Chandigarh [India], February 18 (ANI): Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday clarified his 'UP-Bihar Ke bhaiya' remark and said that his statement was being misconstrued.

Channi highlighted that all migrant workers who came to Punjab till date have toiled and taken it on the path to development.

Also Read | Bengaluru Shocker: HIV Positive Man Forces Wife Into Unprotected Sex for Leaving Him; Case Registered.

"My statement is being misconstrued. All migrant workers who came to Punjab till date, have toiled and taken it on the path to development. We have only love for them, nobody can change it," he said.

The Chief Minister in poll-bound Punjab highlighted that he was talking about people who come from outside and create disruptions here.

Also Read | ‘Firozabad Glass Bangle’ Industry Struggles to Recover Post-COVID-19, Hopes Next Govt to Reopen Shut Factories.

"I was talking about people who come from outside and create disruptions here. Punjab is as much of the people of UP-Bihar, Rajasthan and elsewhere, who come here and work, as much as it is ours. So, it is not right to present it in any other manner," said Congress leader.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hit out at the Congress over Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi's 'UP, Bihar ke bhaiya' remark and said that the party always pits people of one region against another.

Addressing an election rally in Abohar, PM Modi also said that the BJP government will assure the security and development of Punjab.

On Wednesday, Charanjit Singh Channi, while addressing a roadshow, said, "Do not let UP and Bihar ke bhaiya enter Punjab". While he made the remark, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi could be seen standing by him smiling and applauding.

Notably, Punjab will go to the Assembly polls on February 20 and the counting of votes will take place on March 10. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)