Politicians showing their true colours

As the election fever has gripped the state, 'turncoats' are showing their true colours. While it is common for office-bearers and activists of various parties to switch loyalty not once but repeatedly in return for small favours or future allurement, there have been some major shake-ups in the city's political scenario in the last few days. A veteran BJP leader Sat Pal Gosain, with more than 50 years' standing in the party, however, takes the cake by quitting the party and joining the Congress. He was having second thoughts over his decision whether true or false, is another story. Compared to Gosain, Congress councillors Hem Raj Aggarwal and Parminder Mehta have also raised a banner of revolt against the party leadership with the former announcing to contest as an independent candidate from Ludhiana North against official nominee Rakesh Pandey. How much damage these 'dal-badloos' could cause to the prospects of their respective parties in the election would be known only after the results are out.

Mood upbeat, courtesy Assembly polls

With Vidhan Sabha elections being round the corner, everyone - be it teenagers or the elderly- are seen excited. Recently during an awareness programme organised by the district administration, youngsters were upbeat. They were even seen discussing the issues concerning the state. "I am confident that elections this time are going to be quite interesting. Political parties are in an upbeat mood and people, especially youngsters, are very keen," said a resident after seeing youngsters during the awareness programme.

'Helpless, hapless police'

A few residents were heard discussing problems such as rising crime in the city. While one of them recounted increasing incidents of crime, including snatching, saying the police had been unable to curb such incidents, the other youngster started scoffing at him. He said the city police was helpless and hapless. "When the police can't even control a plastic kite-string from entering and being used in the city, do you expect it to be able to curb crime? People are on their own here and have to take care of themselves," said Indervir, a school boy.

Contributed by Kuldip Bhatia, Manav Mander, Gurvinder Singh