Chandigarh, Oct 22: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu launched a sharp attack against senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sikander Singh Maluka on Wednesday, condemning his controversial remarks regarding the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna. Pannu alleged that Maluka’s suggestion that the state government was attempting to “buy” women by providing monthly financial support of ₹1,000 and ₹1,500 degraded the dignity of Punjab’s mothers and sisters. Highlighting the state’s ₹9,300 crore budgetary allocation for female financial independence, Pannu questioned the silence of senior Akali leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal regarding her party member’s conduct.
Following widespread outrage, the Punjab State Commission for Women took suo motu cognisance of Maluka’s statements. The commission has summoned the Akali leader to present an explanation and instructed law enforcement authorities to submit an inquiry report regarding the incident.
