Harpal Singh Cheema condemns alleged derogatory remarks against working-class and Scheduled Caste communities, calls for dignity and discipline in the House

Chandigarh, 23 October (H.S.): The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday unanimously passed a resolution moved by Finance Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Harpal Singh Cheema, seeking the suspension of Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira for the remainder of the ongoing Assembly session.

Moving the resolution, Cheema accused Khaira of using derogatory language, disregarding the authority of the Chair and deliberately disrupting legislative proceedings, resulting in the wastage of valuable Assembly time.

Addressing the House, Cheema said members had strongly objected to Khaira's alleged remarks, which he described as disrespectful towards Punjab's working-class population, particularly members of the Scheduled Caste community.

He emphasised that workers had made an invaluable contribution to Punjab's economic development and prosperity and deserved respect from elected representatives.

Every citizen, particularly public representatives, has a responsibility to respect the dignity, hard work and contributions of the working class, Cheema stated.

The Finance Minister asserted that discrimination or insulting remarks based on caste, social standing or economic background were unacceptable in a democratic society.

He urged legislators to maintain parliamentary discipline and refrain from statements that could hurt the sentiments of marginalised communities.

Cheema also stressed that elected representatives must lead efforts to eliminate caste-based discrimination and promote equality, mutual respect and social harmony. Referring to women's economic empowerment, he praised Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's government for its decision to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 or ₹1,000 to eligible women, describing the initiative as a step towards financial independence.

Cheema further proposed a condemnation motion against the Congress party over its position on the controversy.

The resolution seeking Khaira's suspension was subsequently put to a vote, following which the Speaker declared it unanimously passed.

Concluding his address, Cheema said protecting the dignity of the Assembly and respecting every section of society were collective responsibilities of elected representatives. He reiterated that disrespectful behaviour towards workers, Dalits and other marginalised communities should not be tolerated in legislative institutions.

The resolution marks a significant development in the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling AAP and the opposition Congress in Punjab.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH