Chandigarh: Proceedings of the Punjab Legislative Assembly witnessed major disruption after a controversy erupted over a social media post by Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira.
The House had earlier been adjourned for 20 minutes. When proceedings resumed, the situation turned tense again as Khaira refused to apologise for his alleged remarks against women.
MLAs from the ruling party and the opposition raised slogans against each other and gathered in front of the Speaker’s chair, leading to chaotic scenes in the House.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa demanded that Khaira be allowed to present his side in accordance with democratic norms. However, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan rejected the demand and made it clear that Khaira would not be allowed to speak unless he issued an unconditional apology in the House for the remarks made against women.
Following the Speaker’s decision, Congress MLAs staged a walkout from the Assembly.
Meanwhile, the issue of shortage of cooking gas (LPG) and rising prices also dominated the proceedings in the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday.
Cabinet minister Lal Chand Kataruchak moved a condemnation motion against the policies of the central government, which was strongly supported by cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains.
Kataruchak alleged that the country was facing a serious LPG shortage due to the Centre’s “failed foreign policies”. He said the crisis had affected not only the general public but also the hotel industry.
He added that the shortage of gas and the rise in prices had disrupted budgets for weddings and other social functions in Punjab. The motion stated that while gas supply was being disrupted, prices were continuously being increased, placing an additional burden on the common man.
Speaker Sandhwan accepted the condemnation motion and announced that a detailed discussion on the issue would be held in the Assembly on Thursday.
