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Soni banks on party MLAs, promises tough fight
Liquor at rally: Contradictory reports put CEO in a fix
State BJP campaign goes Modi-centric
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6,000 ghost voters in Bathinda constituency
Rahul’s rally venue allotted to Independent
Sonia’s visit yet to be confirmed
Jaitley twisting facts to gain political mileage: Amarinder
from the war room
tribune special
Punjab Votes 2014
battle royale: Congress candidate Capt Amarinder Singh in Amritsar for an interactive session of the The Tribune’s ‘Punjab Votes 2014’. He is pitted against SAD-BJP nominee Arun Jaitley. Tribune photo:
Vishal Kumar
Congmen unite to boost Kaypee’s campaign
Amritsar SSP influencing voters, alleges Congress
Mann promises caste-less society
Sukhbir pulls up warring workers
Dhillon gets notice over poll expense
Govt employees block Moga NH
Government employees protest against the SAD-BJP Government in Moga on Tuesday. A Tribune Photo
Sukhbir meets party leaders in Tarn Taran
NRI panel tells Centre to free youths lodged in US jail
Date palms in Badal village drying up
ED may get minister's son medically examined
POLL POT
HC: Action plan not to be followed at cost of justice
State gets notice over keeping Ashutosh’s body in freezer
HC nod must for new sewerage connections to Phagwara units
Gang of vehicle thieves busted; 4 held
1,200 cases of liquor seized
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Soni banks on party MLAs, promises tough fight
Anandpur Sahib, April 22 “As a Rajya Sabha MP, I have been using my MPLAD funds for initiating several projects in Anandpur Sahib, Ropar and Hoshiarpur (Rs 180 crore was spent in Anandpur Sahib) besides Amritsar”. This lady with a gentle demeanour, but known to have nerves of steel, has so far managed to gracefully counter all arguments that her opponents have used against her. Her other opponents are BSP's KS Makhan and AAP’s HS Shergill. When Chandumajra called her “buddhi aurat” after her candidature was announced, Soni took it in her stride and used it to convey the message to the large portion of women electorate here that he was disrespectful towards women. It helped her establish a connect with women voters immediately while alienating Chandumajra. As the electioneering reaches a frantic pace, with polling just eight days away, Soni says now she is firmly in control and has managed to rake up the disconnect between the Punjab government and people to her advantage. The fact that all Congress MLAs from the Anandpur Sahib parliamentary constituency have thrown their weight behind her has gone to her advantage. Unemployment, no industrial growth, “goonda” tax being charged from locals in the name of royalty for sand and gravel and illicit drug trade are the main issues she is addressing in her campaign. She assures voters that if voted to power, she will work hard to solve these issues. "In this election, I can see the power of youth who are actively participating in the electioneering. So I try and address issues that concern them," she says. Soni understands that people here are unhappy with the Congress-led Central Government too, for its complacent attitude in its second term. "So I accept that we (UPA-2) were complacent in our second term. I talk to people and apprise them of the achievements made by the UPA like ensuring a good growth rate in this era of global downturn, opening FDI in retail, which will help farmers etc. I also promise to continue with my development agenda and assure them of better governance,” she says. On the other hand, Chandumajra, riding high on the the Modi wave, is promising overall development of the constituency by bringing in industries. After initially targeting his opponent, the Akali candidate, too, has now moved on to the development agenda. He is assuring more funds for the constituency to improve irrigation facilities in the kandi area and a scheme to check the menace of wild animals.
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Liquor at rally: Contradictory reports put CEO in a fix
Chandigarh, April 22 Two inquiries were conducted on the matter. While one found nothing wrongdoing at the rally, another indicted minister Gulzar Singh Ranike’s son and Excise and Taxation Inspector Bhupinderpal Singh. The SAD was given a clean chit by both the inquiries. The matter could come under the EC scanner because a photograph of the said rally reportedly showed a group of persons with cases of liquor. PPCC spokesperson Sukhpal Khaira said: “The CEO has let us down every time we lodged a complaint against the SAD. The transfer of Bhupinderpal Singh to the Chandigarh office is hardly any action. I expect the EC to take note of the variance in both the reports and take necessary action”. CEO VK Singh said findings of both the inquiries stated that no liquor was distributed by SAD workers during the rally. The officer concerned has been transferred to the legal cell in the headquarters and necessary action will soon follow”. Clean chit to Badal The CEO has decided to give a clean chit to CM Parkash Singh Badal over a video clip wherein he sought money for Jalandhar candidate Pawan Kumar Tinu. A senior officer said a report by Jalandhar District Electoral Officer stated that Badal asked industrialists to contribute money for Tinu’s election fund in a “humourous” way.
