Caught in the #MeToo storm, pressure is building on a Punjab cabinet minister Charanjit Singh Channi to step down. A senior IAS officer has alleged that he had sent her “inappropriate” messages late in the night.
The Opposition today demanded his resignation. Senior AICC members are learnt to have spoken to Punjab Congress leaders and conveyed the displeasure of party chief Rahul Gandhi.
The minister, not known for his “allegiance to the CM”, had earlier been accused of being involved with the sand mafia. At a Cabinet meeting recently, he and one of his colleagues had spoken against the CM over “inaction” against the Akalis on the sacrilege issue.
Sources said the minister had two months ago sent a couplet to the woman, commenting on her looks. The officer complained to Capt Amarinder Singh, pointing out that the minister had harassed her earlier when she was posted in his district.
The CM said the matter had been taken “very seriously” and to the best of his knowledge resolved to the officer’s satisfaction