Latest news with #CharanjitSinghChanni
Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Interview with Charanjit Singh Channi: ‘If I could reform one thing, it would be to ensure Oppn's voice is respected'
For the first time in 16 years, an MP from Punjab has been selected for the Sansad Ratna award for outstanding performance in Parliament. Among the 17 MPs being honoured is former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who won the Jalandhar seat with a resounding majority and heads the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. Channi is one of the only two parliamentary standing committee chairpersons chosen for the award this year. In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Channi reflects on what the award means to him, how he views this recognition as a milestone for Punjab, and what his future goals are for the people he represents. Excerpts: Q: How did you feel when you first heard that you've been selected for the Sansad Ratna award? What does this recognition mean to you personally, and how do you see it reflecting on the people of Punjab? Charanjit Singh Channi: It's a great encouragement. Out of nearly 788 parliamentarians—including 543 from the Lok Sabha and 245 from the Rajya Sabha—being among the 17 selected is a matter of pride and responsibility. This award isn't just about me; it's for the people of Punjab who have reposed their faith in me time and again—right from the municipal committee elections, Vidhan Sabha, and now in the Lok Sabha. I also deeply value the love and respect I received as Punjab's first Dalit chief minister. This recognition motivates me to work relentlessly for the people of the state. I believe that this award is for Punjab and Punjabiayt. Q: This is the first time in 16 years a Punjab MP has received this award. Why do you think this gap existed, and how does your win break that pattern? Charanjit Singh Channi: This award is based purely on merit and performance—it's not the fault of the selectors that no one from Punjab was recognised earlier. Whosoever works genuinely for the betterment of their people, their state, and the overall governance of the country will be recognised eventually. My focus has always been to improve governance and uplift Punjab. This award is a validation of that path. People elect us with huge hopes and it's our duty to represent them truly in Parliament. In less than a year, I've raised 68 issues in Parliament. I'll keep raising issues. My key goal is to amplify Punjab's voice and ensure development with equity. Q: If you could reform one thing in Parliament, what would it be? Charanjit Singh Channi: If I could reform one thing, it would be to ensure the Opposition's voice is respected. A government often suppresses dissent, but Parliament must function for the people—not to score political points. Also, every second of Parliament sessions or discussions must be utilised by answering the questions transparently and fixing accountability. Q: You recommended renaming the Ministry of Agriculture as the Farmers and Workers Welfare Ministry. What inspired this proposal, and how would it change the ministry's role? What is your broader vision for transforming Punjab's rural economy and improving the lives of farm workers? Charanjit Singh Channi: I recommended that this ministry must include farm labourers along with farmer welfare in both its name and policy. Farming isn't complete without farm workers, yet their welfare is often overlooked. By renaming the ministry, any welfare policy meant for farmers would also extend to labourers. I also suggested a fixed basic salary for them—how can one justify a whole day's work of a farm labourer with just a fodder bale? As chairperson of the standing committee, my recommendations are officially recorded. Even if the current government doesn't act, future governments will have to consider them. My vision is that both state and central governments must step up with financial and technical assistance to the farmers. Farm labourers must be given dignity through better wages, housing, and recognition. Punjab's rural economy can be revitalised through better pricing, value-addition in agriculture, and robust rural infrastructure. Apart from this, I am working on the issue of milk adulteration, which is a major concern. I proposed setting up milk testing facilities at every milk booth so people can verify purity before buying. For example, a survey in Barnala found that 45,000 litres of milk are purchased daily by Haryana—but Barnala doesn't even produce more than this. So where's the milk for local people coming from? Once adulteration stops, milk prices will naturally rise, improving farmers' economic condition. Q: Can you elaborate on your