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Poll over, candidates
relax
Jalandhar, May 11 Rana Gurjit Singh’s instant reaction was, “I feel totally relaxed and satisfied. These are truly fine moments which I am enjoying after the elections. I am also satisfied with the success of my systematic campaign.” He asserted that he would lead in Sultanpur segment and make up for losses of past in
Lohian, a SAD bastion. He opponent Mr Gujral, quipped,” I feel very confident, but at the same time a little tired. But the positive feedback that we would gain in Kapurthala, Rana Gurjit Singh’s area has evaporated the tiredness. After intense campaign and keeping an eye on developments for days together, I spent time with friends and family,” he added. “I am relaxed to the core after the poll. Many people including party workers are pouring in as they had worked with full zeal. Though I have failed to find time for my family so far, it is not so hectic now. But I can’t say that I am completely idle, said Mr Khanna, SAD-BJP candidate from Hoshiarpur. BSP candidate Charanjit Singh Channi’s response was almost the same “I feel comfortable as the people have voted for development. I spent time with my family and I am sure I will win,’ he said. A confidant Charanjit Singh Atwal, SAD-BJP candidate from Phillaur, said he remained busy even after completion of the poll. “I kept worrying, not about the results but pending tasks I had been neglecting pending tasks during these two months. I am thinking how to complete these pending tasks. For Ms Santosh Chaudhary, Congress candidate from Phillaur, today was no different. “For a busy bee like’ me today is like any other day. I got up at 5 a.m., took a bath and started interacting with people. A workaholic like me cannot rest. I could not spend time with my family even after the voting was over yesterday.” |
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The day after
Parkash Singh Badal
"Although it is difficult to make definite comment on the outcome of the elections, what is obvious is the wave of anger and resentment against the Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh. This wave has swept across all the three regions in the state almost equally. It is remarkable that the Chief Minister has been able to unite farmers, Dalits, traders and employees against the government in such a short while. His hypocrisy on corruption has been torn apart by the people who appear to have taken the revenge on a non-performing revengeful Chief Minister." Ludhiana B.S. Ramoowalia (Lok Bhalai Party) "I have managed to secure about 42 per cent votes that have clearly put me in the lead," he says remembering how much love and affection the people of Ludhiana have showered upon him. "I am pained to see how a person from all walks of life cuts across the barriers of caste and religion and voted for this Jat Sikh from Moga with a humble beginning". After a post-poll evening, Mr Ramoowalia is preparing for his thanks-giving round. Manish Tewari (Cong)
He has been making long calls to talk to his wife and daughter and is still making plans to make up for the sleep that has eluded him since April 3 when he started his election campaign in Ludhiana. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon (SAD) People of Ludhiana have realised that only Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government at the Centre and the SAD-BJP government in Punjab can provide stability and development. Therefore I have no doubts that May 13 will be a day on which all our expectations will be fulfilled. Mr Dhillon is taking a little time off for prayers and his family because he says that two days later he will be entrusted with responsibility that will leave him with little time for himself. Hoshiarpur Charanjit Singh Channi (BSP)
Avinash Rai Khanna (BJP)
Darshan Singh Mattu (CPM-Cong) Mr Mattu is also upbeat about his victory. He says that he is really thankful to his electorate who had not only voted in his favour but have also provided all possible help to him during his election campaign. He is thankful to the leaders of the District Congress Committee, Hoshiarpur, particularly Mr Romesh Chander Dogra, Health and Family Welfare Minister, who along with the party workers worked wholeheartedly for him. To express gratitude to his supporters and sympathisers, he is personally going to them and thanking them. He claims that he would win with a margin of more than one lakh votes. He says that he is completely relaxed and joyful after the polling. Gurdaspur Vinod Khanna (BJP)
Sukhbans Kaur Bhinder (Cong)
She says that although she had not to move out early in the morning, the flow of visitors continued unabated and she was preparing for the counting. Phillaur Santosh Chaudhary (Cong)
She says it is still "wait and watch". But these two days she is reviewing her performance and finalising the details about the counting agents. Charanjit Singh Atwal (SAD)
"We know we are winning and still we have to wait for the final announcement," said the junior Atwal. Tarn Taran Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria (Cong) Mr Sarkaria was upbeat after the polling. He was today busy making arrangement for the cremation of his loyal worker, Mukhtiar Singh, who was killed allegedly by an Akali leader during poll violence at Gaheri village in the Sarai Amanat Khan area of the Tarn Taran constituency. Rattan Singh Ajnala (SAD) Dr Ajnala had gone to Chandigarh for parleys with Mr Parkash Singh Badal. He could not be contacted in spite of repeated calls at his residence and on his mobile phone number. However, his family members express confidence that Dr Ajnala will win the elections with a big margin. They add that since the Akali Dal seems to be winning a majority of seats in Punjab, the party is working out a strategy to celebrate victory in a big way. Amritsar R.L. Bhatia (Cong)
He admitted that it was a tough contest but he would surely emerge victorious. He says his voters have reposed confidence in his ability to win his seventh victory of his long political career. Navjot Singh Sidhu (BJP)
