'Bhaiya' remark: Channi says meant for AAP leaders, not migrant workers from UP & Bihar
Chandigarh, Feb 17: Under fire over his 'UP de bhaiye' remark, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday said his comment had been twisted and lauded migrants for their contribution to the state's development.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also came out in his defence, saying his remark was "misinterpreted".
Channi took to Twitter after coming under attack from several leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who referred to the remark at his election rally in Punjab's Abohar and in Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.
Gandhi said Channi's reference was towards Modi and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal.
Very clearly Channi ji's reference was towards Narendra Modi ji and (Arvind) Kejriwal ji and his clear reference was that there will be no one else's rule here. He said in Punjab, nobody from outside will rule here. What is wrong in that? she told reporters in Pathankot when asked about the remark.
With Gandhi by his side during an election roadshow in Rupnagar on Tuesday, Channi had asked people not to let the bhaiyas from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi enter the state.
The remark was apparently aimed at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, but bhaiya is considered a derogatory term for migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who work in Punjab.
The Punjab chief minister said his comment was directed at a few individuals causing disruption in the state.
My statement is being twisted since yesterday. The migrants have taken Punjab to the path of development with their hard work. They have always contributed towards development, he said in a video message on Twitter.
Our love for them is in our heart and nobody can take it out, he added.
Channi said his remark referred to AAP leaders like Arvind Kejriwal, Durgesh Pathak and Sanjay Singh, alleging that they come to the state from outside to create disturbance.
But for people from UP, Bihar, Rajasthan and other places who come to Punjab for work, Punjab is theirs as much as it is ours. Therefore, it is not correct to show this in a wrong manner. Migrants are dear to us, he said, adding that many people from Punjab also work in other states.
He then acknowledged the contribution of migrants in various fields in Punjab, asking them not to equate themselves with people like Kejriwal .
These people have come here to spread anarchy in the state whereas migrants come here for development, he said.
"My brothers & sisters from UP & Bihar have contributed towards building Punjab. We have been together for generations & I love & respect all of them like my own family members, Channi tweeted.
Earlier reacting to the 'bhaiya' remark, PM Modi said at his rally, The Congress always makes people of one region fight against another region for their own gain.
Union Power Minister R K Singh also hit out at Channi over the remark.
"It is downright shameful to make such a statement for people from other states. One thing is clear, Congress party has realised that it will have no relevance in UP and Bihar. And even in the case, they thought they will gain some political advantage, they will give statements that are not in national interest...??"
"Congress is marginalised in UP and Bihar and it is now going to disappear. And that is the reason they are giving statements like this," he said.
In Patna, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also slammed Channi.
"This is nonsense. I am appalled at how people can say such things. Does he not know how many people from Bihar live there (in Punjab) and how much they have served that land," he said.
In a video that surfaced on social media, Priyanka Gandhi was seen beside Channi, clapping when he made the remarks during the roadshow.
"Priyanka Gandhi is the daughter-in-law of Punjab," Channi had said, adding that "Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi de bhaiye" won't be allowed to enter the state.
AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal termed the comment "very shameful".
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CM Siddaramaiah justifies killing of Maoist leader in encounter
Bengaluru, Nov 20: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday appeared to justify the killing of Maoist leader Vikram Gowda in an encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), noting that he faced multiple criminal cases and also chose to ignore the government's direction to lay down arms and join the mainstream.
"There is a standing order. We have said that if they (Naxals) surrender they will be given all the facilities. He (Gowda) did not surrender. Kerala government had announced Rs 25 lakh reward on him, our government had announced Rs 5 lakh reward," Siddaramaiah said, in response to a question on some "intellectuals" expressing doubts about the encounter on Monday.
"You should appreciate it (the encounter). Should Naxalism remain or go?" he asked.
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Gowda (46) was killed in an alleged exchange of fire between the ANF and a group of Maoists near Peetebailu village in Kabbinale area near Hebri of Udupi district.
According to officials, he was one of the most wanted Maoist leaders from Karnataka, facing 61 cases, including murder and extortion, in the state and 19 in Kerala.
