Regional Journal: Poll losses may trigger witch hunt – The Tribune

The buzz in Punjab’s corridors of power is that police and civil officers may bear the brunt of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party’s losses in the recent rural body polls. A list of such officials, who allegedly did not cede to the demands of certain MLAs, is said to be in the works. Some MLAs, who lost polls on their home turf, have reportedly blamed “non-cooperation” by officers, saying it cost the party crucial seats to Opposition candidates. These officials could soon find themselves at the receiving end.

Punjab Bhawan under scanner

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party is reportedly taking stock of officers — retired as well as those on central deputation — who have been staying at Punjab Bhawan in New Delhi for months. A list is being prepared and those considered “unfavourable” to the political dispensation may be asked to vacate their rooms.

Breakfast rush amid bomb threat

Bomb threats to private schools in Amritsar and Jalandhar are having unexpected fallout. Parents, especially mothers, are waking up earlier than usual on foggy mornings to pack tiffins for their children. Following the threats, many school managements have barred delivery of any items, including tiffins, inside school premises after students enter, citing security concerns. Earlier, delayed lunches could still be dropped off. Now, mothers racing against the morning clock have a hard deadline to meet.

SAD’s new campaign face

Kanchanpreet Kaur, daughter of SAD’s Tarn Taran bypoll candidate Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa, has quickly emerged as a recognisable face in the party. Her fiery speeches against the ruling AAP and her arrest, followed by release on court orders late at night, catapulted her into the spotlight. With her popularity rising, she campaigned not only in Tarn Taran but also in Guruharsahai in Ferozepur district during the recent zila parishad and panchayat samiti polls, underlining her growing political footprint.

Vinesh’s casual entry

Celebrity wrestler-turned-politician and Julana MLA Vinesh Phogat, who recently announced her return to the mat, continues to break conventions. Amid curious glances in the media gallery, Vinesh walked into the Haryana Assembly wearing a tracksuit, an unusually casual choice for a legislator inside the Vidhan Sabha. Perhaps the Olympian was too busy training for the 2028 Los Angeles Games to change, or she just wanted to make the point that she is a sportsman first and always.

Agnihotri’s sharp message

Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri’s outburst at a function in Mandi marking three years of the Congress government has set tongues wagging about possible differences with CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. A visibly perturbed Agnihotri urged the CM to deal with matters firmly and sent a blunt message to officers allegedly hobnobbing with BJP leaders. His remarks have triggered speculation within political circles about simmering discontent within the government.