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State BJP campaign goes Modi-centric
Patiala, April 22 This has raised many an eyebrow. While top BJP leaders deny any rift on the issue, grassroots workers admit that the anti-SAD sentiment in Punjab has had an impact on the BJP's poll prospects too. “Aware of the strong resentment against the state government, we are now seeking votes in the name of Modi ji”, said former senior Deputy Mayor Anil Bajaj. The SAD advertisements carry the photos of both Modi and Badal. “Do not read much between the lines as Modi is being projected as PM candidate in all states,” maintained former Punjab BJP president Rajinder Bhandari. Another senior BJP leader said the BJP top brass was aware of the anti-government wave in Punjab owing to the sand prices, liquor rates and the drug menace. The SAD leaders too are seeking votes in Modi's name. In Faridkot, where SAD candidate Paramjit Kaur Gulshan is facing voter hostility, the Chief Minister has had to appeal to voters to "elect her in order to elect Modi as next PM." State BJP president Kamal Sharma said he was sure that the ruling alliance, riding the Modi wave, would sweep the poll. No mention of ally SAD in party ads
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6,000 ghost voters in Bathinda constituency
Bathinda, April 22 With the Chief Minister’s daughter-in-law Harsimrat Badal re-contesting the seat, her rivals fear that these bogus votes may be polled. Former CM Harcharan Singh Brar’s wife Gurbinder Kaur, an MP, passed away on September 8, 2013. But her name figures on village Sarainaga’s voter list (vote number 619). Former MLA Kanwarjit Singh, son of Harcharan Brar, is enrolled as vote number 621. He passed away on March 5, 2012. In the Sangrur, the name of former MLA Malkit Singh Keetu figures as vote number 624. Keetu died on Octpber 29, 2012. In the Lambi Assembly segment, every village has the deceased as enrolled voters. In Lambi village there are 18 ghost voters. In Lambi segment’s Middukhera village, 11 dead persons have been enrolled as voters. In Bathinda’s Kotshamir village, 35 dead persons have been enrolled. Among them are Thana Singh (vote number 634) and Sant Singh (vote number 296) who died eight years ago. The number of ghost voters in Maur Assembly’s Balianwali village is 64. SAD (A) district president Parminder Singh Balianwali alleged the ruling alliance would ensure that these bogus votes were polled. He demanded the names of the dead voters be removed from the voter lists. In Mansa district’s Aklia village, 192 dead persons figure on the list while in Ralla village 15 dead persons are registered as voters. In Samao village, 96-year-old Bachan Singh’s name figures in the voter list though he passed away two years ago. At Kotguru village in Bathinda (Rural), more than 24 dead persons have been enrolled and Muhalan village has seven ghost voters. Talwandi Sabo’s Malkana village had 14 dead persons registered as voter. The names of seven have been deleted. Bhucho’s Goniana Kalan village has 12 ghost voters and the Maur Assembly constituency’s Buggar village has 16. Government sources said the total number of absent/shifted/dead (ASD) voters was 18,000. Bathinda tehsildar Bharat Bhushan said after the final lists were prepared, the ASD list of voters was submitted to the presiding officers who made sure these votes were not polled. Fear of bogus voting Anomalies galore
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Rahul’s rally venue allotted to Independent
Bathinda, April 22 The leaders claimed they had deposited the requisite fee with the PUDA office here for the Model Town Phase -III grounds where on April 25, BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi was to address a rally. The Congress-PPP-CPI candidate, Manpreet Badal, described it yet another attempt by the ruling alliance to “suppress the voice of the people.” He said the Deputy Commissioner had informed his campaign managers this evening that an Independent had already been allotted the venue.