He added that Mr Sidhu had been called by Mr Parkash Singh Badal, SAD chief, for an urgent meeting at Chandigarh and since he was not carrying his mobile as such could not be contacted. Sangrur Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa (SAD)
Arvind Khanna (Cong)
I along with Congress persons and CPI and CPM workers and leaders worked very hard, but now all is in the hands of the Almighty. In urban areas I am on number one, while in rural areas the major claimants of this seat got almost equal votes." Simranjit Singh Mann (SAD-A)
I am going to represent the constituency and I stand for the human rights of every citizen." Bathinda Paramjit Kaur Gulshan (SAD-BJP) "Though voting is over, I am not feeling relaxed. I am busy with my workers in connection with their problems. I am also maintaining the accounts relating to my poll expenditure. I will emerge victorious." Sarbjit Singh Khalsa (SAD-A) "I am feeling relaxed after three months of hectic campaigning from early morning till late evening. From today onwards, I will be with the people to redress their grievances. I will win the poll." Kushal Bhaura (CPI-Cong) "Though I am feeling relaxed as
there is no burden of elections on me now, anxiety relating to the
outcome of the poll is still there. I am eager to know that what the
fate has in store for me. I hope to win the seat." |
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Repoll today at 4 polling stations
Chandigarh, May 11 The other places include station number 49 in the Batala Assembly segment in the Amritsar parliamentary constituency, station number 94 in the Jalandhar Cantt and station number 80 in the Pacca Qualan area in the Bathinda parliamentary constituency. A repoll was ordered in Batala and DR Jain National High School in Jalandhar Cantt as EVMs had malfunctioned there in the Pacca Qualan area. Though Punjab police officials yesterday insisted that the murder of SAD leader Jagpal Singh in the Saholi village in Qila Raipur Assembly segment was not “political”, party President Parkash Singh Badal asserted that the “killing was to spread panic among voters ”. The para military forces would be deployed to ensure a free repoll, sources said. |
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69 pc cast vote in
Sangrur
Sangrur, May 11 In the Sherpur assembly segment of this Lok Sabha constituency, the maximum percentage of polling was recorded at 74.81 per cent, followed by 74.05 per cent in Dirba, 73.79 per cent in
Bhadaur, 71 per cent in Dhanaula, 68.11 per cent in Nihal Singh Wala and 67.46 per cent in Sangrur. |
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Record polling in
Muktsar
Muktsar, May 11 As per the official figures, the Gidderbaha Assembly segment witnessed 79.2 per cent polling. About 107,232 people voted against the total electoral strength of 135,263. The Malout Assembly segment witnessed 74.6 per cent polling as 96064 people voted against the total of 128,696, the Lambi Assembly segment also witnessed 74.6 per cent polling as out of total 121,587 votes, 90,732 voters exercised their franchise. In Muktsar, the total poll percentage touched 73.6 as out of total 139,210 electorates, 102,513 people voted. The contest in this constituency was between the SAD-BJP alliance candidate and former Union Minister, Mr Sukhbir Badal, and the Congress-CPI candidate, Ms Karan Brar. Mr B.R. Banga, District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner, pointed out that heavy polling was witnessed in all four Assembly segments and added that barring a few incidents of violence, the polling remained peaceful. The Bathinda (Reserve) parliamentary constituency witnessed 59.32 per cent polling as 762,876 voters out of total 128,5957 voters exercised their franchise. This parliamentary constituency witnessed triangular contest among the SAD-BJP alliance candidate, Ms Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, the CPI, the CPM and the Congress alliance candidate, Ms Kushal Bhora, and the SAD (Amritsar) candidate, Mr Sarbjit Singh. In Bathinda parliamentary constituency, the Sardulgarh Assembly segment bordering Haryana, which is considered as educationally backward area of the region, witnessed 67.58 per cent polling, which is highest in the constituency. The Bathinda Assembly segment witnessed lowest polling in the constituency as only 47 per cent of its total electorates exercised their franchise. The other Assembly segments, including Talwandi Sabo, Pakka Kalan,
Nathana, Rampura Phul, Joga, Mansa and Budhlada witnessed 56 per cent, 57 per cent, 62.68 per cent, 63.31 per cent, 65.91 per cent, 57.72 per cent and 63.32 per cent polling, respectively. Chandigarh, May 11 According to press note issued by the office of the Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer, Ferozepore was followed by Sangrur. As many as 69.14 per cent votes were cast in Sangrur. Ferozepore bagged the third position. As many as 67.34 per cent votes were polled in this parliamentary constituency. It was followed by Gurdaspur where 65.40 per cent votes were polled. After the final tabulation of results, Ludhiana lost its distinction of being the city with lowest voter’s turnout. Only 53.05 per cent were polled in Amritsar. The final figures (in per cent) are: Gurdaspur — 65.40; Amritsar — 53.05; Tarn Taran — 61.77; Jalandhar — 60.80; Phillaur —61.40; Hoshiarpur — 57.87; Ropar — 59.55; Patiala — 61.47; Ludhiana — 55.70; Sangrur — 69.14; Bathinda — 59.45; Faridkot — 71.16; and Ferozepore 67.34. |
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Low voter turnout worries
Cong
Patiala, May 11 The Patiala Assembly seat, which returned Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh in the 2001 Punjab Vidhan Sabha poll with a difference of 30,000 votes, saw an indifferent voter attitude. The scorching May sun also played its role in low voter turnout. This time women voters outnumbered their men, as the town witnessed a meagre 44.09 per cent polling. A total of 14,738 votes were cast, out of which 38,288 were women voters. The maximum polling was in Banur, where 67.28 per cent of the people exercised their franchise. Rajpura, where dissident MLA Raj Khurana is playing spoilsport for the Congress, witnessed 60.11 per cent voting. There was a comparatively heavy turnout in Ghanaur and Dakala segments, which saw 65.68 per cent and 66.24 per cent polling, respectively. Shutrana, which is a reserved Assembly segment, witnessed 65.15 per cent turnout, while Samana, considered to be a SAD stronghold from where Akali MLA Surjit Singh Rakhra was elected to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, saw a relatively low turnout of 50 per cent. Lehra Gagga segment, which is considered to be a political hotbed because of the heavy presence of voters aligned to dissident leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, saw 61.20 per cent votes being polled, while the voter turnout in Sunam was relatively on the higher side at 66.75 per cent. |
