ABP Shikhar Sammelan: 'Rahul Gandhi Called & Asked Me To Become Punjab CM,' Says Charanjit Singh Channi

At the ABP Punjab Shikhar Sammelan, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi opened up about various issues within the Congress and his sudden elevation as Punjab CM.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi

The political turmoil within the Congress seems to remain unresolved as the crucial assembly election of Punjab is just months away. As confusion remains with Capt. Amarinder Singh being adamant about leaving Congress, Sidhu resigning from Congress state chief post and then showing some reconciliation after his meeting with the current Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi.    

At the ABP Punjab Shikhar Sammelan, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi opened up about various issues within the Congress and his sudden elevation as Punjab CM.

'Amarinder Was Not Doing Anything'

About the Congress infighting, Punjab CM told ABP News there is a need to improve the failing system.

"Efforts are on to address the shortcomings of our system," he said. The CM alleged that former CM Amarinder Singh was "not doing much."

"Congress never thought of removing Captain before. Since Amarinder was not doing anything to solve the issues so the party removed him,'' CM Channi said on Captain Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu's differences.

Speaking about Navjot Singh Sidhu's displeasure, CM Channi said there is no resentment now.

"Sidhu is the state president of our party. There is no quarrel over the DGP of Punjab. Everything will be done as per the procedure," Channi said.

"Sidhu is elder to me. The high command has selected Sidhu. Now he'll give the result," he added. 

Rahul Gandhi Asked Me To Become CM

Channi said I or Randhawa none of us were a candidate for the chief minister's post. Speaking to ABP News Sammelan Channi said he would have been happy if anyone would have assumed the post of CM.

"The first call I received was from Rahul Gandhi ji he said I trust you, you maintain the trust. After which I took over as Chief Minister," he said.

 "I'll fulfill all the tasks and promises made within three months. I work 10-12 hours a day," he added.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjeet Singh Channi also hit out at the BJP government over the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in UP. CM Channi said, "I am saddened to hear about this incident. Farmers who were protesting peacefully are killed. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath should resign and the incident should be investigated by the Supreme Court. After all, how long will the farmers continue to die like this?"