Chandigarh, November 18, 2024: The Punjab BJP criticized Jalandhar Congress MP and former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Monday for allegedly making derogatory remarks about two religious communities during a campaign rally in Gidderbaha. The Punjab State Women’s Commission also took action, issuing a show-cause notice to Channi for his comments, which reportedly targeted women and members of the Jat Sikh and Hindu communities.
The BJP took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express its outrage. “It is absolutely unacceptable that @INCPunjab @CHARANJITCHANNI, former CM and current MP from Jalandhar, used highly offensive and derogatory language against the Jat Sikh and Hindu communities and their lifestyle,” the party posted.
The statement further alleged, “He compared the members of these communities to dogs.” The BJP shared a video link as evidence of Channi’s speech and condemned his language, labeling it “inappropriate” and unacceptable.
The post also criticized Congress leader Amrinder Singh Raja Warring for not intervening during Channi’s speech. “Women in the audience felt ashamed, yet @AmritaWarring did not have the courage to stop him from talking nonsense,” the BJP stated.
Neither Channi nor Warring have responded to the allegations.
Meanwhile, the Punjab State Women’s Commission chairperson, Raj Lali Gill, announced that the commission had taken suo motu cognizance of Channi’s remarks after reviewing videos of his speech. “Criminal proceedings will be initiated against Channi if he fails to respond satisfactorily by appearing before the commission at SAS Nagar headquarters by 11 a.m. on Tuesday,” Gill warned.
She added, “Currently, only a show-cause notice has been issued, and any further action will be determined based on his response.”
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with political and social groups demanding accountability for the derogatory language used in the public forum.
