Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who shared the stage with Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and cheered him on, has been slammed for dubbing herself “UP ki Beti” and sought votes in the state, triggering a tremendous backlash. Gandhi is also the Congress’s in-charge of the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Attacking Channi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said: “Do they know how much is the contribution of people of Bihar in Punjab and how many are living (there)?… I am stunned how people make such statements.”
The Shiv Sena, a Congress partner in Maharashtra, mirrored his sentiments, with leader Priyanka Chaturvedi telling Channi to “look about him.” “Political parties in UP&Bihar have failed the people, which is why those who have a choice migrate.” Indians who desire to travel overseas are in the same boat. Successive governments have been unable to provide them with opportunity and jobs. “However, when they are in other states, they are economic contributors,” she tweeted.
“Look around you,” Chaturvedi continued, “they are your unorganised and sometimes inexpensive labour, they are your service providers, they are your businesspeople, entrepreneurs, legislators, and bureaucrats.” They’re Indians, first and foremost. Stop making fun of them.”
The Punjab chief minister sparked a controversy on Wednesday when he remarked during an election rally: “Priyanka Gandhi is Punjab’s daughter-in-law.” Bhaiyyas from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi seek to rule Punjab. We are not going to let them win.” For the Punjab elections on February 20, Channi is the Congress party’s Chief Ministerial candidate.
Several parties have condemned the Congress’s comments, including the BJP, AAP, and the Bahujan Samaj Party.
When confronted, Channi tried to emphasise that his remarks were directed at the Aam Aadmi Party, not a specific set of individuals.
