Tensions flared in the Punjab Assembly as Congress alleged its MLAs were denied entry, leading to strong protests against the ruling AAP and a subsequent boycott of the final session by opposition legislators.

Tensions flared in the Punjab Assembly as Congress alleged its MLAs were denied entry, leading to strong protests against the ruling AAP and a subsequent boycott of the final session by opposition legislators.

Tensions flared in the Punjab Assembly as Congress alleged its MLAs were denied entry, leading to strong protests against the ruling AAP and a subsequent boycott of the final session by opposition legislators.

Tensions flared in the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday after Congress alleged that some of its MLAs were prevented from entering the premises. The Opposition legislators staged a protest inside the House, prompting Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan to intervene.

The Congress claimed that its MLAs Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Partap Singh Bajwa and Pargat Singh were denied entry, triggering a confrontation between the party and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The incident occurred during a media interaction by AAP leader and Punjab minister Balbir Singh. Criticising the Opposition's conduct, Singh alleged that Congress legislators were disrupting proceedings by preventing him from addressing the media.

Inside the House, Congress members, led by Partap Singh Bajwa, staged a protest against the ruling party. Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan subsequently intervened, clarifying that no MLA could be prevented from entering the Assembly, except those under suspension.

Khaira was suspended for the remainder of the ongoing session on Friday following a resolution moved by state Cabinet minister Harpal Singh Cheema. He was accused of using unparliamentary language against the Chair and deliberately disrupting the proceedings of the House.

Speaking to the media, Bajwa said that, in the history of Punjab, no elected representative had ever been denied entry into the Vidhan Sabha.

“Even if Sukhpal Singh Khaira was suspended, he has the right to enter the Assembly premises, after which the Speaker can ask him to refrain from participating. I even asked the Speaker: Is this the Legislative Assembly of Punjab, or is it Kabul? Does the Taliban rule here, or does the Constitution of India apply?” he asked.

Following the incident, Congress MLAs boycotted the final day of the Assembly session.