CHANDIGARH: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday strongly condemned Congress MLA from Bholath Sukhpal Singh Khaira for making highly derogatory remarks on social media and demanded an immediate and unconditional apology. Addressing the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Cheema said Khaira made offensive comments about the women of Punjab and personally attacked him by calling him a “bandua mazdoor” when he objected to those remarks. He said such language was completely unacceptable and unbecoming of a legislator.
Speaking to the media outside the House, Cheema also demanded that the Congress party issue an official apology for the derogatory words used by its MLA against women and the labour community. He urged the Speaker of the House to initiate strict disciplinary action, stating that if Khaira fails to apologise publicly for his offensive and unparliamentary language, his membership in the legislative assembly should be cancelled.
Responding to the personal remarks, Cheema said he takes pride in his humble background and in the dignity of labour. He highlighted that the Constitution drafted by B. R. Ambedkar empowers people from modest backgrounds to rise to high public offices. He also thanked Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann for trusting him with the responsibility of Finance Minister and said he is proud to have presented five state budgets focused on the welfare of Punjab’s people.
