The Punjab Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution criticising Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira over his alleged derogatory remarks about women celebrating the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana. Under the scheme, the state government provides Rs 1,000 per month to eligible women beneficiaries. Four women MLAs of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Amandeep Kaur Arora, Saravjit Kaur Manuke and Inderjit Kaur Mann, protested in the well of the House seeking an apology from Khaira.
They said the alleged remark was made on social media about women beneficiaries who receive Rs 1,000 per month under the state government scheme. The issue was raised during Question Hour of the ongoing budget session by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa expressed regret over Khaira’s post on Facebook. The House was adjourned for half-an-hour as AAP MLAs protested against the remarks.
After the proceedings resumed, Manuke stated that Khaira should not be allowed to sit in the House until he tenders an apology. She moved a condemnation motion against Khaira, which was seconded by the finance minister.
The motion was moved despite Congress MLAs asking that Khaira be allowed to give his clarification when he comes to the Assembly on Wednesday. Congress MLA Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa said Khaira should be given a chance to explain his remarks before passing any resolution against him.
AAP MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann rejected the suggestion and demanded that the condemnation resolution be passed. Taking part in the discussion, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said such objectionable remarks reflect a feudal mindset. He added that Khaira, who represents the Bholath Assembly constituency, had stood by his comments.
Congress MLA Aruna Chaudhary said Khaira should be given a chance to explain his stand. She also criticised the AAP government over its handling of protesting teachers. Cheema even challenged Congress MLAs to respond with a clear yes or no to Khaira’s comment.
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