 |
|
Gurpreet Gogi's rise from a local councillor to a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Ludhiana West is a compelling narrative of ambition and political maneuvering. His career began in 2000, marked by consistent local victories. He served as a councillor thrice, from Ghumar Mandi in 2007, 2012, and 2018, demonstrating a strong local base of support. Further solidifying his position within the Congress party, he held the esteemed role of Ludhiana district (urban) president from 2014 to 2019. While he was a contender for the mayor's position in 2018, the role ultimately went to Balkar Singh, a decision that prompted Gogi to leave the Congress party.
The shift to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) proved pivotal for Gogi's political trajectory. In the 2022 Vidhan Sabha elections, he faced a formidable opponent in Congress heavyweight Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who had previously served as the MLA for Ludhiana West in 2012 and 2017. However, Gogi secured a decisive victory, overcoming the established political influence of his rival. This victory underscores his ability to connect with voters and cultivate a loyal following beyond party lines. His post-election interview with TOI highlights his motivations, emphasizing a desire to contribute to society and the inspirational influence of his mother.
Beyond the political arena, Gogi's life was rich with personal interests. His personal assistant, Manish Kapoor, describes him as a man who valued community service over petty politics and who lived a lavish lifestyle, aptly reflected in his business names – a hostel, gun house, and driving school – all branded as 'Royal.' His love for vintage vehicles, a significant collection of stamps and international coins (including those from the Nanakshahi and Mohenjodaro eras), and his passion for old gramophones and music, particularly the emotional songs of Muhammad Rafi and Mukesh, paint a picture of a multifaceted individual.
Further adding to his persona, Gogi held his beloved scooter, gifted by his mother, as a lucky charm, using it to file his nomination papers every election cycle from 2002 to 2022. This underscores a deep personal connection to his family history and beliefs. Even seemingly minor details reveal the depth of his character, for example, his fondness for pets and his outspoken concern over delays in the Buddha Nullah pipeline project, leading to his personally breaking the foundation stone again after expressing his frustration.
His final day reflected his characteristic blend of political engagement and personal convictions. He dedicated time to addressing a significant issue involving theft from a local temple, meeting with the police commissioner to demand a swift investigation. Simultaneously, he engaged in discussions with the Punjab Vidhan Sabha speaker and environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal on the crucial matter of cleaning the Buddha Dariya. Gogi's life, therefore, portrays a complex picture of a politician deeply involved in both public service and personal pursuits. His journey underlines the potential for personal passions to coexist with a highly successful political career.
Analyzing Gogi's career reveals a calculated approach to politics. His initial success as a local councillor provided a strong foundation, allowing him to build a network of support. His move to AAP, while risky, demonstrated strategic thinking, reflecting the changing political landscape of Punjab. Furthermore, his personal charm and high-profile lifestyle appear to have contributed to his popularity, connecting him with different segments of the population. The incident where he arrived at a meeting in a yellow Porsche demonstrates this conscious cultivation of public persona. The impact of this display is debatable, with some viewing it as ostentatious and others as showcasing a level of personal success that inspires confidence.
Source: Journey from councillor to MLA