Punjab Crisis LIVE Updates: Congress attempts face-saver as Captain meets Amit Shah

Congress' Randeep Singh Surjewala taking to his official Twitter handle asserted that the ego of those sitting atop (referring to Kapil Sibal) has been hurt because a Dalit has been made the CM of Punjab, and that's why they are asking who is taking decisions for Congress. They did not like a Dalit being appointed the CM. 

He further added, "The hub of anti-Dalit politics is nowhere but at the residence of the Home Minister (referring to Amarinder Singh-Amit Shah's meet)" 

Calling Kapil Sibal a 'betrayer', Youth Congress accused the veteran leader of siding with the BJP while protesting outside his house. "Kapil Sibal gives Gandhis' information to Amit Shah,' a member of the Youth wing of Congress, Bilal Ahmed said. 

After meeting with Amit Shah, Captain Amarinder Singh is headed for a meeting with the G-23 leaders, sources told Republic Media Network. 

In the meeting between Captain Amarinder Singh and Amit Shah that lasted for about an hour, farm laws were prominently discussed, sources informed Republic Media.  

Shiromani Akali Dal Vice President Maheshinder Singh Grewal in an exclusive conversation with Republic Media Network asserted that when a seasoned politician like Amarinder Singh is 'thrown out of office', he finds his 'own way'. Speaking of Captain's meeting with Amit Shah, Grewal added that there is a 'big buzz' about Captain Amarinder Singh being appointed as the Agriculture Minister in the Narendra Modi-led BJP government. 

Speaking to Republic Media Network, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia reacted to Captain Amarinder Singh meeting Amit Shah. "It will surely be in the interest of the country," he said. 

A source close to Amarinder Singh told Republic Media Network that Captain is keeping all options open and is at the moment, not ruling out the idea of joining hands with BJP. "Wait for few hours and everything will be clear," the source further said. 

Amid speculations, former Punjab Chief Minister paid a visit to Union Home Minister and Senior BJP leaders Amit Shah. The meeting between Captain Amarinder Singh, and Amit Shah comes despite the former continuously claiming that he is not in Delhi for any political activity.

Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi has called for a meeting with Ministers and other officials of Punjab at Raj Bhawan Guest House in Chandigarh. The meeting was called by Channi after having a conversation with Congress high command in relation to Navjot Singh Sidhu’s resignation from the presidentship of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC). 

Amid the Punjab crisis, the G23 leaders seem to be putting pressure on the Congress high command. Ghulam Nabi Azad, one of the leaders, has written to party's interim president Sonia Gandhi,  asking to convene a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting urgently.  

Sources informed Republic that the Congress high command has decided not to indulge in any more talks with Sidhu. They added that the high command is in touch with Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and are pondering over a solution. 

During a press briefing, spokesperson of BJP Sambit Patra dubbed  Punjab political turmoil a 'clash of ambition'. He said that the colossal failure of Rahul Gandhi, and the entire Congress high command came to the fore with the Punjab crisis, and also asserted that now the party is trying to divert the attention of the public from it. "The Congress, in order to divert the attention from Punjab episode, has threatened journalist media today and we have seen consequences," he added. 

Amid the lingering infighting between the Punjab unit of Congress, veteran leader Kabil Sibal in a press briefing said that the G-23 leaders were still waiting for a reply from the high command. "I  am here today with a heavy heart. In past, we were proud of Congress leadership but can't look at the situation my party is in today. It breaks my heart. It is saddening," Kabil Sibal said.  

"Today Congressmen are leaving Congress. Sushmita Deb, Former Goa CM, Jitin Prasad, Scindhia, etc have left Congress," he added, with a question, "Why are leaders leaving Congress? We have to introspect, maybe Congress is also at fault."

Kabil Sibal during the press briefing asserted that he is going to write to the Congress high command, suggesting them to convene a Congress Working Committee meeting. "At least we can raise party issues at CWC meet," he said. 

