercise but was, in his words, "actually convened by the Chief Minister to save his position." He noted that with a confidence motion having been passed, a no-confidence motion cannot be brought again within six months — but pointedly asked what would happen "if a majority turns against the Chief Minister during that period."

Jakhar also alleged that following the session, MLA Raman Arora — who is reportedly jailed in a corruption case — was provided police protection. He termed this as evidence that "the government is shielding corrupt individuals and has effectively given its MLAs a free hand to engage in corruption," calling it "a dangerous trend that must be stopped."

BJP's Critique of the Drug Census

On the state government's ongoing drug census, Jakhar said the exercise would "only defame Punjab across the world as a state of drug users." He alleged that the AAP would use the ₹250 crore allocated for the census to earn large commissions through advertisements, calling such practices a hallmark of the party.

He questioned the contradiction between the government's anti-drug messaging and the Chief Minister's alleged conduct, and suggested that if such a survey is to be conducted, it should begin with the Chief Minister himself. He stressed instead the need to break the drug supply chain rather than conduct what he called a waste of time and money.

FIR Against BJP Leader and Party's Response

Responding to a question about an FIR filed against BJP leader Sandeep Pathak, Jakhar said the party "is not afraid of such cases" and alleged that the FIR was filed to intimidate individuals within the ruling party and prevent them from leaving AAP. He maintained that the BJP would continue to hold the government accountable regardless of such pressure tactics.

With political tensions in Punjab running high, the coming weeks will test whether the Governor acts on the BJP's demands and whether cracks within the ruling AAP deepen further.