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In its choice of Charanjit Singh Channi as its CM-pick, the Congress leadership has not just tried to consolidate its Scheduled Caste (SC) vote, but also tried to field an “aam aadmi” from “humble origins” to counter AAP in the ensuing assembly elections. Vibhor Mohan lists out what helped him:
SC face of the party
With a sizeable 32% SC population in the state, the Congress leadership dithered in replacing Channi as its CM choice in favour of Navjot Singh Sidhu. Apart from influencing the party’s prospects in the Doaba region, the Congress hopes to reap the benefit of Channi’s elevation in other states too.
Besides, it is also looking at diluting the prospects of Akalis’ newfound ally in the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
Risen through ranks
58-year-old Channi, who represents Chamkaur Sahib in the legislative assembly, has risen through the ranks in the party. He was picked by the party high command for the post of leader of opposition (LoP) in 2015 to replace Sunil Jakhar during the previous Akali regime. Channi was made the technical education and cultural affairs minister in Amarinder Singh’s cabinet in 2018.
Channi has also tried to project the image of an ‘Aam aadmi’ to take on AAP in the state. He often compares his style of functioning with that of Amarinder’s, claiming to be more accessible and spending more hours at work.
Humble beginnings
Channi often refers to the financial troubles he had to face while growing up. While announcing his name, Rahul Gandhi too said, “People of Punjab said they want a chief minister from humble beginnings, someone who understands poverty and hunger. Punjab needs such a person. It was a tough decision, but you made it easy.”
111-day overdrive
Soon after he took over from Amarinder Singh in September last year, Channi announced a series of
populist schemes, including the decision to slash power tariff by Rs 3 per unit in the state, reducing VAT of fuel and free bus travel for students.
Low attrition rate
Channi was one of the four ministers who emerged as a strong detractor of Amarinder Singh last year. However, even amid the constant churning and regrouping in the state unit, Channi has managed to keep most cabinet ministers and Congress MLAs in good humour.
SC face of the party
With a sizeable 32% SC population in the state, the Congress leadership dithered in replacing Channi as its CM choice in favour of Navjot Singh Sidhu. Apart from influencing the party’s prospects in the Doaba region, the Congress hopes to reap the benefit of Channi’s elevation in other states too.
Besides, it is also looking at diluting the prospects of Akalis’ newfound ally in the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
Risen through ranks
58-year-old Channi, who represents Chamkaur Sahib in the legislative assembly, has risen through the ranks in the party. He was picked by the party high command for the post of leader of opposition (LoP) in 2015 to replace Sunil Jakhar during the previous Akali regime. Channi was made the technical education and cultural affairs minister in Amarinder Singh’s cabinet in 2018.
Channi has also tried to project the image of an ‘Aam aadmi’ to take on AAP in the state. He often compares his style of functioning with that of Amarinder’s, claiming to be more accessible and spending more hours at work.
Humble beginnings
Channi often refers to the financial troubles he had to face while growing up. While announcing his name, Rahul Gandhi too said, “People of Punjab said they want a chief minister from humble beginnings, someone who understands poverty and hunger. Punjab needs such a person. It was a tough decision, but you made it easy.”
111-day overdrive
Soon after he took over from Amarinder Singh in September last year, Channi announced a series of
populist schemes, including the decision to slash power tariff by Rs 3 per unit in the state, reducing VAT of fuel and free bus travel for students.
Low attrition rate
Channi was one of the four ministers who emerged as a strong detractor of Amarinder Singh last year. However, even amid the constant churning and regrouping in the state unit, Channi has managed to keep most cabinet ministers and Congress MLAs in good humour.
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