Charanjit Channi kicks off 'Jawani Sambhal' cycle yatra, Warring remains absent

Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has started his eight-day 'Jawani Sambhal' cycle yatra from Sri Chamkaur Sahib. Party's state in-charge Sachin Pilot flagged off the convoy and claimed that the Congress will return to power after the 2027 assembly elections.

Punjab Pradesh Congress new president Pargat Singh, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, MLA Rana Gurjit Singh and MPs Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Dr Amar Singh were present on the occasion. Channi said that this is not his personal campaign but a joint program of the entire party, which will be completed in four phases.

Amidst efforts by the Congress to show unity, the absence of former state president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring remained the center of political discussion. After the recent organizational reshuffle, claims were being made about all leaders coming together, but no reason has come forward from the party regarding Warring not coming.

Addressing the gathering, Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that a true leader is one who takes everyone along. This comment of his is being linked to the internal tussle going on within the party.

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party has raised questions on the campaign. AAP leader related to Chamkaur Sahib constituency Jasbir Singh Garhi claimed that the purchase of around 2,000 cycles cost around Rs 1 crore and the details of bills and tax regarding this should be made public. No reaction has come from Channi on this matter yet.

The first phase of the yatra has reached Samrala. According to the party program, this campaign will go to Payal constituency on November 19, where former MLA Lakhvir Singh Lakha held a meeting with workers and chalked out the outline of preparations.

Key developments

• Charanjit Singh Channi started an eight-day 'Jawani Sambhal' yatra from Sri Chamkaur Sahib.
• The campaign was launched in the presence of Punjab affairs in-charge Sachin Pilot.
• New state president Pargat Singh and Partap Bajwa participated, but Amarinder Singh Raja Warring remained absent.
• AAP leader Jasbir Singh Garhi demanded to make public the purchase and tax details of the cycles.