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Sonia’s visit yet to be confirmed
Chandigarh, April 22 “Sonia Gandhi’s visit on April 26 could not be planned as it is difficult to get a security clearance at such a short notice,” said Shakeel Ahmed, in charge of the party’s affairs in the state. “We are aware of the fact that Sonia’s visit and Rahul Gandhi’s visit on April 28 are crucial in the ongoing campaign. We are discussing the matter with all the security agencies concerned and are trying to find an alternative arrangement.” Sources in the Congress said that Sonia Gandhi was likely to canvass at Hoshiarpur and Barnala, which is in
Sangrur.
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Jaitley twisting facts to gain political mileage: Amarinder
Amritsar, April 22
Jaitley said the whole country saw him stand up and defend Jagdish Tytler in the 1984 riots case in an interview to a news channel. "He today denies that he ever gave Tytler a clean chit." On property tax, Jaitley said Amarinder was "caught being untruthful" on the issue. He claimed that the tax was levied when Amarinder was Punjab Chief Minister in 2006. On the other hand, Amarinder said Jaitley was "repeatedly resorting to half truths like a third rate liar" in the hope that it might be taken as truth. He said whether it was the issue of property tax or the statement about Tytler, a "desperate and frustrated Jaitley was trying to distort and twist facts as he had nothing else to speak on". Captain also lashed out at the language Jaitley has been using against him in his blog. "Jaitley's mask of decency is wearing off and he has started betraying his frustration and arrogance," he said while referring to today's blog. He said, "I leave it for the people to read it and judge who is bringing down the level of the discourse and who is rude and discourteous." Amarinder said Jaitley was feeling "frustrated" as his rallies were either not drawing any response or were being cancelled, adding so much so he had to get filmstars to draw the crowds. "His frustration is understandable. To understand is to forgive and I forgive him all his indiscretions as any person in his situation may have to do the same," he said. On Tytler issue, Amarinder said: "Jaitley as a lawyer should know that giving a clean chit or holding someone guilty is for the courts to decide and not someone like me." Similarly, Amarinder claimed that it was a well-known fact that the SAD-BJP Government imposed property tax in 2013.
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from the war room
Patiala, April 22
Preneet's brother Himmat Singh is her polling agent. He daily interacts with local workers and revises the campaign strategy. Preneet's daughter Jai Inder, who has shifted here from Delhi, and daughter-in-law Rishma accompany her for campaigning. Her son Raninder Singh is focusing on rural areas. "Raja" Randhir Singh, an uncle of Preneet's husband Capt Amarinder Singh, is also lending a helping hand. While Jai Inder meets women voters in Patiala city, Rishma canvasses in the Patiala Rural Assembly segment. Assisted by a team of volunteers, they daily select queries received on Preneet's Facebook page. "We started our Facebook page almost a month ago. It already has more than 5.5 lakh visitors," claims Jasmine Sandhawalia, Preneet's family friend and confidante. She handles media interaction, issues statements and prepares the schedule for " Rani Sahiban," as she fondly addresses her. The Congress gameplan
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tribune special
Kandukhera (Punjab-Rajasthan border), April 22 As Jarnail Singh crosses Kandukhera, Punjab's village on the tip of the border with Rajasthan and Haryana, he becomes just another drug addict desperate for his daily dose of opium or poppy husk. Kandukhera residents, in a referendum in 1986, voted on behalf of the Abohar-Fazilka belt and chose to remain with Punjab. Sadly, the village is now making news for the wrong reasons. It has become the base for addicts who cross over to Rajasthan to buy drugs that are sold at licensed vends there. Some like Swarna have taken rooms on rent in the village owing to its proximity with Rajasthan. Scores of addicts travel to Haripur everyday and swarm the poppy husk vend along the Lambi- Hanumangarh road in Rajasthan. The Tribune team saw drug addicts, mostly from far off Punjab villages, camping outside this vend. They said the drug supply had dried up. Consequently, the price had shot up from Rs 150 per 100 gm used to Rs 300-Rs 500 per 100 gm. In Rajasthan, poppy husk is sold at Rs 600/ kg to those who have been issued permits, twice in a week. But to those from Punjab, it is sold at Rs 1500- Rs 1800/kg. In case of reduced supply, the rates go as high as Rs 4,000/kg. A dispute between vend contractors and the recently formed BJP Government in Rajasthan is said to be the reason behind the current short supply. But the addicts refuse to buy this. They say the shortage is owing to large quantities of husk/opium being bought by Punjab politicians prior to the April 30 elections and also because of the harvesting season. Desperate for drugs, the addicts weep like children. They are inconsolable. Earlier, the vends would open throughout the day, but for the past few weeks, these are opened only for a while. At a short distance from the Haripur vend lies an ice cream vendor from Lambi, half conscious. He has been beaten up by fellow addicts for trying to snatch a packet of poppy husk from them.
