CHANDIGARH – The Punjab Government appointed Punjabi film and music superstar of Punjaliwood (a terms coined by the living legend Gurdas Maan for the Punjabi film industry)Harbhajan Mann as the Chairman of District Planning Board Ajitgarh (Mohali) with immediate effect last week.
It seems that the appointment of singer-turned-actor has not gone down well with the local Akali leaders, especially the youth outfit of the party. The post is equivalent to the rank of minister of the state
It seems that the appointment of singer-turned-actor Harbhajan Mann as the chairman of the District Planning Board, Mohali, by the Punjab government, has not gone down well with the local Akali leaders, especially the youth outfit of the party. The post is equivalent to the rank of minister of the state
Harbhajan Mann who is closely related to former Union Minister and senior Akali Leader Balwant Singh Ramoowalia (he’s married to Ramoowalia’s niece) had campaigned for the SAD candidates during recently concluded Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections.
Ramoowalia, SAD’s candidate from Mohali in the recent Assembly elections, had abandoned his old Lok Bhalai party and come over to the SAD at the behest of CM Prakash Singh Badal. Mann’s posting is a reward for helping to bring pockets of votes that may have played a crucial role in the Akalis historic win in the recent elections.
While the leaders are questioning the singer’s contribution to the party, sources close to him have pointed out that the post did not match his stature, the appointment has come at a juncture when his singing and acting career is on an upswing.
According to the Akalies leaders, Mann spends his much time in a year in Canada, he will not be able to do justice to his assignment as the board chairman which is a full-time job.
Against the backdrop of the revolt in a section of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) over the appointment of a political novice to the prestigious post, Mann could face fireworks in his post if Sukhbir Badal doesn’t put the party dogs on a leash.
Mann, who extensively campaigned for Ramoowalia in the recent Assembly elections, might have to face embarrassing situations as the local leaders have been aiming for the post.
But while some Akali leaders might be unhappy – Mann’s appointment is certainly a payback for Ramoowalia’s loyalty to the Badals.
Mann, who was in Canada when the post was announced, could not be contacted for comments. But sources close to him confirmed that Mann had accepted the post.
A prominent local music promoter told the LINK that he had talked to Mann and Mann was very excited about taking the job. Asked whether he will continue his film and music career after taking the post and the Promoter just laughed.
“The post is akin to being a king “a Raja” and it pales in comparison to films and music,” he said. “The power and money is too big to continue doing films.”
But can Mann who is a devoted promoter of Punjabi culture through cinema give up his passion for the acting and films – something that is so integral to his life? We will know soon!
