Once upon a time, Bhagwant Singh Mann stood tall on stages across Punjab, warning people about the old political culture — the same stone-laying, plaque-unveiling, self-congratulatory politics that turned governance into a photo session. He mocked former CM Channi for his “patchwork inaugurations,” saying Punjab needed performance, not plaques. But today, the same Mann seems to have developed a fondness for granite — engraved, gold-lettered, and proudly declaring his name.
The “revolution” that promised to uproot the old ways has instead polished them and added a new logo. The same government that laughed at foundation stones is now competing to lay them faster than the cement dries. Change? Yes — from paper banners to marble plates! The culture once called “VIP show-off” is now being sold as “development with dignity.” Somewhere between slogans and selfies, even honesty has learned to pose for photographs.
At least Channi’s patchwork was temporary; these stones will outlast every manifesto. Each engraved name is a silent confession that politics in Punjab is less about progress and more about publicity. The irony is complete — those who once mocked the old 70-year system are now adding another layer to it, quite literally, one slab at a time.
Maybe the real foundation being laid isn’t of buildings, but of recycled hypocrisy — well-polished and proudly inaugurated.