Punjab incumbent chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi will Congress’ CM candidate in the upcoming state elections, Rahul Gandhi confirmed in a rally in Ludhiana on Sunday. 

Gandhi made this announcement while addressing a virtual rally.

Also read: Why dropping G-23 leaders from star campaigner list may spell trouble for Congress in Punjab

“People of Punjab said we need a CM from ‘gareeb ghar’ (poor family),” said Gandhi.

The other main contender for the party’s CM face was Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, a Jat Sikh face.

The party had taken feedback from its leaders and workers, and had also sought the opinion of the public on who should be its chief ministerial candidate through an automated call system.

Gandhi also lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he is not the PM but a “king”.

Also read | UP Elections 2022: Yogi Adityanath exudes ‘double-engine’ confidence, condemns attack on Asaduddin Owaisi

Have you seen him helping anyone on roadside, he asks.

“The whole of Congress will now work towards the vision of transforming Punjab,” Gandhi said and invited Channi to say a few words after the announcement.

“This is a big fight, I am thankful to Punjab for choosing me as the CM hopeful of the Congress. I sincerely thank the Congress high command and people of Punjab for bestowing their trust in me. As you have seen us work so hard in the last 111 days to take Punjab forward, I assure you to take Punjab and Punjabis on the path of progress with new zeal and dedication,” Channi said.