BJP MP Sunny Deol appoints 'representative' to Gurdaspur constituency
Gurdaspur: Bollywood actor and MP Sunny Deol has appointed a writer as his "representative" to the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha constituency, a move that came under fire from the ruling Congress, which described it as a "betrayal" of the voters' mandate.
In a letter issued on the letterhead of the Gurdaspur MP, Deol appointed Gurpreet Singh Palheri as his "representative" to "attend meetings and follow important matters".
"I hereby appoint Gurpreet Singh Palheri, son of Supinder Singh, resident of village Palheri, district Mohali, Punjab, as my representative to attend meetings and follow important matters pertaining to my Parliamentary constituency, Gurdaspur (Punjab), with concerned authorities," the letter signed by Deol reads.
Palheri, who is a writer and line producer, said the letter was issued on June 26.
He tried to downplay the issue, saying, "It (appointment) is for local issues. It is like being in 24-hour service of people of Gurdaspur."
He, however, asserted that the Gurdaspur MP and the BJP were taking care of the public issues of the Lok Sabha constituency.
Palheri said Deol would visit the Gurdaspur constituency every month. "He will now come to Gurdaspur after Parliament session is over," he added.
Meanwhile, Punjab cabinet minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa lashed out at Deol for appointing a representative and dubbed the move a "betrayal" with the voters of the border constituency.
"Sunny Deol has betrayed voters of Gurdaspur constituency by appointing a representative," said Randhawa, an MLA from Dera Baba Nanak, an Assembly segment which is part of the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha constituency.
"How can an MP appoint his representative? Voters have elected Sunny Deol as MP, not his representative," Randhawa told PTI.
Last month, the newly elected MP had faced flak from the people of the constituency after posting a video of his vacation in Kaza on Instagram.
Deol became MP after defeating Congress' Sunil Jakhar with a margin of 82,459 votes in the Lok Sabha polls.
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Time of renewed hope: PM Modi greets people on Gudi Padwa
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted the people of Maharashtra and Goa on the occasion of Gudi Padwa and said it symbolises the triumph of righteousness over adversity.
In identical letters to the people of the two western states, Modi said that as India continues its journey towards progress and self-reliance, the essence of Gudi Padwa becomes even more relevant.
"On the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, I extend my heartfelt greetings to you and your family. This sacred festival, marking the beginning of the New Year, is a time of renewed hope and the promise of new beginnings," he said.
The prime minister said the 'gudi' (a symbolic flag hoisted at the entrance of households) stands as a symbol of victory, prosperity and optimism.
Gudi Padwa holds deep cultural and historical significance, he said.
"It symbolises the triumph of righteousness over adversity. It is also associated with the onset of spring, the season of rejuvenation," he added.
"Today, as India continues its journey towards progress and self-reliance, the essence of Gudi Padwa becomes even more relevant," Modi said.
The values Gudi Padwa embodies are the very values that guide everyone.
"In a rapidly changing world, these traditions anchor us, reminding us of our roots and what we stand for.
"Let us carry forward the spirit of Gudi Padwa throughout the year with renewed determination and a sense of purpose. May this New Year bring happiness, good health and prosperity to all," the PM said.
