Punjab Assembly Faces Turmoil Over Question Paper Leak Allegations

The Punjab Assembly experienced significant turmoil as Congress legislators raised serious allegations regarding question paper leaks, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. The session was marked by protests and disruptions, with opposition leaders highlighting multiple incidents of leaks during the AAP government's tenure. Amidst the chaos, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema defended the government's actions, emphasizing merit-based job allocations. The assembly's proceedings were temporarily suspended as tensions escalated, reflecting the ongoing political strife in Punjab. This situation raises questions about the integrity of the examination process and the accountability of government officials.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 3, 2026, 17:26 IST

Chaos Erupts in Punjab Assembly

Chandigarh, August 3 - The Punjab Assembly witnessed significant disruption on Monday as opposition party Congress legislators repeatedly raised concerns regarding allegations of question paper leaks, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. On the first day of the monsoon session, the Speaker, Kuldeep Singh Sandhwan, had to temporarily suspend proceedings after Congress members approached the Speaker's podium.

During the question hour, Leader of the Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa highlighted the issue of alleged question paper leaks over the past four and a half years. He pointed out that Bains had previously attended a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where he called for the resignation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Bajwa accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of experiencing six incidents of question paper leaks during its tenure and reiterated his demand for Bains' resignation. He also called for the resignation of Health Minister Balbir Singh, referencing a recent cheating scandal during the pharmacy officer recruitment exam.

In response to these allegations, Bains stated that he would address the issues after the question hour. Despite his request for order, Bajwa and other Congress legislators remained firm in their demands for the resignations of both ministers, prompting the Speaker to urge them to allow the assembly proceedings to continue. Ignoring the Speaker's plea, Congress members gathered near the podium, chanting slogans.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticized the behavior of Congress legislators in the assembly, accusing them of staging a drama. He praised the actions of the Mann government, asserting that government jobs were awarded solely based on merit. Amidst the uproar and the calls for resignations, the Speaker decided to suspend the session for a brief period.

Following the revelation of a cheating ring involved in the pharmacy officer recruitment exam, the opposition has been targeting the AAP government over the allegations of question paper leaks in various examinations.