Why everyone has a problem if a 'gareeb' man travels in a private jet: CM Channi on Delhi trip controversy

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 22

A day after his jet ride to Delhi evoked sharp criticism from Opposition parties, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday defended the trip.

Also read: 'Private jet not an aam aadmi's ride'; SAD takes a dig at Punjab Congress as new CM, Sidhu fly to Delhi

After visiting Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Amritsar, when questioned, the Chief Minister said: "What is the problem with everyone if a 'gareeb' (poor man) takes a jet ride?"

He, however, did not respond when asked about who would foot the bill for the ride.

The SAD had taken a jibe at the CM, PCC chief Navjot Sidhu and Deputy CMs for taking a private jet to Delhi to meet the Congress high command.

Former chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh's media adviser Raveen Thukral had also taken a dig at the new CM. 

"Wow….what a ‘gareeban di sarkar’! A 16-seater Learjet to ferry 4 people when a 5-seater official chopper was available. I’m now beginning to feel I sleepwalked through the last 4 & a half years, believing Punjab to be in a fiscal mess. My bad (sic)!," he tweeted.