Chandigarh: Congress MLA from Bholath Sukhpal Khaira has come under fire over his remarks targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s proposed ₹1,000 monthly assistance scheme for women in Punjab.
The Punjab State Women Commission has taken cognisance of the comment and sought a report from the Kapurthala senior superintendent of police (SSP). The commission has also summoned Khaira and Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring to appear at its Mohali office on March 12 at 11:30 am.
According to the commission, Khaira’s remarks were allegedly made at the behest of Warring, prompting it to call both leaders for clarification.
The controversy erupted after Khaira, while criticising the scheme, wrote in a social media post that “women dancing gidda for ₹1,000 will not produce brave sons,” a comment that triggered widespread backlash.
Responding to the controversy, Khaira said the remark was originally made by a YouTuber and not by him. He added that authorities were free to take any action and said he would respond to the issue in the Punjab Assembly.
Ruckus in assembly over remarks
The issue also led to a heated exchange during the Punjab Assembly’s budget session on Tuesday.
Punjab finance minister Harpal Cheema raised the matter in the House, stating that Khaira’s remarks insulted women. Cheema asked Congress whether the party would apologise, adding that insulting women, especially those from poor and Dalit backgrounds, was unacceptable.
Leader of the opposition Partap Singh Bajwa expressed regret over Khaira’s post during the debate.
AAP MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann demanded strict action over the remarks, saying the matter would be raised at the state level and those responsible should be held accountable.
Amid the uproar, the Speaker adjourned the House proceedings for 30 minutes.
