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January 21st, 2009 Sukhbir Dy CM amidst fanfare IN WHAT appears to be yet another step towards transition of power in the state, 48year old Sukhbir Singh Badal, son of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister in an impressive public function here today . Sukhbir Singh is also the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal. As soon as Governor Gen S.F. Rodrigues (retd) administered the oath of office and secrecy in the presence of Badal Sr, an enthusiastic crowd burst into cheers and waved party flags around the arena, which was specially erected for the function. Immediately, fireworks went up in the sky as enthusiastic SAD-BJP workers started dancing to the drumbeats around the "pandal". This is the first time in recent years that the swearingin of an important dignitary has been held in the holy city of Amritsar. In fact, it will be for the second time — the first being Rajinder Kaur Bhattal during the Congress government — that Punjab will have a Deputy CM. The development, which reportedly had the state leadership of alliance partner BJP sulking, assumes importance in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. Though estimates on crowd differed, the enclosure specially erected for the function was overflowing with people. Even moderate estimates put the number at over 50,000. BJP national president Rajnath Singh, former Rajasthan CM Vasundhra Raje Scindia, Haryana's O.P. Chautala and J&K's Farooq Abdullah and former Union minister Maneka Gandhi were among those who attended the ceremony . Many dignitaries, including the Governor, were flown in for the gala function. While Sukhbir's brother-inlaw Adesh Partap Singh Kairon was seen with members of his family, his cousin Manpreet Singh Badal could not make it as his flight was delayed. Badal Sr's brother Gurdas Singh Badal, who was reportedly indisposed, was also not there. Sukhbir's wife, a visiblyelated Harsimrat Kaur, was seen attending to the dignitaries. Also in the gathering were Sant Samaj leaders and many noted industrialists. Immediately after his installation, Sukhbir declared that he would make his presence in the government felt by ensuring transparency , accountability and precipitation of developmental works. Declaring a war against drug addiction, he sought the assistance of SAD-BJP leaders, workers and people of Punjab in achieving goals. To a question, Sukhbir said he would fight for defending Punjab's rights on Chandigarh, river waters and Punjabi-speaking areas being transferred to Haryana. He also promised to implement recommendations of the administrative reforms commission in toto to end exploitation of common people in government offices. Arrangements for the mega show had been made under the aegis of Majitha MLA Bikram Singh Majithia, who had relinquished his Cabinet berth to pave the way for his brother-in-law Sukhbir's elevation. The ceremony, however, annoyed the locals, who faced a lot of difficulties and harassment in commuting from one place to another owing to VIP vehicles and those pressed into action to ferry people to the venue. However, those who attended the oath-taking function of the CM at the PCA stadium in S.A.S. Nagar two years ago said that unlike it, today's function was far better organised. While the main "pandal" was erected for the oath ceremony , there was another for the dignitaries, where seats were specifically earmarked for them. Yet another "pandal" was set up for the cultural programme, where Sufi and folk singer Hans Raj Hans regaled the audience with his hits, besides singing paeans for the Deputy CM.