Chandigarh, Marcg 10: The ongoing Budget session of the Punjab Assembly saw a significant confrontation on Tuesday as the ruling party targeted Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira for comments directed at women and the Dalit community. Following strong protests from the treasury benches, the House adopted a condemnation resolution, declaring that disrespectful language against citizens would not be tolerated in the legislative chamber.
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema affirmed the government’s stance, calling the Congress party’s approach “anti-Dalit and anti-women.” This sentiment was echoed by AAP MLA Anmol Gagan Maan, who stated that the opposition was lashing out because of the government’s successful implementation of various welfare promises.
The proceedings were briefly halted as MLAs Inderjit Kaur Mann and Amandeep Kaur asserted that Khaira’s remarks regarding the ‘Mukh Mantri Manwab Dhiyan’ scheme were unacceptable. Although Partap Singh Bajwa indicated that Khaira would clarify his position the following day, the House moved forward with the voice vote to pass the resolution.
In a retaliatory statement shared on the social media platform X, Sukhpal Khaira rejected the allegations and instead sought an apology from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Khaira declared that the ruling party should examine the Chief Minister’s own previous remarks before leveling accusations against others. He asserted that the government was attempting to deflect from its own shortcomings by focusing on his comments.
Within the House, the debate drew varied reactions from other parties. While some opposition members supported the condemnation, others, like Ganieve Kaur of the SAD, noted that the ruling party itself has been accused of showing disrespect toward women in the past. The resolution remains a point of contention as the session continues.
