No show as Ramneek Singh Randhawa joins as JIT Chairman

Unlike his predecessor, Aam Aadmi Party leader Ramneek Singh Randhawa joined as the chairperson of the Jalandhar Improvement Trust in a no-frill manner.

Randhawa came in straight without even informing his party seniors, colleagues or the local media about his joining. He simply offered his prayers to the Almighty and took to the chair in a humble manner.

He is learnt to have chosen to this no-glitz joining because of the prevailing flood conditions in Punjab. The government has announced his name for the post on August 9 replacing Rajwinder Kaur Thiara within a span of six months. The notification regarding his appointment, however, was issued a few days ago.

His predecessor Thiara had joined the post with a lot of dhol-dhamaka. Party bigwigs, including AAP state chief Aman Arora, Local Bodies Minister Dr Ravjot Singh, Mayor Vaneet Dhir and local AAP MLAs, were among those who attended her joining. The entire city was covered with hoardings when she took over the position. There was a stream of countless visitors to her room to congratulate her on her joining with bouquets. Elaborate arrangements for a brunch too had been made for her upon her joining.

There was an anti-climax to Thiara's big fat joining as she was removed unceremoniously. Wary of the party's unexpected actions, Randhawa seems to have chosen to tread cautiously from the very beginning. He is the third JIT chairperson in AAP's tenure, the first one being party's spokesperson Jagtar S Sanghera.

After his joining, Randhawa said, "I will fulfil my responsibility with utmost sincerity and dedication. I pledge to work wholeheartedly for the welfare of people of Jalandhar and for the progress of Punjab. In the days to come, I shall plan my priorities for the city".

Over keeping it simple, he said, "Punjab is currently facing the hardships of floods. I did not want any celebrations at such a crucial time. The real need for everyone at this hour is to come together in the service of Punjab and its people."