Punjab Assembly Condemns Khaira Over Remarks on Women's Scheme

The Punjab Assembly passed a resolution condemning Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira for remarks on women beneficiaries of the 'Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana.' AAP MLAs demanded an apology, leading to a heated protest. The House later passed the condemnation motion despite opposition from Congress members.

The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday took a strong stance against Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, passing a resolution condemning his derogatory comments regarding women celebrating the 'Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana.' The scheme provides Rs 1,000 per month to eligible women beneficiaries.

Four women MLAs from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Amandeep Kaur Arora, Saravjit Kaur Manuke, and Inderjit Kaur Mann, led a protest within the assembly's Well, vociferously demanding an apology from Khaira. The controversy, which stemmed from social media remarks, reached its peak during the ongoing Budget session's Question Hour, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

Despite calls from Congress MLAs for Khaira to clarify his position, the AAP moved a condemnation motion, which was further supported by discussions highlighting the regressive nature of Khaira's comments. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains criticized the mindset behind the remarks, while leaders across party lines expressed their positions on the issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)