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Paramilitary forces in Punjab till May
14
Chandigarh, May 11 The sources added 39 companies of the paramilitary forces were being retained to keep vigil outside the counting centres and places where electronic voting machines had been kept. Meanwhile, special poll observers who reached Punjab today, were expected to stay till the declaration of the results on May 13. The CEO’s office said the counting would begin on Thursday at 8 am in 117 counting halls in 72 towns. A nodal officer had been appointed in each district as well as at the state headquarters to disseminate the trends. As many as 17 computer centres had been set up at the district level for the
transmission of result data. |
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Tight security at Kharar counting
centre
Kharar, May 11 Mr S.S. Garewal, SP (D), said here today that a platoon of the BSF and more than 10 commandos had been put on duty to guard the strongroom where EVMs were lying sealed. Round-the-clock patrolling was on in the area. He said nearly 60 more police personnel, including a DSP, would be put on duty on the day of counting of votes on May 13. Some of them would be commandos, while the rest of the force would be from the subdivision. If the need be, an outer cordon would be formed on that day. Only persons carrying identity cards issued by the Ropar Deputy Commissioner would be allowed entry into the area. The Assistant Returning Officer-cum-SDM, Mr Sukhvinder Singh Gill, said all preparations had been made at the counting centre. A rehearsal session for the counting staff would be heald tomorrow. Meanwhile, the polling percentage at a booth in Kansal village in the Morinda segment was as low as 14. A booth in Masol village recorded 44 per cent voting. Residents had announced that they would take part in the elections because the village had not been provided proper basic facilities. However, Palampur village recorded 78.17 per cent polling, while at a booth in Choti Bari Naggal village 77 per cent of the voters exercised their franchise. |
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EVMs kept under tight
security
Dera Bassi, May 11 Apart from companies of the Border Security Force, the local administration has also deployed additional Punjab Police personnel around the college premises. Mr Manmohan Kumar Sharma, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Dera Bassi, said Mr G.P. Singh, Station House Officer, Dera Bassi, has been deputed round-the-clock to keep surveillance around the college building. He said the personnel of paramilitary force had been taking care of the internal security while security cover outside the college complex was being provided by Punjab Police personnel, the DSP added. The Assistant Returning Officer, Mr D.R. Garg, revealed that 67.28 per cent voting was polled in the Banur segment of the Patiala parliamentary constituency. According to official records, as against 1,60,930 votes, only 1,08,277 voters exercised their franchise in the Banur segment yesterday. Out of 85,301 men voters, 58,878 turned up to cast their votes while 49,402 women voters exercised their franchise. Government Elementary School,
Janetpur, witnessed maximum polling of 85 per cent while 30.56 per cent was the lowest polling recorded at Government Elementary School,
Lohgarh, near Zirakpur. |
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Observer reviews counting
arrangements
Fatehgarh Sahib, May 11 Mr S.K. Ahluwalia, Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer, accompanied him to all counting sites. Mr Ahluwalia said the counting would take place in rounds. There will be 11 rounds for 79-Sirhind and 12 for 78-Amloh. He said the counting would start at 7 a.m. and the results were expected to be available before noon. He
said the identity cards
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Poll staff ‘not aware of’
process
Faridkot, May 11 Many Presiding Officers supposed to study the documents related to polling process did not bother to study these. Several considered it waste paper. Mr Hussan Lal, District Returning Officer, noticed these lapses when he visited polling booths in urban areas. |
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Poll agent for action against MLA,
SP
Amritsar, May 11 In a letter he has accused the SP, Mr Harmanbir Singh brother of MLA Jasbir Singh Dimpa, and the DSP, Ashwani Kumar for illgally detaining them in Sultanwind police station yesterday. They were abducted from a polling booth in the village. However, Mr Harmanbir expressed ignorance and denied any hand of his brother or supporters in the incident. He said he and his family felt threatened by the aggressive acts of these persons and fear that they might be eliminated. Mr Rajinder has urged for registering a case against them and for providing security to his family. |
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8 booked for damaging EVM
Batala, May 11 Mr Parampal Singh, DSP (rural), said those booked include Harpreet Singh of Pratapgarh village, Balkar Singh, Sucha Singh, Bao, Gulzar Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Ghuggi.
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‘Missing’ voters on list: probe sought
Amritsar, May 11 He demanded action against those responsible for the negligence. Meanwhile, Mr D.S. Mann, chairman, Ranjit Avenue Park Block ‘B’ Welfare Committee, and Col J.S. Gill, in press note today also demanded a probe into the alleged deletion of names of more than 500 residents of 284 flats in the area.
