“I Stand by My Statement”: Khaira hits back, calls Rs 1,000 scheme a ‘Vote-Gathering Stunt’
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 10, 2026:Following the uproar in the Punjab Legislative Assembly over his remarks, Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira has issued a clarification through social media, asserting that he stands firmly by his statement and accusing the ruling party of staging a “drama” in the House.
Khaira said that the protest by legislators of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during the Assembly session was politically motivated and aimed at diverting attention from what he described as the government’s “vote-gathering stunt” of providing ₹1,000 to women under its proposed scheme.
Explaining his earlier remark, Khaira said he had shared a video in which a YouTuber questioned the morality of certain women, allegedly AAP volunteers, who were seen dancing after the announcement of the ₹1,000 financial assistance. According to him, the women appeared to be celebrating the announcement while ignoring issues such as alleged police excesses against farmers, employees and even women in the state.
Khaira further claimed that the dance was not a spontaneous reaction from Punjab’s women but a “scripted drama” allegedly orchestrated by the ruling party, which he said is known for such staged political spectacles.
Invoking history, the Congress leader said the women of Punjab draw inspiration from Mai Bhago (Mata Bhag Kaur), the legendary Sikh warrior who fought against the Mughal forces in 1705. “Women belonging to such a brave tradition cannot be expected to dance merely for ₹1,000,” he said.
Khaira also reiterated that if the AAP government had been sincere, the scheme would have been implemented in its first budget. The Indian National Congress has demanded that the government led by Bhagwant Mann pay the pending dues of ₹48,000 for the past four years to women in Punjab.