Gurugram: Haryana ministers are increasingly aligning themselves with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for fuel conservation and sustainable transport. Union Minister and former CM Manohar Lal Khattar recently travelled by Shatabdi Express with his staff instead of using a VIP convoy, a move highlighted widely by the BJP on social media as a message on balanced resource use. Soon after, Cooperation Minister Arvind Sharma arrived at a municipal oath-taking ceremony in Panchkula on a bicycle. BJP supporters projected the gesture as reflecting Modi’s emphasis on fitness, pollution control and eco-friendly practices. The back-to-back appearances have become a major talking point in political circles.
Rebels upset poll calculations
Ambala: Rebel candidates and Independents emerged as spoilers for both the BJP and Congress in Ambala Municipal Corporation elections. In Ward 15, Congress rebel Manoj Sharma won as an Independent, defeating official nominees of both parties. In Ward 19, BJP rebel Sanjay Lakra’s wife contested independently and secured enough votes to hurt the BJP candidate, who eventually lost to Congress by a narrow margin. Congress leaders admitted internal dissent weakened the party’s prospects.
MLA’s ‘marriage bureau’ promise
Rohtak: Pataudi MLA Bimla Chaudhary triggered political chatter after promising during municipal polls campaigning to help unmarried youths find spouses. Following the BJP’s victory, she repeated the assurance and invited youngsters to submit bio data. Health Minister Arti Singh Rao jokingly remarked that the MLA seemed to have opened a “marriage bureau”, adding to the buzz surrounding the unusual poll promise.
BJP faces setbacks in Hisar
Hisar: Despite its strong statewide municipal performance, the BJP faced setbacks in Hisar district. Independent candidate Reema Soni, backed by the Congress, won the Uklana Municipal Committee election. In another embarrassment, Mohit Goyal, a relative of former BJP minister Kamal Gupta, lost the Adampur Mandi sarpanch election in a keenly fought five-cornered contest won by Jagat Pal.
Faith row rocks Gharaunda event
Karnal: Controversy broke out ahead of the ‘Shiv Mahapuran Katha’ in Gharaunda after allegations that organisers had commercialised the religious event by offering “VIP darshan”, “special aarti” and honour ceremonies for hefty sums. Residents alleged that organisers collected large donations and VIP pass money before disappearing. Concerned over the town’s image, local residents formed a community committee, pooled funds and reorganised the programme without VIP passes or entry fees, restoring its devotional character.
