Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s purported remark that individuals from Bihar won’t be allowed to buy property in Punjab has ignited a political uproar.
Khaira, in a video, made a statement, “We welcome people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh who come to Punjab and work. If any non-Punjabi wants to come here for livelihood and start his family, he is most welcome. But if they want to settle here permanently, then they have to follow the conditions similar to those mentioned in Himachal Pradesh Tenancy Act 1972.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress at a public rally saying, “A Congress leader from Punjab who is close to the royal family of the party in Delhi has said that people from Bihar should be boycotted in Punjab. The RJD is together with them and asking for votes from you. People from Bihar should neither buy houses in Punjab nor Biharis should have any right in Punjab.” He added, “They (Congress) have such hatred for people in Bihar in their hearts. Has anyone from the Congress royal family said that such statements are wrong? Here the RJD has blocked their ears.”
In a post on ‘X‘, Khaira claimed that the BJP is “twisting” his statement to provoke the people of Bihar, emphasizing that he has never referred to “Biharis” in any of his speeches. “I am extremely saddened to watch the hate speech by @BJP4India PM Modi twisting my statement to incite the people of Bihar during a rally today alleging that a @INCIndia leader from Punjab is asking to boycott Bihari’s working in Punjab,” Khaira stated on ‘X‘.
In a series of posts on ‘X‘, Bajwa said, “The Congress Party reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity and democracy in response to recent remarks by Mr. Sukhpal Singh Khaira. Mr. Khaira’s views are his own. The Congress Party stands firm in upholding every citizen’s right to participate in the democratic process.”
Khaira stated that he is advocating for a law in Punjab like Himachal Pradesh that bars outsiders from buying land. Our party’s core values revolve around unity in diversity and protecting our nation’s cultural and social integrity. Let’s foster inclusivity and mutual respect as we strive for a stronger, more unified India. Now is the time to uphold our constitutional rights and collaboratively create a harmonious society.