Poll in mind, British minister in bhangra mode

ZIRAKPUR - There was song, food and dance - and a British minister enthusiastically shaking a leg to bhangra pop and greeting visitors with “Sat Sri Akal” at this big fat Punjabi wedding of two NRIs.

With an eye on general elections in his constituency, Wolverhampton South Eastback, Britain’s Business, Innovation and Skills Minister Pat McFadden danced to the beats of Punjab’s traditional dhol (drum) at the wedding of affluent NRI Karam Singh’s son near Zirakpur town, 15 km from here, Monday night.

With over 10 percent of the electorate in his constituency comprising Punjabi voters, McFadden, dressed in a black suit, could be seen wooing guests, including several NRIs,

with the Sikh greeting “Sat Sri Akal”.

He even offered cake to the bride and groom as the other guests clapped and cheered.

“I have attended many weddings of Punjabis in the UK but this is the first Punjabi wedding that I have attended in India. It is all very exciting and I have really enjoyed a lot,” McFadden said.

Justifying his presence at the Punjabi wedding here, he added: “Politicians have to continuously work for the voters and for the welfare of their constituencies. They have to work for every single vote that they get.”

“McFadden is a good friend and he had promised to attend the wedding of my son Rajinder. He respects Punjabi culture and enjoys our customs, songs and dance,” said Karam Singh, the proud father of the groom.

Both the bride and the groom had flown to Punjab from Britain to solemnise the marriage in their motherland.

McFadden, who is attending events related to education opportunities in Britain in Chandigarh and later at the Indian Institute of Technology campus near Ropar in Punjab, 50 km from here, also held a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Monday.