Chandigarh, Marcg 10: The Punjab Assembly witnessed heated exchanges on Tuesday as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) moved and passed a condemnation resolution against Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira. The resolution, which was passed by a voice vote, criticized Khaira for allegedly using disrespectful language toward women and Dalit beneficiaries of the ‘Mukh Mantri Manwab Dhiyan’ scheme.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema initiated the discussion during Zero Hour, stating that the Congress leadership has a history of using derogatory terminology. The session faced an initial 30-minute adjournment after treasury bench members, including Inderjit Kaur Mann, protested in the well of the House. While Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa offered an apology for the remarks, AAP MLA Sarvjit Kaur Manuke proceeded with the formal motion for condemnation.
The resolution found support beyond the ruling party, as Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Nachhatar Pal also backed the motion. However, the move was met with resistance from Congress members who argued for parliamentary fair play. MLA Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa maintained that Khaira should have been allowed to explain his stance before the House passed such a resolution, especially since the legislator was not present at the time.
Education Minister Harjot Bains asserted that the comments reflected a “feudal mindset,” noting that Khaira had reportedly stood by his statements on social media rather than issuing a retraction. In response, Congress MLA Aruna Chaudhary reminded the House of past incidents involving the current administration, while MLA Rana Gurjeet insisted on the necessity of hearing Khaira’s viewpoint directly.
SAD MLA Ganieve Kaur also addressed the House, stating that AAP leaders should reflect on their own conduct toward women before accusing others of double standards. Despite the pushback, the treasury benches maintained that no further clarification was required given the nature of the remarks.
