Channi wants Centre to repeal farm laws
New Punjab CM says his party stands firmly behind agitating farmers
Together, we have to make Punjab prosperous. Punjab is primarily an agrarian state. This government is a pro-farmer government.”
Newly sworn-in Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Monday urged the Centre to repeal farm laws, and said his party stands firmly behind farmers agitating against the “black” farm laws.
Thanking the party leadership, Channi told reporters here that the party has given a common person a great honour. He also described Rahul Gandhi as a “revolutionary leader”.
Channi, the first Dalit chief minister of the state, said he will become the voice of the common people of Punjab and will always remain accessible to the people.
“Together, we have to make Punjab prosperous. Punjab is primarily an agrarian state. This government is a pro-farmer government, this is Congress government,” he said.
Farmers in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have been protesting against three contentious farm laws. Several rounds of meetings between the Centre and farmer leaders have ended in a deadlock.
This government is of the people of Punjab, he further said, adding Congress’ ideology is to take everyone along.
On his predecessor, Amarinder Singh, Channi said he did good work as CM. “He is also known as protector of water rights. He is our party leader,” he said. The party high command has given an 18-point programme and we are committed to it, said Channi, adding promises made will be fulfilled. “We will ensure a transparent government,” he said.
Simple ceremony
Earlier, Channi took oath of office along with his two deputies — one a Jat Sikh and another belonging to the Hindu community — at a simple ceremony here in the Punjab capital that was delayed for 20 minutes owing to late arrival of Gandhi.
Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and O.P. Soni, both ministers in previous Council of Ministers led by Amarinder Singh, took oath for the posts of the Deputy Chief Ministers.
Gandhi reached the venue when the oath-taking ceremony was almost over. Former Amarinder Singh was conspicuously absent from the ceremony.
Amarinder Singh on Sunday greeted his 58-year-old successor, by saying, “My best wishes to Charanjit Singh Channi. I hope he’s able to keep the border state of Punjab safe and protect our people from the growing security threat from across the border.”
Charanjit Singh Channi | Punjab CM