Charanjit Singh Channi is the new CM of Punjab. Know about his profile, candidature, history, education and more…!
Charanjit Singh Channi has been stated as Punjab’s 16th Chief Minister, a day after Amarinder Singh’s resignation, making him the first one from the Dalit Community to take charge of the top post.
Charanjit Singh Channi Profile
Channi, 58, is an MLA from the Chamkaur Sahib assembly constituency, who was a municipal councilor for three terms, then later became president of municipal council Kharar for two terms. He was elected to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha from Chamkaur Sahib Consistency for the first time in 2007, re-elected in 2012 and 2017.
Channi was among the state leaders who had raised a banner of revolt against Amarinder Singh.
After Singh resigned from the CM’s post on Saturday following months-long power-sharing tussle with Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu, Channi was chosen for the open post after a long day of consultation. This raised speculations that Congress’ decision has clear political overtones as the state heads for the crucial assembly elections due next year.
The leader was administered the oath of office and secrecy by governor Banwarilal Purohit at a simple ceremony in the Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh. He took the oath in Punjabi. Punjab Congress in-charge Harish Rawat and president Sidhu were present at the oath taking ceremony.
“My best wishes to Charanjit Singh Channi. I hope he’s able to keep the border state of Punjab safe and protect our people from the growing security threat from across the border,” former CM said.
Channi will have two deputies – one each from the Jat Sikh and Hindu communities – the Congress’ state-in-charge.
It is also being said that Congress could pick a Dalit-Sikh face as either the Chief Minister or the Deputy Chief Minister to balance caste equations ahead of the state polls.