New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday declared Charanjit Singh Channi as his party's chief ministerial face for the high-stakes Punjab Assembly polls.
Mr Gandhi made this announcement while addressing a virtual rally in Punjab's Ludhiana.
"People of Punjab said we need a CM from 'gareeb ghar' (poor family)," said Mr Gandhi.
The other main contender for the party's Chief Minister 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.
Mr Gandhi also lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he is not the PM but a "king".
Have you seen him helping anyone on roadside, he asks.
Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand will vote over seven phases starting February 10, with counting of votes scheduled for March 10.
Here are the Highlights on Assembly Elections 2022:
Feb 06, 2022 16:43 (IST)
(Sunil) Jakhar Ji said in his speech that Congress leaders are gems. Since 2004, I am in politics...I've some experience and understanding of politics. Political leaders are not born in 10-15 days. Such leaders are not created on TV, in debates. Politicians become leaders after fighting for years, struggles, gets beaten, Congress has no dearth of diamonds. To attack on our parties, to defame our party, lies are said about our leaders: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at Congress's virtual rally in Ludhiana, Punjab
Feb 06, 2022 16:41 (IST)
People of Punjab has given me a very tough task: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at Congress's virtual rally in Ludhiana, Punjab.
Feb 06, 2022 16:13 (IST)
I was in BJP for 13 years and they never cared. Rahul Gandhi appointed me as Punjab Congress President in the fourth year only. I can never thank enough: Navjot Singh Sidhu at Congress's virtual rally in Ludhiana, Punjab.