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Bobby Mann, three others booked under Arms
Act
Abohar, May 11 According to information, Bobby Mann was the campaign manager of his father for Abohar and Balluana Assembly segments of the Ferozepore Lok Sabha constituency but the nomination papers filed in the name of Nardev Singh, as an independent candidate, had not been withdrawn. Thus he was provided official security also. According to the statement issued by Mr Sarv Veer Inder Singh, a resident of the Muktsar bypass colony, Bobby Mann and his supporters allegedly attacked Congress workers at the North Circular road here yesterday evening. Others named in the FIR included Gurcharan Singh, a resident of Hanumangarh, Sukhdev Singh and Veer Babbal Singh, both residents of Kotha Paqqi village in Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan. They had allegedly intercepted a Mohindra Bullaro owned by Raja Brar, a Youth Congress block president and close relative of Congress candidate, Jagmeet Singh Brar. The vehicle was badly damaged by the lathi and kirpan wielding SAD workers who assaulted Sarv Veer Inder Singh and Gurpreet Singh. Other two suffered minor injuries. All were hospitalised late last evening. The police had rounded up SAD worker Darshan Singh of Gidderanwali village who was injured in the scuffle. The police reportedly recovered an illicit fire arm from his possession, sources said. It was indicated today that the police party that dispersed miscreants had not resorted to any firing but a gunman attached to Bobby Mann and some trouble shooters might have fired in the air. Former MP Zora Singh Mann and some BJP office-bearers protested against the violence as they arrived at the police station late last night. They said apprehensions had already been conveyed to the Election Commission but the security forces did not take sufficient preventative steps. Congress leaders blamed the SAD saying that hundreds of musclemen were hired by Mr Mann from Rajasthan and they moved freely carrying lathies and sharp-edged weapons around the polling booths with malaise. Bobby Mann had been campaigning for his father for past two months in this subdivision but he did not withdraw his nomination papers, this gave a foul smell itself. Meanwhile, Vinod Singla, a ward committee president of the BJP, here was released on bail today. He was yesterday arrested under Sections 132, 134 of the Representation of Peoples Act on a complaint filed by Mr Gurpreet Singh, presiding officer at a polling station located inside Gurunanak Khalsa Senior Secondary School, here. The officer said Mr Singla was not a registered polling agent but he frequented to influence the process of fair polling inside the booth. On being questioned he allegedly misbehaved with the presiding officer. |
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SAD leader booked for
manhandling
Nawanshahr, May 11 In his complaint, Mr Surinder Singh alleged that Mr Thiara along with his supporters entered a polling booth, manhandled and threatened him. On the other hand, Mr Thiara, along with Mr Ashawni Ballagan, district BJP president, accused the administration of working under pressure of the local Congress MLA. They alleged that the SAD polling agents deputed at the Alachaur booth were kept out of the polling booth for about half an hour to facilitate polling of bogus votes. They said the matter was brought to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner and was settled. Even then, the case had been registered to please the Congress leaders, they said. Mr Thiara and Mr Ballagan alleged that the names of a large number of SAD supporters were deleted from the voters’ list. They said at Sauna village the Presiding Officer was allegedly influencing the voters to vote in favour of the Congress. Mr Lalit Mohan Pathak “Ballu”, president, municipal council, was also ‘influencing’ the voters by entering into polling booth situated at local municipal council without having any authority, they alleged. They added that when the complaint was lodged, he procured an authority letter from Mr Harbhajan Lakha, the Samta Samaj Party candidate. They also threatened to launch a stir. |
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Gaganjit to meet Badal on Mann’s
expulsion
Sangrur, May 11 Mr Baldev Singh Mann said Mr Gaganjit Singh Barnala and Mr Surinder Singh Dhuri, a former MLA from Dhuri, today visited his house at Sular Gharat, near Dirba, and assured him that he (Gaganjit) would seek time from Mr Badal for discussing his expulsion. He said after that a deputation led by Mr Gaganjit Singh Barnala would meet Mr Badal. Mr Mann also stated that he would also meet Mr Badal to seek his reply. He had campaigned for Mr Dhindsa in Dirba segment. Mr Mann also stated that hundreds of his supporters including Mr Kashmir Singh, general secretary of the district unit of the SAD; Mr Kirpal Singh, Chairman, PADB, Dirba; Mr Harjinder Singh, president, Dirba circle of the SAD youth wing, and a large number of panches and sarpanches today gathered at his residence and assured him their full support. Chandigarh, May 11 Informed sources said that BJP high command was working hard to wean away certain regional parties from the Congress alliance. As Mr Badal has a good rapport with certain top leaders of regional parties in the South, he has been assigned the task to probe their mind, it is learnt. Mr Badal is already in touch with Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala though his party, INLD, is not expected to do well. |
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Maya detaining Kanshi, say his
brothers
Ropar, May 11 Mr Dalbara Singh and Mr Harbans Lal, brothers of Mr Kanshi Ram, in a press conference here alleged that Ms Mayawati was not allowing them meet Kanshi Ram. He was admitted in Batra Hospital, Delhi. “Nobody is allowed to meet Kanshi Ram without permission of Mayawati,” they said. Whenever they met him with Mayawati, he seemed drowsy, as if drugged. However, whenever they sneaked in without informing Mayawati, he seemed all right. The family wants to take him to the USA for better treatment. However, Mayawati has turned down all requests and was not allowing Kanshi Ram to move out of her control. The CBI should conduct an enquiry into the detention of Kanshi Ram by Mayawati, they demanded. The brothers and mother of Kanshi Ram reside in Khauspura village, near Ropar. The native village of Kanshi Ram is Bunga on the Ropar-Anandpur Sahib road. He purchased property in his native village a few years back. Kanshi Ram shot into prominence after he founded DS4 party in 1981. Later, he founded the BSP in 1984 that eroded the Dalit vote bank of the Congress and changed the political equations in the country. |
