Congress MLA from Bhulath, Sukhpal Khaira, has come under scrutiny for his controversial comment regarding the AAP government’s Rs 1,000-per-month scheme for women. Khaira allegedly wrote, “Where will the women who do gidda for Rs 1,000 give birth to surme (hero)?”, drawing widespread criticism from political leaders and the public.
The Punjab Women Commission has taken cognizance of this issue and sought a report from the SSP of Kapurthala district. The notice issued by the Commission states that Khaira made these remarks at the instigation of Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Both Khaira and Warring have been summoned to the Commission’s office in Mohali on March 12 at 11:30 AM.
The issue caused a huge uproar in the Punjab Assembly. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema demanded an apology from the Congress for their remark, saying that women and Dalit women should be respected. AAP MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann also demanded strict action in this case, saying that this issue will be taken to the state level. Due to this issue, the Assembly was adjourned for half an hour.
Khaira later issued a statement saying that it was not he who made these remarks but a YouTuber, and he just shared it on his social media handle. He is ready to face any action in the Assembly, saying, “Take whatever action you want against me. I will go to the Assembly tomorrow and respond.”
The Commission has instructed an SP-rank officer to investigate immediately and submit a status report on both Khaira and Raja Warring by March 11 under Section 12 of the Punjab State Commission for Women Act, 2001.
