Chandigarh, Sep 20: Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi was on Monday sworn in as chief minister of Punjab.

He is the first Dalit to hold this post in the state.

Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit administered oath to Channi at a ceremony held at the Raj Bhawan here.

Channi took oath in Punjabi.

The Congress on Sunday picked Channi as chief minister of Punjab after Amarinder Singh resigned from the post.

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Bidar: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed strong condemnation for the tragic murder of Neha Hiremath from Hubli and has assured speedy action against the accused through an expedited CID investigation.

Speaking to the media in Bidar today, the Chief Minister addressed the BJP's call for a CBI investigation, stating, "Did the BJP refer any cases to the CBI during their tenure? I have done so while in power. What moral authority do they have to demand it now? This should not be politicized." He further said that the accused has been already apprehended and that the CID is actively conducting investigations, with a charge sheet to be prepared soon.

Stern approach to justice, no political exploitation

CM Siddaramaiah urged other parties not to politicise Neha's murder, stressing the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring severe punishment for the guilty parties. "Neha's murder was an injustice, and we unequivocally condemn it. It should not be exploited for political gains," he asserted.

Modi's unfulfilled promises

Responding to criticism from Prime Minister Modi regarding the Congress manifesto's wealth redistribution plans, Siddaramaiah questioned Modi's track record of fulfilling promises, such as the infamous pledge of depositing 15 lakh rupees into each citizen's account and creating 2 crore jobs. He challenged whether Modi has effectively addressed the issue of rising essential commodity prices.

Continuation of muslim community reservation

Addressing Modi's remarks on Congress's proposed redistribution of reservation quotas to include the Muslim community, Siddaramaiah clarified that the 4% reservation for Muslims has been in place since 1994, based on the Chinnappa Reddy Commission's recommendation. He highlighted that despite challenges in the past, this reservation continues to be upheld, reaffirming the government's commitment to social justice.