Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Proceedings in the Punjab Legislative Assembly turned tense during Zero Hour after state Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema sharply criticised Congress legislator Sukhpal Singh Khaira for remarks he allegedly made about women receiving government welfare benefits.
Raising the matter on the floor of the House, Cheema condemned Khaira’s reported reference to these women as “bonded labourers.” The minister argued that such language was offensive and undermined the dignity of thousands of women who benefit from welfare programmes run by the state government.
Cheema urged the opposition leader to publicly apologise, saying the statement had hurt sentiments and should not go unchallenged. He also pressed for strict disciplinary action against Khaira, even suggesting that his membership in the Assembly be revoked over the issue.
The remarks triggered a sharp reaction from legislators on both sides of the aisle. Members from the ruling benches supported the finance minister’s stand and demanded accountability, while lawmakers from the Indian National Congress pushed back against the allegations and defended their colleague.
The exchange soon escalated into a heated debate, briefly disrupting proceedings in the House as both camps traded accusations. Treasury bench members insisted that comments belittling beneficiaries of welfare initiatives were unacceptable, particularly when they involved women.
The incident added to the already charged political atmosphere in the Assembly, reflecting the growing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition over policy and political rhetoric. As the discussion continued, calls for an apology and further action against Khaira remained a key point of contention in the House.
