Sunny Deol back ‘on track’ after US visit

Pathankot: Gurdaspur MP and film actor Sunny Deol is back in the country after undergoing treatment in the US for a recurring shoulder injury. During his three-month-long absence, his PA Pankaj Joshi held the fort and tried hard to ensure that the MP’s projects did not remain pending. Among these is the elevation of the 3.6-km stretch of a narrow gauge rail track that passes through the municipal limits of Pathankot city. Residents have been regularly petitioning the MP to get the problem resolved. Upon his return from the US, the first thing Deol did was meet Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The minister, on his part, assured the MP that things would be back on track soon. Here lies the catch. In the past too, successive rail ministers have assured successive MPs from Gurdaspur that the elevated track will surely be established. The million dollar question is — when?

Fatehgarh Sahib high on hope

Fatehgarh Sahib: There is hope and expectation in the Fatehgarh Sahib constituency with the elevation of MLA Kuljit Singh Nagra as working president of the PCC. People have welcomed his elevation, with a large number of hoardings put up in every nook and corner of the constituency. Nagra has been widely acclaimed for the unprecedented development of the constituency over the last four years. There are various projects that have either been completed or are nearing completion. Now with Nagra becoming the working president, the expectations of people have risen and they hope more projects will be in the offing. With more burden on him, the constituency is being looked after by his wife Mandeep Kaur Nagra.

On allocation spree, minister shown ‘rule book’

Chandigarh: The political corridors are abuzz with reports about a senior state minister sulking quietly in his hometown after his discretionary powers for the release of funds were clipped by the Chief Minister. The minister was releasing funds to his own constituents at will without seeking the approval of the Chief Minister. Certain party MLAs had objected to the grants announced by the minister, following which the “rule book” for the release of discretionary grants was shown to him during the last meeting of the Cabinet and he was told in no uncertain terms that this could be done only by the CM. The budget from which the minister was showering largesse on his constituents has increased during the election year by hundreds of crores.

Accolades for 109-year-old gaushala

Fazilka: The management of the 109-year-old gaushala in Fazilka town has been honoured by Punjab Gau Sewa Commission. The certificate of appreciation reads that the efforts made by the Gau Rakshani Sabha, Fazilka, for the service, well-being, nutrition and health of cows and to make indigenous species flourish, are highly appreciated. Ashok Gulbadhar, president of the gaushala, set up in 1912, says nearly 1,800 cows are being taken care of. He says special arrangements have been made to take care of injured and sick cows.

Sidhu, Channi connect over Vastu Shastra

Chandigarh: Newly appointed PCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, who on Saturday visited the newly constructed palatial house of minister Charanjit Channi in Morinda, was quick to comment that the premises had been constructed as per Vastu Shastra. Channi, who played in a key role in Sidhu’s elevation, was playing host to the new PPCC chief in Morinda and Chamkaur Sahib. Sidhu is also believed to be a follower of Vastu Shastra, a common interest among the two leaders.