CHANDIGARH, May 1 — The Aam Aadmi Party government reaffirmed its legislative majority on Friday as the Punjab Vidhan Sabha passed a confidence motion moved by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The motion, which was seconded by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, was approved during a special session aimed at dispelling rumors of internal instability within the ruling party.
The vote took place in the absence of the primary opposition, as members of the Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal were not present on the floor. Only Independent MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh and BSP legislator Nachattar Pal remained in the House during the proceedings. All 94 AAP legislators, including the Deputy Speaker, attended the session following a party whip to ensure a full show of strength.
“All speculations have been put to rest today regarding all those who were saying that 65 or 40 MLAs of AAP are going away,” Chief Minister Mann affirmed following the vote. He stated that the motion was a necessary response to “false rumors” regarding the party’s unity, especially following recent political shifts in the Rajya Sabha.
The Chief Minister also shared plans for a “Shukrana Yatra” scheduled from May 6 to May 9. He stated that the four-day journey is intended as an act of gratitude for the successful passage of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Amendment) Act, 2026. Mann maintained that the new legislation, which introduces stringent penalties for sacrilege, is a significant milestone for the state.
Government representatives stated that the day’s proceedings underscored the administration’s resilience and focus on its core legislative agenda. They affirmed that the passage of the confidence motion provides a clear mandate for the government to continue its work without further distraction from opposition claims.
