Punjab's State Commission for Women seeks a probe into a video that had been surfacing on the internet, showing Congress leader and former CM Charanjit Singh Channi touching the chin of Jagir Kaur, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader, and the former and first female head of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Kaur came out in support of Channi, citing, that the gesture was done respectfully and that she did not feel/find anything 'inappropriate' in it.
Kaur met Channi while he filed his Lok Sabha nomination papers in Jalandhar, as she was accompanying Akali Dal nominee Mohinder Singh Kaypee.
After a video clip circulated widely on social media, the chairperson of the state women's commission took suo-motu action and urged the Punjab director general of police to provide a status report by Tuesday. Before touching Kaur's chin, the Congress leader was seen holding her hands and bowing down before her.
Further clarifying, Kaur stated, "On May 10, when we went to submit the nomination papers of Kay Pee, Channi was there with his family. In a cordial atmosphere, everyone exchanged greetings, Mr. Channi humbly greeted me and showed his respect. In this pleasant and respectful atmosphere, Mr Channi also touched my chin gently. I perceive all these events as respectful and harmonious."
Political opponents of the Congress leader though mocked him for the gesture, terming it a 'disrespectful' action towards a Sikh woman.
MLA Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary from Phillaur called for action against the former CM, alleging his disrespectful behavior towards a Sikh woman. Chaudhary urged legal action under Sections 295A and 354A, citing religious sentiment hurt and outrage of a woman's dignity.
Earlier, Channi also drew criticism for his remark over the recent attack on an IAF convoy, that took place in the Shaistar area of the Poonch district.
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