Ganieve Majithia files privilege motion against Finance Minister Cheema

Majithia asserts that during the August 5 proceedings, the Finance Minister falsely claimed the Akal Takht had prohibited discussion of the proposed amendment bill in the legislature. According to the MLA, this narrative contradicts the Secretariat’s July 31 communication, which explicitly tasked Sikh representatives with advocating for legal changes aligned with religious sentiments. She argues that the Minister’s distortion of these written instructions constitutes a direct breach of legislative privilege.

Beyond the procedural dispute, the motion highlights a deteriorating environment for opposition members. Majithia claims that her attempts to reference the Akal Takht in the House have been met with personal insults and derogatory comments from the ruling party. She further criticized the Speaker for failing to intervene during these exchanges, noting that the chair showed readiness to expunge references to the Akal Takht from official records while allowing verbal attacks against her to stand. By referring the matter to the Privileges Committee, Majithia seeks a formal investigation into the conduct of the Minister and a stronger defense of the decorum and rights afforded to members within the Assembly chamber.