August 17, 2026 10:14 am (IST)
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Charanjit Singh Channi
My comment has been twisted: Charanjit Channi clarifies 'UP, Bihar De Bhaiye' remark
New Delhi/IBNS: Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who is facing a huge backlash over his "UP, Bihar de bhaiye" remark ahead of assembly elections in the state, Thursday clarified that his statement was twisted and misrepresented.
"I only meant people like Durgesh Pathak, Sanjay Singh and Arvind Kejriwal (Aam Aadmi Party leaders) who come from outside and cause disruptions," Channi said in a video statement in response to spiralling criticism.
"Since yesterday my statement has been twisted. Those who have shed their blood and sweat for Punjab' progress, we have a bond of love with them and nothing can take them out of our hearts," said the Chief Minister.
In a video that was widely circulated, Channi, standing beside Congress top leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, said during a roadshow, "Priyanka Gandhi is Punjab's daughter-in-law, she is the bahu of Punjabis. Bhaiyas from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi cannot come here and rule. We will not allow UP bhaiyas to stray into Punjab."
Besides the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also hit out at his other opponent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is one of the strongest contenders in this year's election.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi slammed Channi too over the remark.
"What the Congress Chief Minister said here, on which the family from Delhi was clapping, the entire country has seen," Modi said addressing a rally ahead of Sunday voting.
"Where was saint Ravidas born? In Uttar Pradesh, in Varanasi. Will you throw out saint Ravidas from Punjab? Where was Guru Govind Singh born? In Patna Sahib, in Bihar. Will you throw Guru Govind Singh out of Punjab? People of such a divisive mentality should not be allowed to rule Punjab even for one moment," he added.
"Where was saint Ravidas born? In Uttar Pradesh, in Varanasi. Will you throw out saint Ravidas from Punjab? Where was Guru Govind Singh born? In Patna Sahib, in Bihar. Will you throw Guru Govind Singh out of Punjab? People of such a divisive mentality should not be allowed to rule Punjab even for one moment," he added.
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