Channi extends support to Congress

Chandigarh : Independent legislator from Chamkaur Sahib Charanjit Singh Channi extended support to the Congress along with a large number of his supporters at a function held at Punjab Congress Bhawan here today under the chairmanship of Pradesh Congress president Amarinder Singh. The occasion also saw Shinghara Ram, two-time MLA from Garhshankar, and Gurkirat Singh Thuhi, a close associate of the late Capt Kanwaljit Singh, joining the Congress. Talking to reporters Channi said he had extended support to the Congress as he believed in the policies of the party as well as the steadfast leadership of Amarinder Singh. Thuhi said there was a sense of neglect among the SAD rank and file, particularly the supporters of the late Capt Kanwaljit Singh, and they would be joining the Congress soon. The PCC President said everyone who had extended support or joined the Congress today had done so unconditionally.“Everybody is welcome to join the Congress unconditionally as long as he or she subscribes to the party’s policies and principles,” he said. His aide and Dhuri Congress leader Gurjeet Singh Jawanda said more Akali leaders would be joining the Congress in the near future. To a question whether Channi, who is the sitting MLA from Chamkaur Sahib, had been assured the party ticket, Amarinder Singh said it was too early to say and it had always been the prerogative of the party high command to nominate candidates for the elections. The PCC president clarified that no meeting was convened or conducted by Congress President Sonia Gandhi in connection with the economic situation in the state in New Delhi. He said the Congress President met the Punjab Congress delegates like those from other states for a photo session only after the conclusion of the 83rd plenary session of the party.