With eye on the 2022 state assembly elections, the Congress on Sunday chose a Dalit face to be new Chief Minister of Punjab. Charanjit Singh, Channi, a Dalit Sikh will replace Amarinder Singh as the new Chief Minister of the poll bound state.
The choice of Charanjit Singh Channi as leader of the Congress' legislature party in Punjab, and the head of its government, was confirmed by state-in-charge Harish Rawat.
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The three-time MLA from Chamkaur Sahib will be Punjab's first Dalit Chief Minister. His elevation to the top post is significant given Dalits constitute an estimated 31 per cent of the state's population
Channi who was the Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha during previous SAD-BJP regime has been vocal against Amarinder Singh for “not paying attention” to issues raised by party leaders.
Meanwhile, Singh who resigned on Saturday following a long feud with Navjot Sidhu, extended his best wishes to Chhanni, hoping the new CM will be able to keep 'Punjab safe from the growing security threat from across the border'