Punjab Assembly Censures Union Government Amid Congress Infighting

The Punjab Legislative Assembly passed a censure motion by voice vote on August 3, 2026, condemning the BJP-led Union government for repeated examination paper leaks across India. Bhagwant Mann, the Chief Minister of Punjab, stated that 93 leaks have occurred since 2014, shattering student aspirations and contributing to 22 NEET candidate suicides. The motion also criticized the use of pellet guns and tear gas against student protesters in Delhi, Bihar, and Maharashtra.

Simultaneously, the Punjab Congress experienced severe internal discord. During 'Har Booth, Congress Mazboot' meetings in Bathinda, Sangrur, and Barnala, supporters of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi disrupted proceedings with slogans demanding Channi be named the party's chief ministerial face for the 2027 elections. In Sri Muktsar Sahib and Kotkapura, protesters displayed "Baghel Go Back" posters targeting party in-charge Bhupesh Baghel.

Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring refused to resign despite the factionalism, alleging that some party members had become disloyal. Bhupesh Baghel warned of immediate expulsions for indiscipline, though he characterized some slogans as a positive sign of party activity. Mann criticized the Congress party, claiming it is "rattled" by internal infighting.

Opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa challenged the state government's record, alleging that six massive paper leaks affecting 3.5 lakh students occurred under the Aam Aadmi Party regime in Punjab. Bajwa demanded the resignations of Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Health Minister Balbir Singh, leading to a brief adjournment of the assembly session.