His appearance in the exam would not have been noticed had he not skipped the CWC meeting that too at a time when he is leading a rebellion against Punjab Congress Committee president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and is seeking his removal.

Channi claimed that he had already sought exemption from attending the meeting, which according to him, is held every month, so that he did not miss the exam that is understandably held after every six months.

Interestingly, his examination and the CWC dates did not clash. While the CWC meeting was scheduled on August 19, his examination was on August 20. He could have attended the meeting and travelled to Chandigarh for the exam the next day.

It is not that he had to study everything just a day before to pass the examination. Obviously, Channi did "mark his absence" from the CWC meeting with a clear message and also got away with it using the excuse of having to take an exam the next day.

According to Channi, he is studying for master's degree in public administration and wants to pursue a doctorate in the same subject with specialisation in police and administrative reforms. He claims that he wants to bring such reforms in Punjab after studying these extensively and thoroughly with "in depth" research that a doctorate degree requires one to do.

Channi is already a doctorate in political science having written his thesis on the Indian National Congress. He was awarded the PhD degree in political science by Panjab University in 2023. Besides, he holds an LLB and an MBA degree also.

Normally people in public life, particularly someone like Channi, who has remained a chief minister, do not pursue certificate oriented "academics". PhD is serious study people from different walks of life pursue. But they take special study leave as it requires a lot of time and thorough research. Being in public life as a former chief minister and sitting MP, who is also chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, requires a lot of time that would hardly leave any scope for the PhD study.

Channi's reason that he wants to initiate police and administrative reforms in Punjab for which he is pursuing the masters which will be followed by PhD in public administration sounds unconvincing. Once someone is in a position as that of the chief minister and who aspires to the position once more, he is not required to do such a deep study himself. For such reforms, expert committees are set up with highly specialised professionals who make their recommendations. For such reforms it is not that the governments require someone to do a PhD.

Channi as an aspiring individual is entitled to his academic pursuits. But as a public figure, who has risen to become the chief minister of a state and is currently representing the Jalandhar parliamentary constituency, taking the university exams sounds "unconventional". Besides, he is currently assigned with the duty of the chairman of the Congress Campaign Committee in Punjab, where the assembly elections are due within less than six months.

By choosing to opt for academics at a time when he is already engaged with more important things like being an MP, Channi has not shown any seriousness about the positions he is holding and is keen to hold. Popular leaders and brilliant administrators do not need academic degrees to improve their knowledge. Public figures are better taught on the ground and they learn it better while slogging it out every day, than by turning the pages of a "text book".

With all respect for the choice and judgement of Channi to pursue a master's degree and then a doctorate in public administration when he is already in the thick of public life, sounds a bit odd.

Chief ministers and parliamentarians are better seen among the masses and in the legislatures than sitting in the examination halls competing with other young students.