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Punjab Votes 2014
CONGRESS candidate from the Amritsar Lok Sabha constituency Captain Amarinder Singh wants to restore the old grandeur of the holy city, facilitate infrastructure support to industry, establish IT hub and open international trade through the Attari border to the Central Asia and Middle East.
In an interaction moderated by The Tribune Special Correspondent Perneet Singh, Captain Amarinder Singh fields questions of a group of prominent citizens. In his opening remarks, Capt Amarinder said: “Amritsar is the only constituency, apart from Patiala, that I have known the most. I chose the constituency as it is one of the premiere cities of Punjab. While I was the Chief Minister, I came up with City Development Plan Amritsar-2025, which was a blueprint for the city's infrastructure and overall development. If we don't start creating an infrastructure to match with the burgeoning population, the city is going to degenerate.” ‘Amritsar can be a trade hub'’ Capt Amarinder Singh: I do not buy the idea. The hospitality industry continues to thrive in the holy city. Apart from existing religious tourism, it would cater to trade tourism after strengthening of bilateral trade with Pakistan. Keeping in view its strategic geographical location, the city could be a trade hub for commodities and merchandise grown, developed and manufactured in India for the markets in Central Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and others. Over the years, the city has got requisite infrastructure in the form of an international airport and the Integrated Check Post at Attari, while the Manmohan Singh government had approved the Amritsar-Delhi-Kolkata Industrial Corridor. But we need to be cautious of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's rhetoric as it could derail the build-up to the bilateral trade. ‘Will arrange funds for projects’ This is a hypothetical question. But I must make it clear that in governance, it does not hinder progress. Administratively speaking, the Manmohan Singh government gave Rs 12,000 crore to the Modi government in Gujarat, while the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu got Rs 10,000 crore. During my tenure as the Punjab Chief Minister, there was the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government at the Centre. Still I got development funds for the state. I would not wait for the funds from the Union Government and would rather arrange them from other channels to finance the development projects. There are several international funding agencies such as the World Bank which finance projects in the developing countries. ‘State ignored primary sector’ The areas of concern in the state are primary education and primary health. The situation of secondary health is, however, much better. During my tenure as the Chief Minister, the US Government had sanctioned a 400-million dollar loan, with which the condition of all secondary hospitals was improved. The hospitals were well equipped and doctors were happy. But the primary sector is a disaster. There are no medicines in the primary health centres. This is one of the reasons why HIV and hepatitis are on the rise in the state. Quacks are ruling the roost in the rural areas with the absence of good primary health institutions. And similar is the case with the primary education. There is resentment among teachers. But unfortunately, the Central Government cannot intervene in the two sectors areas, as both healthcare and education are state subjects. To make matters worse, the state government has paid no attention to the two sectors. ‘Farmers’ income must grow’ As far the issue of ownership rights of government lands to farmers is concerned, I do not know what the then Chief Minister had promised. I would look into it to find out what Partap Singh Kairon Saheb had assured at that time. As for the implementation of recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission or Hooda Committee report, I am for it. But let us be clear, we are an agrarian society. We contribute 40 per cent of the foodgrain to the country's pool with less that 2 per cent of land. You are saying that MSP should be raised. I agree. But look at the amount of subsidy bill under the Food Safety Act: Rs 1.25 lakh crore, which is huge. There are further subsidies on fertilizers and pesticides. With so much subsidy, how much MSP can we increase? Linked to this is the survival of Punjab farmers. If MSP is not commensurate with the cost of inputs, the farmers cannot survive. How will a farmer exist if there's a marginal increase in MSP? Earlier, MSP was higher. We have done it before when Pranab Mukherjee was the Union Finance Minister. The MSP had increased considerably at that time. Now, the situation is back to square one. of have again came to the minimum marginal increase. The problem with Centre, be it the