Drawing fire over ‘UP, Bihar ke Bhaiya’ remark, CM Channi says ‘his words twisted’

New Delhi: Drawing immense criticism over his jibe at residents of UP & Bihar, the Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday clarified that his comments were taken out of context and it was not meant for outsiders.

Punjab CM has been in the line of fire ever since he made objectionable comments against migrant population in Punjab. The incumbent CM, who is also Congress face for top post, has been roasted left, right & centre by all political rivals including the Prime Minister. PM Modi, at a rally today slammed CM Channi for making ‘divisive statements’ and said that any state can’t afford to have such leaders at the helm.

“My statement is being distorted. All the migrants who have come to Punjab have put their sweat and blood into the development of the state,” Charanjit Singh Channi said. “I have a close relationship with them [migrants],” Channi said.

My statement was only directed at few individuals causing disruption in the State, but it was twisted. My brothers & sisters from UP & Bihar have contributed towards building Punjab. We have been together for generations & I love & respect all of them like my own family members. pic.twitter.com/CLzpzLqkVr

— Charanjit S Channi (@CHARANJITCHANNI) February 17, 2022

In a video released by the party, he says that his remark has been misconstrued. He added that he had immense respect for the migrants as they ‘put their blood & sweat’ in building Punjab.

The Chief Minister further said that he was referring to AAP leaders, who have ‘dumped’ Delhi & made their base in Punjab and also added that he had nothing against the migrant population of Bihar & UP.

How the storm over ‘Bhaiya’ remark blew up

On Wednesday, Charanjit Channi stoked a controversy by saying ‘do not let UP & Bihar ke bhaiya enter Punjab’. While he made the remarks, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi could be seen standing cheering & clapping.

मंच से पंजाब के मुख्यमंत्री यूपी, बिहार वालों को अपमानित करते हैं और प्रियंका वाड्रा बगल में खड़े हो कर हंस रही है, तालियाँ बजा रही हैं…

ऐसे करेगी कांग्रेस यूपी और देश का विकास? लोगों को आपस में लड़ा कर? pic.twitter.com/h6TtmvqgZQ

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 16, 2022