Bathinda: Political tension reportedly surfaced at an Independence Day function in Bathinda on Saturday, shortly before the national anthem was played, when Bathinda MLA Jagrup Gill and Punjab Cricket Association president Amarjeet Mehta were involved in a tense exchange of glances.
According to eyewitness accounts, as the ceremony at the Bathinda stadium reached its conclusion, the chief guest, Punjab minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, and other dignitaries stood for the national anthem.
Mehta reportedly attempted to stand near the chief guest, following which Gill turned towards him and stared at him. Mehta also looked back at the MLA, resulting in a brief but visibly tense exchange between the two leaders.
MLA steps in between
As the situation appeared to become uncomfortable, Bathinda Rural MLA Amit Rattan Kotfatta stepped between Gill and Mehta, effectively separating the two.
The chief guest, Mundian, subsequently called Mehta to stand beside him.
Gill was also seated on the stage with the chief guest during the programme, reportedly in accordance with protocol as the area’s elected MLA.
The incident, although involving no reported physical confrontation, drew attention because of the visibly tense body language between the two leaders during the Independence Day ceremony.
