India, May 2 -- A demand for breathalyser tests inside Punjab Vidhan Sabha Assembly of all legislators - including for the Chief Minister - turned Punjab's Labour Day special session into a political flashpoint on Friday, as the Congress accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of attending proceedings in an inebriated state, triggering unprecedented scenes, a face-off in the Well of the House, repeated adjournments, and a complete Opposition walkout after the Speaker refused the request.

What began with rare bonhomie - the Chief Minister offering the Opposition extra speaking time and seeking cooperation - quickly unravelled into allegations and counter-allegations, with Congress MLAs insisting on on-the-spot alcohol testing of all members,...