Former Punjab chief minister and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi had a different schedule on Thursday. While senior Congress leaders gathered in New Delhi for a key Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Channi was at Panjab University in Chandigarh, appearing for his final examination in a Master’s in Public Administration.
The 63-year-old Congress leader is pursuing the postgraduate course alongside his political career. His examination, which was scheduled to continue until 12:30 pm, kept him away from the CWC meeting being held ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Channi arrived at the university with security personnel, who remained outside the examination centre while he wrote the paper with other students.
Channi Explains Absence From CWC Meeting
Channi’s absence from the Congress meeting had led to speculation within the party, particularly amid reports of differences between various factions of the Punjab Congress.
However, Channi has said that his absence was linked to his studies and not any political disagreement. He had informed the party leadership in advance that he would be appearing for his final examination.
Speaking about his studies, Channi said, “My examination is going on. It is my final examination in postgraduate studies in public administration.”
He also said he plans to continue his academic work after completing the course.
“I am going to do another PhD on public policy reforms,” Channi said.
According to Channi, his academic work is aimed at understanding and improving governance in Punjab. He said he is working on issues related to administrative and policy reforms so that the state can return to the path of development.
From Chief Minister To PhD Scholar
Channi’s academic record has continued to grow alongside his political career. He holds a BA and LLB from Panjab University, an MBA from IK Gujral Punjab Technical University and a master’s degree in political science from Panjab University.
In 2023, he completed a PhD in political science from Panjab University. His doctoral research focused on the Congress organisation and its electoral strategies in the Lok Sabha elections between 2004 and 2019.
The research also examined organisational conflicts and election strategies in states including Punjab and Rajasthan.
The subject had a direct connection with Channi’s own political career. He had risen through the Congress ranks, served as a legislator and minister and eventually became Punjab chief minister.
Channi’s Political Career
Channi became Punjab chief minister in September 2021 after Amarinder Singh was removed from the post. However, his tenure lasted only a few months before the 2022 Assembly elections.
The Congress suffered a major defeat in the election, with the Aam Aadmi Party forming the government. Channi also lost both seats he contested — Chamkaur Sahib and Bhadaur.
Following the defeat, Channi spent time in the United States while working on his doctoral research.
He made a political comeback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, winning the Jalandhar seat for the Congress.
Punjab Congress Faces Internal Differences
Channi’s absence from the CWC meeting comes as the Punjab Congress prepares for the 2027 Assembly elections while dealing with internal differences over leadership and strategy.
There has been speculation about dissatisfaction within the Channi camp over the continuation of Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as Punjab Congress president. Some of Channi’s recent absences from party events have also been linked by critics to these differences.
However, Channi has maintained that his studies were the reason for his absence.
Senior Congress leaders, including Punjab Congress leaders and MPs, attended the CWC meeting in Delhi. The meeting came as the party works on strengthening its organisation and preparing its strategy for the upcoming Punjab elections.
