Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday strongly condemned Congress MLA from Bholath Sukhpal Singh Khaira over highly derogatory remarks made by him on social media platforms, demanding an immediate and unconditional apology. The Finance Minister also appealed to the Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha to initiate strict disciplinary action if Khaira fails to apologise publicly for his offensive and unparliamentary language.
Addressing the House, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “Sukhpal Singh Khaira made offensive comments directed at the women of Punjab and subsequently launched a severe personal attack on me, referring to me as a ‘bandua mazdoor’ when I stood up to object to his remarks. Such language is completely unacceptable and unbecoming of a legislator.”
Taking the matter further while addressing the media outside the house, the Finance Minister also demanded that the Congress party should tender an official apology because its member used these derogatory words towards the labour community and women. He stressed that the party leadership must take responsibility for the shameful conduct of their representative.
Taking a firm stand against the incident, the Minister urged the Speaker to act decisively. “I have appealed to the Speaker of the House to take strict disciplinary action. If Sukhpal Singh Khaira does not issue a prompt and public apology for his highly offensive and unparliamentary language, his membership in the legislative assembly should be cancelled,” he stated.
Expressing anguish over the personal attack on his humble background, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reminded the House of the dignity of labour and the proud legacy of the working classes. “I ask the members of this House, particularly those from the Congress party, to reflect on their own lineage.
The ancestors of many elected representatives proudly came from labouring and working families. Would any of them accept being labelled as ‘bandua mazdoor’? Such language insults not only an individual but the dignity of the hardworking people of Punjab,” he said.
Rising above the personal remarks, the Minister underlined his pride in the democratic foundations of the country and the empowerment provided by the Constitution of India. “I take immense pride in the democratic system of our nation. Babasaheb Ambedkar drafted the Constitution of India, and it is this Constitution that has empowered individuals from modest backgrounds to rise and serve the people in the highest offices,” he stated.
He also expressed gratitude to AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for reposing their faith in him. “I remain deeply grateful to Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for placing their trust in me and giving me the opportunity to serve as the Finance Minister of Punjab,” he added.
Highlighting his work in government, the Minister stated that he takes pride in his record of public service. “I am immensely proud that I have presented five comprehensive state budgets dedicated to the welfare and prosperity of Punjab’s mothers, daughters, youth, farmers, workers, traders and industrialists,” Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said.
Responding firmly to the remarks made against him, the Minister also challenged Sukhpal Singh Khaira to have his own credentials examined. “Instead of making such derogatory remarks, Sukhpal Singh Khaira should first get his own qualifications verified.
The Bholath MLA himself has a questionable educational and career background,” Minister Harpal Singh Cheema asserted.