Arriving in Punjab for a two-day visit, AAP president Arvind Kejriwal congratulated Charanjit Singh Channi on becoming the CM. He requsted him to sack the tainted Ministers and officers and take action against them. Moreover, the Delhi CM revealed that he will make a big announcement for the people of Punjab on September 30. 

Kejriwal stated, "People of Punjab are upset over Bargari (sacrilege) case. Mastermind of the case, I don't need to say who he's, didn't get any punishment so far. Channi sahab should read Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh's report, he'll find the names. They can be arrested within 24 hours."

While extending an olive branch to Navjot Sidhu who resigned as the PCC president, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi made it clear that the party is supreme. Addressing a press briefing after chairing the Cabinet meeting, Channi refuted the notion that Sidhu was intentionally trying to harm the government. Inviting the former swashbuckling batsman for talks, he exuded confidence in resolving the issue via discussion.

Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi remarked, "The party chief is the head. The head has to put forth his argument strongly and take it forward. So, I talked to Sidhu Sahab on the telephone today as well. I told him that the party is supreme. The government runs on the basis of the party's ideology. You come, sit and talk. If you find any shortcomings, you could raise them before also and can do so now too."

At present, a key meeting of MLAs and other leaders is undereway at Sidhu's residence. Congress legislators Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Fatehjang Singh Bajwa, Surjit Singh Dhiman, Balwinder Singh Laddi and Nathu Ram, Punjab Congress working president Pawan Goel and Gulzar Inder Singh Chahal are present in this meeting. 

Punjab Minister Gurkirat Singh Kotli stated that Navjot Sidhu’s resignation is damaging the Congress party. Observing that he has been given such a high post by the Congress high command, he opined that Sidhu should empower the government and the party instead of showing resentment. Contending that Sidhu should not resign, he revealed that the Cabinet will take a decision on the former's fate. 

In a strong signal that he will not agree to Navjot Sidhu's demands, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi reportedly ruled out make any changes when Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Pargat Singh spoke during the Cabinet meeting. However, he did leave the room open for making some changes in the Cabinet. 

In his first response after resigning as the Punjab Congress president, Navjot Sidhu affirmed that he is ready to make any sacrifice for the people. Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, the former swashbuckling batsman stressed that he has no personal rivalry with anyone. He stressed, "17 years of my political career has been for a purpose, to make difference, to take a stand and to make people's lives better. This is my only religion". Maintaining that positions never mattered for him, Sidhu made it clear that he will never compromise on his values.

Hinting that he would not take back his resignation, he alleged that those who gave a clean chit to the Badals are being given positions. This was seen as an indirect reference to the appointment of Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota and Amar Preet Singh Deol as the DGP and Advocate General respectively. Pertinently, Deol had appeared for former Deputy General of Police Sumedh Singh Saini and other accused in the sacrilege cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. 

Breaking his silence on the political crisis in Punjab, Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed dismay and conceded that the situation hadn't been mishandled. He said, "Punjab is border state, it's going through intense social upheaval primarily because of angst in people against farm laws. Under those circumstances, if such shenanigans played themselves out in public space, it has serious implications on stability of a border state".

Tewari stated, "I have just returned from a regional security conference and I can tell you that the only people who are very happy with what is going on in Punjab is the deep state of Pakistan. They feel that they will get an opportunity to fish in troubled waters. There's a higher ideal than power, than ministers holding organizational positions. That higher ideal is ensuring peace, tranquillity and stability of a border state like Punjab. Under those circumstances what has been playing itself out is extremely unfortunate." 

Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi will address the media at 12.30 pm after chairing the state Cabinet meeting. As per sources, he is likely to announce a big public-centric decision even as Congres is grappling with the aftermath of Sidhu's resignation. 

In a new development, it has emerged that former Punjab CM Amarinder Singh met some MPs in Delhi on Tuesday. This includes Manish Tewari who has made public his resentment about the infighting in the Punjab Congress unit. Reportedly, they discussed the current situation in the wake of Navjot Sidhu's resignation. 

As per sources, Congress is mulling a new Punjab Congress president fed up with Sidhu's behaviour. Lok Sabha MP Ravneet Singh Bittu and MLA Kuljit Singh Nagra are reportedly in the race for this role. 

