Rajwinder Kaur, the maternal aunt of jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, is rapidly emerging as a political force in Punjab’s border region. Known popularly as “Maasi,” she reportedly commands significant influence among police and civil officials. Her growing clout is evident from her travel style—a cavalcade of 40 to 50 vehicles accompanies her. She has also been spending lavishly on welfare initiatives, including plans to arrange the marriages of 200 destitute girls. Maasi has announced her intention to contest the upcoming Assembly election from the Dera Baba Nanak constituency.
VIP Convoy Raises Road Safety Concerns
In Amritsar, the traffic police have come under scrutiny for allegedly switching off traffic signals at key intersections to facilitate the Commissioner of Police’s convoy. Instead of regulating traffic, signals reportedly go dark just before the convoy passes, leaving motorists confused and forcing traffic personnel to manage the flow manually. While the practice may ensure uninterrupted VIP movement, it has raised serious concerns over commuter inconvenience and road safety. The move has drawn criticism from residents and activists who demand accountability.
Minister and Wife Clash Over NEET Protest
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains recently participated in a protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG paper leak. He supported the demands of the protesters and expressed sympathy with those injured during a lathicharge by police. However, his wife, Bathinda SSP Jyoti Yadav, publicly defended the police action on social media. She referred to the protesters as “Cockroach Janta Party goons,” a comment that sparked a heated debate. The contrasting views between the minister and his wife have drawn public attention, highlighting the polarized reactions to the NEET controversy.
Political Rivals Turn Friends in Ludhiana
In Ludhiana, politics has once again proved that grudges are temporary, especially before elections. Congress leader Simarjit Singh Bains called Kamaljit Karwal, also from Congress, his “younger brother.” Bains admitted that hot tempers and instigators had fueled their spat during the last Assembly elections. Karwal responded by declaring that mischievous people will never digest their renewed friendship. Both promised no more cheap shots at each other’s families, sealing their reconciliation with claps and smiles. Bains even posted on social media, “Ye dosti hum nahi todenge.” The reunion underscores the fluid nature of political alliances.
Salim Khan’s Old NEET Joke Goes Viral
Just hours after actor Salman Khan expressed concern over the NEET paper leak on his social media handle, an old video clip from ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’ resurfaced and went viral. In the clip, Salman’s father, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, reminisced about a man named “Ganesh,” his house help when Salman was still in school. In a light-hearted manner, Salim Khan joked that Ganesh was the person who supplied “leaked question papers” to students at the time. The clip’s resurgence amid the ongoing NEET controversy added a touch of humor to the serious debate.
HP Minister Pulls Up Absent Officers
Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh has sought an explanation from senior officials of his department for remaining absent during his recent visit to the Chopal area of Shimla district. Singh had earlier expressed his displeasure with senior PWD officials over the phone, a conversation that subsequently went viral on social media. He has now directed that an explanation be sought from the Superintendent Engineer and other officials for not being present during his tour. The move signals a no-nonsense approach to governance and accountability in the state.
Contributed by Ravi Dhaliwal, Pawan K Jaiswar, Archit Watts, Manav Mander, GS Paul and Pratibha Chauhan.
