In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, Balwinder Kaur, mother of jailed MP Amritpal Singh, thanked Congress’ Lok Sabha MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi for raising the issue of injustice faced by her son. Amritpal Singh, chief of ‘Waris Punjab De,’ has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA). Kaur emphasized the importance of speaking out against injustice and urged for her son’s release. “We thank Channi ji for raising the issue of all the injustice that is being done to Punjab. I would like to tell everyone that wherever any injustice is taking place, they should speak up. The NSA has invoked action against him and he should be released. We thank Channi Ji for raising his voice for the truth,” she said. Amritpal’s father, Tarsem Singh, echoed her sentiments and called on other members of Parliament to advocate for Punjab’s rights, especially in light of recent budget decisions.
On Thursday, Charanjit Singh Channi’s remarks in the Lok Sabha sparked significant controversy. He alleged an “undeclared emergency” under the BJP-led government, claiming that the free speech of Amritpal Singh was being stifled through the NSA. The statement drew sharp criticism from BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala, who questioned Rahul Gandhi on the matter. “Congress MP and Former Punjab CM Channi bats for radical pro-Khalistan separatist Amritpal Singh. Is this Jai Sanvidhan? Batting for separatist who wants tukde tukde of India? Rahul ji must answer – the idea of Khalistan that caused the assassination of PM Indira ji is being hailed,” he said.
In response to Channi’s statements, the Indian National Congress quickly distanced itself, clarifying that his views do not reflect the party’s position. Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh took to social media platform X to state, “The views expressed by Charanjit Singh Channi on Amritpal Singh are his own, and do not reflect in any way the position of the Indian National Congress.” This clarification aimed to mitigate any perceived endorsement of Channi’s remarks within the party.