The Congress high command has reportedly thrown its weight behind Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi amid the rebellion from Sidhu. In continuation of this policy, AICC Punjab in-charge Harish Rawat is not going to Chandigarh. According to sources, the party top brass called Channi twice on Tuesday regarding the resignation of Sidhu. Moreover, sources revealed that the Congress party is set to appoint a new president for its Punjab state unit. 
 

Sources indicated that Punjab Minister Razia Sultana might take back her resignation after the Congress high command's diktat that nobody should quit their posts. A day earlier, she had resigned in solidarity with Navjot Sidhu and millions of Congress workers across the state.

Even as slew of resignations followed Sidhu's exit as the Punjab Congress president, the party leadership is now in a "wait and watch" mode. As per sources, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has held internal discussions on the issue and Sidhu's resignation has not been accepted as of now. Sources added that efforts are underway to placate Sidhu with the likelihood of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra talking to him. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Manpreet Badal held a discussion with Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi which stretched well into the night. 

According to sources, one of the main reasons for Sidhu's resignation was the induction of Rana Gurjeet Singh in the Punjab Cabinet. The Kapurthala legislator had been dropped from the Cabinet in 2018 over his alleged involvement in a "mining scandal", 6 MLAs alleged in a letter sent to the Punjab Congress president opposing a Cabinet berth for him. Moreover, the ex-cricketer was believed to be miffed with the allocation of the Home Department to Deputy CM Sukhjinder Randhawa whom he opposed as the CM face.

The perception of the Sidhu camp being sidelined was strengthened by the fact that only Pargat Singh got the portfolio of his choice. While the Punjab Congress chief was not included in the discussion on Cabinet expansion, his predecessor Sunil Jakhar was reportedly taken into confidence by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Also, Brahm Mohindra was given key portfolios against his will. 

Sources indicated that Sidhu was upset over the appointment of Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota and Amar Preet Singh Deol as the DGP and Advocate General respectively. Pertinently, Deol had appeared for former Deputy General of Police Sumedh Singh Saini and other accused in the sacrilege cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Additionally, sources suggest that Sidhu was unable to exert control over Channi after Amarinder Singh criticised him for being a "super CM". 

In an important development, Punjab Deputy CM OP Soni refuted reports of his resignation. He said, “The news of my resignation from the Cabinet is completely false. Anyone who tries to spread rumors will be dealt with severely according to the law". 

As per sources, Congress MLAs Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Pargat Singh have reached Sidhu’s residence in Patiala to meet him. Meanwhile, AICC Punjab in-charge Harish Rawat will arrive in Punjab today. 

"Nothing to worry, everything will be alright," says Congress leader KC Venugopal over resignations of four Congress leaders from their posts followed in "solidarity" with the resignation of party's state unit chief Navjot Singh Sidhu.

While commenting on the ongoing developments in Punjab, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said, "I'd earlier said that Navjot Singh Sidhu is a misguided missile that does not know where it will go or will kill whom. He first destroyed Captain Amarinder Sing by becoming Punjab Congress prez & then wiped out his party." "Even I'd warned about the kind of person Sidhu is, every kid in Punjab knows that. He is an egoistic man. If Punjab is to be saved then I request Sidhu Sahib to go to Mumbai," added SAD president.

After his meeting his Navjot Singh Sidhu, Punjab Minister Pargat Singh said a few 'small issues' have risen in the party that need to be resolved by the Congress High Command. He told the media that the matter will be discussed and resolved by tomorrow itself. Sidhu had resigned as Punjab Congress chief earlier today. 

Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation as Punjab Congress Chief has not been accepted, said Congress MLA Bawa Henry on Tuesday, adding that the matter will be resolved soon. There are 3-4  issues that are being discussed in the party forum and the high command will resolve them, he added. 

