Punjab Assembly seeks Banga MLA Sukhwinder Sukhi’s reply on disqualification plea

The Punjab Assembly has sought a response from Banga legislator Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi over a petition filed in the High Court against his continuation as an MLA.

Sukhi had defected to ruling AAP from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) last year.

Punjab Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said since Sukhi was a member of the state Assembly, he had been asked to furnish a reply on July 29. Sandhwan said this when a comment was sought from him over the issue.

He was interacting with mediapersons about how he would ensure the success of the events planned to observe the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur later this year.

Told to respond on July 29

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Banga MLA Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi had been asked to furnish a reply over the issue on July 29

Sukhi had defected to ruling AAP from the Shiromani Akali Dal last year

A plea has been filed in the High Court, seeking his disqualification as an MLA

On Saturday, Sukhi’s name had figured among five vice-presidents appointed by the Punjab unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in an organisational revamp.

This created a political buzz as he technically continues to be a SAD legislator.

The petition against him was filed by advocate HC Arora, who has sought Sukhi’s disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law.

“When the petition was filed in January this year, the government had said that they have sought the MLA’s comments. Since then, four dates have been given to the Banga MLA,” alleged Arora.

Sukhi was first elected as an MLA from Banga in 2017 and re-elected in 2022.

He joined AAP in August last year. Later, he was made the chairperson of Punjab State Container and Warehousing Corporation and given the status of a Cabinet minister.

Meanwhile, Sandhwan said he would meet people over the events to be held to commemorate the martyrdom day of the Guru.“I will also meet Sikh scholars in universities and colleges. A special Vidhan Sabha session will also be held to mark the occasion,” he added.

Asked if the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) would also be roped in for the events to be held by the government, Sandhwan only said the apex gurdwara body’s suggestions would be sought. “After all, the Guru and his legacy are common to all,” he said.