government of the Congress or the BJP, is how much subsidies should be provided? How much money is available for subsidies? People don't realise that landholdings are decreasing with time. How can a farmer with a small landholding support his family? When a man cannot support his starving family, an honourable man ends his life. How do we stop this? I don't know. The scenario is grim. You are the experts, so you suggest us what to do to curb farmer suicides. The moot point is to increasing farmers’ income. I am of the firm view that farmers’ income should be increased so that suicides could be stopped. ‘Heritage conservation my priority’ There are some state subjects that are sacrosanct and some Central subjects. For instance, law and order is a state government affair. Heritage and culture development has always been my priority. We had taken up several projects with the Centre Government. For instance, we lobbied for some projects with the UNICEF, but it did not materialise. I plan to take up the proposal again, if elected. The Sikh forts, of which only two have been left - one in Phillaur and the other in Patiala (Quila Mubarak) - are deteriorating. The immaculate buildings are corroding, with no preservation or restoration work being carried out. We can only arrange funds from the Centre, but the implementation is a state subject. In my tenure as the Chief Minister more than Rs 10 crore was given for Darbar Sahib and Quila Mubarak projects. For the Anandpur Sahib Heritage project, only Rs 5 crore was given when I took over. I raised another Rs 100 crore. We managed to finish the project with the exteriors done. Hopefully, that is one project that I look forward to complete the way it should have been done. Why should people of Amritsar vote for you? What do you bring to the table
compared to Arun Jaitley? — ‘Well-versed in state affairs’ They will see who can be a better son of the soil, who has more experience of Punjab. I have spent 47 years in the state. I entered Parliament once. I resigned in 1984 in the aftermath of the Operation Bluestar. Subsequently, I was elected to the state Assembly. I have done everything for Punjab. I know the state more than Jaitley. Is there any Modi effect in the state?
‘No Modi wave in state’ I don’t think so. There is no national anti-incumbency. Rather I see anti-incumbency against the SAD-BJP Government, as people are fed up with the state of affairs and high-handed behaviour under Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia and Local Bodies Minister Anil Joshi. With these two ministers as his campaign managers, Jaitley doesn't stand a chance. (Inputs by Neeraj Bagga, PK Jaiswar and Neha Saini)
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Congmen unite to boost Kaypee’s campaign
Hoshiarpur, April 22 The stern warning of the Congress high command to those not campaigning for the party’s candidates seems to have worked in Kaypee’s favour. Moreover, former Chief Minister and campaign committee in charge Rajinder Kaur Bhattal’s appeal to her supporters to back Kaypee has made a positive impact. Former minister Naresh Thakur, who is said to be close to Bhattal, has begun campaigning for the Congress candidate. He was earlier reluctant to back Kaypee due to his differences with Hoshiarpur MLA Sunder Sham Arora, who is handling KayPee’s campaign. Thakur said, “We are Congressmen and KayPee is our party’s candidate. So we will support him.” Vinod Kumar Bodhi, who had been the city Congress president for several years, also campaigned for KayPee. Valmiki leader Bihari Lal Asha, son of prominent Valmiki leader late Sansari Lal Asha, was also seen with Kaypee today. Kaypee has also managed to get contractor-turned-politician Anil Sharma’s support. With old rivals Jasbir Singh Pal and Pawan Aadia also seen sharing the stage with the Congress candidate in Shamchurasi legislative segment, his campaign got a major boost. At Garhdiwala, former city president Ranjit Puri, who had been conspicuous by his absence at Kaypee’s rallies, was seen rallying behind him.
Gathering momentum * The stern warning of the Congress high command to those not campaigning for the party's candidates seems to have worked in Kaypee's favour *
Moreover, former Chief Minister and campaign committee in charge Rajinder Kaur Bhattal's appeal to her supporters to back Kaypee has made a positive impact
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Amritsar SSP influencing voters, alleges Congress
Amritsar, April 22 Addressing the protesters, Amritsar rural Congress chief Gurjeet Singh Aujla alleged the SSP was trying to influence
policemen working under him as also other people to vote in a certain manner. He termed the officer’s alleged move as the “murder of democracy”. The Congress workers also burnt an effigy of the SSP. Later, an official also called Aujla to hold
talks, but the latter was not convinced with the dialogue.
