BJP backs Badal on SYL
Our Correspondent

Jalandhar, January 29
Virtually taking an about-turn on the long-pending inter-state water dispute between Punjab and Haryana, the BJP today announced its unconditional support to the Punjab Chief Minister for his stand to file review petition against the recent order of the Supreme Court to complete the Sutlej Yamuna link canal within a year.

Mr O.P. Kohli, National Secretary and in charge of the Punjab BJP Affairs, addressing a press conference here today, said the BJP was in favour of filing of the review petition against the recent Supreme Court’s order asking the Punjab Government to complete SYL canal in a year since Punjab should not be deprived of its due share in river waters.

“Though we have already taken a policy stand that all rivers are national assets and all inter-state water disputes should be settled in view of national perspective, every state should get its due share without any political bias,’’ he added. “Moreover, Punjab has no spare water to share with Haryana,” he said.

The BJP had always opposed the Punjab’s contention over sharing of river water for past four decades and it was for the first time that the BJP had come openly in favour of the SAD (B).

He said the opposition parties had no agenda and were banking upon the anti-incumbency factor. “The SAD-BJP combine government has been credited with bringing big industrial projects to the state including the Rs 16000-crore oil refinery at Bathinda, upgradation of airport at Amritsar, the setting up of technical and medical universities,” he claimed.

He, however, termed the allegations levelled against the two Punjab ministers Tikshan Sood and Madan Mohan Mittal for their alleged involvement in human smuggling and money laundering cases as a big to defame the party by some rebel BJP leaders.

Mr Shiv Dayal Chugh, in charge of the BJP election office, said those rebel candidates, who had failed to withdraw nomination papers against the official party candidates, were automatically expelled from the party.

The supply of water to Rajasthan from Punjab in the Gang Canal was also as per riparian rights.

Sukhbir wins over dissidents
Tribune News Service

Bathinda, January 29
A former union minister and general secretary, SAD, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, who has been campaigning for party candidates for the Assembly elections in the nooks and corners of the state, has succeeded in curbing dissidence in the party partly by making number of rebel candidates to withdraw their nominations in favour of official candidates of party.

Mr Badal, who played a significant role when a move was initiated to remove Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra from the presidentship of the SGPC a few years ago when both Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab, and Mr Tohra parted company after developing differences over the organisational set-up of the party, has again used the same tactics to bring the rebel candidates to the party fold to ensure the victory of official nominees.

So far, Mr Badal has managed to curb dissidence in Moga, Bathinda and Faridkot districts and efforts are being made by him to secure declaration from the rebel candidates still in fray for their support to official candidates. Talking to TNS, he said he had managed to get support of Mr Lakhmir Singh Ariyanwala, senior Akali leader of Faridkot, and Mr Gurtej Singh Gill, president, Municipal Council, Faridkot, for the official nominee, Mr Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon. He added that both Mr Ariyanwala and Mr Gill had withdrawn their nomination papers on his insistence. He said that earlier Mr Randhir Singh Cheema, who was opposing the party official candidate from the Sirhind Assembly segment, and Mr Tarsem Singh Rattian, who was opposing the official candidate from the Bagapurana Assembly segment, had decided to support the party candidates after he held talks with them.

Mr Badal also managed to make a dent in the camp of Akalis being led by Mr Simranjit Singh Mann by persuading Mr Baljinder Singh Manshahia to join the SAD at Bhainibaga village in Mansa district

Earlier, Mr Badal also persuaded to one of the senior leader, who was an aspirant for party ticket from Joga assembly segment to support the party candidate from that seat, Mr Jagdeep Singh Nakai. However, Mr Badal failed to win over Mr Sukhdarshan Singh Brar, senior vice-president, SAD, district Muktsar, who has jumped into election arena as an Independent candidate from the Muktsar Assembly segment.

Badal too does his bit
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 29
The Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, has managed to rope in most of the rebels and dissidents in Ludhiana. During his three-day stay here, he toured most of the constituencies in the district which included Kila Raipur, Raikote, Payal and a few others in the urban areas.

For the first time, the dissident leader and party vice- president, Mr Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, joined the campaign of his rival Avtar Singh Makkar in the Ludhiana West Assembly segment. Mr Bhatia had so far been opposing Mr Makkar and had announced his support for Mr Harish Dhanda, who is contesting as an Independent. Mr Badal reportedly called Mr Bhatia and motivated him to join the campaign of Mr Makkar. Although he had initially expressed some reservations, he later submitted to Mr Badal’s directive, with a promise of proper rehabilitation.

Similarly, Mr Bachan Singh Cheema, sitting MLA from Khanna, and Mr Sadhu Singh Gaddani, sitting MLA from Payal, both of whom had disassociated from the party campaign after they were refused nomination this time, have actively joined the campaign. Mr Cheema was opposing the party candidate, Ms Satwinder Kaur Dhaliwal in Khanna, while Mr Gaddani was opposing the candidature of Mr Jagjivanpal Singh in Payal. Mr Badal has reportedly assured the dissidents that they will be “suitably rewarded” for their contribution towards the victory of the party candidates. He cautioned them that any “wrong decision” at this stage might harm the party interests and go to the advantage of the opponents.

KEY CONSTITUENCY
Newcomer has outside chance of winning
Prabhjot Singh
Tribune News Service

Jagraon, January 29
This semi-urban Assembly segment, which has been a traditional Akali Dal stronghold, is now among one of those seats which may upset the applecart of traditional rivals from conventional parties and may throw up a new face.

Though factually and literally it is heading for a septangular contest, the voters here foresee a fierce battle for electoral supremacy involving two of the immediate past MLAs and two new faces. Of the 1,42, 502 voters , as many as 45,000 are from Jagraon town itself while the remaining are spread over 80-odd villages of the constituency. There are 161 polling stations of which 21 have been identified as “sensitive”.

While the Congress ignored the claims of its former MLA, Mr Darshan Singh Brar, and brought in a retired Indian Air Force Officer, Wg Cdr P.S. Sibia, the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance has reaffirmed its faith in the sitting Vidhan Sabha Member, Mr Bhag Singh Malha. Mr Brar, who comes from a traditionally Congress family, has decided to defy the party and contest as an Independent.

The Lok Bhalai Party headed by Mr Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, MP, has fielded its senior vice-president, Mr Jagjit Singh, a direct descendent of Sant Darbara Singh of Lopon, from here. It is this seat which gives an outside chance to the Lok Bhalai Party to make its debut in Punjab Vidhan Sabha because of the reverence and respect for the Sant in whose name several educational institutions are being run in the area by a trust of which Mr Jagjit Singh is a key executive.

Besides these four main contestants, others in the fray are Mr Piara Singh Kaonke of Bahujan Samaj Party, Mr Tarlok Singh of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Mann) or the Panthic Morcha and Mr Darshan Singh of the Lok Jan Shakti.

Wg Cdr P.S. Sibia, who belongs to the Raikot area and reportedly joined the Congress in 1986 at the behest of his batch mate and senior Congress leader, Mr Rajesh Pilot, has the patronage of Mr Gurcharan Singh Ghalib, the local MP.

Mr Darshan Singh Brar, unable to reconcile himself to the denial of ticket, has been working “extra hard” to make the party high command “realise it’s mistake” in ignoring him.

“We are born and brought up in Congress families. My father, Mr Nikka Singh, remained as Sarpanch of Khote village in Nihalsinghwala area for 55 years. The village had a new Sarpanch only after it was declared reserved. Now at 85, he has been disillusioned with the working of the party. My son, Kamaljit Singh Brar, is one of genera secretaries of Punjab Youth Congress Committee. But why did they deny me ticket, I do not know,” he says, maintaining that he would remain in the contest and prove his point that the workers and people of the area “are with me”.

Wing Commander Sibia asserts, “After initial hiccups, our position is improving and we hope to win this seat hands down,” maintaining that he is “master in navigating his way to success in all challenging environs”.

