Charanjit Singh Channi sworn-in as 16th CM of Punjab

Sept 20: After the resignation of Captain Amarinder Singh, Charanjit Singh Channi was sworn-in on Monday as the new Chief Minister of Punjab. On Sunday, Channi was elected as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) of Punjab. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Governor’s house in Chandigarh, with former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and other leaders in attendance.

Channi, the three-time legislator from Chamkaur Sahib assembly constituency in Rupnagar district, had joined the Congress in 2012. He held several portfolios in the outgoing Amarinder Singh-led cabinet including technical education. Channi will be the first Dalit leader to head the state.

The conflict in the Congress’ Punjab unit came to a point where it became impossible for Capt. Amarinder Singh to continue as the Chief Minister. He stepped down finally on Saturday.