The North News
Chandigarh, March 11
Heated scenes were witnessed in the Punjab Legislative Assembly on Wednesday as ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and opposition Indian National Congress members clashed over alleged derogatory remarks about women made by Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira.
The controversy resurfaced after Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema raised the issue in the House, demanding action against the Bholath legislator and an unconditional apology for his comments. Cheema also called for cancellation of Khaira’s Assembly membership.
Khaira has faced criticism from AAP lawmakers over remarks he allegedly made on social media about the government’s Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satkar Yojna, a scheme under which eligible women receive ₹1,000 per month.
As the exchanges intensified, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan adjourned the House for 20 minutes amid chaotic scenes.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa attempted to bring a resolution against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over an alleged remark related to women made on International Women’s Day. However, the Speaker declined to admit the proposal, accusing Congress legislators of trying to divert attention from Khaira’s remarks.
Several AAP MLAs, including women legislators, rushed to the Well of the House demanding action against Khaira. Opposition members also protested after the Speaker insisted that Khaira should apologise before being allowed to speak.
AAP MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann demanded Khaira’s expulsion from the Assembly, triggering another round of arguments between Khaira and AAP ministers, including Cheema and Aman Arora.
As tensions escalated again, AAP legislators raised slogans against Khaira, while Congress MLAs led by Bajwa protested that he was not being allowed to present his side. The Congress members later staged a walkout from the House.