Equally optimistic about chances of his win is Mr Jagjit Singh ‘Lopon’, maintaining that though he had been traditionally an Akali, he joined the Lok Bhalai Party after his disgusting experiences in the Dal.

“Corruption, growing unemployment, falling standard of education, poor health care facilities and deteriorating lot of the truck taxi and Sumo drivers and exploitation of NRIs visiting their grassroots are the areas in which the Lok Bhalai Party has done some good work. These are going to be the main issues on which this election is being fought. I do not foresee any competition from any one on these issues as we have people with us with our brilliant track record,” says Mr Jagjit Singh.

Mr Bhag Singh Malha, the sitting MLA, is seeking fresh mandate on the basis of the “tremendous development” that has taken place in the area. “We’ve got huge funds for infrastructure development. The development of the area has been unprecedented,” he says, maintaining that Jagraon was one of the fastest growing towns in Punjab. He also maintains that he has always been easily accessible, helpful and with the people of his constituency through thick and thin.

The Chief Minister and the SAD chief, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, was in Jagraon today to campaign for him and address his election rallies. “This will boost our chances further,” adds Mr Malha.

Is the Akali-BJP love lost?
Vimal Sumbly
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 29
Five long years of association between the Shiromani Akali Dal-Badal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seem to have fatigued the workers at the grassroot level to the extent that there is hardly any love last amongst them. This is being reflected currently in the campaigning, where SAD and BJP leaders seem to be going their own different ways.

With leaders of the two parties not so keenly inclined towards each other, there is not even the symbolic unity that could be reflected in flags and posters. At best, they are indifferent and, at worst, they seem to be hostile towards each other. Added to this is the intra-party intrigues being carried out by some dissidents within both parties to ensure the defeat of their official candidates. However, this may hold equally true for the Congress.

In Ludhiana, one of the largest districts in the state with about 20 lakh voters, of the 12 Assembly segments, the BJP has been allotted the two seats of Ludhiana East and Ludhiana North. While Ludhiana East is represented by Mr Satpal Gosain, who is locked in a tough contest with Mr Surinder Dawer of the Congress, Ludhiana North is represented by Mr Rakesh Pandey of the Congress. Mr Pandey does not face any significant challenge this time either, with most of the BJP workers upset over the choice of the party candidate, Mr Pran Bhatia.

In Ludhiana East, a significant section of the Akali workers led by Mr Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, vice-president of the SAD is working against the BJP candidate, Mr Satpal Gosain. Mr Bhatia is also opposed to his own party’s candidate Mr Avtar Singh Makkar in Ludhiana West. Similarly, in Ludhiana Rural and other constituencies of the district, hardly any flags of the BJP are visible at the Akali candidates’ offices.

A whirlwind tour of the district and reports from elsewhere suggest that while the leaders of both the parties, barring some ministers, are keeping away from the other party and concentrating on their own segments, there is no symbolic unity either. Earlier, there would be equal number of flags of the SAD-B and the BJP at all alliance candidates’ offices.

This is likely to affect the prospects of the candidates of both parties. Senior leaders admit, in private, that this time it may not be as easy as in 1997, to transfer the BJP votes to SAD and vice versa.

However, the secretary-general of the SAD and Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, says that there is no schism between the workers of the two parties. He claimed, “May be, there are certain grievances among certain sections and individuals, but by and large the alliance is intact right up to the grass root level.”

EC to send 12 more observers to Punjab
S. Satyanarayanan
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 29
To prevent the misuse of official machinery and other poll malpractices, the Election Commission (EC) has decided to send 12 more central poll observers to Punjab, which is going for Assembly poll on February 13.

The commission, fearing a large-scale violation of model code of conduct, has despatched in phases 103 central poll observers and the additional 12 will be reaching various districts of the state by February 3, EC sources told The Tribune here today.

These observers apart from closely monitoring various political parties in the fray, during the campaigning phase, would also oversee the arrangements for the smooth and fair conduct of the Assembly poll.

The first group of 17 CPOs was sent to Punjab on January 10. Subsequently, 69 more were sent on January 20 and 17 on January 25.

Meanwhile, with just 15 days left for the poll the EC has launched intensive training programmes for presiding officers and poll officials on the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and other procedures related to the conduct of the poll.

The commission has also launched a public awareness drive through media and live demonstrations at various polling centres to educate the electorate about EVMs, which will be exclusively used in the state.

According to sources, 22,000 to 23,000 EVMs have been sent to the state and are being tested.

For the 117-seat Assembly, polls will be held in 19,000 polling stations, the sources added.

Importance of Malwa in Punjab politics
P. P. S. Gill
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 29
After the reorganisation of Punjab in 1966 Malwa remains an Akali fortress.

The last demarcation of the assembly constituencies, incidentally, was done in a manner to reduce the numerical superiority of the Sikh peasantry by apportioning disproportionately large number of villages where they were generally in a majority to the neighbouring Hindu-dominated cities and towns.

The Akalis, traditionally, have been winning the maximum seats in Malwa, which is host to 11 out of 17 districts and 65 out of 117 constituencies. Malwa lies on the left of the Sutlej. The districts are (number of assembly constituencies is given in parenthesis): Ropar (5), Ludhiana (12), Fatehgarh Sahib (2), Patiala (8), Sangrur (10), Moga (3), Faridkot (3), Muktsar (4), Ferozepore (9), Bathinda (5) and Mansa (4).

Though, economically backward, Malwa is politically livewire. It still has pockets of abject poverty, despite the green revolution.

The Akalis did pay attention to Malwa in the past five years, taking care of some of the perennial problems (waterlogging, drinking water and irrigation) besetting it. Yet it remains the state’s backwaters. Geographically, the region is located at the tail-end of the canal irrigation distribution system. The underground water is brackish.

There are two discernible features in Malwa region — emerging role of the organised landed class and the strong, stable regional base of a religion-based political party, the SAD. A large number of big landlords is concentrated in the belt. Several of them even back the Congress; not that they exercise influence over the ordinary peasantry.

Whenever they have challenged the Akalis, it was with the support of the Hindu ahrtiya. For the Akalis, Malwa is their cradle.

Malwa showed a lot of enthusiasm in 1997, possibly, because the Chief Minister was to be from there — Mr Parkash Singh Badal.

All the prospective chief ministerial candidates are at present contesting in Malwa — Mr Parkash Singh Badal in Lambi in Muktsar, Capt Amarinder Singh in Patiala, Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal in Lehra in Sangrur, Mr Harcharan Singh Brar in Muktsar. Undercutting and cross-voting cannot be ruled out, when political stakes are high.

The total voter turnout in Punjab in 1997 was 68.92 per cent. The highest ever recorded was 71.18 per cent in the 1967 and 1979 Assembly elections. The highest poll percentages in the state in 1997 was also in Malwa-Sangrur district 77.10, followed closely by Mansa 77.06.

Even the highest poll percentage of women voters was in Malwa — Zira recorded 83.02 per cent votes. The second slot also went to Malwa —Guruharsahai, recording 82.40 per cent.

No wonder Malwa has given several Chief Ministers during the post-1966 decades — Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Mr Surjit Singh Barnala, Mr Gurnam Singh, Mr Lachman Singh Gill, Mr Beant Singh, Mr Harcharan Singh Brar, Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and, of course, Giani Zail Singh.

A host of Panthic leaders also belong to Malwa — Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, Mr Simranjit Singh Mann, Mr Jagdev Singh Talwandi and, of course, Capt Amarinder Singh.

Even Sant Harchand Singh Longowal and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwale were from Malwa.

Cong expels 6 ex-ministers
Our Correspondent

Patiala, January 29
Taking a defiant stand, the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief, Capt Amarinder Singh, today expelled 21 Congressmen from the primary membership of the party for a period of six years. These rebels had risen the banner of revolt by deciding to contest against the official Congress and CPI candidates, the alliance partners in the forthcoming Assembly poll.

