Charanjit Singh Channi is an Indian politician associated with the Indian National Congress. He became the 16th Chief Minister of Punjab on September 19, 2021, after Captain Amarinder Singh resigned from his post. The Congress party picked up the Dalit-Sikh face after hectic discussions and deliberations.
Born on March 1, 1963, in Bhajauli, Punjab, Channi belongs to a Dalit community called the Ramdasia Sikh community. He is married to Kamaljit Kaur. A member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly since 2007, he even served as the President of the municipal council in Kharar for two terms. Channi was the former Minister of Technical Educational and Industrial Training in the Punjab government before he was named for the top post. The 58-year-old is an MLA from the Chamkaur Sahib Assembly Constituency. Previously, he also served as the Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha from 2015 to 2016.
On March 16, 2017, Channi was appointed as the cabinet minister in Capt. Amarinder Singh’s cabinet. Three-time MLA from Chamkaur Sahib Constituency, Channi is the first Schedule Caste Chief Minister declared by the high command of Congress.
Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda triggered a political storm within the party following his remarks on the demise of 1984 anti-Sikh riots convict Sajjan Kumar. Hooda described the former MP's death as an irreparable loss and called him a role model, drawing fierce backlash from the Sikh community and fellow Congress leaders. Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi slammed the statement, calling Sajjan Kumar a traitor and killer of Sikhs. Amid growing implosion within the party, Hooda took a U-turn within 24 hours, backtracking on his comments and claiming his statement was misrepresented by political opponents aiming to disrupt brotherhood.
A major political controversy erupted after a Congress MP faced severe backlash for describing the demise of a 1984 anti-Sikh riots convict as an irreparable loss and an example for the nation. The remarks sparked intense outrage among the Sikh community and triggered an internal rift within the party. Facing mounting criticism, the parliamentarian issued a clarification, claiming that words were being put into his mouth and denying the use of the term role model. Meanwhile, a former Punjab Chief Minister strongly condemned the eulogy, describing the deceased convict as a traitor who disgraced humanity and stating that calling such an individual an example is a sin.
Congress MP Deepinder Hooda faced severe backlash after describing the death of 1984 anti-Sikh riots convict Sajjan Kumar as a big loss and praising his people connect. Following Sikh outrage and political backlash, Hooda took a U-turn, claiming he never used the word role model and that words were being put in his mouth. He added that he did not intend to hurt Sikh sentiments and highlighted his family's long-standing relationship with the Sikh community. Meanwhile, former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi slammed the eulogy, calling Sajjan Kumar a traitor and killer of Sikhs who disgraced humanity. Channi stated that calling Sajjan Kumar a role model was a sin. Sajjan Kumar, a former Congress MP who was serving a life term for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, passed away recently. The controversy has triggered a political war of words within the Congress ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab.
A major rift has emerged within the Congress party following tributes paid to former leader Sajjan Kumar. Congress leader Deepender Hooda described Sajjan Kumar as a role model and an inspiration, praising his contribution to Delhi's development and his connection with the public. Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi strongly rejected the statement, alleging that Sajjan Kumar conspired to get Sikhs killed and stating that anyone calling him a role model must mind their language. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also distanced the state unit from the remarks, stating Deepender Hooda's comments represent his personal view.
Ten days after winning the Kerala elections, the Congress party is yet to announce its Chief Minister amid a three-way contest between senior leaders KC Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, and VD Satheesan for the post.
In a major development regarding the murder of Kabaddi player Rana Balachauria, the Punjab Police killed the alleged mastermind, Harpinder Singh, in an encounter near Lalru. The suspect, a resident of Tarn Taran, opened fire on the police team using a Zigana pistol before being neutralized. The bulletin also reports the arrest of another key accused, Aishdeep Singh (referred to as Aishpeep Singh in the transcript), at Delhi Airport while he was attempting to flee to Muscat. Officials state that Aishdeep had arrived from Moscow to plan the crime. Meanwhile, Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi has 'slammed the AAP government' over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
In a fiery speech in Chhapra, Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the opposition, particularly the Congress and RJD, accusing them of disrespecting the people of Bihar. He alleged that a former Congress Chief Minister of Punjab declared that people from Bihar would not be allowed to enter the state, a remark he claimed was met with applause from a member of the Gandhi family who was present. Contrasting this, Modi positioned himself as a protector of 'Bihari pride', highlighting his own connection to Purvanchal. He also promised extensive development for the region, including the construction of a Hariharnath corridor and beautification of Ganga ghats, modeled on the development of Kashi and Ayodhya to boost tourism and employment.
This special report focuses on the standoff following the death of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar in Haryana, with his family and a committee demanding the termination of Haryana DGP Shatrujit Kapoor and Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya. Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi stated that 'IPS officer Y Puran Kumar's death was the result of the ‘Manuwadi mindset propagated by the RSS-BJP’'. The family has refused to allow a postmortem until their demands are met and are distressed that the officer's body was moved to another hospital without their consent. Amid the deadlock, a 31-member committee has called for a Mahapanchayat in Chandigarh to escalate the demand for justice, while Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya has been transferred from his post.
BJP MP Sambit Patra criticises Congress for statements made after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. He accuses Congress leaders of making comments that portray Pakistan positively and damage India's image. Patra claims if Congress knew the government's strategy, they would immediately inform Pakistan. He refers to the Congress Working Committee as 'Pakistan Working Committee', alleging they supply 'oxygen' to Pakistani terrorists and forces.
Former Punjab Chief Minister and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi has backed Khalistani sympathiser Amritpal Singh, who is lodged in jail.
Congress leader and former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi on Sunday stoked a controversy after he said that the recent terror attack on an IAF convoy which took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district was a pre-election stunt by the BJP.
Congress leaders Vijay Wadettiwar and Shashi Tharoor have questioned the government's narrative of Pakistan's involvement in terror attacks on Indian soil.
Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tej Pratap Yadav sparked controversy for their remarks calling Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch attack "pre-planned".
Former Punjab chief minister and Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi said on Sunday that the terror attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir was a "pre-election stunt" by the BJP.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticised the Opposition after Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav posted a video of himself consuming fish during Navratri on social media. The minister said, 'You can eat whatever you want, but don't make a show of it. Congress has named its candidates for six Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, fielding former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, along with two sitting MPs, an MLA, and a former MP. The party has fielded Channi from the Jalandhar (SC) seat and sitting MPs Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Amar Singh from the Amritsar and Fatehgarh Sahib (SC) seats respectively. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to address an election rally in violence-hit Manipur today.
Congress fielded Kanhaiya Kumar from North East Delhi and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi from Jalandhar.
Punjab elections result 2022: The AAP crossed the majority mark in early trends in Punjab.
Ahead of the counting of votes, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi offered prayers at the Chamkaur Sahib Gurudwara.