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Mann promises caste-less society
Chandigarh, April 22 Mann said his party, that had put up candidates in 10 constituencies, was for prohibition and against the dowry system. It favoured a ban on the sale of all kinds of intoxicants. It stoof for administrative reforms and for curtailing expenditure. The manifesto promised better family welfare schemes, A-grade health services and free treatment to the poor. Mann said his party favoured waiving loans given to farmers and for providing inputs to farmers at cheap rates.
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Sukhbir pulls up warring workers
Moga, April 22 Worried at the voters' hostility, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal held a closed-door meeting with various factions of his party here today. He also met local MLAs. Reliable sources said at least two MLAs complained against the lack of resources to fight the elections. The Akali campaign in Faridkot has been a low key affair with no posters, banners or party flags. “I have spent a huge amount on the poll campaign. The party has not given me a single paisa so far,” said a local Akali leader. One of the MLAs accused his opponents within the party of trying to sully his image. Sukhbir is reported to have told the party leaders to work together to win the seat and to work in their respective areas. Insiders said Sukhbir met the leaders to plan a new poll strategy for Faridkot following adverse intelligence reports.
Infighting hits Gulshan’s campaign *
SAD candidate for the Faridkot Lok Sabha constituency Paramjit Kaur Gulshan is facing a tough time *
There are reports of bitter infighting within the party has hit her election campaign *
Certain sections of voters accuse her of "neglecting" the constituency
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Dhillon gets notice over poll expense
Patiala: District Electoral Officer Priyank Bharti has served notices to 10 candidates from Patiala, including SAD candidate Deepinder Singh Dhillon, for discrepancies in their expenditure registers.
The other candidates include Gurpreet Singh (BSP), Prof Mohinderpal Singh (SAD-Mann), Amrik Singh (New All India Congress), Randhir Singh (Bhajun Mukti Party) and Independents Kamaldeep Kaur Rajoana, Dharampal, Gurbhej Singh, Pravesh Bhatia and Praveen Kumar. Bharti said expenditure observers had found discrepancies in these candidates' expense accounts. He said all candidates had been directed to rectify the irregularities in their poll expenditure
registers. — TNS
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Govt employees block Moga NH
Moga, April 22 They raised slogans against Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Sukhbir Badal and blocked the Moga-Ferozepur national highway (NH) for more than an hour. Sukhbir was to pass through the same road and so, he delayed the meeting by over two hours. The protest, which may cast a shadow on the prospects of the Akali candidate Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, was carried out to press employees’ long-pending demands of granting eight per cent and 10 per cent DA, which was due from January and July 2013, respectively. The protesters also demanded an end of the contract system in recruitments for all the government departments. They said the services of contract and daily wagers should be regularised to ensure equal rights to all the employees. The president of the Punjab Government Transport Workers’ Union, Gurdip Singh Moti, said if the state
government did not pay attention to their demands within 48 hours, they would carry out a
big protest on April 26 at Bathinda. Activists of Class-IV employees, e-panchayat employees, pensioners’ union, anganwari workers’ union and others said that the mood of the
government employees was against the SAD-BJP Government. The employees said they would “not vote in favour of the SAD-BJP candidates” as the state government was not willing to give them their rights. “Some of my bosses are trying to influence me to vote for the SAD candidate, but I will not vote
for the ruling party,” said an employee of the state roadways.
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Sukhbir meets party leaders in Tarn Taran
Tarn Taran, April 22 Badal called for a sudden meeting in this regard here today at the residence of the local MLA Harmit Singh Sandhu on the outskirts of the town. Kamal Sharma, BJP state president, also attended the meeting, though no BJP office bearer from the area was invited to the meeting. Badal also instructed the party leaders to ensure
a huge gathering for BJP prime ministerial candidate Narinder Modi’s visit to Amritsar on April 25.