Addressing a press conference here today, Capt Amarinder Singh said these Congressmen had been expelled as they had not maintained the discipline of the party.

The expelled partymen include six former ministers, including Mr Jai Kishan Sain, Mr Harnek Singh Ghanua, Mr Shamsher Singh Rai, Mr Abdul Gaffar, Mr Gulzar Singh Nathana and Mr Darshan Singh Brar. The list of the expelled Congressmen as released by the PPCC chief is: Mr Jai Kishan Saini (Jalandhar Central), Mr Kulwant Rai Aggarwal (Bathinda), Mr Darshan Singh Brar (Jagraon), Mr Harpartap Singh (Ajnala), Mr Sudhir Nagpal (Abohar), Mr Harnek Singh Ghanua (Kharar), Mr Balbir Singh Sidhu (Kharar), Mr Maheshinder Singh Badal (Lambi), Mr S.S. Rai (Chamkaur Sahib), Mr Sajavar Singh (Guru Harsahai), Mr Sher Singh Gagowal (Mansa), Mr Ranjit Singh Khaira (Panj Garaian), Mr Gulzar Singh Nathana (Pakka Kalan), Mr Fatehjung Singh Bajwa (Sri Hargobindpur), Mr Hamir Singh Ghaga (Shatrana), Mr Dhanwant Singh Dhuri (Dhuri), Mr Bhagat Ram Chauhan (Garh Shanker), Mr Ramesh Singla (Nabha), Mr Lakha Singh (Khadoor) Sahib), Mr Abdul Gaffar (Malerkotla) and Mr Gulzar Singh Nathana (Nathana).

Meanwhile, Capt Amarinder Singh clarified that two Presidents of the District Congress Committee’s (DCC) had been changed. They are Mr Gulzar Singh, President of the Kapurthala DCC, who has been replaced by Mr Sadhu Singh, a former minister and Mr Sher Singh, President of the Mansa DCC who has been replaced by Mr Kirpal Singh Makha.

The PPCC chief clarified that a decision against the rebel Congress candidate, Mr Harry Mann, who is contesting against Mr Brahm Mohindera from the Samana Assembly segment would be taken shortly at the district-level by the Patiala DCC.

POLITICS

The 917 candidates who are in the fray
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 29
The following is the list of candidates left in the fray in the Punjab Assembly elections after the last date of withdrawals yesterday:

GURDASPUR — Fatehgarh: Sukhjinder Singh INC, Sukhjit Singh SAD(M), Nirmal Singh SAD Batala: Ashwani INC Jagdish Sahni BJP, Avinash Kumar IND, Amarjit Singh BSP(A), Kulwant Singh BSP, Parbodh Chand IND,Qadian: Natha Singh SAD, Tript Rajinder Singh INC, Raman Kumar IND, Amarjit Singh SAD(M), Jagir Singh BSP, Shri Hargobindpur: Fateh Jang Singh IND, Kashmir Singh SAD(M), Daljit Singh IND, Piara Singh IND, Balbir Singh SAD, Mangal Singh BSP, Gurnam Singh CPI, Harbhajan Singh IND, Nirmal Singh BSP(A), Kahnuwan: Partap Singh INC, Kartar Singh IND, Ajit Singh IND, Sewa Singh SAD, Johar Singh SAD(M), Narinder Masih IND, Dhariwal: Sucha Singh SAD, Sucha Singh SAD(M), Salamat Masih INC, Darshan Lal LJSP, Gurdaspur: Vijay Kumar IND, Sukhwinder Singh PLB, Kartar Singh IND, Munawar Masih SAD, Khushal Behl INC, Jaswinder Singh LJSP, Narider Singh RRD, Jaspal Singh BSP, Majid Masih SAD(M), Dina Nagar (SC): Aruna INC, Sita Ram BJP, Satpal SAD(M), Sulekha Rani BSP, Hari Ram IND, Jiwan Lal SS, Narot Mehra (SC): Rumal Chand INC, Ram Lal IND, Ram Pal PBLP, Kali Dass RRD, Hazari Lal IND, Bishamber Dass BJP, Shiv Kumar BSP, Sat Pal SS, Raj Kumar NCP, Lubhaya Ram LJSP, Pathankot: Mohan Lal BJP, Inderjit RRD, Ashok INC, Kesav Dass BSP, Parveen Singh SS, Mohinder NCP, Sujanpur: Sudha Rani CPM, Satya Pal Saini BJP, Raghu Nath Sahai INC, Som Raj BSP, Jagdish Raj SS, Ratan Chand NCP.

AMRITSAR — Beas: Jasbir Singh INC, Manjinder Singh SAD, Kamaljit Kaur IND, Lakhkha Singh IND, Najar Singh IND, Manjinder Singh IND, Ram Singh SAD(M), Sukhdev Singh BSP, Majitha: Raj Mohinder Singh SAD, Jaspal IND, Satnam Singh BSP, Shavinder Singh INC, Verka (SC): Tarsem Singh CPM, Dalbir Singh SAD, Satpal Singh BSP, Surinder Singh SAD(M), Raj Kumar INC, Amarjit Kaur BSP(A), Arjun Singh Mattu NCP, Rawel Singh IND, Satnam Singih IND, Jandiala (SC): Malkiat Singh SAD, Sardul Singh INC, Tarsem Singh NCP, Gurmit Kaur BSP(A), Amritsar North: Ram Lubhaiya IND, Baldev Raj BJP, Jugal Kishore INC, Manjit Singh SAD(M), Ravinder Kumar Hans BSP, Ashwani IND, Nirmala Rani IND, Raman Sharma IND, Hardeep Sharma IND, Sashipal ABHM, Amritsar West: Amarjit Singh CPI, Om Parkash BJP, Om Parkash IND, J.S. Bal RRD Bimal BSP, Sohan Lal SAD(M), Rajinder Kumar IND, Jatinder Pal Singh IND, Amritsar Central: Darbari lal INC, Laxmi Kanta BJP, Ram Lal Khosla BSP, Varinder Kumar AIFB, Ashok Kumar IND, Amritsar South: Kirpal Singh S/o Hari Singh IND, Guljar Singh IND, Harjinder Singh INC, Manjit Singh IND, Raminder Singh Bularia IND, Avtar Singh IND, Kirpal Singh SAD, Jasbir Singh IND, Kuldip Mahajan IND, Faqir Chand LJP, Gurcharan Singh PBL, Hardip Singh RJD, Mukhtiar Singh LBP, Manjit Singh SAD(M), Ajnala 1 Sh. Rattan Singh SAD, Ravi Rajbeer Singh INC, Harpartap Singh IND, Baldev Singh SAD(M), Gurmukh Singh BSP, Raja Sansi 1 Sh. Bir Singh SAD, Sukhvinder Singh IND, Joginder Singh BSP, Lakhwindier Singh SAD(M), Kuldip Singh BSP(A), Surjit Kaur SP, Attari (SC): Rattan Singh INC, Guljar Singh SAD, Sukhwantjit Kaur BSP, Rajpinder Kaur SAD(M), Surjit Singh JDS, Gulzar Singh Khalsa NCP, Puran Singh BSP(A), Tarn Taran 1 Sh. Alvinder Pal Singh SAD, Swaran Kaur BSP(A), Amrik Singh Warpal LBP, Bachan Singh IND, Gurinder Partap Singh INC, Harmit Singh IND, Manjit Singh BSP, Khadoor Sahib (SC): Dalbir Singh SSP, Sarabjit Singh BSP(A), Ranjit Singh SAD(M), Sukhdev Singh INC, Manjit Singh SAD, Dalbir Singh IND, Harinder Singh IND, Naushehra Panwan: Ranjit Singh SAD, Jagir Singh INC, Swarn Singh BSP, Nirvair Singh NCP, Patti: Harminder Singh SAD(M), Adesh Partap Singh SAD, Sukhchain Singh BSP(A), Tarlok Singh INC, Valtoha: Gurchet Singh INC, Balwinider Singh IND, Jaswant Singh IND, Paramjit Singh IND, Tara Singh IND, Gurdial Singh SAD, Manjit Singh SAD (M),

