Calling Finance Minister “bandhua mazdoor” is not merely an insult of one individual but entire Dalit community & legal fraternity, says Harjot Bains
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Launching a blistering attack on Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira for his derogatory remark against Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains asserted that the comment has laid bare the "feudal and casteist mindset" still deeply entrenched within the Congress party.
Addressing the house in Punjab Vidhan Sabha today, Bains stated, "By calling Punjab’s Finance Minister Harpal Cheema— an advocate by profession, former President of the Sangrur Bar Association, former Leader of Opposition and a son of the soil from the Dalit community who rose through struggle to lead the finances of the state for the last four years successfully fulfilling aspirations of Punjabis— a “bandhua mazdoor” has not merely insulted one individual but the entire Dalit community and legal fraternity. This is an insult to every son and daughter of this soil who has risen through struggle without a silver spoon in their mouth."
Drawing a sharp contrast between the Congress leader and the AAP minister, Harjot Bains highlighted the deep-seated class and caste bias underpinning the remark. The person who made this statement comes from generations of accumulated wealth. This feudal mindset cannot digest that a Dalit man is now managing the finances of Punjab. This feudal mindset cannot digest that someone from a humble background occupies the chair of power. This feudal mindset stands fully exposed for all to see.
Taking on the elitism inherent in the Congress leader's worldview, Bains asked him, "What bothers you? That he wears simple clothes? That he doesn't wear expensive suits like you? That he doesn't speak anglicised language? This is your feudal arrogance- that only those who dress like you, speak like you and come from the background like you, deserve respect and dignity."
Highlighting the achievements of Finance Minister Cheema, he said that Cheema has presented his fourth budget. Under his stewardship, Punjab's financial management has earned plaudits. He has ensured free electricity reaches every household, ₹10 lakh health insurance guarantee reaches every family, scholarships reach every deserving student, besides, ensuring government schools transformation before your eyes.
Recalling a poignant moment from his visit to a village, he shared that an elderly dalit woman said to me that she had heard about Ram Rajya. Today, she has seen it with her own eyes as people are benefiting from free electricity, ₹10 lakh health guarantee. He asserted that the people are still smiling. Despite feudal leaders hatred, insults and arrogance. That is what frustrates opposition the most.
Reminding a Congress leader’s previous instances where the party's feudal mindset exposed, Bains said, "First, they called an Excise and Taxation Officer— who left his government job to join politics— a 'band baaja wala' simply because his father played in wedding bands. As if playing at weddings is a crime? Now they call a Dalit advocate who rose through struggle a 'bonded labourer.' This is a clear pattern. This is their entrenched mindset. Anyone who does not come from their elite, feudal, upper-caste background is fair game for their insults. Punjab will never accept this."