Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Tuesday categorically dismissed speculation about joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that despite receiving political overtures from various quarters, his commitment to the Congress party remains firm.
Responding to reports of an invitation from Kuldeep Singh Dhillon to join the BJP, Channi said that several political proposals had come his way, but he would continue with the Congress, asserting that his loyalty to the party was unwavering. He described the rumours surrounding a possible switch as baseless.
Speaking on the occasion of the martyrdom day of freedom fighter Shaheed Sardar Sewa Singh Thikiriwala, Channi paid tributes to the revolutionary leader, stating that Thikiriwala had laid down his life for social freedom, restoration of political rights, and the dignity of the Sikh community.
He expressed regret that successive governments had failed to establish a befitting memorial in the martyr’s honour, adding that the Congress would ensure the construction of a grand memorial if given another opportunity.
Highlighting his tenure as Chief Minister, Channi said that Mehal Kalan constituency was granted sub-division status and administrative arrangements were strengthened, but the present government had failed to construct an official office building even after four years.
The former Chief Minister also outlined welfare initiatives undertaken during his tenure, including the waiver of electricity arrears for all categories, universal distribution of uniforms to students in government schools, and implementation of the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme, under which students scoring over 60 per cent marks were granted full fee waivers irrespective of caste or community.
Referring to the agrarian sector, Channi said compensation for cotton crop damage caused by pink bollworm was enhanced, and farm labourers were provided financial relief for the first time. He further stated that political pressure was absorbed at the highest level to ensure that no cases were registered against farmers during sensitive situations.