Ludhiana: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday visited Mahima Singh Wala village in Ludhiana to attend a felicitation ceremony marking the revival of bullock cart races. The event celebrated the resumption of traditional rural sports associated with the historic Kila Raipur games.
Addressing the gathering, Mann said the Kila Raipur games have been held since 1933, and no one has the right to stop them. “These are our traditions. We are here to preserve them, not end them,” he said.
Highlighting his government’s approach, Mann said his administration was the first to preserve heritage by taking over private institutions, unlike previous governments that allegedly sold public assets by declaring them as loss-making.
He also took a jibe at political opponents. “These people call themselves kings. They went to schools with gunmen. Their fathers may have achieved something, but they themselves know nothing. Half of them can’t even fix a puncture,” he said.
Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, who was also present, announced that dog and pigeon races would now be included under the banner of Punjab’s heritage games.
However, he made it clear that there would be no tolerance for drug or alcohol use at such events. He warned the organisers to ensure such activities remain free from intoxicants.
