Balkar Singh, Inderjit Kaur Mann give MLA Mohinder Bhagat’s reception a miss

As Jalandhar (West) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mohinder Bhagat was to be given a reception at the Circuit House here upon getting Cabinet berth, Kartarpur MLA and ex-minister Balkar Singh and Nakodar MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann gave a miss to the event.

Balkar is learnt to be sulking ever since he has been divested of his ministry. A retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, he had held one of the most important portfolios of Local Bodies Department, but could retain it only for 15 months. Likewise, Inderjit Kaur Mann, too, is learnt to be miffed for she reportedly was pushing her case ahead of the rejig. Mann, however, denied being upset, “I had two Vidhan Sabha meetings in Chandigarh and got to know about reception event late. So, I could not be in Jalandhar. I will visit the new minister at his place tomorrow.”

The only MLA from the city to have remained present was Raman Arora of Jalandhar Central, who anchored the whole event. Crackers were busted and flowers were showered as Bhagat’s car reached the venue. He was presented a guard of honour by the local police and civil administration. At least 12 cakes were cut at the venue as Bhagat’s reception party coincided with his birthday. It was his 65th birthday today.

In his speech, Bhagat maintained that AAP party delivered what it promised. He said, “Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann had appealed to the voters to make me win and that he would induct me in his Cabinet and he has done it.” He was quizzed by media as to why the party had not appointed a Deputy Chief Minister still. Bhagat said, “Some promises are to be fulfilled over a period of time. This government is just half way through.”

On Balkar’s absence, he said, “This is my first presser and today I shall answer only a limited number of questions.” On whether Balkar was removed because of non-performance, he said, “It is the CM’s prerogative on whom he wants to keep in his Cabinet. There are no councillors or Mayor in the MC as of now. But the party has been managing some development works, which I shall now be carrying forward. We shall soon have our MC and the pace of works will get accelerated.”

Bhagat’s family members, including his father and ex-minister Bhagat Chunni Lal, made it to the venue on a wheelchair. His son Atul Bhagat, former MLA Pawan Tinu, halqa incharges Rajwinder Thiara and Dinesh Dhall, local leadership, including Surinder Sodhi, Atam Parkash S Bablu, Gurcharan S Channi, Kimti Bhagat and ex-councillors Major Singh, Varesh Mintu, Tasem Lakhotra and Rajiv Onkar Tikka were among those who attended the event.

Meanwhile, despite repeated attempts Balkar Singh did not respond to the calls.