Ex-CM Channi fails to appear before Punjab State Women Commission

Former CM Charanjit Singh Channi failed to appear before the Punjab State Women Commission on Wednesday for his alleged derogatory remarks against women.

Channi, while campaigning for Congress candidate Amrita Warring in Gidderbaha, had allegedly likened the ruling AAP “with a man having two wives and both fighting with each other”. He was reportedly alluding to a discord within the AAP as its leaders rebelled over the distribution of ticket.

Commission Chairman Raj Lali Gill had on Monday said the show-cause notice was sent on his official email ID twice. She said the commission would wait for the MP to appear before it, and only then write to the DGP for necessary action.

Instead of appearing before the commission, the sitting MP from Jalandhar tendered an apology while taking to mediapersons at his residence yesterday.

“If anyone’s sentiments have been hurt, I apologise with folded hands,” said the Congress leader. “I can never think of saying anything against women. I am not against anyone. Whosoever feels hurt, I apologise,” he added. Reacting to the show-cause notice, Channi said it was part of political vendetta by AAP.

Earlier also, the commission had sought an inquiry into a video clip purportedly showing Channi touching the chin of former SGPC president Jagir Kaur ahead of the Lok Sabha poll in Jalandhar. Kaur had, however, come out in his support, saying she did not find anything inappropriate in the Congress leader’s behaviour and perceived that to be respectful.