Bathinda, April 26
Former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today warned the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) against threatening and intimidating Congress activists.  He also asked the police not to follow the dictates of the Badals blindly to harass Congress supporters.

Addressing a largely attended election rally at Nathana in the Bathinda parliamentary constituency, Amarinder Singh asked his supporters to “note down the name and detail of every person who threatens you and I will handle such people when we return to power.”

He said the SAD was getting desperate and has resorted to intimidating Congress supporters.

He pointed out that the entire Badal family was camping in Bathinda because Harsimrat Kaur Badal was facing an “uphill task” due to the presence of Raninder Singh (Congress) in the election arena.

He said the Badals were so desperate that not only they themselves but also a large number of SAD supporters from across the state have reached here in a bid to save their ‘sinking boat’.

He said the SAD-BJP coalition would have to face action for the death of 42 Congress activists during the recent Panchayat elections. “Law will take its course and action would be taken against the guilty,” he said.

Amarinder Singh alleged that the Badals have pushed the state to bankruptcy. The state government does not have funds to pay salary to its employees.

He pointed out that when he was the Chief Minister, the revenue collections from stamp duty alone was to the tune of Rs 2,400 crore and now it has fallen to Rs 600 crore. Land prices have nosedived and industry has fled from the state because of the wrong policies of the SAD-BJP government.

Congress MLAs Ajaib Singh Bhatti, Gurpreet Singh Kangar and Sukhpal Singh Khaira also addressed the rally.

Bathinda, April 26
The hectic campaigning by the chief misiter and the deputy chief minister, while pointing to the tough poll battle in the district, also stretches the official apparatus in terms of security management and resources.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has fielded his daughter-in-law Harsimrat Kaur Badal, wife of deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, in the poll fray, as the SAD (B) candidate for the Bathinda Lok Sabha seat.

Due to the high stakes, most members of the Badal family have been frequenting Bathinda only counter the expected challenge from Congress candidate Raninder Singh, son of former CM Captain Amarinder Singh.

Due to the security threat perception, both the CM and the Deputy CM have been given Z-plus security cover. Where ever they go, an ambulance, a fire tender and escort vehicles keep accompanying them.

Laced with all emergency equipment, each ambulance carries three doctors and four staff members. In the same way, three firemen and a driver remain with each fire tender.

From the security angle, the district police provides them with at least two escort vehicles in addition to their permanent security, during their visit to the district. Being the home turf of the CM, the police also remains busy with VIP duties, right from route alert to security drills.

Besides increased expenditure, a large number of staff from public related departments have now been put on this 'special continuous' duty till the elections.

Seeking anonymity, an official of the Municipal Corporation fire brigade service said, "We have vehicles with a mileage of 4-6 kilometers per litre of fuel.

“The VIP duties keeps the whole district administration busy even during their canvassing. So, most of our staff and vehicles remain permanently engaged in their service."

When contacted, Charanjit Garg, Senior Medical Officer, Civil Hospital, Bathinda said, "One ambulance runs for around six kilometers in one litre of fuel. In each ambulance, we send a medical specialist, a surgeon, an anesthaetic, a lab assistant, a pharmacist, a class IV employee and a driver, equipped with all necessary equipment."

"The vehicles and teams are sent on the orders of the Deputy Commissioner but the expenses are borne by the Punjab Health System Corporation, under which the hospital is being run," he added.

The same is the story as far as the police is concerned, which remains on its toes round-the-clock as the Badals attend a large number of poll meetings in the district every day. 

Bathinda, April 26
Women voters are set to play a major role in the elections for the Bathinda Lok Sabha seat. Their number is approximately at par with that of the male voters here. Out of the 13,36,786 voters eligible for exercising their franchise in the forthcoming elections, 6,32,706 (47 per cent) are women and 7,04,080 (53 per cent) are men.

In Punjab, women contribute immensely to the economy of the state, its domestic affairs, agriculture and social activities. But when it comes to politics in particular, they don't get due importance. 

However, this time, with the active participation of the women members of the Badal family and that of Captain Amarinder Singh’s, it is expected that women will play an important role in deciding the future of this most high-profile Lok Sabha seat in the state.

As per the details gathered from the administration, Bathinda Lok Sabha seat has nine Assembly constituencies. In Lambi, the number of male voters is 69,094 while women are 64,467. In Bhucho, the male voters are 80,282 and women 72,424. In Bathinda (urban), the male voters are 90,106 and women are 81,249. 