JALANDHAR — Adampur: Kuldip Singh IND, Kanwaljit Singh INC, Aruna DBSP, Harjinder Singh LBP, Sarbjit Singh Makar SAD, Gurcharan Singh SP, Gurdial Singh IND, Surinder Singh IND, Sukhbdir Singh BSP, Paramjit Singh IND, Sarabjit Singh Warian SAD(M), Jalandhar Cantonment: H. S. Rajan IND, Hardev Kaur BSP, Paramjit Singh SAD, Mahvir Singh IND, Ranjit Singh IND, Gurkamal Kaur INC, Manjit Kaur BSP(A), Paramjit Singh Marwaha IND, Balwinder Kaur IND, Avtar Singh JD(S), Jagdish Kumar IND, Jagjit Singh SAD(M), Sukhbir Singh Hazuria LJSP, Jalandhar North: Palwinder Kaur DBSP, Suresh Sehgal BJP, Avtar Henari INC, Parshotam Chand SS, Kuldeep Rai BSP(A), Vijay Shakti IND, Surinder Kumar Papu IND, Som Lal BSP, Subash LJSP, Jalandhar Central: Manoranjan BJP, Rajnish Kumar Gupta SS, Jai Krishan Saini IND, Surinder Kumar IND Ravinder Gill DBSP, Rajkumar IND, Rajkumar Gupta INC, Joginder Singh Soni NCP, Vikram Singh JD(U) Jagjit Singh BSP, Harkomal Singh IND, Jalandhar South (SC): Mohinder Singh KP INC, Pawan Kumar Tinu BSP, Prabh Dyal BSP(A), Jaswinder Singh IND, Sucha Singh IND, Chuni Lal BJP, Kartarpur (SC): Baldev Singh DBSP, Jagjit Singh INC, Charanjit Singh Atwal SAD, Raj Pal Singh BSP(A), Avnish Chander BSP, Tajinder Kumar SS, Nirmal Singh SAD(M), Lohian: Ajit Singh Kohar SAD, William Johan BSP, Paramjit Singh CPI(M), Karnail Singh Jodhpuri IND, Pritam Chand BSP(A), Bahij Bhupinder Singh Lalli INC, Amarjit Singh IND, Mota Singh SAD(M), Udham Singh Aulakh SP, Nakodar: Gurmeet Singh SAD, Amarjit Singh INC, Inderjit BSP(A), Harbhajan Singh BSP, Sucha Singh SP, Prem Dass DBSP, Yashpal SS, Rajinder Singh NCP, Nur Mahal: Kulwant Singh BSP(A), Paramjit Singh s/o Kulbir Singh SAD(M), Gurbinder Singh INC, Kashmir Singh CPI-M, Harjinder Singh IND, Kuljit Singh SP, Mahinder Pal Singh BSP, Gurdeep Singh SAD, Bahadur Singh IND, Ajit Singh IND, Phillaur (SC): Santokh Singh INC, Sarwan Singh SAD, Vijay Kumar SS, Darshan Kataria IND, Amir Chand SAD(M), Nanak Das LJP, Major Singh IND, Dev Raj Sandhu BSP.

NAWANSHAHR — Banga (SC): Satnam Singh Kanth DBSM, Avtar Chand CPI (M), Baldev Singh IND, Tarlochan Singh INC, Mohan Lal BSP, Baldev Singh IND, Gulshan Rai IND, Nawan Shahr: Daljit Singh CPI(M-L), Sohan Singh CPI-M, Resham Singh SAD, Ram Kishan BSP, Parkash Singh INC, Tarsem Singh IND, Hardev Singh IND, Hardev Singh Kahma IND, Nasib Chand IND, Balachaur 1 Sh. Ramkrishan Kataria INC, Nand Lal SAD, Charan Singh Rana CPI, Sansar Singh IND, Daulat Singh SAD(M), Hargopal Singh BSP, Amar Chand IND, Kapurthala — Bholath: Dilbagh Rai BSP (A), Bibi Jagir Kaur SAD, Kuldip Singh BSP, Bachan Singh LBP, Gurvinder Singh SAD(M), Sukhpal Singh INC, Amar Nath DBSP, Ravel Singh IND, Kapurthala: Rana Gurjit Singh INC, Raghbir Singh SAD, Jia Lal BSP, Satish Kumar IND, Jagpal Kaur IND, Manvinder Singh IND, Desh Bandhu IND, Jagir Singh SAD(M), Ajaydeep SP, Om Parkash Sidhi BSP, Hind Pal LBP, Gurmit Singh DBSP, Sultanpur 1 Smt Upinderjit Kaur SAD, Rajanbir Singh INC, Shiv Kanwar Sandhu SAD(M), Tarsem Singh Dola BSP, Gurdev Singh CPI-M, Balwant Singh BSP(A), Phagwara (SC): Swarna Ram BJP, Harbhajan Singh BSP, Joginder Singh INC, Baldev Raj SAD(M), Satwinder Singh PBL, Sanjiv Kumar BSP(A), Sucha Singh LBP, Harinder Kumar SS, Jagdish LJSP, Hans Raj IND,

HOSHIARPUR — Garh Shankar: Amritpal Singh IND,Singara Ram BSP, Narinderpal Singh IND, Bhagat Ram IND, Onkar Singh PBL, Darshan Singh CPIM, Avinash BJP, Manjit Singh IND, Mahilpur: Sohan Singh SAD, Sh. Ram Ratan INC, Avtar Singh Karimpuri BSP, Harmesh Lal IND, Ajaib Singh SAD(M), Raj Kaur IND, Jarnail Singh LBP, Jarnail Singh RPI, Hoshiarpur: Sadhu Singh IND, Darshan Singh Sidhu LBP, Naresh Thakur INC, Gian Singh Sandhu IND, Sunder Sham Arora IND, Vikram Kumar IND, Varinder Singh SAD(M), Tikshan Sood BJP, Vinod Parmar NCP, Sunil Dutt Walia JDS, Jaswinder Singh BSP, Narinder Singh LJSP, Krishan Kant IND, Sham Chaurasi (SC): Onkari Ram DBSM, Mahinder Kaur Josh IND, Ravi Dutt LBP, Omparkash LJSP, Harjinder Pal Singh NCP, Satish Kumar BSP, Mohan Lal IND, Surjit Singh SAD, Chaurdhary Ram lubhya INC, Tanda: Balbir Singh SAD, Ran Singh LBP, Jasjit Singh Thiara SAD(M), Sangat Singh INC, RajniKant SSBT, Parkash Singh BSP, Garhdiwala (SC) 1 Sh. Desh Raj SAD, Pawan Kumar INC, Sohan Singh IND, Rampal NCP, Nirmla Devi BSP, Sukhdev Kaur IND, Dasuya: Mahant Ram Parkash BJP, Sarabjit SS, Raja Ram SP, Mohan Lal BSP, Ramesh Chander INC, Seema Devi IND, Mukerian: Kewal Krishan INC, Arunesh Kumar BJP, Shibu Nath IND, Sohan Singh BSP, Narotam Singh SAD(M), Shiv Charan Singh IND, Gurmeet Singh IND, Dayal Singh IND.