This comes amid a number of resignations in the Punjab Congress unit, leading the government to a near collapse in the state, 

As the Congress party breaks in pieces following the resignation of Navjot Singh Sidhu, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit singh Channi has called a cabinet meeting on Wednesday by 10.30 am. Sidhu’s resignation will also be discussed in the cabinet meet scheduled at Punjab secretariat in Chandigarh.

Amid back-to-back resignations bombarding the Punjab Congress unit, a total of 15 MLAs are at Navjot Singh Sidhu's residence. Sidhu, who resigned from the post of PPCC President earlier today has received the backing of several leaders, many of whom tendered their resignation in solidarity with him. Apart from the MLAs and Cabinet Ministers, several other supporters have also gathered outside Sidhu's house, shouting slogans in his favour.  

MLAs at Sidhu’s residence 

1) Kuljit Nagra 

2) Inderbir Bolaria 

3) Sukhpal Khaira 

4) Bawa Henery 

5) Razia Sultana (minister)

6) Former DGP Mohammad Mustafa (advisor of Sidhu)

7) Dr Amar Singh (LS MP)

8) Pargat Singh (MLA)

9) Kulbir Zira (MLA)

10) Nirmal Singh (MLA)

11) Raja warring (minister)

12) Kiki Dhillon (MLA)

13) Barinder Meet Singh Padha (MLA)

14) Jagdev singh kamalu 

15) Pirmal Singh

Hours after Navjot Singh Sidhu resigned as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President, senior Congress leader, and former PPCC chief Sunil Jakhar hit out at the cricketer-turned-politician over his 'breach of trust'.

Taking to Twitter, Jakhar said, "Sidhu has compromised the faith reposed in him by the Congress High Command," and that no amount of grandstanding can justify this breach of trust.

As Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi nears collapse amid series of resignations of Cabinet Ministers, supporters of former CM Captain Amarinder Singh have reportedly demanded a floor test. As per sources, 8 MLAs from Captain's camp are likely to approach the Governor in this regard soon.

Reacting to the ongoing turmoil in the Punjab Congress, party MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira requested Navjot Singh Sidhu to withdraw his resignation. Defending Sidhu's move, Khaira said, "He had taken a stand against corruption in Punjab..., if his suggestions were not paid heed to, he could not be a speechless president."

"We urge him to withdraw his resignation and request the high command to redress his grievances," the MLA added.

Amid speculations of Captain Amarinder likely to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda in New Delhi, BJP's National General Secretary Dushyant Gautam has said that any 'patriot' willing to join the party is welcome. 

The Punjab Congress unit continues to crumble as another party leader in a significant position has decided to resign. Gautam Seth has stepped down as General Secretary (in-charge training) of Punjab Congress following the resignation of the party's state unit chief Navjot Singh Sidhu. 

Amid political turmoil in Punjab after Sidhu's resignation, sources have revealed that the Congress has taken Pragat Singh into confidence and has been asked by to meet Sidhu by the party high command

Following Navjot Sidhu's resignation, his close associates  Pargat Singh, Razia Sultana, and others have tendered their resignation. Now, as per Republic sources, the Congress leadership has spoken to close associates of Sidhu and they have been asked to streamline things as the recent moves are hitting the party’s image.

As per the source, the leaders have been asked to stop resignations with immediate effect and talk to Delhi High Command or Punjab CM Channi or Haris Rawat on any concerns. However, no close aide of Sidhu so far has confirmed that he has got any call from high command. 

UP Technical Education Minister Jitin Prasada outlined how Congress first humiliated a war veteran (Captain Amarinder Singh) and later promoted those who supported the division of India. 

Captain Amarinder, who is in Delhi amid absolute chaos in Punjab Congress, told the media that he 'will take a big decision soon.' Speculations are rife that the former CM will meet BJP stalwarts in the capital

Amid back-to-back resignations in Punjab Congress, followed by that of Navjot Singh Sidhu, ANI sources claim that the party High Command has not accepted Sidhu's resignation yet. The top leadership has reportedly asked the state leadership to resolve the matter at their own level first. 

