Speaker to write to Union govt on Canada entry denial to two AAP MLAS

CHANDIGARH: Punjab assembly speaker Rana KP Singh has decided to take up with the central government the issue of denial of Canada entry to two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAS from the state.

Rana KP said he will write to the Union minister of external affairs Sushma Swaraj to draw her attention towards the “unfortunate” episode in which two members of the state assembly, Kotkapura MLA Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Rupnagar MLA Amarjit Singh Sandoa, were not allowed entry into Canada. “Both Canada and India are Commonwealth countries and have close association. Such incidents are a setback to efforts to strengthen the ties. I will urge the minister to raise the matter with Canada at the appropriate level,” he said.

The speaker stated this after a delegation of AAP MLAS, led by leader of opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira, met him to take up the issue with the ministry of external affairs. Both Sandhwan and Sandoa were also present. “I had already made up my mind about writing to the Government of India on this issue,” he told the AAP members.

The two MLAS, who reached Ottawa on Saturday, had earlier said that they were refused entry over communication gap regarding purpose of visit and placed on a flight back to India. Sandhwan, grandnephew of former President Zail Singh, was visiting his sister who has been living in Canada for 13 years. Sandoa was accompanying him.

Khaira later termed the entry denial an “insult” to the assembly. “Sandoa and Sandhwan travelled to Canada after completing all formalities, but were refused entry. This amounts to harassment. We requested the speaker to take it up so that there is no repeat,” he said. All AAP MLAS, except HS Phoolka, Baljinder Kaur and Manjit Singh, attended the meeting. The leader of opposition also said the government should make public the findings of inquiries conducted into the Bargari incident and Maur blast. Asked whether state unit co-president Balbir Singh’s allegation against him was also discussed in the MLAS’ meeting, Khaira said he had explained his side to members. “It will not be appropriate to comment as I have sought an inquiry,” he said, referring to his complaint to Delhi deputy chief minister and in-charge of Punjab affairs Manish Sisodia. In a Facebook video last week, Khaira