Punjab CM Channi meets PM Modi, asks to repeal farm laws

Channi, who took over the Punjab chief minister succeeding Captain Amarinder Singh, met the prime minister for the first time on Friday after taking over the post.

Channi said the talks were positive.

"It was also a curtsy call, I had a long chat, and the talks were conducive. Because it was the first meeting, there was no agenda, yet I put forward three points," Channi said.

He said he urged the prime minister to repeal the farm laws, and said that the PM listened to him carefully.

"Agriculture is our main source of living in Punjab, I urged him to finish this row over the three farm laws. He listened to me carefully and said he also wants the matter to be resolved. I urged him to resume talks with the farmers. I asked him to repeal all three laws," he said.

"Punjab can progress only when agriculture is prosperous. Punjab has always stood for India, its freedom, and unity, so Punjab should be kept away from such matters and it should be resolved," he said.

He also urged the Prime Minister to restart talks with the agitating farmer groups.

The issue of procurement of paddy in Punjab was also raised.

"It is a current issue as the procurement season is starting in Punjab," Channi said.

"It usually starts from October 1, but it was postponed to October 10. Procurement has never been postponed before... I have requested him to start it soon," said Channi, adding that the prime minister assured him that the issue would be resolved.

Channi also demanded reopening the Kartarpur Corridor which connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan to the border with India.

"The India-Pakistan corridor has been shut because of COVID, I asked the PM to re-open it so that pilgrims can visit," he said.

Channi's visit to Delhi comes a day after he held a meeting with Navjot Singh Sidhu, who had resigned from his post as the state Congress chief. Party leaders said their differences were resolved in the meeting.

Channi will also meet Congress leaders during his visit.