Punjab Assembly session: AAP targets Congress over Sukhpal Khaira's remarks on women, Dalits

The Budget session of the Punjab Assembly, which began on March 6, has been marked by tensions between the ruling AAP and the Congress.

With the resumption of zero hour on Tuesday, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema targeted the Congress, calling it anti-Dalit and anti-women. He alleged that Congress leaders often use disrespectful language.

Objecting to remarks made by Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira regarding women beneficiaries under the ‘Mukh Mantri Manwab Dhiyan’ scheme, treasury bench MLAs including Inderjit Kaur Mann walked into the well of the House.

Earlier, the session had been adjourned for half an hour after strong protests from treasury bench MLAs over Khaira’s objectionable remarks.

Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa apologised for Khaira’s comments.

However, AAP MLA Sarvjit Kaur Manuke moved a condemnation resolution against Khaira for using disrespectful language against women, which was supported by Cheema.

The resolution was moved despite Partap Bajwa announcing that Khaira would clarify his stand in the House the following day. Khaira was not present when the resolution was tabled.

The House passed the condemnation resolution against Sukhpal Khaira by voice vote, with SAD MLA Manpreet Ayali and BSP MLA Nachhatar Pal supporting the motion.

Congress MLA Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa argued that Khaira should be heard before passing the resolution.

In contrast, AAP MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann said there was no need for clarification after Khaira’s remarks against women, a view supported by MLA Amandeep Kaur.

Alleging double standards, SAD MLA Ganieve Kaur reminded AAP MLAs of the disrespect shown by their own leaders towards women.

AAP MLA Anmol Gagan Maan added that Congress, upset over the fulfillment of four poll promises, was making disrespectful remarks against Dalits and women.

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains said Khaira’s comments reflected a feudal mindset and pointed out that instead of apologising, Khaira had stood by his remarks on X.

Congress MLA Aruna Chaudhary said Khaira should be given an opportunity to explain his stance and reminded the House of the lathi charge on women teachers during the AAP government’s tenure. Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet also demanded that Khaira be called to the House to explain his viewpoint.

Meanwhile, Khaira hit back at the AAP and sought an apology from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for allegedly “humiliating women on International Women’s Day”.

In a post on X, the Congress MLA said, “I dare @AamAadmiParty leaders @HarpalCheemaMLA & Co to first seek the apology of CM @BhagwantMann for humiliating womenfolk on #InternationalWomensDay recently. Where he used the words ‘Patola’, ‘Bhrind’ and ‘Pakistan da jhanda’ for someone whom he liked during college days before raising a finger at me.”