Amid a series of resignations bombarding the Punjab Congress, PPCC General Secretary Yoginder Dhingra also quit the post on Tuesday. In what appears as complete chaos in the party's Punjab unit, several of Sidhu aides have started abandoning their positions. This is a fourth such resignation coming from Sidhu's supporter. The PPCC chief himself resigned from the top post earlier today. 

Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said Navjot Sidhu’s resignation as PPCC chief within two months of taking over the vital post had proved beyond doubt that the cricketer turned politician was an “unstable” man, who could not be relied upon to lead the ruling party, especially in a border state like Punjab. 

Terming Sidhu’s resignation as sheer drama, Captain Amarinder said the move suggested that his former cabinet colleague was preparing the ground to quit the Congress and join hands with someone another party in the run-up to the state Assembly polls.

“I had been saying all along that this man is unstable and dangerous, and cannot be entrusted with the task of running Punjab,” said Captain Amarinder,  adding that Sidhu had also proved to be absolutely incompetent during his stint as a minister in his government. 

Congress leader Pargat Singh, who took oath as the Punjab Minister just two days ago, has resigned from the Congress, minutes after his colleague Razia Sultana quit the post. Pargat Singh who is said to be the 'right-hand man' of Sidhu stepped down from the post on Tuesday evening. As of now 3 of Sidhu's supporters have resigned from their respective posts. 

Amid the mounting crisis in Punjab Congress following the resignation of PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, Chief Minister Channi has called an emergency meeting of cabinet ministers, sources told Republic TV. 

Capt Amarinder Singh who landed in Delhi earlier today has arrived at the Kapurthala house. Speaking to the media on his visit to Delhi, Captain had said he had come there to collect his personal belongings from the Kapurthala house. While sources claim that he is likely to meet BJP stalwarts, the former Punjab CM has denied it is a political visit. 

Navjot Singh Sidhu’s Advisor & former DGP Mohhamad Mustafa and his wife, cabinet minister Razia Sultana arrived at Sidhu’s residence on Tuesday, hours after his resignation. Refusing to divulge any details about Sidhu's next move, Mustafa asked reporters to 'wait and watch'. Meanwhile, Razia Sultana called Sidhu a 'man of values and principles' who is fighting for the people of Punjab.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Razia Sultana has resigned in solidarity with Navjot Sidhu, minutes after arriving at Sidhu's residence. Sultana is the wife of former DGP Muhammad Mustafa, who is an advisor to Sidhu. Earlier, Sultana had called Siddhu a man of values and principles. 

Razia Sultan's resignation comes after the resignation of PCC treasurer Gulzar Inder Singh Chahal, both aides of Navjot Sidhu. 

Speaking to the media after landing in Delhi, Captain Amarinder said Sidhu is an unstable man who proved his word by resigning as PPCC chief today. 

Mocking Navjot Singh Sidhu after his resignation as PPCC chief,  SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal said Sidhu is a misguided missile who only works for himself. Stating that the entire Punjab is aware of Sidhu's attitude, Badal said such a leader is not capable of ruling the state. He appealed to Sidhu to go to Mumbai after reisgnation.

The Congress held a press briefing on the induction of Jignesh Mevani and Kanhaiya Kumar in the party, amid implosion in Punjab over Navjot Sidhu's resignation.

Captain Amarinder Singh denies claims of meeting BJP leadership upon landing in Delhi, says he has some personal work in the capital. 

Following Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation, PCC treasurer Gulzar Inder Chahal has also resigned from the position. Chahal, who was recently appointed as PPCC treasurer by Sidhu resigned from the post without giving any reason. What could be seen as Sidhu's pressure tactics, his supporters shave now begun to quit their positions.

Why did Sidhu resign as PPCC President? Sources in Sidhu Camp cite two reasons:

1. Sidhu was miffed with Rana Gurjeet Singh as Cabinet Minister, he spoke to few party leaders that his move will help the opposition as Rana was forced to put papers in 2018. Amid allegations of running sand mining mafia, he was inducted again as Cabinet minister.

