Amid Punjab’s election fervour, a statement by Gurjeet Aujla, a prominent Congress leader and the party’s candidate from Amritsar, has sparked a heated debate regarding the influx of migrant workers into the State. Aujla’s comments drew attention as he likened the migration patterns of Punjabis seeking opportunities abroad to those of migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar coming to Punjab in search of better prospects.
Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s remarks during his election speech in Sangrur’s Khetla village on May 18 have stirred another significant controversy and debate. As a three-term MLA and a Congress candidate, Khaira’s advocacy for implementing a law in Punjab similar to Himachal Pradesh, aimed at restricting migrants from various rights without fulfilling specific state-defined conditions, has drawn both support and criticism.
Khaira’s concerns revolve around the perceived imbalance created by the influx of migrants into Punjab and the emigration of Punjabis to foreign countries. He has expressed apprehensions that if this trend continues unchecked, native Punjabis could eventually become a minority in their state. Khaira’s remarks resonated with some sections of society, who shared his concerns about preserving Punjab’s cultural identity and safeguarding the interests of its residents.
However, Khaira’s proposal has also faced strong opposition from rival political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Critics argue that imposing restrictions on migrants contradicts the principles of inclusivity and equality enshrined in India’s constitution. They fear that such measures could lead to social division and discrimination against migrant communities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi indirectly addressed the controversy during a rally in Bihar, where he criticised Congress leaders for advocating measures that could potentially marginalise migrant communities. While PM Modi did not explicitly mention Khaira by name, his remarks were widely interpreted as a rebuke to the Congress candidate’s proposal. PM Modi emphasised the importance of promoting unity and harmony among all sections of society, regardless of regional or cultural differences.
He launched a scathing attack on Congress at the rally, leveraging Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s remarks to target the opposition. Addressing the crowd in Maharajganj, he accused the I.N.D.I Alliance of insulting the people of Bihar. “A Congress leader close to the royal family [Gandhi family] says people from Bihar should be boycotted, shouldn’t be given rights in Punjab or allowed to buy a house there, but the royal family keeps mum over it. Their mind is full of such hatred,” Modi declared.
Khaira, however, has defended his stance, asserting that his proposal aims to prioritise the interests of Punjab’s residents while ensuring equitable opportunities for all. He has clarified that the proposed law is not intended to target specific communities but rather to address the socio-economic challenges faced by Punjab in the context of migration.
In response to Khaira’s remarks, the Punjab BJP’s Purvanchal wing head, Rajesh Mishra, announced plans to file a complaint with the Election Commission and organise protests against the Congress party. Meanwhile, the AAP reiterated its commitment to welcoming migrants and denounced any attempts to discriminate against them.
This latest controversy echoes similar sentiments expressed in the past, particularly during the run-up to the 2022 Punjab Assembly polls when derogatory remarks were made against migrant workers by then Congress leader and chief minister Charanjit Singh Chhani. The recurring nature of such controversies underscores the need for constructive dialogue and inclusive policies to address the concerns of both native residents and migrant communities in Punjab.
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