Chandigarh: A video of former Punjab chief minister and MP Charanjit Singh Channi has surfaced amid an ongoing controversy over alleged lack of representation for Dalits in the Indian National Congress in Punjab. In the video, Channi is seen strongly questioning why key party positions are dominated by Jatt Sikh leaders, leaving Dalits without adequate representation.
The video, which emerged from a meeting of the Congress SC Cell held in Chandigarh recently, shows Channi in an aggressive tone. He is heard saying that if all important posts are held by Jatt Sikh leaders, Dalits are left with no space. Referring to Punjab’s demographics, Channi said Dalits account for around 35–38 per cent of the population, yet continue to be denied proportional representation in the party.
He further pointed out that the Punjab Congress president, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, the state women’s wing chief and the party’s general secretary all belong to upper castes. “Where should Dalits go? Where will these people go?” he asked during the meeting.
Channi’s remarks have sparked a sharp internal backlash, intensifying a Jatt Sikh versus Dalit debate within the Punjab Congress. Responding to his comments, the state Congress leadership countered that despite Channi losing Assembly elections from two seats, the party ensured his election as a Member of Parliament. They also highlighted that Channi is a member of the powerful Congress Working Committee and currently serves as chairman of the Lok Sabha’s agriculture committee.
Following the backlash, Channi released a separate video clarification, stating that as agriculture committee chairman, he had worked to raise farmers’ issues. He reiterated that Punjab’s progress depends on fair representation for all sections of society within the party. However, he denied making any direct remarks targeting Jatt Sikhs, insisting that his statement was aimed solely at ensuring inclusive representation.