In Bathinda (rural), the male voters are 69,317 and women are 60,386; in Talwandi Sabo, the male voters are 67,550 and women are 59,950; in Maur, the male voters are 72,938 and women are 65,261; in Mansa, the male voters are 93,872 and women are 84,609; in Sardoolgargh, the male voters are 77,972 and women are 71,142; and in Budhlada, the male voters are 82,949 and women are 73,218. Continued on page 18

Bathinda, April 26
The Dera factor is expected to play a key role here during polling for the Bathinda Lok Sabha seat that is witnessing a prestigious contest between scions of the two leading families — Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Captain Amarinder Singh, the Congress campaign manager.

Silence of the Dera leadership on the issue of supporting any particular party en masse is causing anxiety among the political circles.

It is learnt that the final decision on the issue might be taken in the next couple of days as the political wing of the Dera has almost completed the process of discussing the matter with the state and town level units.

Three rounds of such discussions were being held and the supporters were asked to give their choice in writing.

According to estimates, among the total electorate of 13.36 lakhs here about 84,000 are supporters of the Dera and are capable of tilting the balance.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was virtually routed from the Malwa belt during the last assembly elections in 2007 due to the total support of the Dera to the Congress.

Keeping this factor in mind, Amarinder Singh, who had earlier said that he would not seek support of the Dera in the Lok Sabha elections, has somersaulted on the issue as the contest between his son Raninder Singh and Harsimrat Kaur Badal, wife of deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, has become closer.

The Captain had earlier said that by seeking their electoral support he did not want to create trouble for the Dera followers, who have already faced the wrath of the SAD.

On the other hand, Badal says that the Dera followers were free to go with any political party and he would not approach them for votes.

Ferozepur, April 26
Congress high command has accorded tremendous faith and respect not only in the Sikh community but also in the entire state of Punjab and the Punjabis by renominating Dr Manmohan Singh for the post of PM, stated Lal Singh, working president PPCC, who addressed series of public gatherings at Village Attari, Bhatian Wali Basti, Dhira Gara and Wahka in support of Congress candidate from Ferozepur Lok Sabha seat, Jagmeet Brar here today.

On the occasion, Parminder Singh Pinki, general secretary PPCC, Gurnaib Brar, president DCC, Harinder Dhindha secretary PPCC and scores of other Congress men were present.

Lal Singh said that the Akalis had broken the backbone of democracy in the state and unleashed a reign of terror amongst the common man and Congress workers in particular.

He said that time had come to teach a lesson to the father-son duo, who have brought the state to ruins by their erroneous policies. Lal Singh said that today, the senior leaders in Akali Dal, were also deserting the party due to alleged highhandedness of the Badal family.

On the occasion, Former BJP councilor Kishore Kumar besides other persons, including Sadhu Singh, Garish Kumar of BSM, Muktiar Singh Former Sarpanch Village Jaimalwala, Avtar Singh, Bagicha Singh, Dayal Singh, Jarnail Singh, belonging to village Wahka, joined the Congress party in presence of Lal Singh who presented them siropas.

On the occasion, Congress candidate Jagmeet Brar said that Badals had done nothing for the welfare of Punjab but filled their own coffers by befooling the people of the state.

He called upon the people to give befitting reply to the alleged despotism and tyranny of the Akalis. "Tussi Akalian de julman de khilaf vote karo, tuhanon insaff main dilavan ga" (You vote against the oppression of Alkalis, I will get you justice), stated Brar. 

Ferozepur, April 26
Possessing an EPIC card assumes lot of significance of these first time voters, who with Lok Sabha polls on the anvil look totally absorbed in discussing issues like growth, development and politics these days. 

An interaction with a group of young girls, studying at one of the old and hallowed colleges of this border suburb reveals that these first time voters are excited about using their franchisee to vote, and vote for the betterment of the society and of the nation as a whole.

Amandeep Kaur, president Philosophical Society of the Dev Samaj College said that we have decided to act responsibly and vote for the best suitable candidate irrespective of the party he belongs to. 

Another girl, Dharamvir added that it is not only the politician, who can make a difference rather we should all think wisely and pool our energies together for the growth and development of the country. Only if we work in unison, we can bring the real changes which we desire to bring, she added.

Echoing similar views, Navdeep, a student of BA III year said that if the politicians are corrupt or dishonest, the electorates are to be equally blamed, as they are the ones who choose the leader adding that people like Medha Patkar should come forward and contest the polls. "We do not want models or celebrities or cricket stars for that matter, as they fail to deliver on the promises more often than not" said these girls in chorus.

