Interim East Punjab Assembly

On 3 June 1947, the assembly, which was elected in 1946 divided into two parts. One was West Punjab Assembly and other was East Punjab Assembly. This was done to decide whether or not the province of Punjab should be partitioned. After voting on both sides, the partition was decided. Consequently, the existing Punjab Legislative Assembly was also divided into West Punjab Legislative Assembly and the East Punjab Legislative Assembly. The sitting members belonging to the Western Section subsequently became the members of the new Assembly renamed as the West Punjab Legislative Assembly. The sitting members belonging to the Eastern Section subsequently became the members of the new Assembly renamed as the East Punjab Legislative Assembly. The members, which were elected in 1946 election on the ticket of Shiromani Akali Dal and Unionist Party after Partition, all joined the Indian National Congress. There were total 79 members.[1]

On 15 August 1947, Gopi Chand Bhargava elected the Chief Minister of East Punjab by Members of Interim Assembly.

On the date of 1 November 1947, it was the first-time interim assembly sit. Kapur Singh was the elected Speaker that day and two days later on 3 November, Thakur Panchan Chand was the elected Deputy speaker.

On 6 April 1949, Bhim Sen Sachar and Pratap Singh Kairon, with other members, moved a Motion of no confidence against Gopi Chand Bhargava. Dr. Bhargava failed to secure motion by one vote. No confidence motion was carried by 40 votes in favour and 39 against.[2]

On the same day, Bhim Sen Sachar was the elected the leader of congress assembly party. He took oath of Chief Minister of Punjab on 13 April 1949. On issue of corruption, Sachar resigned from the post and on next day, 18 October 1949, Bhargava took charge of Chief minister of Punjab.

Thakur Panchan Chand resigned from the post of Deputy Speaker on 20 March 1951. On 26 March 1951, Smt. Shanno Devi was the elected Deputy Speaker. The Interim Assembly was dissolved on 20 June 1951.