‘Drama’ for photo op

It was virtually amusing for all present in the recently held Mohali MC House meeting when local councillor Hadip Sarao entered the meeting hall in the garb of a bangle seller and offered bangles to the officials. Sarao claimed that he was miffed with the MC officials as they were virtually useless when it comes to public works. “So I am offering them bangles free of cost,” said Sarao. While the drama brought smile on the faces of all present on the occasion, it certainly upset MC Commissioner Bhupinderpal Singh and Mohali Mayor Kulwant Singh for obvious reasons. “He (Sarao) did the drama just to get himself clicked by photo journalists. Otherwise, there was not even an iota of truth in his claims”, said the Mayor later.

Making the most of the occasion

With the beginning of the nine-day Navratra festival, Ramlila is being staged in every sector of the city to sensitise audience to the mythological tale. However, Ramlila organisers are using every sort of trick to keep the audience hooked and earn money. At one of the Ramlilas staged in the city, the organiser was found telling the audience, “leaving Ramlila in between is a sin and don’t become a party to it.” Following this, some people who were about to leave the venue sat down. Another announcement was made by the organiser urging people to donate money.

Residents in a dilemma

Dasehra festival to be organised by two groups at two different grounds in Sector 5 has put the city residents in a dilemma as both of them are vying with each other to attract the people towards their camp. Hindu Dharam Sabha Shri Ram Temple, Sector 2, here, will burn two additional effigies depicting unhygienic conditions and crime against women, besides traditional effigies of Ravana, Meghnada and Kumbhakarna. Mata Mansa Devi Charitable Trust had installed the country’s tallest effigy of Ravana to attract people to its function. Both clubs are also vying with each other to invite dignitaries, including the Haryana Governor or the Haryana Chief Minister, for the function.

(Contributed by Akash Ghai, Naina Mishra and Sanjay Bumbroo)