Another girl, Sukhdeep a student of BA III year was of an opinion that we should bring more young people into politics, as they can do better than most of the old khakhi clad politicians. Politicians need to be well-educated and they need to think twenty years ahead, not just divide and rule, she said.

While giving a word of caution, another girl, Sukhbir appealed that we should not allow the politicians to exploit us on basis of cast, creed or religion for their own petty vested interests. She wants the youngsters to think rationally before they vote, and elect the MP on the basis of his ability not on the basis of the influence he wields or the money he can spend on the electioneering.

Sounding ecstatic on getting the right to vote, many girls like Kuljinder, Amarjeet and others said that they were anxiously awaiting an opportunity to vote for the first time.

About the local issues or any expectations they have in mind, another student Sonia said that once we pass out of the college, we have no future in this town. Neither there are any employment generating industries, nor any institutes offering courses like MBA, IT, Fashion Designing or Hotel Management, which can help us get good jobs. We have to look for other big cities to pursue our dream careers, for which our parents are reluctant. 

She demanded that the government should set up some good higher education institutes offering vocational and job oriented courses in this town. "At the moment teaching is the only profession we can think of" she quipped. 

Bathinda, April 26
More than ten days after the incident, the district police is still clueless about the whereabouts of the two brothers accused of duping people of crores in the city. Ironically, the special police parties constituted under technical experts have returned empty-handed after conducting raids in Patiala and Chandigarh.

Meanwhile, the victims have been accusing the police of being callous.

According to details available, the duo, Sanjay Kumar and Ravinder Kumar of Navi Basti, were running a mobile shop in Dhobi Bazaar. They were also operating a monthly chit-fund lucky draw scheme, in which eminent personalities of the city had invested their money.

The scheme went on smoothly for a couple of months. In good faith, people started investing hefty amounts in the scheme, most of which was reportedly black money.

Even after finding that the accused had disappeared from the city, the victims kept vacillating on their future course of action. After reaching at a decision, only one person lodged a complaint with the Kotwali police.

Sources said that a renowned jeweller, who is the kin of a ruling party leader, was also among the victims but preferred to remain tight-lipped.

While talking to TNS, SSP Bathinda, Ashish Chaudhary said, “Immediately after receiving a tip-off about the presence of the accused, we sent a team to Patiala. Again on information, a team was sent to Chandigarh but in vain.”

“An official of the cyber crime investigation unit has also been deputed in the team. We have not contacted any state police as the case is sensitive and since the matter is related to money in crores, it can be mishandled,” he added.

Jalandhar, April 26
Punjab Technical University (PTU) on Saturday put off the examinations of all its regular classes for 10 days. The exams that were scheduled to commence from May 8 will now begin on May 18.

Even as officials claim that the examination could not be conducted in time because of the forthcoming Lok Sabha poll, principals of most of the colleges said it was simply a cover-up statement. They said the university had failed to deliver the results of most of the courses, including BBA, BCA, MBA, B Pharma, hotel management and I and III semester of B Tech in time. 

“The results of some of the streams of B Tech semester V, including computer engineering, is also pending, though the examination was over by mid-January,” they lamented.

The results that have been out include those of MCA, MBA (international business), M Pharma, B Tech semester VII and some parts of semester V. The college authorities said due to the late results of the odd semesters, the university could not conduct even the semester examinations timely.

“Students are still not clear whether they will have to reappear for any subject. If examinations are held as per schedule, they are left with less than a minimum stipulated period of 15 days to fill up forms and prepare for their reappear,” they explained.

They also blamed internal politics, mushrooming of colleges, increased student strength, understaffing and contractual system of employment for this inefficiency and poor examination system.

However, deputy registrar Jaspal Singh said, “The staff of our five government colleges is put on poll duty, and they are also to conduct the examination of their own colleges.” He denied any delay in the results. “We were told to compile all results by April 30 and we should be able to do that,” he claimed.

An official note by registrar Sarojini Gautam Sharda read that the revised schedule for the examination was available on the official website of PTU, www.ptu.ac.in. 

Mansa, April 26
Followers of Dera Sacha Sauda have condemned the yesterday's incident in which a dera follower was injured during a firing at Sardulgarh. It may be mentioned that Krishan Kumar, a resident of Khaira Khurd, was injured during a firing incident. Two unidentified motorcyclists fired on him and fled from the spot.

Dera followers demanded that culprits should be arrested as early as possible. Dera followers, including Paramjeet Singh and Pritpal Singh said here today that it was very sad incident and it should be ensured that such incident should not occur again in the society.

