Punjab CM's stand on 'security threat' to PM Modi worked, claims Congress survey

Rajmeet Singh

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 10

The recent narrative of “custodian of Punjabiat” and “protector of farmers” set by Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi to counter BJP’s charge of “security threat” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems to have been working to the advantage of the Punjab Congress.

The CM’s response to PM Modi’s “say thanks to your CM that I could return alive to Bathinda airport” jibe seems to have been taken positively on the ground as is reflected in a recent survey — with a sample size of 25,000 persons — carried out in different urban and rural areas by the party. The feedback survey indicates a jump in the percentage of people supporting the Congress because of Channi’s line of action, irrespective of caste or religion. Insiders point out CM Channi managed to puncture the BJP’s narrative set around the Modi’s brand image and silence his critics within the party. A senior AICC leader pointed out Channi, while apologising for the episode and saying PM’s security was of “utmost concern” for him and that he would “shed his blood” to save the PM, made people see the reason, as he made it a point to reach out to protesting employees and BJP workers at different points during his travel.

“Earlier, it was farmers versus BJP. Now, it is ‘Punjab versus BJP’,” pointed out a leader involved in party’s war room strategy. By terming BJP’s narrative of threat to the PM an attack on ‘Punjabiat’, the Congress has made it “Punjab versus BJP”. The leaders pointed out by standing by the protesting farmers and stating he could not order lathicharge or opening of fire at his own people, CM Channi seemed to have turned the tables on the BJP.

This may have a bearing on the tussle between PCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and CM Channi over the party’s CM face, though the party has announced it will go into the elections under Sidhu, Channi and Sunil Jakhar.