Pep talk n He appealed to party ministers, MLAs and in charges of various Vidhan Sabha constituencies to make all-out efforts to ensure the victory of SAD-BJP candidates from Khadur Sahib and Amritsar Lok Sabha constituencies
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NRI panel tells Centre to free youths lodged in US jail
Chandigarh, April 22 Issuing a notice to the state and the ministry, commission chairperson Justice Arvind Kumar (retd) said that if the youths were detained illegally, the ministry should take up the case with the US Government through the Indian missions and all other available channels. “The commission has asked the state government to form a task force to identify unscrupulous travel agents, who are ruling the roost in the countryside and duping innocent youths. We are committed to put an end to the illegal human trafficking business, at least in Punjab,” Justice Kumar told The Tribune. Tribune’s role lauded He lauded the role of The Tribune in highlighting the plight of illegal Punjabi immigrants stuck in different countries. “Though the commission is aware of the activities and modus operandi of sub-agents and human trafficking business operatives active in rural Punjab, it is going to seek a detailed report on their identities from the state government,” the commission chairperson said. The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), a California-based representative body of NRIs, which took up the case of 64 Punjabi youths, has also approached the state government and the NRI Commission to intervene and ensure registration of travel agents operating in Punjab. “The big agents operating from New Delhi have their ‘sub-agents’ based in Punjab, particularly in the Doaba region. The number of Punjabi youths trying their luck to go abroad through illegal means every year crosses the 10,000 mark,” a senior police official said, requesting anonymity.
Tribune impact * The Tribune had, on April 14, reported the ‘illegal’ detention and plight of 64 Punjabi youths lodged in a Texas (US) jail *
The NRI Commission, Punjab, says if the youths are detained illegally, the ministry should take up the case with the US Government through the Indian missions and all other available channels *
The North American Punjabi Association has also approached the state and NRI panel to intervene
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Date palms in Badal village drying up
Badal (Muktsar), April 22 To give this village an urban look, the state forest department this winter season had planted about 250 palm trees at a 10-m distance. These trees were brought from the department’s nurseries in the Patiala region. However, within just three to four months, the trees have turned dry. Sanjay Bansal, Divisional Forest Officer, said, “There is a mortality rate of every plant. The trees which have turned brown may be taking some time in germination. In the past, dust storms too had caused damage to some trees, but it is not a season to replace them.” On the other hand, Ajaypal Singh Sidhu, a renowned date palm farmer of
Rajasthan, said, “We have nearly 5,000 date palm trees in our fields and none of them has ever dried up. It seems the forest authorities failed to take care of the trees (in Badal village). Before transplantation of trees, the soil has to be made free from termite, which the department officials might
have skipped.”
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ED may get minister's son medically examined Chandigarh, April 22 Responding to the summons served by the ED on Damanveer and Gaba, both of them have sought some more time, saying they were suffering from enteric fever (typhoid). The names of Damanveer, Goraya-based prominent businessman Chunil Lal Gaba and his son Gurmesh Gaba had figured in the Rs 6,000 crore synthetic drug trade racket allegedly ran by former DSP Jagdish Singh Bhola. The ED has already served three summons to both these in the case. Sources said the authorities were in the process of writing to the Civil Surgeon to know about the procedure to form a medical board.
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POLL POT
Faridkot: Social activists say manifestos released by political parties are a mere formality. "Copies of the manifestos are not available even in the election offices of these parties," said Buta Singh, a social activist. Laxman Singh Sewewala of the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union said, “BJP’s seriousness about this document can be gauged from the fact that it was released at a time when the first phase of the elections was already under way." "The Congress, too, claims to have fulfilled promises made in its past manifesto. But there is not much improvement in health, education and power sectors, said Sadhu Ram of Consumer Welfare Association.
No poster war at Badal village Badal: Though Badal is the native village of Harsimrat Kaur Badal and her estranged brother-in-law Manpreet Singh Badal, who are pitted against each other from Bathinda parliamentary constituency, but this village surprisingly does not witness any war of posters. No building bears any poster, sticker or other publicity material for the SAD-BJP or the Congress candidate. In a striking contrast, roads leading to Bathinda and the city roads are dotted with publicity material. Encroachments galore Abohar: Encroachers are having a good time during the poll season as some political leaders promoting the menace on the railway station road, Rani Jhansi Market, Main Bazaar and the circular road. The Municipal Council is turning a blind eye towards the problem. Roadside vendors have taken over footpaths, leaving little space for pedestrians.
