Chandigarh : Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday strongly condemned Congress MLA from Bholath, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, over highly derogatory remarks made on social media, demanding an immediate public apology. The Minister also appealed to the Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha to take strict disciplinary action if Khaira fails to apologize.
Addressing the House, Minister Cheema stated, “Sukhpal Singh Khaira made offensive comments directed at the women of Punjab and personally attacked me, referring to me as a ‘bandua mazdoor’ when I objected to his remarks. Such language is completely unacceptable and unbecoming of a legislator.”
Speaking to the media, Cheema urged the Congress party to issue an official apology for the disrespect shown to women and the labour community. “The party leadership must take responsibility for the shameful conduct of their representative,” he said.
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The Finance Minister emphasized the dignity of labour, recalling his humble background. “The ancestors of many elected representatives came from working-class families. Would they accept being labelled as ‘bandua mazdoor’? Such language insults not just an individual, but the hardworking people of Punjab,” he stated.
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Harpal Singh Cheema also highlighted the democratic empowerment provided by the Indian Constitution. “I take immense pride in our democratic system, drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar, which enables individuals from modest backgrounds to serve the people in high offices,” he added.
ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀਆਂ ਮਾਵਾਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਅਪਮਾਨਜਨਕ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਰਤਣਾ ਬਹੁਤ ਹੀ ਨਿੰਦਣਯੋਗ ਹੈ। ਸੁਖਪਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਖਹਿਰਾ ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਯਾਦ ਰੱਖਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਮਾਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਤਿਕਾਰ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਰੂਹ ਦਾ ਸਤਿਕਾਰ ਹੈ। ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਇਸ ਗੱਲ ਦਾ ਗਵਾਹ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਜਦੋਂ ਵੀ ਵਕ਼ਤ ਆਇਆ ਹੈ, ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀਆਂ ਮਾਵਾਂ ਨੇ ਦਲੇਰੀ ਨਾਲ ਸਮਾਜ ਦੀ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ। ਮਹਿਲਾਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਨਿਰਾਦਰ ਕਰਨ… pic.twitter.com/j0rdddSCfk
— Adv Harpal Singh Cheema (@HarpalCheemaMLA) March 11, 2026
Expressing gratitude to AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Cheema reaffirmed his commitment to public service. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me, and I take pride in presenting five comprehensive state budgets focused on the welfare of Punjab’s mothers, daughters, youth, farmers, workers, traders, and industrialists,” he said.
The Minister also challenged Khaira to verify his own credentials, stating, “Instead of making derogatory remarks, Sukhpal Singh Khaira should ensure his educational and professional background is in order,” underlining the contrast with his own record of service.
This latest incident underscores the ongoing political tensions in Punjab, with Harpal Singh Cheema taking a firm stand to protect both personal dignity and the respect of working communities across the state.