PUNJAB’S PEOPLE READY TO BRING CONGRESS BACK TO POWER: CHARANJIT SINGH CHANNI BABA BAKALA SAHIB, PUNJAB

August 28, 2026

Former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament, Charanjit Singh Channi, launched a scathing attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government during a massive Congress party rally held on the occasion of Rakhar Punia at Baba Bakala Sahib. Paying obeisance at the sacred land of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib, Channi extended his warm greetings to the people of the state on the holy festival of Raksha Bandhan.

Addressing a vast gathering of supporters, Channi declared that the people of Punjab have made up their minds to oust the current regime and bring the Congress party back to power to ensure good governance and administrative stability. Highlighting public sentiment, he remarked, “People attend Congress rallies like a joyous wedding celebration, whereas they gather at AAP events like a mourning feast (bhog).”

Severe Indictment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann

Mr. Channi launched a direct and aggressive attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of hurting religious sentiments and challenging the supreme authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He asserted that the Sikh community and the people of Punjab would never tolerate a leader who lacks reverence for religious institutions and the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Channi further alleged that the Chief Minister has failed to keep his public vow—made by swearing on his mother—to quit alcohol, continuing to show disrespect inside the state’s Vidhan Sabha and holy shrines. Despite branding himself as the “son of a farmer and a teacher,” Mann’s administration has resorted to the police brutality of beating protesting farmers and teachers, he added.

Allegations of Systemic Corruption and Extortion

The former Chief Minister alleged that the Chief Minister’s official residence has transformed into a “hub of corruption.” He claimed that official appointments are dictated directly from the CM’s house and that the Chief Minister’s family is deeply entrenched in corrupt practices, systematically looting Punjab and laundering money to Canada and Australia. Citing a specific judicial allegation, Channi claimed that an amount of five crore rupees was exchanged to hush up two rape cases, with testimonies already recorded by the victim in the High Court.

Direct Rule from Delhi and Deteriorating Law & Order

Targeting AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Channi stated that Punjab is not being governed from Chandigarh, but is instead being remotely controlled by Delhi. He alleged that AAP leaders from Delhi shadow Punjab cabinet ministers and report every movement back to Kejriwal.

Criticizing the state’s deteriorating administrative framework, Channi pointed out:

• Lawlessness: Gangsters are operating with impunity, openly demanding extortion and ransom money across the state.
• Unchecked Drug Epidemic: Narcotics have become easily accessible at every doorstep, completely destroying the youth of Punjab.
• Financial Irregularities: Channi questioned major discrepancies in public procurement, citing that an MRI machine was purchased in Faridkot for 29 crore rupees, whereas the same machine was procured by PGI for 19 crore rupees. He also questioned the disappearance of state mining revenues over the past three and a half years.

A Contrast in Governance

Contrasting the current administration with his own brief three-month tenure as Chief Minister, Channi reminded the public of pro-people initiatives enacted under his leadership, including reducing fuel prices, waiving electricity and water bills, and extending financial support to religious bodies. He criticized the current government for its hypocrisy, noting that AAP even backed out of a formal legislative resolution demanding the prestigious Bharat Ratna for legendary martyr Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
The high-profile rally was also addressed by senior Congress leaders, including MLA Santokh Singh Bhulaipur and Sukhjinder Singh Sukhi Randhawa, alongside other prominent party figures.