MSP-related proposals, including the Rs 100 per quintal incentive to manage stubble burning and the government's reaction to that? Charanjit Singh Channi: Punjab has fed the nation for decades. Now, when our farmers need support to diversify and save water, we must step up. I recommended an additional Rs 100 per quintal of paddy on top of the MSP—this would translate to about Rs 3,000 per acre, which farmers can use for stubble management. If stubble is burned even after this aid, legal action can follow and farmers' unions should not support such actions. I also urged the government to give legal status to the MSP, securing farmers' incomes. Our committee's recommendations have weight—the government must submit an Action-Taken Report. Q: You also speak about the cow shelter reforms. Charanjit Singh Channi: On cow shelters, I proposed a legally mandated minimum space for gaushalas. Many, like the one in Kharar, are overcrowded and in poor condition. I also suggested incentivising people to care for unproductive cows instead of abandoning them when they stop giving milk. Every cow should be registered to ensure accountability. Q: You often speak about working without fear or discrimination. What does that mean to you in today's political climate? Also, you often refer to Punjabiyat. How do you define it, and how does it shape your role as a national leader? Charanjit Singh Channi: Working without fear means standing up for truth, even if it invites personal hardship. Today, dissent is often suppressed, but I believe leadership demands courage. I've faced significant pushback while doing this. Even though our Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, those who speak out often face suppression. I've personally faced multiple inquiries—income tax notices, ED cases…—but I stand firm. My voice is not just mine; it belongs to the people I represent. If we don't raise issues out of fear, we risk the erosion of democracy. As for Punjabiyat—it's a blend of culture, identity, hard work, and resilience. It's about preserving our language, traditions, and pride. As a national leader, Punjabiyat inspires me to speak up for justice and inclusivity and to represent the distinct ethos of Punjab at every level. Q: The Punjab government has taken a strong stance of not sharing river water with Haryana. Yet records show Punjab's successive governments have not fully utilised its share of water from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). How do you explain this contradiction? Charanjit Singh Channi: This is all political posturing. Our chief minister is toeing the line of Arvind Kejriwal, who is originally from Haryana, instead of challenging the Dam Safety Act, which was made for the safety of big dams, giving the Centre the upper hand over the big dams like Bhakra. Under central control, Punjab's rights may not be protected. Also, this Act gives the centre an upper hand in the management and distribution of Punjab's river water. In such a situation, the Punjab government has simply formed a committee on this rather than passing a resolution nullifying or challenging it. Q: The state recently launched the Yudh Nasheyan Virudh campaign. How effective do you think these symbolic anti-drug marches are in tackling Punjab's drug crisis? And what message would you give to the youth of Punjab? Charanjit Singh Channi: These marches are more about optics than results. Government funds are being misused for PR exercises, while the root causes remain untouched. Unless the political and police patronage of drug lords ends, nothing will change. Just look at the recent hooch deaths in Amritsar—these happened under the full protection of some corrupt police officials and politicians. The nexus must be broken. To the youth of Punjab, I say, 'Punjab is known for hard work, dedication, and patriotism. Stay away from drugs, uphold our traditions, and rise above those who exploit you for petty gains.' Q: How do you assess the performance of the current Punjab government? This government has failed on all fronts—governance, crime control, unemployment, and drug eradication. Arvind Kejriwal, unelected in Punjab, is acting like its dictator chief minister, while Bhagwant Mann behaves like an elected dictator. They've misused the majority given to them. Take illegal sand mining, for instance—where is the Rs 20,000 crore they promised by legalising sand supply? There is land, sand and liquor mafia. Crime is at its peak. This is one of the worst governments Punjab has seen, with Delhi leaders looting the state's resources while the government turns a blind eye.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi clarifies support for government after remarks on surgical strikes spark controversy.
