Chamkaur Sahib (Punjab): Charanjit Singh Channi, who is seeking re-election from Chamkaur Sahib seat for the fourth time, is confident of the development work done during his 111-day tenure as an MLA in his constituency and as the Chief Minister of Punjab. . Channi, in a recent emotional address to the people of his long-time constituency, Chamkaur Sahib, had said that it would not be a victory if he won by less than 50,000 votes. Channi is holding election meetings in Malwa, Majha and Doaba regions as the campaigning in Punjab is in its final phase.
Channi was recently announced by the Congress as its chief ministerial candidate. During his visits, Channi talks about the pro-people initiatives taken during his short 111-day tenure as Chief Minister. The Congress has also fielded Channi from Bhadaur (reserved) in Barnala district, who replaced Amarinder Singh last year and became the first chief minister of Punjab from the scheduled caste community. A few days back Channi called upon the people of Chamkaur Sahib to ensure their victory for the fourth time in a row and said that he had listed several development projects in his home region.
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“If we win (from Chamkaur Sahib) by less than 50,000 votes, it will not be a victory,” Channi said. He said, “I am your son and your brother. I have been with you for 15 years and not a single day has gone away from you. I am nothing without you.” Channi has done BA, LLB, MBA, MA degree and is now pursuing PhD. He has created the image of a common man and is making his reach accessible to the people.
During election campaign in Ludhiana, Channi stopped at a dhaba for dinner and mingled with some truck drivers. Earlier, at a public meeting in Ludhiana, he came off the stage to mingle freely with the audience.
During his campaign in Bhadaur, the Chief Minister took out time to play cricket with the local people and play cards with the elders. However, Channi’s “common man” image was targeted by opponents over the recent arrest of his nephew by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case related to alleged illegal sand mining in Punjab. Apart from talking about the work done by his government, the chief minister has also been attacking rival parties especially the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Channi hits out at AAP, saying people will not be misled by their “false claims”. On the development work done here, residents said that in November last year a theme park was completed, construction of a skill institute has started and Channi laid the foundation stone of two bridges. Shopkeepers are happy with the development work in the main market outside the Katalgarh Sahib Gurdwara. Harjeet, owner of a gift and toy store, says that the area has developed under Channi’s leadership. When asked whether Channi would have to give up one if he wins from both the seats, Harjeet said, “Chamkaur Sahib is the life of CM Sahab, he cannot leave this seat.”
Amrit Pal, who runs a pot shop, told that Channi’s first term was only 111 days. When he has a full term of five years, the whole of Punjab will see development. AAP candidate Charanjit Singh denied Channi’s claims of development. Singh asked, “Crores were confiscated from his nephew. Can he easily prove himself clean by this?” On the development front, he said, “If there was any development, it would have been seen. The entire section of the main road in Morinda (part of Chamkaur Sahib section) has been dug up and they could not build a road. The Chief Minister could not build a road in front of his house, how will he develop the entire state.” Singh had lost from here in the 2017 elections to Channi by a margin of 12,308 votes.
It is worth mentioning that Channi also has a house in Morinda. “It seems they still don’t know the definition of development, which is job creator, building new schools, building new hospitals and better roads, infrastructure,” Singh said. He said that people have made up their mind to give you a chance. Ahead of the elections, AAP leaders have accused Channi of not doing enough for his constituency.
Meanwhile, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia visited two schools and alleged that Channi failed to provide proper education infrastructure. AAP leader Raghav Chadha hit out at him over illegal mining and claimed that the Congress leader had done baseless acts. Apart from this, Harmohan Singh of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is contesting in alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal.
At the same time, Darshan Singh Shivjot of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also in the fray. Shivjot claims that health infrastructure is a big issue here as Morinda does not have medical facilities and people have to go to Mohali or Chandigarh for treatment. Elections to the 117-member Punjab Assembly will be held on February 20. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.