Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira has strongly condemned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for what he termed as “deliberate twisting and distortion of facts” during a session of the Vidhan Sabha. Khaira expressed deep disappointment over Mann’s allegation that he had demanded the expulsion of non-Punjabis from Punjab. Calling the statement a “white lie,” Khaira said such claims were nothing more than an attempt to malign, humiliate, and intimidate political opponents.
Clarifying his stance, Khaira explained that his demand was never about driving anyone out of Punjab. Instead, he said he has consistently advocated for the enactment of a law on the pattern of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where restrictions exist to prevent outsiders from buying agricultural land, obtaining government jobs, or registering as voters without fulfilling certain conditions. “This is about safeguarding the rights of Punjabis over their land and livelihood, not about creating division or hatred,” Khaira stated.
The MLA further challenged the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to make its position clear on such protective laws. He asked whether AAP stands in favor of implementing these measures, which are already prevalent in many states across the country, or whether the party opposes them. According to Khaira, such policies are necessary to secure the future of Punjab’s youth, landowners, and local workers.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a Chief Minister resort to blatant distortion of facts just to target an opponent. Instead of engaging in constructive debate, the CM is trying to mislead the people of Punjab with false accusations,” Khaira added.
The controversy is expected to further intensify the political tussle between Khaira and the ruling AAP, especially as issues of land ownership, employment opportunities, and the rights of native Punjabis continue to dominate public discourse in the state.