Regional journal: Village vibes at Speaker’s house

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and his wife Gurpreet Kaur hosted a vibrant Teej celebration at their bungalow. Women MLAs and wives of ruling party leaders, including CM Bhagwant Mann’s wife Dr Gurpreet Kaur, attended in festive attire. A recreated Punjabi village, with charkha, madhani, swings and more set the mood, while folk performances and traditional food added to the charm. Henna stalls and a lively gidda wrapped up the celebration. Haryana Speaker Harvinder Kalyan and his wife Reshma Kalyan too hosted a similar event at the Assembly lobby, with women MLAs, staff and spouses enjoying songs, dance, ghevar and stalls of bangles and earrings.

Encroachers in uniform

In a bizarre twist, the traffic wing of the Patiala police, meant to remove encroachments, have built their own illegal office on a road. With help from a local tailor-turned-sponsor, the “temporary” booth near Thapar University has turned into a full-fledged setup with a room, parking and ad space (reserved for the sponsor of course), all without permission. Ironically, the same policemen challan citizens for roadside parking. Autorickshaw drivers call it hypocrisy and a threat to road safety.

Gurdaspur’s oil dream still flickers

Years ago, oil experts found signs of petroleum beneath Gurdaspur’s soil, sparking dreams of prosperity. But politics stalled the momentum. Now, locals joke they rise early and work hard, but only their cars strike oil. With India importing crude worth billions of dollars, even a slim chance of discovery is worth another look. May be Gurdaspur, often linked to drones and drugs, could one day turn a new oily leaf that could pull the economy out of its current state.

Cool demand for village card spot

While Punjab minister Dr Baljit Kaur focuses on installing ACs in Malout schools, villagers surprised her with an unusual request, an AC for their “sath” (a shared spot for socialising and playing cards). The minister responded with laughter and a “why not?” Malout is now agog and wondering if the minister will actually accede to their request. With scorching summers, will air-conditioned “saths” become the next big thing?

Roadblock for Takht panel?

The Shiromani Akali Dal is reportedly pressuring the SGPC to deny the Akal Takht-appointed panel permission to meet at its headquarters, Teja Singh Samundri Hall, on August 11. The panel, keen to induct new SAD president, awaits SGPC’s nod, likely to come at a special meeting on August 5. SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema has dismissed the panel’s legitimacy, citing withdrawal by its two members. Splinter Akali leaders are closely watching, seeing the meet as a possible trigger for a new party before the 2027 polls.

BJP strategy ruffles feathers

The Haryana BJP has appointed its MLAs and ministers as observers to 42 Opposition-held constituencies, triggering unrest within party ranks. The “one MLA for two seats” strategy is seen by some as side-lining local leaders who lost past elections but remained active. The observers are not only tasked with strengthening the party’s organisational base but are also expected to monitor the activities of local leaders and report to the party high command, raising concerns over internal surveillance and control.

(Contributed by Ruchika M Khanna, Aman Sood, Ravi Dhaliwal, Archit Watts, Neeraj Bagga and Geetanjali Gayatri)