“History will not forgive betrayal of Punjab’s rights” – Khaira
PHAGWARA: Sukhpal Khaira, MLA, today strongly reiterated his demand that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Speaker Kultar Sandhwan immediately take steps to introduce his Private Member Bill, which has been lying pending in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha since January 2023.
Khaira reminded the government that his Bill seeks to enact a law on the lines of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and several other states, where legal safeguards exist to protect the interests of local residents. The proposed legislation bars non-domiciles from becoming landowners, voters, or securing government employment in Punjab unless they fulfill clearly defined legal conditions. According to Khaira, this measure is crucial to prevent unchecked demographic changes and to safeguard the cultural, economic, and political rights of Punjabis within their own state.
Highlighting recent political developments, Khaira said: “Even Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD leader and Chief Ministerial face in Bihar, has publicly promised to introduce a similar law if voted to power. When states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have successfully enforced such laws, and now Bihar is also considering the same, why is the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab hesitant to act in the larger interest of our people?”
Khaira also strongly rebutted the logic often advanced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other leaders that Punjabis too live and work abroad, in countries like Canada and the USA, and therefore Punjab should not impose such restrictions. He pointed out that this comparison is completely misplaced. “Our people residing in countries like Canada, USA, Australia or the UK are bound by strict immigration and residency laws. They cannot own land, buy property, vote, or take up employment unless they first fulfill the respective country’s legal obligations. All I am proposing is that Punjab too should adopt similar safeguards, exactly on the lines of these advanced countries and several Indian states. So how can AAP justify denying Punjabis the same protection within their own homeland?” Khaira asked.
The senior legislator expressed concern that the prolonged delay in introducing his Bill raises serious doubts. He alleged that the AAP central leadership in Delhi, particularly Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, could be obstructing the move. “Is the Punjab government under pressure from Delhi leaders not to pass this pro-Punjab law? If other states can safeguard their people through legal provisions, what prevents Punjab from doing the same?”
Khaira urged the Speaker to uphold democratic propriety by ensuring that his Private Member Bill, pending for nearly two years, is given due consideration and placed before the House without further delay. He emphasized that protecting the rights of Punjabis is not merely a political demand but a matter of justice, identity, and survival for future generations.
Reiterating his commitment, Khaira stated: “I will continue to raise my voice for Punjab and Punjabis. This Bill is not against anyone but in favor of our state’s rightful interests. I appeal to all political parties and legislators to support it in the collective interest of Punjab.”
Concluding with a stern warning, Khaira said: “History will not forgive those who compromise the rights of Punjabis in their own state. It is the duty of every elected representative to safeguard Punjab’s future and any hesitation in this regard will be seen as betrayal.”