Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi said that his remarks about ‘UP, Bihar ke bhaiya‘ were misconstrued and added that he was talking about people who come from outside and create disruptions in Punjab.

“I was talking about people who come from outside and create disruptions here. Punjab is as much of the people of UP-Bihar, Rajasthan, and elsewhere, who come here and work, as much as it is ours. So, it is not right to present it in any other manner,” Channi said.

In a clarification, Channi said that all the migrant workers, laborers who have come to Punjab have taken the state on a path of development and added that ‘we have only love for them’.

Priyanka by his side, Channi asks voters to not let ‘bhaiyas’ enter Punjab

Addressing a rally in poll-bound Punjab, Charanjit Singh Channi, on Wednesday appealed to Punjab voters to not let ‘UP, Bihari bhaiyas to enter Punjab’. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was accompanying Channi at the rally was seen smiling and applauding as he urged voters to vote for Congress.

Channi’s remarks against Biharis and UPites drew flak from his political opposition and the Bharatiya Janata Party demanded his apology for insulting the people of UP and Bihar. On Thursday, PM Narendra Modi also slammed Charanjit Singh Channi for his remark on ‘bhaiyas‘ from UP, Bihar; and said that Guru Gobind Singh, Guru Ravidas were also born outside Punjab.

Punjab goes to the polls in a single phase on February 20. Results for Punjab Assembly elections 2022 will be declared on March 10.