Khaira absent on opening day

CHANDIGARH : Punjabi Ekta Party (PEP) chief Sukhpal Singh Khaira remained conspicuous by his absence from the Punjab assembly on the opening day of the budget session on Tuesday.

Khaira, who quit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to set up his separate party last month, did not attend the proceedings. Asked about his absence, the Bholath MLA said he had some pressing political engagements. “I am not sure if I will be attending the remaining sittings,” he said.

Akali Dal leader Jagir Kaur hit out at Khaira for announcing he would not attend the session, calling it a “direct insult” to the electorate. “He has abdicated his responsibility. If he cannot discharge his legislative functions, he should resign,” she said.