They informed that a meeting of managers of dera followers belonging to Mansa and Sardulgarh has been called on April 27 at Dera Sirsa in which some important decisions would be taken in view of yesterday's incident.

Mansa SSP Manminder Singh said that police had registered a case against two unidentified persons under section 307 of the IPC. He said that the culprits would be nabbed soon.

Meanwhile, some political leaders also expressed their concern over the incident. SAD general secretary Balwinder Singh Bhunder termed it as a sad incident and demanded action against culprits. District Congress president Ajit Inder Singh Moffar blamed SAD for this incidents. 

Gidderbaha (Muktsar), April 26
Asking journalists to engage themselves in responsible and "solution-oriented" work, B.K.Sushant, national coordinator, media wing of Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya, Delhi, has said any misinformation or suppression of truth by the media can cause great damage to society.

Sushant, after inaugurating a seminar on "Role of media in building a value-based society" held at Brahma Kumaris Ashram here today, also spoke on people's expectation for proper guidance from mass media in matters of public interest.

"Pursuit of profit has become a priority in almost all professions and media is no exception. But in the greater interest of the healthy society, let monetary consideration do not dilute media's responsibility for social uplift," he said.

"The act of misinformation and suppression of truth by the media could cause great damage to peace, health, harmony, hope and happiness of the people and the society," he said

Recounting his long association with the Brahma Kumaris, he said the spiritual teachings imparted at this organisation had enabled him to lead a balanced, positive and successful life even while discharging his other duties.

The guest of honour, Usha Sharma, Chief Editor, Samay Sarujan Times, New Delhi, said it was commonly said we should serve with our mind, body and money.

Lauding the Brahma Kumaris for working through the media to change the society, she urged the mediapersons to adopt the teachings of the institution in their lives.

Giving her blessings to the mediapersons, B.K. Sheela, the chief of the Brahma Kumaris at Gidderbaha, said mediapersons had to function as messengers of peace.

She then gave the gathering an experience of guided meditation. In her welcome address, she said the media was not only a mirror of the society but also could pay the role of a leader and guide. 

Ferozepur, April 26
District commandant of the Punjab Home Guards (PHG), Sohan Lal, today denied the reports that home guard jawans were to oppose SAD-BJP in the ensuing polls. Sohan said that there was no association of PHG volunteers in the state and neither there was any such discontent prevailing among the PHG cadre.

He said that few disgruntled PHG jawans who had been dismissed by the department some time back were spreading malicious propaganda against the government, whereas in reality they have nothing to do with department now.

He said that PHG jawans were discharging their duties at various places to maintain law and order in routine manner.

Sohan further said that no home guard personnel or official could directly or indirectly align with any political person or party, however, if anybody was found indulging in any political activity, strict departmental action would be initiated against the same.

When contacted, Udeek Chand Sharma, claiming to be district president Home Guard Welfare Association said that since the government was according step motherly treatment to the home guard jawans, they had made up their mind to oppose SAD-BJP candidates in the polls.

Udeek said that he was dismissed by the department allegedly on flimsy grounds in 2005, however since that time, he was working for the welfare of the PHG jawans. "Our welfare association is duly registered and working for welfare of jawans", he said.

Udeek further told that Akali government had promised that that they would be reinstated, if SAD comes to power in the state, however instead of reinstating them, the SAD government further dismissed their 14 district presidents, so they decided to oppose SAD-BJP candidates in coming polls.

Earlier also, in December last year, perturbed over non-implementation of their demands, 58 home jawans had laid siege outside the residence of the CM Parkash Singh Badal in village Lambi. Out of those 58 jawans, some were dismissed from service, others were later reinstated.

Though, PHG officials are maintaining that there was no element of dissatisfaction in its cadre, discontent still seems to be brewing among the jawans who are demanding higher wages in addition to better service conditions. The only difference is that those who are still in service are reluctant to come out in the open, while those who have been dismissed are quite vocal against the government.

Bathinda, April 26
In an attempt to streamline placement activities in the institute, the Guru Gobind Singh College of Engineering and Technology, Talwandi Sabo, is making continuous efforts to provide their students with the placements in the companies of repute.

Nearly 150 students participated from the host college and colleges of adjoining areas in campus placement drive, which was conducted by the Blue Star Technologies on April 23.

The college has established training and placement department, which carries out career counselling and guidance and placement training during the vacations. Out of 57 shortlisted candidates, 18 students got finally selected. 

Dr Narinder Singh (director) and Dr B.S. Dhaliwal (principal) congratulated all the selected students. — TNS