LUDHIANA— Jagraon: Bhag Singh SAD, Paramjit Singh INC, Piara Singh BSP, Jagjit Singh LBP, Darshan Singh LJSP, Darshan Singh IND, Raikot 1 Sh. Ranjit Singh Talwandi SAD, Sh. Jagjit Singh BSP, Avtar Singh LBP, Harmider Singh INC, Jagjit Singh IND, Balwinder Singh SAD(M), Dakha (SC): Bikramjit Singh SAD(M), Darshan Singh SAD, Sohan Singh CPIM, Malkiat Singh INC, Mandip Kaur BSP, Harbans Kaur LJSP, Teja Singh IND, Darshan Singh NCP, Qila Raipur: Gurdial Kaur INC, Mahesh Inder Singh SAD(M), Tarsem Lal IND, Jarnail Singh BSP, Jagdish Singh SAD, Jasbir Singh IND, Kuldip Singh IND, Gurdial Singh IND, Ludhiana North: Pran Nath Bhatia BJP, Harbans Lal IND, Om Parkash BSP, Rakesh Kumar INC, Pawan Kumar SS, Bhim Sain SP, Tarlok Chand IND, Ludhiana West: Avtar Singh SAD, Ashish Gupta NCP, Harnam Dass Johar INC, Ravinder Singh BSP, Rajinder Kaur Bulara SAD(M), Harish Rai IND, Harminder Singh IND, Ludhiana East: 1 Sh. Satpal Gosain BJP, Surinder Kumar INC, Jit Singh SAD(M), Iqbal Singh Bhullar IND, Parveen Kumar SS, Jai Pal BSP, Ludhiana Rural: Hira Singh Gabrian SAD(M), Abdul Sakur IND, Tarsem Singh IND, Sunder Lal CPIM, Sanjeev Kumar IND, Mehak Singh IND, Malkiat Singh Birmi INC, Parminder Singh SS, Amrik Singh Aliwal SAD, Kartar Singh LJSP, Gurmail Singh BSP, Rajinder Prasad RJD, Jai Kumar IND, Bhupinder Yadev IND, Paramjit Singh Sodhwan LBP, Vijay Mahajan IND, Payal 1 Sh. Tejparkash Singh INC, Jagjiwan Pal Singh SAD, Kirpal Singh SAD(M), Hardev Singh IND, Nirmal Jit Kaur BSP, Kum Kalan (SC): Gurmail Singh RLDAS, Inder Iqbal Singh SAD, Ishar Singh INC, Rajinder Kumar Jakhu SAD(M), Inderjit Singh Advocate BSP, Samrala: Amrik Singh INC, Kamaljit Puri SS, Gurtej Pal Singh SAD(M), Swaran Kumar NCP, Kulwant Kaur BSP, Kirpal Singh SAD, Khanna (SC): Randhir Singh SAD(M), Harbans Kaur INC, Satwinder Kaur SAD, Ram Singh BSP, Harnek Singh IND, Gurdeep Singh RLD, Bhajan Singh IND, Amrik Singh SS, Balraj Singh LBP.

PATIALA — Nangal: Savitar Chand RRD, Kanwar Pal Singh INC, Sardool Singh SAD(M), Madan Mohan Mittal BJP, Mahinder Pal CPIM, Naresh NCP, Anandpur Sahib — Ropar Ramesh Dutt Sharma INC, Tara Singh SAD, Jagjit Singh RCI, Nirmal Singh BSP, V. P. Saini AIFB, Malkiet Singh IND, Chamkaur Sahib (SC): Sawinder Singh IND, Rupinder Kaur IND, Satwant Kaur Sandhu SAD, Shamsher Singh Rai IND, Jaspal Singh BSP, Major Singh LBP, Shamsher Singh SP, Harpal Singh RRD, Bhag Singh INC, Morinda: Ujagar Singh SAD, Jagmohan Singh INC, Ravi Inder Singh SAD(M), Kuldeep Rai SS, Ranjit Singh IND, Kharar: Rajbir Singh SAD(M), Bir Devinder Singh INC, Rajbir Singh IND, Kiranbir Singh SAD, Dharam Singh IND, Balbir Singh IND, Amarjit Singh IND, Harnek Singh IND, Jagmal Singh LBP, Gurmail Kaur JD(U), Bhupinder Singh NCP, Rachhpal Singh LJSP, Patiala: Banur Sheelam Sohi INC, Ashok Kumar IND, Capt. Kamaljit Singh SAD, Karamjit Kaur BSP , Rajpura: Raj Khurana INC, Balramji Dass Tandan BJP, Tarlochan Dev SAD(M), Bhusan Kumar IND, Narindar Kumar NCP, Ghanaur: Jasjit Singh Randhawa INC, Dharampal CPM, Ajaib Singh Mukhmailpur SAD, Ajaib Singh IND, Hardev Singh Bhangu IND, Gurcharan Singh BSP, Dalip Singh SAD(M), Amarjit Singh IND, Dakala: Charanjit Singh SAD, Harmail Singh Tohra SAD(M), Lal Singh INC, Shamsher Singh BSP, Kuldeep Sharma IND, Janakraj LBP, Amarjot Singh IND, Shutrana (SC): Nirmal Singh SAD, Pushpinder Kaur IND, Hamir Singh IND, Ram Chand CPI, Rajindar Singh BSP, Mangat Singh SAD(M), Darshan Ram NCP, Piara Singh S/o Ajmer Singh LBP, Piara Singh S/o Mohan Singh IND, Samana: Jagtar Singh Rajla SAD(M), Ramesh Kumar IND, Harinder Pal Singh Mann IND, Brahmendra INC, Surjit Singh Rakhra SAD, Jiwan Das IND, Ajaib Singh IND, Seema Vaid IND, Raj Kumari BSP, Rajbir Singh LBP, Jarnail Singh IND, Gurdev Singh IND, Virsa Singh IND, Harinder Singh IND, Amandeep Singh IND, Patiala Town: Sarup Singh SAD, Amrinder Singh INC, Parveen Komal SS, Jaswinderpal Singh Chadda SAD(M), Jatinder Singh IND, J.P. Singla IND, Rakesh Ram IND, Anish Kumar IND, Darshan Singh IND, Nabha 1 Sh. Manjit Singh IND, Paramjit Singh IND, Ramesh Singla NCP, Randeep Singh INC, Randhir Singh SAD(M), Narinder Singh SAD, Avtar Singh BSP, Brijesh Batta LJSP.

FATEHGARH SAHIB — Amloh (SC): Gurdev Singh SAD, Harnek Singh SAD(M), Sadhu Singh INC, Sarup Singh IND, Surjit Singh SS, Harbhajan Singh IND, Mann Singh BSP, Sirhind: Avtar Singh RLD, Didar Singh SAD, Harbans Lal INC, Surinder Singh LBP, Rekha Rani RCP, Iman Singh SAD(M), Surinder Kumar BSP, Harpreet Singh IND.

