In pics: Cong MLAs’ night out in Punjab assembly to corner govt

Congress MLAs slept on the floor and seats of the House as part of an unprecedented protest after losing a no-confidence motion against the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance.

Dramatic scenes were witnessed in the Punjab assembly after 27 Congress MLAs refused to leave the House on Monday evening after the day’s session was adjourned.

A photo provided by a Congress MLA shows party legislators inside Punjab assembly premises during a sit-in.

Congress MLAs slept on the floor and seats of the House as part of an unprecedented protest after losing a no-confidence motion against the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance.

The legislators are demanding a fresh debate on the no-confidence motion.

Congress MLAs during the sit-in inside Punjab assembly premises. (Chitleen K Sethi/HT Photo)

As the night dragged on, assembly staff left the premises around 1am and television visuals showed legislators fanning themselves in the darkness and engaged in conversation with dim light from mobile phones.

(Chitleen K Sethi/HT Photo)

The sit-in is part of a strategy to garner public attention on the last assembly session before state polls next year. Wednesday is the last day of the session with Tuesday being a holiday for Eid.

(Chitleen K Sethi/HT Photo)

Here are some other photos of sit-in at the assembly premises.

(Chitleen K Sethi/HT Photo)

A photo provided by a Congress MLA shows party legislators at the assembly premises.

A photo provided by a Congress MLA shows party legislators at the assembly premises