‘When girl is born, you blame the Centre’: BJP MLA’s remark sparks storm in Punjab Vidhan Sabha
BJP MLA’s Gender Remark Ignites Debate in Punjab Assembly
Bharatmorningnews.com – Unrest erupted in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Thursday as the Monsoon Session entered its fourth day. The commotion centered on a comment made by Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Ashwani Sharma, which several members characterized as discriminatory toward women.
The incident unfolded while the House was considering calling attention motions. Sharma had been responding to accusations leveled by opposition members claiming that the central government had halted financial disbursements to the state.
“If a boy is born, you say it is because of your hard work. When a girl is born, you blame the Centre,” Sharma said while the House was taking up calling attention motions. He prefaced the remark by saying, “I say this with an apology.”
Illegal Mining and Scheme Concerns Raised
Expanding on his point, the BJP representative directed questions at the ruling party regarding resource management issues.
“What is the state of illegal mining in the state? Explain the fate of your scheme ‘Jisda Khet, Usdi Reet’ (Sand belongs to the owner of agricultural land). Take a ground report. Anyone who raises a voice against illegal mining is threatened by senior leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to silence them,” he told the House.
While Sharma’s intention was to deflect AAP claims about fund restrictions, the response proved more intense than anticipated. Female members of the ruling party were particularly vocal, insisting on a complete apology and gesturing for Sharma to grasp his ears as a sign of contrition.
Clarification and Backlash
Following the heated exchange, Sharma attempted to contextualize his statement. He explained that his reference to girls was simply a familiar expression and emphasized his deep regard for women, supporting his position by citing Sanskrit verses. Additionally, he formally requested that his comments be removed from official Assembly documentation.
Opposition members were not entirely convinced. Saravjit Kaur Manuke, the AAP MLA representing Jagraon, characterized Sharma’s words as evidence of the BJP’s outdated and unequal treatment of women.
AAP cabinet minister Aman Arora also weighed in, noting that parents typically love their sons and daughters equally. He challenged Sharma to explain the basis for his differentiation.
“See for yourself. In today’s times, girls are excelling in every field. Your Prime Minister raises the slogan of ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, yet your remarks portray girls in a poor light,” Arora said, asking Sharma to apologise to every girl child.
Origins of the Controversy
The dispute traces back to Punjab’s Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Goyal, who had previously attributed reduced funding to central government actions.
“Had the Union government supported us, mining revenue would have touched ₹20,000 crore, as promised by Supremo Arvind Kejriwal. The Union government does not want Punjab to prosper. We act on every complaint of illegal mining, register FIRs wherever required, and have even received an appreciation award from the central government for our action against illegal mining,” Goyal said.
In his response to the criticism, Sharma turned attention to how the Punjab government had treated female protesters in recent months.
“Where is their concern when women are lathi-charged? Whether it is Valmiki women, teachers, nurses, women farmers in Bathinda on February 7, or women protesting under MGNREGA on July 15, they remain silent,” Sharma told the House.
Speaking with journalists afterward, Sharma reiterated his position. He stated that women were respected in his heart and that he had publicly apologized if anyone felt hurt, though he urged against politicizing women’s issues.
“We have respect for women in our hearts. I have publicly expressed regret if anyone was offended, but they should not indulge in politics in the name of women,” he said.
Gurpreet Singh Nibber is an Assistant Editor with the Punjab bureau. He covers politics, agriculture, power sector, environment, Sikh religious affairs and the Punjabi diaspora.
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