SANGRUR — Dhuri: Dhanwant Singh IND, Baldev Singh LBP, Achhra Singh CPI, Iqbal Singh SAD(M), Gagan jit Singh SAD, Rajwant Singh NCP, Sultana Begam BSP, Jaswinder Singh IND, Malerkotla: Ajit Singh IND, Rajia Sultana INC, Nasar IND, Nusrat Ali Khan SAD, Abdul Gafur NCP, Sageer LBP, Abdul Hamid BSP, Mohamad Arshad SAD(M), Sherpur (SC): Gobind Singh Kanjhla IND, Chand Singh Chopra CPI(M), Harchand Kaur INC, HarneK Singh IND, Gurmail Singh IND, Rajdev Singh SAD(M), Piara Singh SAD, Bant Singh IND, Harnek Singh S/o Dalip Singh BSP, Gian Singh IND, Barnala: Jagir Singh PBL, Mit Singh Sehjra IND, Malkit Singh SAD, Rajinder Kaur IND, Pramjit Singh SAD(M), Surinder Pal Singh INC, Naresh Kumari BSP, Surjit Singh NCP, Bhola Singh LBP, Bhadaur (SC): Balbir Singh SAD, Mohinder Kaur RPI, Nirmal Singh S/o Bant Singh BSP, Surinder kaur INC, Nirmal Singh S/o Maghar Singh IND, Jagga Singh SAD(M), Jagpal Singh IND, Dhanaula: Bharbhur Singh IND, Tek Singh SAD(M), Jagjit Singh INC, Gobind Singh SAD, Madanjit Singh IND, Gurinder Pal Singh BSP, Gurdev Singh CPIM, Sangrur: Ranjit Singh Balian IND, Arvind Khanna INC, Surmukh Singh SAD, Amarjit Singh IND, Pavitar Singh BSP, Harmel Singh IND, Jeet Singh SAD(M), Raj Kumar NCP, Ved Parkash LJSP, Dirba: Baldev Singh Mann SAD, Gurcharan Singh INC, Karamjit Singh IND, Chand Singh SAD(M), Pala Singh BSP(A), Surjit singh IND, Chet Singh IND, Sunam 1 Sh. Parminder Singh SAD, Sonia Deepa INC, Gurpreet Singh SAD(M), Amandeep IND, Vinod IND, Paramjit Singh BSP(A), Naresh Kumar IND, Lehra: Jogi IND, Inder Jit Singh SAD(M), Tarsem Chand IND, Chandi IND, Rajinder Kaur Batthal INC, Naranjan Singh SAD, Sheesh Pal BSP.

FEROZEPORE — Balluana (SC): Gurtej Singh SAD, Parkash Singh Bhatti INC, Usha Rani BSP, Abohar: Sudhir Nagpal IND, Ram Kumar BJP, Om Parkash IND, Baljit Singh NCP, Sunil Kumar INC, Charan Kamal BSP, Sudhir IND, Krishmir Singh IND, Binder Kaur IND, Mukesh IND, Ram Kumar IND, Fazilka: Mohinder Kumar INC, Subash Chander BSP, Surjit Kumar BJP, Kulwinder Singh SAD(M), Roop Ram LPS(P), Sushil Kumar IND, Jalalabad: Hans Raj INC, Mohan Singh BSP, Sher Singh SAD, Darshan Singh JD(S), Pawan Kumar LBP, Harbhagwan IND, Jeet Singh IND, Raj Bakhash IND, Guru Har Sahai: Gurmeet Singh INC, Chanan Singh SAD(M), Joginder Singh BSP, Paramjit Singh SAD, Manoj Kumar ABSS, Om Parkash IND, Sajawar Singh IND, Sukhdev Singh IND, Ferozepore — Sukhpal Singh BJP, Surjit Singh BSP, Dhian Singh SAD(M), Sadanand LJSP, Puran IND, Hansa Singh IND, Bal Mukand INC, Ashwani Kumar Mehta IND, Ferozepore Cantt: Ravinder Singh INC, Janmeja Singh SAD, Chamkaur Singh BSP, Kulvinder Singh LJSP, Khuswant Singh SAD(M), Gurpyar Singh IND, Ashok Kumar IND, Sandeep Kumar IND, Zira: Inderjit Singh SAD(M), Hari Singh SAD, Kuldeep Singh INC, Ajaib Singh DBSP, Avtar Singh IND, Ramesh Kumar ABSS.

MOGA — Dharamkot (SC): Jagdarshan Kaur INC, Sheetal Singh SAD, Baldev Singh SAD(M), Mukhtiar Singh IND, Karamjit Kaur LBP, Lal Singh SP, Baldev Kaur LJSP, Santokh Singh IND, Gurdev Singh NCP, Amrit Kaur IND, Moga: Harish Kumar ABSS, Harnek Singh MBL, Ved Parkash CPIM, Buta Singh SAD(M), Balbir Chand LJSP, Tota Singh SAD, Surjit Kaur IND, Sathi Vijay Kumar INC, Vinay Rani SS, Malkiat Singh IND, Bagha Purana: Sadhu Singh SAD, Nirmaljit Singh IND, Mahesh Inder Singh INC, Yograj Singh MBP, Jaswinder Singh LBP, Sucha Singh LJSP, Santa Ram BSP, Sadhu Singh IND, Ashok Kumar IND, Nihal Singh Wala (SC): Jora Singh SAD, Swaran Singh SAD(M), Ajaib Singh CPI, Faquir Mohmmad LBP, Ajit Singh IND, Sarup Singh LJSP, Darshan Singh IND, Gurdip Kaur BSP, Sadha jit Singh NCP, Mega Singh IND.

FARIDKOT— Panjgrain (SC): Harinder Singh SAD(M), Gurdev Singh SAD, Dashan Singh CPI, Pala Singh NCP, Binder Singh BSP, Ajmer Singh RPI, Iqbal Singh LJSP, Kewal Singh LBP, Amarjit Singh IND, Kartinderpal Singh IND, Ranjit Singh IND, Kotkapura: Harpal Singh SAD(M) , Narinder Kumar BSP, Mantar Singh SAD, Vibha Sharma INC, Sukhchain Singh Bargari LBP, Surinder Kumar ABSS, Didar Singh LJSP, Kartar Singh IND, Jagtar Singh IND, Raj Kumar IND, Faridkot: Avtar Singh INC, Kushaldeep Singh SAD, Lachhman Singh BSP, Harbans Singh RRD, Harbans Kaur RPI, Gurtek Singh LBP, Pooja IND, Romesh Kumar LJSP, Avtar Singh IND, Karam Singh IND, Chamkaur Singh IND.

MUKTSAR — Harcharan Singh INC, Mander singh BSP, Harnirpal Singh SAD, Jaspal Singh IND, Manjit Kaur IND, Mukhtiar Singh IND, Pardeep Kumar IND, Ram Kumar IND, Sham Lal IND, Sukhdarshan Singh ( Khokhar) IND, Sukhdarshan Singh Madaharkalan IND, Sukhjander Singh IND, Giddar Baha: Manpreet Singh Badal SAD, Ragubir Singh INC, Manpreet Singh IND, Gurdarshan Singh BSP, Baldev Singh SAD(M), Ragubir Singh IND, Malout (SC): Poll Adjourned, Lambi Parkash Singh Badal SAD, Gurnam Singh INC, Gurpreet Singh IND, Parveen Kumari BSP, Mahesh Inder Singh IND, Davinder Singh IND,

BATHINDA —Talwandi Sabo: Mohan Singh SAD, Naranjan Singh NCP, Jagdip Singh BSP, Barinder Singh SAD(M), Jeet Mahinder Singh JP, Balwinder Singh LBP, Bhim Chand IND, Harminder Singh INC, Pakka Kalan (SC): Makhan Singh SAD, Gurjant Singh CPI, Sham Lal IND, Gulzar Singh NCP, Darshan Singh SAD(M), Labh Singh IND, Avtar Singh IND, Jodha Singh BSP, Bhatinda: Charanjee Lal Garg SAD, Sarup Chand IND, Jaskaran Singh IND, Gita Rani IND, Mit Pal Singh IND, Gurdeep Singh SAD(M), Rajbir Singh IND, Ranbir Singh IND, Amar Sharma IND, Kulwant Rai IND, Surinder Singla INC, Devinder Kumar NCP, Harush Kumar SS, Sukhdev Singh IND, Devinder Singh IND, Sham Singh BSP, Nathana (SC): Jasmer Singh INC, Teja Singh S/o Jang Singh SAD(M), Gura Singh SAD, Teja Singh s/o Jagir Singh IND, Atma Ram IND, Makhan Singh NCP, Ranjit Singh LBP, Pushminder Pal Singh BSP, Gurnam Kaur RPI, Rampura Phul: Sikandar Singh Maluka SAD, Nachhatar Singh IND, Harbans Singh INC, Gurpreet Singh IND, Surjit Singh BSP, Ajaib Singh IND, Bakhsh Deep Singh IND, Pargat Singh IND, Gurpreet Singh IND.

