Chandigarh, Oct 23 The Punjab Assembly on Friday passed a motion against Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, suspending him for the remainder of the ongoing session.
The move came after Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema moved the motion against Khaira, accusing him of using derogatory language against the chair, defying the authority of the chair, deliberately disrupting proceedings of the House, resulting in the waste of valuable legislative time and undermining the dignity of the House.
Responding to his suspension, Khaira said he was singled out and the action against him was taken in his absence and without a hearing, as he described it as unilateral.
“If standing by Punjab is an offence, then I will do the same a thousand times. If seeking justice for anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota is an offence, then I will do it again and again,” said Khaira, an MLA from Bholath.
Earlier, Cheema cited Khaira’s conduct during a protest by Congress MLAs during Question Hour.
The minister said that members took serious exception to the alleged objectionable terms used by Khaira, emphasising that such derogatory rhetoric directly attacks the self-respect and dignity of Punjab’s working class, particularly members of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
Punjab’s labour force had played an indispensable role in driving Punjab’s progress and prosperity, he said.
“It is the duty of every citizen, and elected representatives in particular, to honour the hard work, integrity and societal contributions of the working class,” Cheema said.
The state finance minister said demeaning any individual or group on the basis of caste, social status or economic background cannot and will not be tolerated. MLAs were expected to conduct themselves with the utmost responsibility and preserve the dignity of the House, he added.
“Because public representatives exert a widespread influence on society, they must refrain from making comments that hurt the sentiments of any community. Despite historic and ongoing efforts to eradicate caste-based discrimination and foster social equality, resorting to disparaging language against vulnerable and marginalised sections remains deeply regrettable. All MLAs must stand united against caste discrimination,” said Cheema.
Touching upon women’s economic empowerment, he commended Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for the government’s decision to provide monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 or Rs 1,000 to eligible women, saying it is a landmark initiative that will help ensure financial security and self-reliance for underprivileged women.
Cheema appealed to the House to send an unequivocal message, saying, “Disrespectful conduct directed at labourers, the Dalit community or other marginalised groups will meet with zero tolerance.”
He also proposed moving a condemnation motion against the Congress party.
The resolution seeking Khaira’s suspension for the remainder of the session was subsequently put to a vote and declared passed unanimously by the speaker.
Unruly scenes unfolded in the Punjab Assembly on Friday after Congress MLAs demanded the resignation of Mann over the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, storming the well of the House and raising slogans against the AAP government.
At one point, Cheema and Khaira were seen pointing fingers at each other.
Amid noisy scenes, Congress MLAs staged a walkout.
When the motion was passed, Congress MLAs were not present in the House.
The Punjab Assembly session began on Thursday and would continue till October 27.
(PTI News)
