Urges Speaker to take strict action if apology is not issued; controversy linked to ₹1,000 monthly women assistance scheme.
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has condemned Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira for allegedly making derogatory remarks about women beneficiaries of a new government welfare scheme.
Speaking in the House during Zero Hour on Wednesday, Cheema demanded an immediate and unconditional public apology from Khaira and the Congress party. He also urged the Speaker to take strict disciplinary action, including cancelling Khaira’s assembly membership if he fails to apologise.
The row began after Khaira posted comments on Facebook mocking the AAP government’s Mukh Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana, announced in the 2026–27 state budget. The scheme promises ₹1,000 per month as financial assistance to eligible women in Punjab, with the aim of supporting mothers and daughters, particularly from economically weaker sections.
In the controversial post, Khaira allegedly wrote that women who would “perform giddha” in celebration of receiving the ₹1,000 assistance “cannot be expected to give birth to brave sons.” The remark triggered widespread criticism, with many calling it insulting and misogynistic toward women, especially those from poor and working-class families. Khaira later claimed the statement was wrongly attributed to him.
Reading out the post in the Assembly, Cheema said Khaira not only insulted women but also used personal attacks against him. According to Cheema, the Congress MLA referred to him as a “bandua mazdoor” (bonded labourer) when he objected to the remarks.
Cheema said such language was unacceptable and unbecoming of a legislator. Speaking to the media outside the Assembly, he said the Congress leadership must take responsibility and issue an official apology.
“I have appealed to the Speaker to take strict disciplinary action. If Sukhpal Singh Khaira does not apologise publicly for his offensive and unparliamentary language, his membership of the Assembly should be cancelled,” Cheema said.
The Finance Minister also defended the dignity of labour, referring to his own modest background and the legacy of Punjab’s working-class communities. He said many elected representatives come from hardworking families and such remarks insult their dignity.
Cheema added that India’s democratic system, shaped by the Constitution drafted by B.R. Ambedkar, has enabled people from humble backgrounds to rise to leadership positions. He also said he was proud to have presented five state budgets focused on welfare for women, youth, farmers, workers, traders and industry.
The issue had already triggered protests in the Assembly a day earlier. On Tuesday, AAP women MLAs raised strong objections, leading the House to pass a resolution condemning Khaira’s remarks. The session was briefly adjourned amid sloganeering and demands for an apology.
Congress Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa expressed regret over the controversy but said Khaira should be allowed to explain his position.
Meanwhile, Congress MLAs have written to the Punjab State Women Commission seeking action against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over alleged objectionable remarks about women made on International Women’s Day. The Commission has summoned Khaira to appear before it on March 12.