MANSA — Joga: Mohinder Singh LBP, Jagdip Singh SAD, Surjan singh NCP, Baldev Singh SAD(M), Gurdev Singh BSP, Sukhraj Singh INC, Kartar Singh IND, Mansa: Bauta Singh CPI, Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh SAD, Gursewak Singh SAD(M), Jodha Singh Mann LBP, Jaswant singh IND, Parshotam Dass IND, Rajwinder Singh CPI(M-L), Rulda Singh BSP, Nazier Singh SJP, Gora Lal NCP, Darshan Singh IND, Paramjit Singh IND, Sher Singh IND, Budhlada: Madan Lal Garg IND, Hardev Singh CPI , Harbant singh SAD, Mangat Rai Bansal BSP, Subh Karan IND, Sukhchain Singh SAD(M), Rajinder Kumar NCP, Balram Singh IND, Baldev Singh SS, Sardul Garh: Balwinder Singh SAD, Gurmail singh SAD(M), Ved Prakash LBP, Ajit Inder singh INC, Prem Kumar s/o Jagdish BSP.

PROFILE OF CONSTITUENCIES
Retaining seats on work of 5 yrs tough
Jangveer Singh
Tribune News Service

SHUTRANA: The Shutrana (Reserved) constituency could also throw up some surprises with the former Congress minister, Mr Hamir Singh Ghagga, throwing his hat in the ring after he was denied a party nomination with the Congress leaving the seat for the CPI. The CPI has fielded Mr Ram Chand, who had lost the last elections also. This time besides Mr Ram Chand, other candidates in the fray are Mr Nirmal Singh of the SAD, Mr Mangat Singh of the Panthic Morcha, Mr Rajinder Singh of the BSP and Mr Darshan Mann of the NCP.

Banur campaigning on two-wheelers
Our Correspondent

Banur (Patiala), January 29
During his election campaign, the General Secretary of the Shiromani Akali Dal and a candidate of the SAD-BJP alliance from the Banur Assembly constituency, Capt. Kanwaljit Singh, today completed his first round of the constituency.

The minister visited over 18 villages and addressed public gatherings at different places. His supporters expressed solidarity with the minister who was given a warm welcome.

He flagged off a motorcycle-scooter really that passed through Karala, Dharmgarh, Mathlara, Mamoli, Hansala, Rajomajra, Karali, Kaloli Jattan, Kaloli, Nandialai and some other villages of the Banur Circle.

While addressing the public he listed the development works being taken up by the government in the last five years. He said Dera Bassi was given the status of a tehsil, Zirakpur and other seven villages were merged to form a Nagar Panchayat during his tenure of five years in rule.

Moreover, a 30-bed hospital was also created in Banur to give better medical facilities for the residents of the area. Apart from this a sum of Rs 61 lakh was spent on water supply scheme to meet the water shortage in the area.

During its tenure SAD spent crores of rupees on various development works in the area apart from uplifting the lifestyle of the weaker sections of society, he claimed. “Instead of making false promises, I have personally met the villagers and solved their problem at their door steps” claimed Capt Kanwaljit Singh.

To uplift the downtrodden, SAD had given 5 marla plots to the homeless besides providing financial aid to construct houses under the Indira Awas Yojana. Rs 600 crore had been distributed in different projects under the Special Component Plans.

To help the poor and needy people Shagun Scheme, old age and widow pension schemes were launched.

Capt Kanwaljit Singh said the Congress had always been changing its candidate from the area, where he was continuously contesting elections from the constituency, so he was more concerned about the development of the area.

In the Barnala constituency, Mrs Rajinder Kaur, an aspirant of the SAD ticket, who had unsuccessfully contested from Barnala as a SAD candidate in 1997, is now contesting from Barnala against the official party candidate, Mr Malkit Singh Kitu.

Ex-servicemen to support Kang
Tribune News Service

SAS Nagar, January 29
A group of ex-servicemen and retired personnel of para-military forces today announced their support to the SAD candidate from the Kharar assembly seat, Mr Kiran Bir Singh Kang.

The ex-servicemen, led by Wg Cmdr, MS Mander (retd), and Air Marshal DS Basra (retd), said their forum was an apolitical one and they had decided to support Mr Kang on the basis of his credentials.

Wg Cmdr Mander said there were around 5000 ex-servicemen in the town who could influence the prospects of the candidates. Air Marshal P.S. Bajwa, Sq Ldr Onkar Singh, DIG J.S. Dhillon (retd) and Capt Birender Kahlon (retd) also spoke on the occasion. Mr Kiran Bir Singh Kang said he would constitute a committee to look into the problems of the ex-servicemen.

Meanwhile, the candidate of the Punjab Nationalist Youth Congress Party from the Kharar seat, Mr Bhupinder Singh, today opened election offices at Sohana and Balongi. Speaking at a rally, he said the ruling Akali Dal believed in promoting family members in politics.

Mr Sawarn Singh Sandheer and Mrs Surinder Kaur, both leaders of the Punjab unit of the Nationalist Congress Party, also spoke on the occasion.

In another development, the Trade Union Council of SAS Nagar at a meeting decided to support the Congress candidate from the Kharar seat, Mr Bir Devinder Singh. Mr Ran Ji Dass , a leader of the council, said due to wrong policies of the SAD-BJP government, a number of industrial units had been closed and development of the Kharar assembly segment had suffered.

Govt ‘has failed’ on employment front
Our Correspondent

She criticised the Akali government for misleading the public on the construction of the Dashmesh canal. She alleged that due to wrong policies of Capt Kanwaljit Singh, Finance Minister, Punjab, the Dashmesh canal project remained in papers only.

Panthic Morcha manifesto today
Our Correspondent

The morcha would also fight for more powers to the states as per the Anandpur Sahib resolution. He said they would release its manifesto tomorrow at Ludhiana or Chandigarh.

Cong leader denies links with NCP
Tribune News Service

Bathinda, January 29
Mr Shiv Chand, a former minister, today denied that he was associated with those who were trying to project the National Congress Party (NCP), a major force in the coming Assembly elections, by putting up dissatisfied Congressmen, who were denied party ticket as NCP candidates for February 13 poll.

Mr Shiv Chand, while talking to mediapersons here today, said certain vested interests were bent upon to harm the prospects of the Congress and these leaders had been putting the rebel candidates against the official nominees of the Congress.

He said at a meeting in Chandigarh party leaders had predicted that certain party workers would contest coming Assembly elections as candidates of the NCP after leaving the Congress. He said he had made the PPCC President, Mr Amarinder Singh, aware of these happenings.

CPI assails wrong policies
Our Correspondent

Amritsar, January 29
CPI stalwart S.P. Dang and former Rajya Sabha MP Gurdass Das Gupta castigated the state and Central governments for corruption in the country.

Addressing an election rally in support of Mr Amarjit Singh Asal, they assailed the virtual destruction of small-scale units in the country due to the removal of import duties under the dictates of the World Bank, the IMF and the World Trade Organisation. This had rendered lakhs of workers unemployed. The wrong policies has ruined agriculture and agro industries.

Cong has no agenda: Kohli

Phagwara
Mr Om Prakash Kohli, National Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party and in charge of the party’s Punjab Affairs, on Tuesday while, addressing party workers’ rally here this afternoon, Mr Kohli said the Congress was a party sans any agenda or issue. In case, the Congress came to power, it would have confrontations with the Vajpayee government and the state would be affected. OC 

BKU(E) to block rail traffic
Our Correspondent

Bathinda, January 29
The BKU (Ekta) will block rail traffic near Lehra Mohabat village on the Bathinda-Patiala section on February 8 as part of the statewide “rail roko” agitation.