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Ban likely on advts distorting Sikh history during SGPC
poll
Amritsar, May 11 Perturbed over the distortion of the Sikh history and mud-slinging through advertisements published on the behalf of different political parties during the Parliamentary elections, The Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, has convened a meeting of Sikh high priests on May 18 here. According to sources, notices could be issued to persons who had inserted advertisements in print media to spread disinformation about legendry Sikh personalities. The Akal Takht Jathedar had taken a serious note of an advertisement published on behalf of Mr Prem Singh Lalpura, a former SGPC chief, seeking votes on the basis of caste. Mr Lalpura had, however, clarified that his name was used without permission in the advertisement, which urged voters of the Tarn Taran Parliamentary constituency to defeat Dr Rattan Singh Ajnala, a SAD candidate belonging to the Lobana community, and elect Mr Tarlochan Singh Tur, a Jat candidate. Bibi Jagir Kaur, a former SGPC chief, who belongs to the Lobana community, had also sought strict action against Mr Lalpura for encouraging casteism and regionalism. Jathedar Vedanti had to cut short his visit to a foreign country on learning that various political parties were distorting the Sikh history during the Lok Sabha elections. He feels that this should not be repeated in the SGPC elections. On the other hand, casting of vote by Jathedar Vedanti yesterday has kicked off a controversy. This is for the first time that a Jathedar of Akal Takht had gone to a polling station to cast his vote. Sikh leaders feel that the Akal Takht Jathedar should be above petty politics and not favour any political candidate. |
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Govt grilled in poaching
case
Chandigarh, May 11 The birds that Mr Goel and his two accomplices killed include two peacocks, the National Bird of India. The court also expressed concern over the manner in which Mr K.C. Gupta, Civil Judge (Junior Division), Hoshiarpur, acted while granting bail to the accused. The order said that a report had been sought from District and Sessions Judge, Hoshiarpur, as well as to direct Mr Gupta not to hear the case further. During the resumed hearing in the public interest litigation in the matter, the Bench was also informed that the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun, which had been requested to examine the dead birds, had found that the birds were killed due to the bullet injuries. It may be remembered that the Bench of Mr Chief Justice BK Roy and Mr Justice Surya Kant had treated a letter written to the Chief Justice by a resident of Pathankot. Apart from killing the birds, Mr Goel is also accused of having tried to fudge the post- mortem report of the six birds so as to show that they did not die of gunshots but due to strangulation. In a confidential report submitted to the Divisional Forest Officer, Hoshiarpur, the Director of the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun, has stated that X-ray examination of the dead birds indicted the presence of round as well as irregular metal pellets in five of the birds. The report says that the birds could have been killed due to these projections. The Punjab Chief Secretary also informed the court that the SDM and two others were arrested from the spot by forest officials and he was produced before Mr K.C. Gupta, Civil Judge (Junior Division), Hoshiarpur, at his residence at night. In his written statement, the Chief Secretary has also pointed out that the trio was granted bail by the Judge without waiting for the post- mortem report as well as the ballistic examination of the weapon used in the crime. The Chief Secretary has also pointed out that killing of peacock is a non-bailable offence. On being asked, counsel for the Punjab Government stated that despite the material against him, Mr Goel continued to hold the post of SDM, Pathankot. She also stated that so far no disciplinary action had been initiated against the accused officer. The Bench also asked Mr Goel to file his reply before the next date of hearing in the matter. The case will now come up on May 20. |
Woman tortured for dowry, police fails to register
case
Nangal, May 11 Her legs have been bruised with hot iron. Upper parts of her body also bear blunt injury marks. Narrating her story to the correspondent in the hospital, Raj Vansh Kaur alleged that right after the marriage her in-laws started harassing her for bringing inadequate dowry. Her husband, Avninder Singh, who had illicit relations, used to force her to either sign the divorce papers or ask her parents give more dowry. On May 7 she was forced to drink milk that allegedly contained intoxicants. She fell unconscious after drinking the milk. After gaining conscious she found her hand and legs tied. Her husband and the mother-in-law allegedly bruised her legs with hot iron and forced her to sign divorce papers. On refusing she was beaten mercilessly. They stopped torturing her only after she gave an assurance that she would sign divorce papers in a court and not demand anything in lieu of it. She was left outside her parent’s home on May 8 who got her admitted to the hospital, Raj Vansh Kaur alleged. The father of Raj Vansh Kaur, Mr Jagdev Singh, a labourer, has been running from pillar to post for the past four days to get an FIR registered against the in-laws of his daughter. However, till date no action had been taken, he alleged. The Nangal police authorities when contacted said the investigation into the complaint of Raj Vansh Kaur was being carried out. The FIR would only be registered after the probe. Mr Jagdev Singh said he got his daughter married using all resources he had. At the time her in-laws had stated that they did not need any dowry. However, just three months after the marriage his daughter had been sent back with bruises all over her body. Now his only wish was that the culprits who ill-treated his daughter were punished.
