Former Union minister Buta Singh's family wants Channi to be CM face

Chandigarh, Jul 10 (PTI) Former Union minister Buta Singh's family on Friday said that the Congress should declare Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi as its chief ministerial candidate ahead of the assembly polls due early next year. The request came before an expected meeting of the Channi camp with Congress general secretary in charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel, who is on a visit to the state to meet various leaders as the party prepares for the assembly polls. Late Buta Singh's son Sarabjot Singh and daughter Gurkirat Kaur called on former chief minister Channi at his residence. Both spoke to the media in Channi's presence. Kaur said in the previous elections, our demand was that the chief ministerial candidate should be from the Dalit community. "Even now we want to request Rahul Gandhi ji and the Congress that we want to see Charanjit Channi as the chief minister. The next year's elections should be fought under his leadership," she said. "We are providing him full support," she added. "It is ours and our community's feeling what we are sharing with you," she said. Buta Singh served as the country's home minister and was one of the tallest Dalit leaders from Punjab. Son Sarabjot Singh said, "We came to meet Channi ji and encourage him. In the coming time, if there is any future of Punjab, that is with Channi. There is great enthusiasm for Channi among people. We wish him good luck and we are with him. Whatever duty he assigns, our community is standing behind him like a strong pillar and we will ensure his grand victory." Amid the Punjab Congress leadership buzz, senior leaders considered close to Channi on Thursday relented and decided to meet Baghel. Jalandhar Cantt MLA Pargat Singh had said, "We will meet Baghel and present our views." The development comes days after Baghel, also the former chief minister of Chhattisgarh, began his five-day visit to Punjab on Monday. He has now extended his visit. Channi, who is said to be unhappy over not being appointed the state party president, along with leaders considered close to him, including Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Rana Gurjit, is yet to meet Baghel. Sources said that Channi, Sukhjinder Randhawa, and Rana Gurjit could be among the leaders to meet Baghel while state chief Amrinder Singh Warring is not going to be part of the meet. PTI SUN ZMN