Leader of opposition (LoP) in Punjab assembly and AAP MLA Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday alleged that his predecessor Sukhpal Singh Khaira is a ‘feudal lord’ who is insulting Dalits and women leaders of the party.
“Actually, he is a feudal lord who cannot see Dalits in higher positions. He is not opposing the appointment of a new LoP, but showing anger against the appointment of a Dalit leader,” Cheema said while talking to reporters in Sangrur.
On his way from Chandigarh to Sangrur, the Dirba MLA earlier interacted with party workers in Nadampur and Bhawanigarh towns.
Cheema also blamed the Bains brothers of the Lok Insaf Party (LIP) for the rebellion in the AAP.
“Balwinder Singh Bains and his younger brother Simarjeet Singh Bains conspired against AAP at the behest of the RSS,” he said.
“However, we have started talks with our party workers and MLAs who supported Khaira. They will come back in the party fold soon,” he added.
AAP MLA from Jagraon Sarabjit Kaur Manuke, who accompanied Cheema, alleged that Khaira and his camp are showing ‘anti-women’ thinking on social media.
{{/usCountry}}AAP MLA from Jagraon Sarabjit Kaur Manuke, who accompanied Cheema, alleged that Khaira and his camp are showing ‘anti-women’ thinking on social media.
{{/usCountry}}“We have worked under Khaira for over a year but he is not ready to work under a Dalit leader. His supporters are making remarks against our woman MLAs,” Manuke said.
Khaira defaming AAP women MLAs: Baljinder
Meanwhile, Punjab AAP women wing observer Prof Baljinder Kaur demanded apology from those “insulting and using derogatory words “against AAP woman MLAs.
Speaking to mediapersons in Chandigarh on Saturday, she alleged that Khaira’s aides were defaming women MLAs.
“A campaign has been running on social media to defame deputy leader of opposition in Punjab assembly Sarabjeet Kaur Manuke and MLA Rupinder Kaur Ruby.
There are clear indications that the campaign is being run on the orders of Khaira.
It is condemnable and he should apologise for it,” she said.
Taking a dig at the former leader of opposition, she said, “A person who puts everything on social media has not uttered a single word on the issue. Why is Khaira silent over the campaign to malign women legislators of his own party. He claims to be guardian of Punjabiyat. But he is the one violating it now.”
Baljinder was accompanied by women wing president Raj Lalli Gill, co-president Jiwanjot Kaur and zonal presidents Rajinder Pal Kaur Chhina, Rajwinder Kaur and Kuldeep Kaur.
Ex-LoP denies charges
Khaira, who on Thursday declared the state unit autonomous after being replaced as the leader of opposition, has denied the allegation, saying he has condemned those trolling the women legislators on social media.
“I am living in Punjab and will raise voice for the state. They are playing Dalit and women cards,” he added.