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Mandir ‘sacrilege’
causes clash, 8 hurt
Barnala, May 11 The local administration deployed policemen to contain public ire. The police had to resort to lathi charge twice to disperse the people gathering in front of the mandir complex and the Sadar Bazar. Eight Mahavir Dal volunteers sustained injuries — four in mandir complex in the brickbatting and four in sword and stick attack. The injured were admitted to the Civil Hospital. They include Ishwar Leechi, Rohit Jindal, Manoj Kumar, Sandeep Modi, Tarsem Lal Sharma, Deepak Kumar, Bhisham Garg, Bhushan, Krishan and Amarjit Kaur. In a complaint to the SSP, Mr Tarsem Chand, president of the Bharatiya Sanatan Dharam Mahavir Dal, has demanded action against Sanatan Dharam Sabha office-bearers. Mr Amit Prasad, SSP, said the police would take action against the guilty. |
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Diarrhoea kills 5 in Faridkot, 640
ill
Faridkot, May 11 Two women and a child have died of the disease during the past two days, raising the death toll to five. The deceased include Gurdayal Kaur, Jit Kaur and Bhajan Kaur of Surghoori village and Durga Devi and Pinky of Jaito area. The number of patients has also gone up. Dr Rainder Singh, Civil Surgeon-cum-District Health Officer, Faridkot, while talking to mediapersons at Jaito Civil Hospital today, admitted that nearly 640 patients were suffering from the disease. He, however, denied any deaths due to the disease. Five teams comprising pharmacists, members of the Health Department and NGOs were visiting the patients and treating them. He said the disease might have spread due to contaminated water, but added that the picture would be clear after receiving the test report of the water sample which had been sent to a laboratory at Bathinda. Dr Ajit Singh, SMO, said the reason behind the disease could also be heat strokes. However, both health officers expressed hope to control the spread of the disease at the earliest. Mr Hussan Lal, Deputy Commissioner, Faridkot, who had also gone to Jaito to assess the situation today and was present in the press conference, refused to make any comments on the situation. |
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Open manholes or death traps?
Moga, May 11 None of the persons responsible for stealing manhole covers has been traced. A cover costs the council Rs 1000 each. School children and those travelling at night suffer as manholes cannot be located due to fog in the region for the past one month.
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Ex-MLA dead
Amritsar, May 11 He was suffering from kidney-related problems and was hospitalised for a long time. He leaves behind his widow, a son and three daughters. His cremation will take place at 12 noon tomorrow.
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Man injured in road mishap
Lalru, May 11 Mr Intzar Mohammad was on his way home when he met with the accident. He was rushed to the Civil Hospital, Dera Bassi, and later referred to the PGI in Chandigarh. The condition of Intzar is stated to be critical. No case has been registered. |
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HIGH COURT
Chandigarh, May 11 Taking up the petition filed by Kanwaljit Singh, the person who claims to have married the deceased daughter of Bibi Jagir Kaur, the Bench said that the case be listed before another Bench. In his petition, Mr Singh has alleged that Bibi Jagir Kaur, who had been granted bail in the case relating to the mysterious death of her daughter in 2000, was trying to intimidate witnesses in the case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the matter. Mr Kanwaljit Singh is the complainant in the case. |
Wheat traders allege serious
irregularities
Chandigarh, May 11 The traders are alleging that senior officials of the corporation are trying to sell nearly 3,78,648 tons of damaged wheat in a secret manner to a single party, even though tenders had been invited for the same. According to information, advertisement inviting tenders for disposal of damaged wheat are pending with Markfed, the Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation (PAFC), PUNSUP, Pungrain and PSWC. The wheat was graded into two groups on the basis of quality and the reserve price for the same was also fixed at Rs 350 and Rs 340 per quintal, respectively. It was clearly specified in the tender that interested parties who wish to procure this wheat should submit earnest money at the rate of Rs 50 per quintal and tenders for the same will be accepted by 1 pm on May 11. But as the traders reached the PSWC headquarters here to submit their tenders along with the bank drafts of the earnest money today, they were in for a shock as their applications were not accepted by Manager (Procurement) on flimsy grounds. Among the applicants are Mr Yogender Sood of State Trading Corporation of India (STC), New Delhi, Mr Chander Mohan, Associate exporter of Mineral and Metal Trading Corporation (MMTC), New Delhi, Assistant General Manager (Export) of Hafed, Mr K.C Sardana, Mr Sushil Mittal of Rahul Industries, Ferozepore and Saraswati Feed Mills. This wheat is used for cattle feed and in poultry farms. They said there being holidays on Saturday, Sunday and Monday (polling day), they faced problems in getting the drafts made and hence could apply only today. Even as the corporation had specified in the tender notice that the office would remain open even during the holidays, since the applicants could not get drafts made on bank holidays, they were not able to apply earlier, said one of them. Alleging irregularities in the process, the traders said that the corporation had given only four days' time to the interested parties even though it involved disposal of huge quantity of wheat stocks. Of these four days also, there were three holidays and today being the last day they refused to accept the drafts and applications. This, according to them, only indicates their intention to make money out of this Rs 132 crore deal. They added that they were keen on disposing of this damaged wheat at the fixed reserve price of Rs 350 per quintal or a rupee or two more to a single party and make money in the bargain. Dozen odd representatives of trading parties and government agencies said that they had quoted a price of Rs 450-Rs 500 per quintal in the tenders for the Rs 350 per quintal wheat. They said that though the government stood to gain from this additional amount, it might end up losing crores due to the attitude of the officers. The Additional Managing Director of PSWC , Mr Ashok Singla, said that only the Managing Director was authorised to give a statement on this issue and since he was away to Rajasthan on poll duty, the matter would be resolved only after he returned on Monday. Despite repeated attempts, it was not possible to contact the Managing Director.
