Chandigarh, October 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab State Women’s Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) leader Sikander Singh Maluka’s remarks about the Bhagwant Mann government’s Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, triggering a political controversy over his description of the financial assistance provided to women under the scheme.
AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu on Wednesday condemned Maluka’s reported suggestion that the government was attempting to “buy” women by providing them a monthly sanman rashi of ₹1,000 or ₹1,500. Pannu said the remarks were insulting to Punjab’s mothers, sisters and daughters who receive the assistance.
He argued that the scheme was intended to strengthen women’s financial independence and said the government had made a budgetary commitment of ₹9,300 crore for the initiative. Pannu accused the Akali leadership of demeaning women instead of welcoming a measure aimed at supporting them.
“The ₹1,000 and ₹1,500 reaching women is their sanman rashi,” Pannu said, adding that Maluka should explain the thinking behind describing the assistance as an attempt to “buy” women.
Pannu also referred to Maluka’s past conduct, including an incident involving protesting teachers, and questioned his sensitivity towards women. These remarks formed part of the AAP leader’s broader attack on the Akali Dal over the controversy.
Targeting Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Pannu questioned her silence over Maluka’s comments, referring to her association with the ‘Nanhi Chhaan’ campaign focused on the girl child. He also raised the Anandpur Sahib sarai case involving Akali leader Amarjit Singh Chawla, asking whether she would speak out against the latest remarks.
Meanwhile, the Punjab State Women’s Commission has sought an explanation from Maluka and directed the relevant authorities to look into the matter. The commission’s intervention comes amid the growing controversy over the comments concerning the state government’s women’s assistance scheme.
The scheme and Maluka’s remarks have become the latest point of confrontation between the AAP government and the opposition Akali Dal, with the issue centred on the dignity of women and the purpose of financial support provided to them.
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