On September 20, 2021, Charanjit Singh Channi, 58, took oath as the Chief Minister of Punjab, becoming the first from the Scheduled Caste community to hold the top post in the State. Since then, there has been no looking back for the soft-spoken leader, who has been demonstrating his assertive leadership style within the Congress and in State politics.
Mr. Channi was among the Congress leaders in Punjab who revolted against the former Chief Minister, Captain (retired) Amarinder Singh. While he may not have expected then to succeed Mr. Singh as Chief Minister, Mr. Channi, who comes from rural Punjab with a humble background, has been working to establish himself as the leader of the common man after assuming office. He has danced with the youth to Bhangra beats, stepped out of his cavalcade to greet a newly wedded couple, and visited the families of the farmers who lost their lives during the agitation against the controversial farm laws. Through these and other attempts, he is trying to give the impression that he is accessible and approachable, unlike his predecessor.
