Setting a clear break from years of symbolic gestures around Punjab’s icons, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced that Lala Lajpat Rai’s birthplace in Dhudike will be transformed into a full-fledged model village, with time-bound delivery of sewerage, ponds, playgrounds and all basic infrastructure. Speaking at the 71st Lala Lajpat Rai Janam Diwas Khed Mela, the Chief Minister said earlier governments confined themselves to drawing up plans, while his government would ensure visible work on the ground within a year. Underlining his point, Bhagwant Singh Mann pledged to return on Lala Ji’s next birth anniversary with the projects completed and, in a gesture that underscored his connection with the people, keeping aside all security protocols, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday joined the villagers here during Rural sports fest to enjoy the Kabaddi and Hockey tournament organised in the memory of Punjab Kesri Lala Lajpat Rai. Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I am a common man and joining my brothers and elders in watching this rural sports fest, which is our soul, gives me immense satisfaction,” while taking selfies with the youth and seeking blessings from elders. As he joined the spectators in the stands to watch an exhilarating kabaddi match, the Chief Minister broke the security protocol to personally shake hands with the players, reflecting a deep connection with the people, a gesture that drew loud cheers from the crowd.