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Inside Babudom
Chandigarh, May 11 During his leave, Financial Commissioner P.K. Verma held the additional charge. Besides Mr Sinha, two police officers in Punjab had proceeded on leave after the Election Commission had asked the State Government to transfer them. Both these officers are yet to report back for duty at the end of their leave. Similarly, in neighbouring Haryana, the Director-General of Police, Dr M.S. Malik, had proceeded on leave after the Election Commission recommended shifting him. He, too, is yet to report back for duty. Interestingly, the Election Commission has recommended registration of a complaint against the wife of the Haryana DGP for allegedly committing irregularities as a candidate of the Indian National Lok Dal from Sonepat. Normally new posting orders are issued after the officer concerned reports back to his or her administrative head. Invariably he or she gets the same position as was held by him or her before going on leave. Though all four phases of polling ended yesterday, a majority of Punjab and Haryana cadre IAS officers put on election duty as Observers are expected back only on May 14 after counting of votes. As such the work in the Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat is still at a standstill. Only after the election process is completed, the normal functioning of the civil secretariat is expected to resume. The first and foremost task before Punjab bureaucracy would be to give final shape to the Budget as only vote-on-account had been approved when the State Legislative Assembly met briefly last time. Other important issues pending before the Punjab Government needing administrative approvals will be of course, besides administrative reshuffle, promotions and other decisions which had been announced but held back because of the model code of conduct. In case of Haryana, though the government sent twice the proposal to the Election Commission for merging dearness allowance with basic pay on the pattern of the central government, it was turned down. Now, this proposal is expected to be cleared. In Haryana, where the exit polls do not paint a pink picture for the ruling Indian National Lok Dal government, besides administrative reshuffle, other drastic and far reaching decisions are expected as the State Assembly will also be completing its term soon. The government would try to do its best so that it does not go the way the TDP government in Andhra went in the just concluded assembly elections. |
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Accused re-arrested for
conspiracy
Amritsar, May 11 Earlier, Manjit was released as per the rules as the bail bond was on his name but only for a short period and he was subsequently arrested on fresh charges. An inquiry on the dramatic escape was conducted by DIG (Prisons) S.K. Dutta on Sunday. A report in this regard will be submitted to DGP (Prisons) A.P. Bhatnagar and forwarded to the Home Secretary. The Jail Superintendent, Mr Kuldip Singh, said when the name of Manjit was called out following his bail orders, Rachpal came forward and indentified himself as Manjit. Rachpal gave the exact vital details of Manjit, including identification marks. The fact has been recorded in the inquiry report as a pointer towards a conspiracy between the two. They belong to the same area. A case against Rachpal Singh was registered at Sadar police station under Sections 223, 224, 419 and 120B IPC for absconding. |
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2 booked for molesting girl
Nawanshahr, May 11 The girl (17) had gone to the fields early last morning when the two youths allegedly intoxicated her and molested her before fleeing. She was found in the fields in a subconscious state in the evening. |
Workshop on environment
protection
Patiala, May 11 The workshop, ‘The Green Olympiad and Terraquiz’, under the Ministry of Forest and Environment Department was organised by the school in collaboration with Hero Honda. Ms Ranjana Saikia, adviser and area convener of ‘Terri’, conducted the workshop and appraised the audience about the various projects undertaken by them. It was followed by an interactive session during which many innovative solutions to daily mundane problems concerning the environment were provided by Ms Saikia. Ms Ravi Singh, Principal, and Ms Sant Chahal, member of the Finance Committee of the school, welcomed the participants, who included students and teachers from nearly 10 local schools as well. Ms Ravi Singh in her welcome address highlighted the fact that Blossoms School had contributed its bit towards spreading awareness regarding ecological degradation by setting up an eco club besides putting up a recycling plant for manufacturing paper. She also informed about the school`s future plans which include organising rallies and street plays in order to create further awareness regarding the conservation of environment in the residents of the city. The workshop was highly appreciated by students from visiting schools. |
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College gets nod for diploma
course
Jalandhar, May 11 Addressing a press conference here today, the Principal of the college, Dr Rita Bawa, revealed that the UGC had sanctioned Rs 17 lakh as special grant to develop the requisite infrastructure. There would be 25 seats for the PGDIB course. Dr Bawa maintained that the college, which was set up in 1886 to impart education to girls was recently the accorded A+grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). It recommended that the college was fit for Deemed University status. She further said Guru Nanak Dev University had approved B.Sc (Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics) and one-year post-graduate diploma in dietetics from the current academic session. |
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GND University results
today
Amritsar, May 11 A Guru Nanak Dev University press note stated that the results could be accessed from the university website www.gnduonline.org after 5 pm tomorrow.
