As the climate cooled in September, the political temperature certainly got hotter. The farmers protest against the Mansa power project at Gobindpura culminated with a massive Congress rally on 2 September. I left with my supporters from Latala at 8.30am but soon we were part of a massive traffic jam. It took us 3 hours to reach Gobindpura for what became a huge event that truly motivated Congress workers and, at the same time, placed the ruling alliance on the back foot. To top it all Captain Sahib and other leaders actually breached the massive police blockade to meet the farmers within the village.
September also witnessed the opening of the Metro Cash and Carry at Ludhiana. Although I could not be there my team from the dairy unit were there as suppliers. I get the feeling that we are on the cusp of a retailing revolution, which will, amongst many things, lead to more farm produce actually making it to the market, faster and at more remunerative rates. It has to be good for both consumers and farmers.
To improve the environment, I initiated a tree plantation programme in my village Latala and encouraged other villages to do the same. We must never underestimate the importance of greenification if we are to reduce the amount of dust that gets blown around.
At Raqba village, K. K. Bawa, Chairman of Swami Ganganand Ji Puriwala Maharaj Charitable Trust, held a function to announce the setting up of a gowshala. This is a critical requirement in the areas stray cattle cause countless problems for farmers. Many NRIs and businessmen were present at this event and several donations were announced including my own.
The main event of the month in my constituency was, of course, Chapaar Mela on 12 September. This year we were intent on ensuring a massive presence, which my team truly delivered with the largest Congress tent and gathering ever at Chapaar Mela. As we distributed ladoos to the participants, some leaders commented on the contrast between sweets in the Congress tent and lathi charges in the Akali tent. Anyone witnessing the Congress gathering would have been left in no doubt that there will soon be a change of government in Punjab and a resounding success for Congress in Dakha halqa.
When Captain Sahib came to Ludhiana for one of his regular court dates I mentioned to him that a leading dairy reproduction expert was visiting my farm. Captain Sahib immediately welcomed a meeting at which his own scientific knowledge impressed many. Such interest and knowledge can only be good for the future of the dairy industry in Punjab.
This month I also updated my new website with a facility that allows NRIs to address several government functionaries. As tens of thousands of NRIs have issues with the Punjab government I hope many will use this route to seek information and remedies. I made this section in response to people asking me how to contact various departments and believe it will be user friendly and practical. As ever, I welcome your feedback!
September also witnessed the SGPC elections, which ended up as a farce with countless charges of manipulation of voters’ rolls and illegal voting. As a Sikh I felt deeply ashamed at the sight of non-Sikhs and voters with shorn hair openly voting. The end results surprised few because it was obvious from the start that the Badals intended to fraudulently foist their candidates on an institution that deserves better. I have always maintained that we need to free the SGPC from all politicians and leave its elections to be contested by those that serve the religion: the pathis, the granthis, the sewadaars, the writers and philosophers on Sikhism, the architects that promote a Sikh identity, etc....
I also travelled to London for 2 nights to see my daughter, Sabina, off to Spain for her 3rd year of her 4 year European Studies course. Sabina is already a great linguist and will return from Spain with even better skills that she hopes to one day deploy in the developmental sector. My visit coincided with that of the Punjab-in-Charge of the Congress party, Mr Gulchain Singh Charak, whom I met over tea. As I left London there was talk of a late heat wave, which arrived, this just goes to show that the climate is becoming more unpredictable everywhere and we need to consider and plan for these changes
October promises to be more active with elections getting ever closer. My team is certainly ramping up our preparations: all booth level committees are in place and we are now concentrating on the voters’ lists and zone coordinators have been appointed. My last campaign in Halqa Qila Raipur was noted for its intensity and uniqueness. Rest assured that the next campaign in my new constituency will be no less innovative.
Many NRIs have contacted me to enquire about the likely polling date. My answer remains that we should assume 14 February, although we may not know till December. To those NRIs wishing to visit this November or December, I politely suggest that the visit be delayed in order that you are around Punjab at election time.
I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to Manu Sareen, S/O Satish Sareen, President of Indian Overseas Congress, Denmark, on his victory in the September 15, 2011 elections in Denmark. Manu is of Indian origin and migrated with his family to Denmark in 1971. He has now been appointed as Minister for Equality and Church and Nordic Cooperation, in the Cabinet of Helle Thorning-Schmidt.
Many thanks for your time.
Jassi Khangura
1500 crore. Father and son duo is making themselves richer and making the poor more poorer.” 
