Buttressing his “local” tag claim, former Chief Minister and Congress candidate from the Jalandhar Lok Sabha seat Charanjit Singh Channi has been highlighting during his meetings and campaigns his familial ties to Jalandhar and the presence of his ancestral shrine “Jathere” (a shrine constructed to commemorate common clan ancestors) in the district. Channi, who used to contest from Chamkaur Sahib in Ropar district, is being targeted as an “outsider” by opposition leaders.
During an event organized by local Congress leaders, Channi reiterated his bonds with Jalandhar. “Our Jathere is in Jalandhar, and people here are like my relatives. I am committed to staying at my home in Jalandhar.”
Channi on Wednesday visited his ancestral shrine in Jaitewali village of Jalandhar. He expressed his gratitude for being called upon by his Jathere to contest the elections, considering it a significant honor. MLA Sukhwinder Singh Kotli from the Adampur constituency accompanied Channi, who also paid his respects at several other religious sites, including Gurdwara Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji in Jaitewali, and sought blessings at the shrine of Bhagat Shah Ji Kulli Wale Mast Kalander, where he received blessings from Baba Krishan Murari Shah Ji.
Meanwhile, Channi targeted AAP candidate Pawan Kumar Tinu, highlighting Tinu’s association with the BSP and the SAD. “In BSP, Tinu identified himself closely with Kanshi Ram. Later, he switched over to the SAD and served as an MLA twice. Tinu’s tendency to switch parties reflects his lack of a firm stance,” Channi said.
Channi criticized the AAP government for allegedly neglecting funding for important initiatives taken by the Congress government for the development of the Dera Sach Khand Ballan, the largest Dera of the Ravidassia community.
He also criticized BJP candidate Sushil Kumar Rinku, accusing him of lacking significant achievements during his tenure and switching parties.