In a press note issued here yesterday, the union leaders, including Mr Jhanda Singh Jethuke, district president, Mr Buta Singh Burjgill, senior vice-president, Mr Shangara Singh, general secretary, and Mr Natha Singh, financial secretary, said all arrangements had been made to make the agitation a success.

The BKU leaders further said as per the decision of the union they would not support any party in the forthcoming elections.

The union also decided to observe the second death anniversary of those who had lost their lives during the agitation at Jethuke village on January 31.

COMMUNITY

Police Department sans funds
Chander Parkash
Tribune News Service

Information gathered by TNS revealed that most of the police stations in the district were in bad shape and some of them had been declared unsafe. These police stations had been posing a great threat to the lives of policemen working there and the criminals, who were being kept behind bars after they were arrested for their involvement in different crimes. Dr Jatinder Kumar Jain, SSP, said the matter had been taken up with authorities concerned. 

Cockfighting returns with vengeance
Ravi Dhaliwal

Patiala, January 29
Swanky cars, armed policemen and mobile telephones in every second hand — it is neither an election rally nor any VIP’s visit, but the illegal “sport” of cockfighting at its climax. Behind this excitement is a trail of bets worth thousands of rupees and sadistic pleasure that hundreds of spectators gathered at the spot derive from this bloody act.

The venue of the fight is near a small and dusty village of Sular on the outskirts of the city, and the activity continues, while the district administration and the police look the other way. Till past year, the fights used to be held on Polo Grounds in the heart of the city, but a newspaper report exposed this activity and prompted the district administration to stop it. However, as the fights enjoy the patronage of the rich and the famous of the city, organisers quickly shifted the venue to an obscure place near Sular village.

As the rivals stare at each other, spectators know that it is going to be a tough fight. The spurs on the legs of these ‘pathas’ (local parlance for these cocks) are brutal reminders of the past “battles”. One round of cheering and the cocks attack each other. With the eyes bloodshot and feet nimble, the cocks make calculated moves, swerving and striking. It is all over within minutes and thousands of rupees exchange hands. The defeated cock runs out of the ring.

Ram Singh, a regular on the circuit, says, “It is not the money that matters, it is the thrill. Today, Ram Singh lost Rs 500, a big sum for him, but this has not deterred him from buying another rooster for the fight.

During training, fighter cocks are not allowed to mate, kept in isolation and fed on a special diet of cereals. The cocks are thrown in water tanks with their feet tied, so that, they have no option but to remain afloat, which helps the birds gain strength.

Some cock owners could even been seen feeding drops of ‘arrack’ to the cocks before the fight to make these more aggressive.

The cruel fights are held on the last Sunday of every month.

Jacob inaugurates seminar
Our Correspondent

Patiala, January 29
The Chancellor of Punjabi University, Lieut Gen J.F.R. Jacob, today inaugurated an international seminar on “Contribution of interfaith work to social harmony and world peace” being organised by Punjabi University in collaboration with the World Faith Congress at the university’s Senate Hall.

In his address to an audience comprising scholars from abroad, the Chancellor stated that religion was essentially a binding force, but at times it had worked as a dividing factor, disturbing social harmony and even world peace. He insisted that religion must ultimately become a vehicle for spiritual enlightenment, moral consciousness and cultural values.

The President of World Faith Congress, Mr Marcus Braybrooke highlighted that dispelling ignorance and prejudice, encouraging people of different faiths to meet and rethinking of personal beliefs were the three main imperatives for world peace.

The Vice-Chancellor of the host university, Dr Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia, observed that religion could play a significant role in the 21st century only if it was self-analytical and self-critical in its approach and was differentiated from its negative fundamentalist form. The Vice-Chancellor also released five books on the occasion.

His devotion to duty pays off
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 29
It was a singular honour for Raikot, a small town in Ludhiana district of Punjab, when the Param Vashisht Seva Medal was confirmed on a son of its soil, Lieut-Gen Harcharan Singh, on Republic Day by the President of India. This is the highest peace-time award given to Army personnel for distinguished service.

Brought up and educated in Raikot, General Harcharan Singh, after he graduated in Medicine from Patiala, was told by his father, Mr Karam Singh, a hero of the 1959 encounter with the Chinese to serve the nation by joining the Army. Overlooking greener pastures, the young doctor, bowing to the wishes of his father, chose to join the Army in December, 1963. Soon he had to see action in the 1965 war with Pakistan at Burki, as RMO of Fourth Sikh Regiment.

After obtaining his master’s degree in surgery from the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, he again saw action in the 1971 war again with Pakistan in the Samba sector. During the 1971 war, he lost his brother, Assistant Commandant Hardip Singh, at Khem Karan but this did not diminish his zeal to serve the country.

He did pioneering work on wheelchair for amputees while he was at the Artificial Limb Centre. His sincerity and devotion to work paid off and he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General in 2000 and made Director-General, Medical Services (Army). He was also made honorary surgeon to the President of India in March, 2001 — a unique honour itself. A man of many parts, the General well deserved the conferment of the PVSM.

Guidelines soon for infertility centres
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, January 29
The National Academy of Medical Sciences is planning to come out with a charter enlisting norms and guidelines for functioning of infertility centres in the country.

There are about 370 such centres in the country. Half of such centres are ill-equipped in staff and equipment. “Some such centres don’t have quality medicines. As a result the success rate is below 20 per cent, half of the international success rate,” said Dr Gautam N. Allahabadia, a Mumbai-based infertility specialist. He was here in a connection with a programme for treating 26 childless couples, organised by the local Virk Centre for Human Reproduction.

He said most of such centres don’t even provide basic data to patients. “There are only eight ISO-9002 certified infertility treatment centres in the world. The cost of medicines, especially, quality ones manufactured by multi-national companies, was prohibitive, said Dr Allahabadia.

Ex-servicemen League raps govt
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 29
The Punjab Ex-servicemen League president Lieut Col C.S. Dhillon (retd) has criticised the Akali-BJP government in the state for ignoring the interests of the ex-servicemen. Addressing a press conference here today, Lieut-Col Dhillon alleged that the government had failed to fulfil promises made to the ex-servicemen.

He sad the ex-servicemen had been urging the government to take welfare measures promised to them. Pension to widows was being delayed and their demand from 22 per cent reservation in jobs was also not met by the government, he added.

2-minute silence to be observed today
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 29
A two-minute silence will be observed in Punjab on January 30 at 11 a.m. in memory of those who gave their lives in struggle for the India’s freedom, according to an official spokesman.

CRIME

Anti-Corruption Society chief arrested
Our Correspondent

Jalandhar, January 29
The district police today arrested president of the local unit of the Anti-Corruption Society Jeet Kumar Anand for harbouring Naresh Kapur, an accused in the multi-crore fake Indra Vikas Patras case.

Mr L.K. Yadav, SP, said Naresh used to stay at the residence of Jeet Kumar. "Jeet Kumar was also found to be involved in benami transactions of Naresh during the course of investigation. It was also established that Jeet Kumar had helped Naresh in getting loan of Rs 2 crore from different banks by pledging the fake Indra Vikas Patras and the Kisan Vikas Patras," Mr Yadav added.

Jeet Kumar was arrested from his house this evening. A case under Sections 216 and 120 of the IPC has been registered.

EDUCATION

India to host world teachers’ conference
Our Correspondent

Prof Sodhi said this was for the first time that such an international conference would be held in India. He said even though the exact date for the conference was not decided, it was likely that the conference would be scheduled for the second week of December.

School function
Our Correspondent

Bathinda, January 29
The annual prize distribution function of the local Lala Jagan Nath Jain Good Will Public School was held on the school premises yesterday. Dr R. Vij, a former Dean (Colleges), Punjabi University, presided over the function while Mr Jagjit Singh, Secretary, Punjab School Education Board, was the chief guest.

A cultural programme comprising shabad, group dance and Punjabi songs was presented by schoolchildren on the occasion.