Attack on democratic values: Congress leader Sachin Pilot criticises MLA Sukhpal Singh Khairas suspension

In a post on X, Pilot wrote, The suspension of Congress MLA @SukhpalKhaira ji for the remainder of the Assembly term is a disturbing attack on democratic values and the voice of the people of Punjab."

Pilot said Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should address concerns over the states fiscal management, the growing drug menace, rising gun violence and resentment among government employees before targeting the Opposition and claimed that no act of intimidation will discourage them from raising Punjabs concerns.

Before targeting the Opposition, @BhagwantMann must answer for Punjabs fiscal mismanagement, the growing drug menace, rising gun violence, resentment among government employees, and other pressing issues," said Pilot.

We remain firmly committed to the people of Punjab. No suspension, threat, or act of intimidation will deter our MLAs from raising Punjabs concerns, he added.

This reaction came after the suspension of Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Friday for the remainder of the ongoing session following a resolution moved by State Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

Cheema moved the motion against Khaira, accusing him of using unparliamentary language against the chair and deliberately disrupting proceedings of the House.

Cheema cited Khaira's conduct during a protest by Congress MLAs during Question Hour. Moving the resolution in the Assembly, Cheema aimed at the Congress, accusing the party of hypocrisy and having a history of violence and inaction on the state's drug crisis.

The Punjab Assembly then passed a motion against Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, suspending him for the remainder of the ongoing session.

Meanwhile, Congress MLAs demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, storming the well of the House and raising slogans against the AAP government.(ANI)