Regional journal: Consensus on Channi?

Punjab Congress factions have begun efforts to bury the hatchet. The anti-Raja Warring camp recently held a closed-door meeting at the house of a senior Doaba MLA to pick a consensus leader to “push” for the change of guard in the PCC. After two hours, over a dozen leaders decided to project former CM Charanjit Channi as their leader. His acceptability among the party brass in Delhi and his popularity at home sealed the choice. The question is, will the transition be smooth?

Himachal CS wants a job

Uncertainty surrounds the future of Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena as his six-month extension, granted after his March 31 retirement, ends this month. Saxena has applied for the post of Chairman of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission, but insiders believe another extension is possible. A case challenging his extension is pending in the High Court. Many juniors hope he exits, opening up the top administrative post.

Mann’s family silent

While Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s wife, mother and sister remain active in public life, their absence during the recent floods has raised eyebrows. Despite widespread damage across the state, none visited flood-affected areas. Mann himself was hospitalised, but his family members again maintained silence.

Student leads relief

Hit by floods, Punjab saw the government, Bollywood personalities, Punjabi singers, NGOs and others chipping in for relief work. Yet, the initiative of school student Dishta Sarin stood out. She gathered a sum of Rs 2.5 lakh by hosting a tea party for about 700 fellow students. Her innovative effort has earned praise across the community.

Himachal Congress setback

Although the Congress won all five Assembly seats in Solan district, only one party-supported candidate won the director's election of a cooperative bank. Barring Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi, none of the four MLAs could muster support for their candidates. Senior minister DR Shandil 's two candidates also lost. While the BJP was jubilant, ruling party leaders were unfazed at the loss, as they could grab the chairman's post on the strength of nominated directors.

Contributed by Rajmeet Singh, Pratibha Chauhan, Archit Watts, Neeraj Bagga and Ambika Sharma