Punjab’s former Chief Minister and Congress MP from Jalandhar Charanjit Singh Channi has once again found himself at the center of a controversy — this time for making derogatory remarks about women during an election rally. Intervening swiftly, the Punjab State Women’s Commission on Monday issued a notice to Channi after his comments sparked outrage across political circles and among women’s rights groups.
Notably, Channi, while campaigning for Congress candidate Amrita Warring in Gidderbaha, shared a story that many found deeply offensive. He compared the relationships between a Brahmin’s dog and a Jat’s dog, making inappropriate references to women by describing them as “dogs’ wives”. He further likened the situation to the BJP and AAP, accusing both parties’ leaders of being more concerned about their own “respect” than addressing people’s concerns.
Punjab women’s panel, exercising its powers under Section 10 of the Punjab State Women Commission Act, 2001, issued a notice to Channi and summoned him to appear in person on November 19 to explain his remarks. The Commission condemned Channi’s comments, stating that they were not only offensive to women but also divisive in nature, attempting to create rifts between different communities in Punjab.
This is not the first time Channi has found himself in hot water for his controversial statements. In 2018, he faced a major scandal when he was accused of sending inappropriate messages to a female IAS officer, for which he later apologized. More recently, during the Jalandhar West by-election, Channi’s posters featuring him in a controversial pose with a woman sparked further criticism. Additionally, a viral video showed Channi inappropriately touching Akali Dal leader Bibi Jagir Kaur, which led to public outrage.
The latest controversy has drawn sharp reactions from political leaders. BJP Punjab Mahila Morcha president Jai Inder Kaur condemned Channi’s remarks, calling them a clear reflection of his “low mentality” towards women. She criticized his comments for being disrespectful not only to women but also to Jats and Brahmins, accusing him of attempting to play divisive politics. Jai Inder has urged the Election Commission and the Women’s Commission to take strict action against Channi.
AAP’s Gidderbaha candidate Hardeep Singh ‘Dimpy’ Dhillon, also denounced Channi’s comments, particularly highlighting the fact that Amrita Warring, a female candidate, was present during the rally when Channi made the remarks. Dhillon called for immediate action against Channi, stating that such language has no place in modern politics.
