‘Shocked’: NCW chief demands Channi’s resignation as Punjab CM over #Metoo case | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

‘Shocked’: NCW chief demands Channi’s resignation as Punjab CM over #Metoo case

Written by Sharangee Dutta | Edited by Meenakshi Ray, Hindustan Times, New Delhi
Sep 20, 2021 11:07 PM IST

NCW chief Rekha Sharma said she is “utterly disappointed” that Sonia Gandhi, Congress chief, being a woman herself, decided to appoint Charanjit Singh Channi as the new chief minister of Punjab.

The National Commission for Women or NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma has demanded the resignation of Charanjit Singh Channi, who on Monday took oath as the 16th chief minister of Punjab, over allegations of sexual harassment against him. Calling Channi’s appointment to be “shameful”, Sharma said the new chief minister needs to be held “accountable and should resign from the post.” “We do not want another woman to go through the same experience and endure the same harassment that the IAS officer would have faced,” the NCW chief added.

Charanjit Singh Channi (right), who took oath as the chief minister of Punjab on Monday, seen here with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (left). (Ravi Kumar/HT Photo)
Charanjit Singh Channi (right), who took oath as the chief minister of Punjab on Monday, seen here with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (left). (Ravi Kumar/HT Photo)

 

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The Indian Administrative Service officer accused Channi of sending inappropriate texts to her, but no formal complaint was registered and the issue was resolved following intervention by the former chief minister of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh. However, the case was reopened in June this year after Punjab Women Commission chairperson Manisha Gulati sought a reply from the Punjab government. This move became an issue within the state Congress circles with ministers supporting Channi calling it a ‘witch hunt’ by the Captain camp.

After Channi’s appointment, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) IT cell head mockingly said “well done, Rahul” to address Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He referred to the #Metoo allegations against Channi.

Also Read | #MeToo and illegal mining allegations cast a shadow

On Monday, Sharma said that she was shocked and “utterly disappointed” to find Channi being appointed to the top post of the state. “One can only imagine what would be the state of women's safety in [Punjab] given the one at the helm of affairs is himself accused of threatening women security,” she added.

The NCW chief also stated that if an IAS officer has been denied justice in the state, how can the ruling dispensation make sure that “common women” of Punjab would be safe. “Despite being a woman herself, the Congress chief (Sonia Gandhi) did not consider the #Metoo allegations made against Channi and appointed him the CM,” Sharma noted.

Earlier in the day, BJP’s Punjab in-charge Dushyant Kumar Gautam took a jibe at the Congress party, saying that the only reason they picked Channi is that they want to win Dalit votes. Channi has become the first Dalit leader to be appointed as the chief minister of Punjab. Punjab will go into the polls in 2022.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On