Chandigarh: Former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi has ignited political controversy by appearing to question the authenticity of India's 2019 surgical strikes following the Pulwama terror attack, prompting swift criticism from the BJP and a subsequent clarification from the senior Congress member. Speaking to reporters after a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Channi criticised the Narendra Modi-led central govt's response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where he said little had been done even 10 days after the incident. He dismissed "symbolic" steps — such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and cancelling visas for Pakistani nationals — as "lacking real substance." Channi said: "The entire country is watching and waiting to see what concrete action will be taken against Pakistan." Referring to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, Channi said the govt's claim of retaliatory surgical strikes lacked transparency. "They said they dropped bombs, but where? What targets? Who was hit? Nothing was seen or verified," he said. When asked if he was calling for proof, Channi responded, "I have always demanded that." The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to seize upon his comments, with several senior members accusing Channi of questioning the Indian military's integrity and undermining national security for political gain. In a later statement, Channi attempted damage control, saying his remarks had been misinterpreted. "The Congress party stands firmly with the govt in this time of national grief. We support any action it chooses — whether cutting off Pakistan's water, restricting air access, or otherwise," he said. "We are not demanding proof. Our focus is justice for the victims and the nation." The remarks have rekindled an ongoing political fault line over the handling and politicisation of national security incidents, in particular during election cycles. MSID:: 120850477 413 |
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Channi draws fire over surgical strike remarks, clarifies stand amid backlashChanni clarifies support for government after remarks on surgical strikes spark controversy.
Chandigarh: Former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi has ignited political controversy by appearing to question the authenticity of India's 2019 surgical strikes following the Pulwama terror attack, prompting swift criticism from the BJP and a subsequent clarification from the senior Congress member. Speaking to reporters after a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Channi criticised the Narendra Modi-led central govt's response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where he said little had been done even 10 days after the incident. He dismissed "symbolic" steps — such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and cancelling visas for Pakistani nationals — as "lacking real substance." Channi said: "The entire country is watching and waiting to see what concrete action will be taken against Pakistan." Referring to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, Channi said the govt's claim of retaliatory surgical strikes lacked transparency. "They said they dropped bombs, but where? What targets? Who was hit? Nothing was seen or verified," he said. When asked if he was calling for proof, Channi responded, "I have always demanded that." The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to seize upon his comments, with several senior members accusing Channi of questioning the Indian military's integrity and undermining national security for political gain. In a later statement, Channi attempted damage control, saying his remarks had been misinterpreted. "The Congress party stands firmly with the govt in this time of national grief. We support any action it chooses — whether cutting off Pakistan's water, restricting air access, or otherwise," he said. "We are not demanding proof. Our focus is justice for the victims and the nation." The remarks have rekindled an ongoing political fault line over the handling and politicisation of national security incidents, in particular during election cycles. MSID:: 120850477 413 |
New Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
BJP calls CWC 'Pakistan Working Committee' after Charanjit Channi questions veracity of Balakot strike
NEW DELHI: Amid simmering tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, the BJP on Friday targeted Congress over former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi's remarks questioning the veracity of the Balakot airstrike, conducted in response to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. Referring to the Pulwama attack, Channi said 40 Indian soldiers were killed, and when elections were held, the BJP-led Centre boasted of action. "But we have never seen where in Pakistan the strikes were done and where people were killed. If someone threw a bomb in our country, will people not know? They claim to have conducted surgical strikes against Pakistan but nothing had happened. Surgical strikes were not seen anywhere and no one knew about them," the former Punjab chief minister said in a press conference. Asked if he had sought proof of those strikes, he said, "I have always been demanding that." He, later, backtracked following the BJP's counterattack and said no proof was needed. Channi's remarks came parallel to a resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Friday, which urged the Narendra Modi-led NDA government to act in the strongest possible ways against Pakistan for its continued export of terror. The CWC also pressed for time-bound accountability into the "serious lapses" in security and intelligence in one of the most heavily-guarded regions of the country. Irked by Channi's allegations, BJP on Friday accused Congress of supplying "oxygen to the Pakistani Army and terrorists and to boost their morale." Referring to the CWC as "Pakistan Working Committee," BJP MP Sambit Patra alleged at a press conference, "Congress continues to support Pakistan, its terrorists and its army. Inside it is the Congress Working Committee but outside it acts like the Pakistan Working Committee.'
