Remark aimed at Arvind Kejriwal, migrants part of Punjab: Charanjit Singh Channi

Chandigarh, February 17

Even as the BJP-led NDA has taken beyond Punjab the Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi’s remarks of not letting people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar enter the state, the latter broke his silence on Thursday saying it was aimed at AAP chief Arvind Keriwal, who wanted to rule the state through backdoor.

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Channi said his statement had been misconstrued. “My statement was aimed at Kejriwal and other AAP leaders — Durgesh Pathak and Sanjay Singh — who were disturbing Punjab from outside, he sought to clarify. With the third round of polling in Uttar Pradesh and that of Punjab slated for February 20, the BJP has through its attack on the CM also targeted UP Congress incharge Priyanka Gandhi, who was accompanying Channi when he made the remark during a roadshow in Ropar on Tuesday.

Channi’s remark has attracted a sharp reaction from rivals AAP and BJP. They have called it “shameful” that Channi and Priyanka were targeting “a particular community”.

On tour of Punjab, Priyanka said Channi’s remark was aimed at outsiders Modi and Kejriwal, and that there was nothing wrong in it. Congress insiders say Channi’s remarks only resonate the “Punjabi versus outsider” narrative of the party. The controversy could add fresh impetus to the Congress, which is facing a stiff challenge from the AAP. They feel the remarks could invoke Punjabis to stop the march of Kejriwal. —