Punjab Elections: Congress Ignores Sidhu, Names Channi As CM Candidate

New Delhi: Congress has named incumbent Charanjit Singh Channi as the party’s chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.

“Punjab CM will come from a poor family, Channi will be CM face for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections,” Rahul Gandhi said on Sunday, ending days of speculation.

“This is Punjab’s decision, it’s not my decision,” he remarked.

Last October, Channi was chosen as a consensus candidate to replace Captain Amrinder Singh who quit as chief minister.

Navjot Singh Sidhu had been sulking since then, as he was eyeing the CM’s post.

He expected the party to pick him as CM face ahead of the state elections, to be held on February 20. But the cricketer-turned-politician realised that the party’s high command was tilting towards Channi.

Two days ago, Sidhu said Congress wants a ‘weak’ CM. On Saturday, however, he changed his stance and stated that he will accept Rahul Gandhi’s choice.

On Sunday, Punjab’s Congress president Sidhu said he was “ashiq (lover) of Punjab” and doesn’t seek anything in return. “I don’t need anything. I seek welfare of Punjab. I have agreed with Rahul Gandhi’s decision,” Sidhu said.