Charanjit Singh Channi has been named as the new Chief Minister of Punjab. The outgoing Technical Education Minister is set to take over as next Chief Minister following Captain Amarinder Singh's resignation.
"It gives me immense pleasure to announce that Sh. Charanjit Singh Channi has been unanimously elected as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party of Punjab," tweeted Congress in charge of Punjab Harish Rawat.
Mr Channi will succeed Captain Amarinder Singh, who resigned as the chief minister of Punjab on Saturday following months of infighting between him and Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief Navjot Singh Sidhu
The Congress is likely to name two deputies in addition to a replacement. Sources, however, said the identities of the deputies will depend on who gets the nod for the top post.
Earlier today, senior Congress leader Ambika Soni was asked to succeed Amarinder Singh as Punjab chief minister during a late-night meeting with Rahul Gandhi, but the Rajya Sabha MP turned down the offer, sources said. Ms Soni made it clear at the meeting that not having a Sikh as the Chief Minister has "ramifications", the sources said, asking not to be named.
Amarinder Singh quit on Saturday following an escalation in the political crisis in the state, which stems from his tussle with Navjot Sidhu. Later, speaking to NDTV, he said he had been "humiliated thrice" and that the Congress is free to "appoint whoever they trust". He also said he would "exercise his options when the time comes".
Here are the LIVE updates on the Punjab Congress Crisis:
Amarinder Singh's First Reaction After Punjab Successor's SelectionOur mutual feeling is that there should be two deputy CMs. Soon we will take a call on it along with names for Council of Ministers...Some names have been discussed but it's the CM's prerogative who discusses it with party high command and takes a call: Harish Rawat, Congress pic.twitter.com/SILSoV369y
- ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2021
On the eve of relinquishing my duties as CM, I thank the officers & employees of the State for giving their best to put Punjab on the path of peace & progress in the 4.5 years of my Government. May you continue to serve the people of the State with the same zeal & commitment.
- Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) September 19, 2021
I congratulate S Charanjit Singh Channi on elevation as CLP leader & CM designate. As president of Shiromani Akali Dal, a party with rich democratic traditions, I assure him of constructive role & wish he fulfills all Cong promises made to people of Punjab & pending for 4.5 yrs.
- Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) September 19, 2021
Heartiest congratulations #CharanjeetSinghChanni ji. #Punjab will continue to flourish under your leadership. @INCPunjab
- Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) September 19, 2021
"We have presented our stance, unanimously supported by party MLAs, before the Governor. Oath taking ceremony to take place at 11 am tomorrow," says Punjab CM-designate Charanjit Singh Channi pic.twitter.com/Ksh9YnGYpm
- ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2021
Supporters of new Punjab CM-designate Charanjit Singh Channi celebrate outside Governor's house in Chandigarh pic.twitter.com/KLVUWpellP
- ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2021
I wish best to @CHARANJITCHANNI for his new role as Chief Minister Punjab.
- Partap Singh Bajwa (@Partap_Sbajwa) September 19, 2021
I hope you will carry out the measures to improve the welfare of all Punjabis and will keep the safety & security of the state as your utmost priority.
Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu arrives at Raj Bhavan, Chandigarh after his party announced Charanjit Singh Channi as new CM of Punjab. pic.twitter.com/LoZo1EgIuK
- ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2021
'My best wishes to Charanjit Singh Channi. I hope he's able to keep the border state of Punjab safe and protect our people from the growing security threat from across the border': @capt_amarinder pic.twitter.com/oO2F6JUZ6J
- Raveen Thukral (@RT_Media_Capt) September 19, 2021
Congratulations to Shri Charanjit Singh Channi for being appointed as the new CM of Punjab. My best wishes as you take on this responsibility to lead the Congress govt in the state and strive to work towards the development of the people of Punjab. pic.twitter.com/X54zID4sS5
- T S Singhdeo (@TS_SinghDeo) September 19, 2021
Punjab CM-designate Charanjit Singh Channi leaves from JW Marriott Hotel in Chandigarh for Governor's House, says "I will speak after leaving from Governor's house." pic.twitter.com/ClLO2c5NqI
- ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2021
It's high command's decision..., I welcome it. Channi is like my younger brother...I am not at all disappointed...: Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, after announcement of Charanjit Singh Channi as new Punjab Chief Minister pic.twitter.com/jHbAHapQEH
- ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2021
Many names doing rounds for it (Deputy CM post)... no comments...: Congress leader Aruna Chaudhary on her name being proposed for Deputy CM post in Punjab. pic.twitter.com/d4z7Cwh5Yq
- ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2021
Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has sought time for a meeting with Governor Banwarilal Purohit amid political developments in Punjab: Sources
- ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2021
Randhawa is likely to become the next Chief Minister after Captain Amarinder Singh resigned, yesterday. pic.twitter.com/lVWPvpt3u9
Punjab Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa leaves from his residence, in Chandigarh.
- ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2021
He has been reportedly named as CM face for the state of Punjab after Captain Amarinder Singh resigned, yesterday pic.twitter.com/SjcJMJtZnl
Punjab Chief Minister Must Be Sikh Leader, Ambika Soni Rejects Offer
Opinion: Amarinder Singh's Exit Proves 7 New Congress QualitiesChief Ministers always come and go. But the real importance of the resignation of Captain Amarinder Singh lies less in what it means for Punjab politics, and more in what it tells us about the Congress party of today. With each passing day, it become".
"Navjot Sidhu is not a traitor. If after now Captain Amarinder Singh calls Sidhu a traitor, then I will open the whole book. Captain's target is not Sidhu but the Gandhi family. I'll not allow Captain to target Gandhi family": Md Mustafa, advisor to Punjab Congress Chief Navjot Singh Sidhu
"Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has called his party's state chief Navjot Singh Sindhu anti-national. This is a very serious allegation. BJP is asking only one question to Congress why are Sonia, Rahul and Priyanka silent on this?" BJP leader Prakash Javadekar.
Ashok Gehlot's "Hope You Keep Party's Interest" Tweet To Amarinder Singh
- NDTV (@ndtv) September 19, 2021
Read more: https://t.co/Cey68GvCOp pic.twitter.com/up2vwXk2aQ
"Stitch In Time Saves 9": Kapil Sibal On Parties Changing Chief Ministers#WATCH "I've declined the offer (to be the next Punjab CM)...I believe #Punjab CM face should be a Sikh," says Congress MP Ambika Soni in Delhi pic.twitter.com/xPuPv9hvug
- ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2021
Capt Amarinder Singh is a popular leader. They've removed him because they were apprehensive that he was growing more popular than Sonia Gandhi & Rahul Gandhi. People who're stuck in such deep mess are questioning us. It's not worth reacting to them: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi pic.twitter.com/70fV6s2mBL
- ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2021
Punjab Congress Crisis, Amarinder Singh Successor May Be Announced Today Amid Flurry Of MeetingsPoll-bound Punjab will get a new Chief Minister today - a day after a "humiliated" Amarinder Singh resigned following a prolonged and bitter feud with Navjot Sidhu that has left the party fighting for survival in one of the few states it still rules."
Punjab | A decision will be taken in the next 2-3 hours:
- ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2021
Congress MLA Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on the announcement of new Punjab CM, in Chandigarh pic.twitter.com/9RqqwWVyhI
"Awaiting Sonia Gandhi's Orders" On New Chief Minister: Punjab MLAsCongress MLAs in Punjab reiterated that the decision over the prospective candidate for the post of Punjab Chief Minister lies in the hands of the party's high command."
कैप्टन साहब पार्टी के सम्मानित नेता हैं एवं मुझे उम्मीद है कि वो आगे भी पार्टी का हित आगे रखकर ही कार्य करते रहेंगे। pic.twitter.com/4bPmB4T3bP
- Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) September 19, 2021
Senior #PunjabCongress Leader Ambika Soni Refuses To Succeed Amarinder Singh, Say Sources
- NDTV (@ndtv) September 19, 2021
Live updates: https://t.co/sDhCuCT9It
NDTV's Mohammed Ghazali reports pic.twitter.com/H2mSzAlZrQ
Punjab | It all depends on the Congress high command. This is the prerogative of the high command. CLP meeting was held yesterday and a mandate has been given. There is no need for another meeting of the CLP: Congress MLA Pargat Singh, in Chandigarh pic.twitter.com/gkwWPTShAr
- ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2021
