The news of Bhagwant Mann’s wedding appeared to have come as a surprise to not just villagers of Pehowa, to which the 32-year-old Kaur belongs, but also many of Mann’s colleagues. In fact, Mann, 48, had many official meetings planned for Thursday, which now stand cancelled.
Neighbours in Pehowa know Kaur as a pleasant person, fondly known as “Gopi”. “The family left for Chandigarh five days ago, but we did not know that Gurpreet was getting married to the Punjab CM!” a neighbour said, adding that they were all thrilled. “It is a proud moment for us that the Punjab CM is going to become our son-in-law.”
AAP sources said Mann will be footing the bill for the arrangements in his personal capacity.
Mann’s mother Harpal has reached the CM residence from their native village of Satoj. AAP chief spokesperson Malwinder Singh Kang said Harpal and Mann’s sister Manpreet knew Gurpreet Kaur. “The families are distantly related. The bride’s family had been in touch with the mother for a few years. The match has been made by the CM’s mother, who has been pressuring him to get remarried.”
