Chandigarh: The Punjab Legislative Assembly witnessed heated exchanges during Zero Hour after Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema raised objections to controversial remarks made by Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira regarding women beneficiaries of government welfare schemes.
Cheema strongly criticized Khaira for referring to women receiving benefits under government programmes as “bonded labourers,” calling the statement offensive and disrespectful. The minister argued that such comments insulted women who are part of welfare initiatives aimed at supporting families and improving livelihoods.
Addressing the House, Cheema demanded that Khaira issue an unconditional apology for his remarks. He also urged that strict action be taken, including the possibility of cancelling Khaira’s membership in the Assembly for what he described as an inappropriate and derogatory statement.
The issue quickly sparked sharp arguments between members of the ruling treasury benches and legislators from the Indian National Congress. Lawmakers from both sides engaged in a tense debate as the matter dominated proceedings during the session.
Treasury bench members backed Cheema’s demand, saying that comments targeting women beneficiaries undermine the dignity of welfare recipients. They insisted that public representatives must exercise caution while speaking about programmes designed to assist vulnerable groups.
Congress legislators, however, defended their colleague and countered the accusations, leading to further disruptions in the House. The exchange added to the charged atmosphere in the Assembly as both sides traded criticism over the remarks.
The controversy highlights the continuing political friction between the ruling government and opposition leaders in Punjab, with the debate over Khaira’s statement becoming a flashpoint during the Assembly proceedings.