2. Sidhu wanted Deepinder Singh Patwalia to be the advocate general (AG) of Punjab but was snubbed and APS Deol was made AG of Punjab. Patwalia is close to Sidhu and fought the case of Former DGP Mohd Mustafa when he challenged the appointment of Dinkar Gupta as DGP Punjab by superseding him.

Captain Amarinder Singh has landed in Delhi minutes after Sidhu resigned as PPCC chief today. As per sources, Singh is likely to leave for Delhi in the afternoon and is likely to meet BJP chief JP Nadda, Amit Shah, and Union Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar this evening.

AAP lashes out at the 'absolute state of anarchy' in Punjab Congress. 

Who did Sidhu embarrass the most? Asks BJP

Reacting to Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation, Chief Minister Channi said he has no information about such a development and asserted that he remains the party president in Punjab. Addressing a press conference, Channi said he did not want to involve himself in other issues or ask him to take back his resignation. Exuding faith in the PPCC chief, Channi refuted claims that Sidhu is upset with him. 

Navjot Sidhu has resigned as PCC Chief at a time when Captain Amarinder Singh is on a visit to Delhi; Punjab CM Charanjit Channi claims to have no prior knowledge of Sidhu's resignation. 

Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were seen at Chandigarh International Airport on their way to New Delhi from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh is also reaching Delhi from Chandigarh.

Amid Sidhu's exit, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi is set to address the media

BJP leader Sambit Patra tweeted, "Thos two did not come, one left. Wow!", while Amit Malviya tweeted, "Who has Sidhu embarassed?"

On the way to Delhi, the ex-CM took a swipe at Navjot Singh Sidhu's sudden resignation

In a massive development, Navjot Singh Sidhu has resigned as Punjab Pradesh Congress chief on Tuesday. Tendering his resignation to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Sidhu - who was pipped to be Congress' CM face for Punjab - wrote, "The collapse of a man's character stems from the compromise". Stating that he will continue to work in the Congress, his resignation comes on the same day as ex-CM Capt Amarinder Singh headed to Delhi. This development comes days after his aide Charanjit Singh Channi was sworn-in as Punjab CM. Punjab goes to polls in 2022.

Similtaneously, ex-CM Capt Amarinder Singh has left for Delhi from Chandigarh to allegedly meet Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda and Union Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar this evening. Later, Singh's media adviser Raveen Thukral clarified that the ex-CM was on a 'personal visit' and was to visit some friends and will also vacate Kapurthala house for the new CM, which was later confirmed by the ex-CM himself. Moreover, sources state that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi ae likely to return to Delhi via Chandigarh. The Gandhis had been at Priyanka Vadra's home in Shimla since last week.

"I am not meeting anyone. I am going for my own work. No speculation please," said Amarinder Singh to reporters at Chandigarh airport.

Blindsided by the CLP meeting called without his knowledge, 79-year-old Capt Amarinder Singh tendered his resignation from the Punjab CM post last Saturday after 4.5 years along with his council of ministers. Informing Sonia Gandhi of his decision, he lamented, "I feel humiliated. I cannot run a government like this." Terming Sidhu an incompetent, anti-national, pro-Pak man, Singh said that he will oppose if Sidhu is picked as the next CM. While Singh and Sidhu have locked horns since 2019, the final blow to Singh came when the Congress High Command picked Sidhu as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief, inspite of the CM's vehement opposition.

After a day of brainstorming, Congress picked 58-year-old Charanjit Singh Channi who was sworn-in as the 16th Chief Minister of Punjab, in the presence of Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Sunday. Apart from Channi, two Deputy CMs - Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa (A Jat Sikh) and OP Soni (a Hindu) too took oath. Channi, a Minister for Technical Educational in the Amarinder Singh government, is a 3-time MLA from Chamkaur Sahib and a vocal critic of the ex-CM and a close aide of Navjot Sidhu. While Ambika Soni and Sunil Jhakar were also in the run for CM post and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa was the Punjab CLP's choice, High Command chose Channi, making him Punjab's first Dalit CM. Channi was picked over Randhawa after Sidhu was upset with the pick.