Rahul also recalled the first meeting between him and Navjot Sidhu and his first impression.

(file photo)

Punjab Assembly Elections

: 

leader

on Sunday (February 06) announced that

would be the Congress chief ministerial candidate in Punjab.

Before announcing it at a rally in Ludhiana, Rahul Gandhi praised both the top contenders Navjot Singh Sidhu and Charanjit Singh Channi.

Rahul also recalled the first meeting between him and Navjot Sidhu and his first impression about him.

He said, "Do you know when I met Navjot Sidhu for the first time? Even he doesn't remember... It's been 40 years. When he met me he didn't even know he was Meeting Rahul Gandhi." 

Rahul Gandhi then elaborated on his first impression during a "cricket match".

He said, "Then I was in Doon School. Today is Sunday, that day was also Sunday. Yadvendra Public School had come to play cricket match in our school. We were sitting outside the ground. Navjot Sidhu was the opening bowler. A friend of mine told Told me that he is Navjot Singh Sidhu and he is a fast bowler. 6 wickets in 130 runs, Doon School was all out in an hour or two.

Punjab: Charanjit Singh Channi touched Navjot Sidhu's feet, gave a message from the stage

He said, "When it came to his team's turn to bat, Sidhu was the only opener. I was like, 'So, he is both a bowler and a batsman'. He then scored 98 runs. The same day From what I know this man has perseverance." 

Earlier in Ludhiana, it was seen that former Punjab Congress President Sunil Jakhar was driving the vehicle in which Rahul Gandhi was coming to the rally venue, while Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Navjot Singh Sidhu were sitting in the back of the car.

This is being seen as an attempt to show solidarity within the party.

Charanjit Singh Channi will be Congress's CM candidate in Punjab, announced by Rahul Gandhi

Before announcing the name of the chief ministerial candidate, Sidhu said, "He is a lover of Punjab" and does not want anything in return.

He said, "I don't want anything. I want the welfare of Punjab. I have already promised that I agree with whatever decisions Rahul Gandhi will take."

Announcing the election for the chief minister's post, Rahul Gandhi said, "It is Punjab's decision, it is not my decision."

The state goes to the polls on February 20, while the counting of votes is on March 10.

Video: Charanjit Singh Channi is the face of Congress's CM post, Navjot Singh Sidhu's spirit is broken