Girls outshine boys in Class XII exam
Mohali, May 11 Mr Purshotam Lal, officiating Principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Phase IIIB-1, said today that Jaspreet Kaur stood first in the school in the science group by securing 85 per cent marks and Kulbir Kaur stood second by getting 77 per cent marks. He said the result of the commerce group was not available as it had not been sent by the board. The gazette showed the students as having passed or failed without giving the marks. He said in the science group, 119 students had appeared in the examination, out of which 99 had cleared it. Four students could not get through while 14 had compartment. Neha Goel of Sant Isher Singh Model Senior Secondary School, Phase VII, stood first in the school by getting 81 per cent marks in the science group. She had secured 365 marks out of 450. Gauravdeep Kaur stood second by getting 78.6 per cent marks. In the commerce group, Lakhwinder Kaur bagged the first position in the school by getting 75 per cent marks, followed by Ravinder Kaur, who secured 67 per cent marks. According to Ms Hardip Kaur Gill, Principal, 56 students had appeared in the science stream examination, out of which 13 students had compartment and five had failed. In the commerce group, 15 students had appeared in the examination, out of which three had compartment. Nancy Shergill of Paragon Senior Secondary School, Sector 71, secured the first position in the school by getting 79.7 per cent marks. Rajwinder Kaur stood second by getting 78.6 per cent marks. In the commerce group, Jasvir Singh stood first by securing 66.4 per cent marks, followed by Kuldeep Singh, who got 66.2 per cent marks. Mr Balraj Singh Shergill, secretary of Paragon Educational Society which was running the school, said 119 students had appeared in the science examination, out of which two had compartment while 31 students had appeared in the commerce group and three had compartment. However, the result was not available at Government College, Phase VI. A staff member said it had not been sent by the board. In the college, 40 students had appeared in the science examination while 21 had appeared in the commerce group. |
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The Shiromani Akali
Dal President, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, has preferred to stay back in
his native village after the polling yesterday. He intends to stay in
the village till the results come out on May 13. His reaction is:
"I am confident
that the people of the Ludhiana parliamentary constituency have not
only accepted me as their own but they have also given me the
opportunity to serve them for a five-year term." Mr Tewari says
that there is no anxiety in his mind. 
The former Congress
MP who contested on the BSP ticket after being renominated by the
party this time is was very confident about his victory this time too.
He says that the BSP, which has a considerable number of votes in the
constituency, fully supported him and polled the maximum votes in his
favour. The 1.50-lakh Saini community, to which he belongs, backed him
wholeheartedly in several segments of the Hoshiarpur constituency. The
Pasla faction of the CPM, the SAD faction of Mr Ravi Inder Singh and
Simranjit Singh Mann, the Muslim National Front, the Gujjar community,
the Social Democratic Party, and many other social and religious organisations
actively supported him. He claims that he would win with
a margin of over 70,000 votes this time.
Mr Khanna, who is the
party president of Punjab, is also hopeful about his victory in the
election. He says that after the completion of polling last evening,
he along with his supporters interacted with the electorate at his
election office till late midnight. After getting feedback from all
nine state assembly segments, he was very confident about his victory.
He claims that he would win this seat with a margin of 50,000 votes.
Mr Khanna said that he is satisfied with the performance of SAD-BJP
leaders and workers. He is completely relaxed and is enjoying with his
family.
Mr Khanna, who is
locked in a tough battle against Ms Sukhbans Kaur Bhinder of the
Congress, in Gurdaspur feels that he will "definitely win"
the seat by a thumping margin. He alleged that some police and
administrative officials harassed and intimidated his workers. He has
already filed a complaint to the election observers. His day went off
in meeting those workers who had suffered at the hands of the police
and the officials. Despite all odds, he claims, he is going to win and
score a hat-trick from here.
Ms Bhinder feels
equally confident about her chances in Gurdaspur. Reacting to the
charges of Mr Khanna that the police and officials helped her, she
said, this is "sheer frustration as he (Mr Khanna) knows very
well that he is losing from here". 
She does not agree
with the indications that she may lose her bastion this time. She
along with her daughter, Namita, feels confident about her victory.
"Ihave worked here all these years and I know each and every
corner of the constituency," she claims while adding that all
predictions will be proved wrong. 
Mr Atwal sits pretty
confident and comfortable. He and his son, Mr Inder Iqbal Singh, have
been maintaining that he will win the seat by a massive margin. Like
his rivals they are also preparing for the D-Day with their fingers
crossed. 
Mr Bhatia from the
Amritsar parliamentary constituency says he is feeling quite cheerful
and relaxed.
Mr Sidhu was was not
available despite the best efforts but his brother said that Mr Sidhu
campaigned round the clock during the past 15 days and expected to win
the election. 
"I feel relaxed
and fine after the polling as I think the result of my three months'
poll campaign will certainly remain positive because the chances of my
victory from the Sangrur Lok Sabha seat are 100 per cent due to 70 per
cent turnout of voters in villages and my direct fight with the
Congress in some assembly segments and the SAD (Amritsar) in other
assembly segments means that I am in contest in every assembly
segment"
"After the
polling, I feel happy and relaxed because I think that there is a very
close contest on the Sangrur Lok Sabha seat. 
"There was never
any doubt about my winning as I have worked hard in the Sangrur
constituency, and I expect to reap the harvest.