India.com
03-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Ex-Punjab CM Channi Questions 2019 Surgical Strikes, BJP Hits Back With ‘Anti-National' Salvo
Former Punjab Chief Minister and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi's statement over the Indian armed forces' surgical strike of 2019, after the Pulwama attack, has sparked a controversy and prompted reactions from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders. Speaking in Hindi, the Congress MP stated that no one saw the surgical strike anywhere. He said, "If a bomb falls in our country, will no one know about it? They say that we carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan. Nothing happened, no one saw the surgical strikes anywhere, no one came to know about it." Delhi: Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi says, "Hamare desh mein aakar koi bomb gire pata nahi chalega. Kehte hain ji Pakistan mein humne surgical strike kiye the. Kuch nahi hua, kahin nahi dikhe surgical strike, kisi ko nahi pata chala..." — IANS (@ians_india) May 2, 2025 CWC's Meeting On Pahalgam Terror Attack The Congress MP's statement on the surgical strikes came after the Congress Working Committee (CWC), in a post on the social media platform X, said that it stands in solidarity and support with the 26 families who lost their loved ones in the Pahalgam terror attack. CWC added that the Indian National Congress believes this is not a time for politics and wrote, "We must rise above partisan divides and send out an unambiguous message that India stands together, and will not be broken." The Congress party urged the Central government to act with firmness, strategic clarity, and international coordination to isolate and penalise Pakistan for its "continued export of terror" into India's territory and wrote, "The masterminds and perpetrators of this cowardly attack must face the full consequences of their actions." Also Read: Congress Deletes 'Gayab' Poster Targeting PM Modi After BJP Backlash BJP Hits Back At Charanjit Singh Channi The Congress MP's remarks did not go down well with the BJP. The saffron party MP Sambit Patra claimed that the Congress party planned this press conference to take place right after the CWC meeting, where Mallikarjun Kharge would speak about the resolution, while Channi would hold another press conference. "After the proposals were passed in the meeting, the Congress party held another press conference. This conference was led by former Chief Minister of Punjab and current MP from a bordering state, Charanjit Singh Channi. Strategically, Congress planned this press conference to take place right after the CWC meeting, where Kharge would speak about the resolution, while Channi would hold a parallel press conference," Patra said. "During the press conference, Channi stated that the surgical strike by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan in 2019, after the Pulwama attack, was wrong and never actually happened," he added. Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday said that MP Channi's remarks reflect the 'old mindset' of the Gandhi family and Rahul Gandhi. "Once again, the Congress party has questioned our armed forces. Congress leader and former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi has said he doesn't believe in the surgical strike. This reflects the same old mindset of the Gandhi family and Rahul Gandhi, repeatedly casting doubt on our Army and Air Force, accusing them of lying, while trusting Pakistan's narrative," he said. Delhi: On Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi's remarks on the surgical strike, Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa says, "Once again, the Congress party has questioned our armed forces. Congress leader and former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi has said he doesn't believe in the… — IANS (@ians_india) May 2, 2025 Also Read: 'Disturb Sleep Of Many': PM Modi's Dig At INDIA Bloc In Tharoor's Presence During Kerala Visit Speaking to IANS, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said that Congress should be renamed to "Anti-National Congress." He said, 'Today, the Congress party should be renamed from INC to ANC, Anti-National Congress. The only identity of the Congress is to continuously insult the Army, 'Sena ka karo lagataar apmaan, Pakistan ko bulao apna bhaijaan (insult the Army continuously and call Pakistan your brother)'. In the all-party meeting, they say they stand with the nation and the Army and demand strict action. But the moment they step out, they let vote bank politics override national interest.' This controversy comes days after the Congress shared a post on X with an apparent jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which the grand old party deleted later following the backlash amid border tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.
