Tarn Taran Diary: After SAD what, mulls Harmit Singh Sandhu

Three-time MLA from Tarn Taran, Harmit Singh Sandhu, who resigned from SAD more than a month back, is hesitant to disclose his next plan of action -- which political party to join? Sandhu is known as a seasoned politician. He was adopting a wait-and-watch policy. He was elected an MLA from Tarn Taran continuously for three times -- in 2002, 2007 and then again in 2012 -- but lost in 2017 and 2022. In the election of 2002, he was elected MLA as an Independent candidate, but switched over to the SAD despite the fact that the Congress party was in power with Captain Amarinder Singh as the Chief Minister. Captain Amarinder Singh built heavy administrative pressure on Harmit Singh Sandhu to rethink his decision but his views remained unchanged. As he had lost two elections, he was of the view that he should not miss any more chance to repeat mistakes to remain active in political life. He still has his stronghold among the masses and convened a well attended meeting of his supporters recently. In the meeting, more than 12 former councillors from Tarn Taran besides Bhupinder Singh Khera, former MC president, Manoj Kumar Timma, former district president, SAD, Sarabjit Singh Lali Wasika, SAD president and a number of former Sarpanches from different villages were present. Before the meeting, it was expected that Sandhu would disclose his future plans, but he did not do so. Addressing on the occasion, he said that the meeting convened by him was just to share a cup of tea and he would take the next course of action after consultations with them. There were reports that Sandhu was in two minds-- whether to join the Congress or AAP. He wants to be active by not missing chances and his close circles are of the view that he should have close relations with AAP. The political circles, keeping in view the verdict expressed by the people of the area in the Lok Sabha elections of 2024, are still of ‘Panthic’ thought. How politics will unfold in the area in future is unpredictable as the SAD has received a severe setback. Out of four Vidhan Sabha constituencies, Tarn Taran, Patti, Khemkaran and Khadoor Sahib, only in Khadoor Sahib is the former MLA working. From the other three segments, the SAD lost its former MLAs. Except for Harmit Singh Sandhu (Tarn Taran), the other two are Adesh Partap Singh Kairon (Patti) who has been expelled for anti-party activities and Virsa Singh Valtoha (Khemkaran), who on the directions of the Jathedar, Akal Takht, has been ousted from the party for 10 years. The time to come promises to be interesting for all the political parties as no one knows how the events will unfold.

Sarpanch has many development plans for his village

Rajbir Singh (42), a resident of Bachre village situated on Tarn Taran-Goindwal Sahib road, who was elected Sarpanch unanimously, has many plans for the development of his village. Rajbir Singh is a Palledar (worker who loads-unloads sacks of foodgrain) with the Pungrain food agency and is often busy loading and unloading foodgrain or fertilisers from goods trains. He has two children, a 17-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son besides his wife. His income is meagre but he has the image of an honest and hardworking man. The residents considered a number of candidates for the post of Sarpanch to be elected unopposed and Rajbir Singh became the first choice. More than 70 per cent part of Bachre village has become a part of Tarn Taran township, as the farmers have converted their agricultural land into colonies. Rajbir Singh said that all roads, streets, drains, drinking water system, sewerage etc need renovation. Rajbir Singh is a simple man but dreams big for his village. He said he has high hopes from the state government so that he can pursue the projects with determination.

Govt College gets NAAC accreditation

SGAD Government College, Tarn Taran, has been given accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The college has the pride to be first in the district to get NAAC accreditation. The self-study report by the college carries 70 per cent marks. Another 30 per cent marks is evaluated by NAAC officials, said Parminder Kaur, who is the principal of the college. The NAAC peer team comprising DK Mahaske, Chairperson, Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil University, Maharashtra, member coordinator Dr Aftab Alam from Jamia Milia Islamia University, member Dr Zakaria, TV Principal, Amal College, Kerala visited the college for NAAC evaluation as per UGC norms. NAAC evaluation is necessary as per UGC norms. The NAAC peer team evaluated seven criteria in which teaching, learning, research and best practices were evaluated. Contributed by Gurbaxpuri