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HC: Action plan not to be followed at cost of justice
Chandigarh, April 22 In more than one judgment, the High Court has asserted that action plans, set by the High Court on the administrative side, are to be followed and respected as an overarching scheme of speedy disposal of cases. “It is not intended that the plan should be used to thwart justice.” The High Court had earlier drawn “Action Plan List 2013-2014” for deciding old cases by December 31, 2013. The implementation of the plan in some cases, however, left the litigants with an impression that judgments, instead of justice, were being delivered in their matters. Dealing with the issue in the case of Rajiv Suri versus Trust Bagichi Nathan and others, Justice Rajiv Narain Raina asserted: “....Action Plans set by this Court on its administrative side are aimed at dispensing justice tempered with speedy disposal. “Such Action Plans are not aimed to be obsessively followed by the trial court to reduce willy-nilly old cases in a drive to reduce old pending cases initiated by this court for good and useful purpose”. Again in the case of Nirmal Singh versus Inderjit Singh and others, Justice Raina added: “… The trial court should not be obsessed by the action plan set by this court and should always remain alive to exercise its discretion judiciously and to carefully balance the interest of both the sides in order to secure the ends of justice”. Taking a holistic view of the issue, Justice Raina again in the case of Bharat Rajput versus Amrik Singh Aulakh and others added: “Since a number of cases involving Action Plan 2013-14 are coming up before this court in civil revisions against interlocutory orders… the Registrar-General of this court is directed to circulate a copy of this order to all the District and Sessions Judges of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh…. “Each court is advised to carefully weigh the scales of justice to temper speedy trials without causing undeserving injury to any party before it. Where trial courts find litigating parties resorting to delaying tactics and devious means aimed at prolonging trials without any just cause or legal justification, then deal with such people with an iron hand including imposition of heavy costs that appear to hurt pockets”.
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State gets notice over keeping Ashutosh’s body in freezer
Chandigarh, April 22 For, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today issued a notice of motion on a petition filed by his "son" Dalip Kumar Jha. He was seeking directions for handing over his father's body so that the last rites could be performed. Justice Ritu Bahri fixed for May 3 the next date of hearing in the matter. The development is significant as this is the first petition to be filed by a "relative". The earlier petitions were filed by driver Puran Singh and others not directly related to the guru. Seeking directions for the post-mortem examination of his father’s body, Jha made it clear that he suspected Ashutosh Maharaj was poisoned to grab and usurp his movable and immovable assets. Claiming to be the only son of the deceased spiritual guru, he claimed before the High Court that in February, the Principal Secretary, Bihar, had written to the Principal Secretary (Home), Punjab, to arrange for the dispatch of the mortal remains to Bihar, but action was not taken on the communication. In one of the PILs, "disciple" Mohinder Pal Singh and a co-petitioner had earlier alleged that the "managers" were keeping the body in a freezer to gain time for misappropriating the properties. They expressed apprehension regarding misappropriation of property worth Rs 1,000 crore by the "managers". Their counsel added that the prime concern of the petitioners was Rs 300 crore lying in the dera. On April 4, the Punjab Police had ruled out before the High Court the possibility of his unnatural death. In its report, the police had said that Maharaj was clinically dead.
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HC nod must for new sewerage connections to Phagwara units
Chandigarh, April 22 The order by Justice Rajan Gupta came on a petition filed by Jeet Ram and other petitioners against Punjab and other respondents. Phagwara Municipal Commissioner Sukhwinder Singh was present in the court, pursuant to order dated March 19. The court was apprised on his behalf that the “sewerage being laid down by JCT Mills would ultimately converge in the sewerage meant for residential area of the city”. He submitted that “at present, there appears to be no alternative, but to discharge effluents in the available sewerage facility to reduce pressure on the main sewerage line”. A counsel for the petitioner, however, contended that release of effluents in the residential sewerage would “lead to obvious problems as same is likely to be contaminated and would affect the health of the residents. Besides, it would be against the master plan of the city”. Appearing for the mill, an advocate, meanwhile, submitted that the issue was technical in nature and “the management is ready to cooperate with the authorities to ensure that no health hazard is caused to the residents and effluents are discharged from the mill in a proper manner”. Taking up the matter, Justice Gupta asserted: “Keeping in view the submissions, it appears that the presence of Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board before this court is necessary. On oral request of the counsel for the petitioners, it is impleaded as a respondent….” Issuing notice to the board for May 19, the bench took note of an undertaking furnished by the Punjab Additional Advocate General that he would seek necessary instructions from the state “to assist the court in view of peculiar facts and circumstances of the case”. Before parting with the order, Justice Gupta exempted till further orders the presence of the Municipal Commissioner.
The case details * The order came on a petition filed by Jeet Ram and other petitioners against Punjab and other respondents *
Phagwara Municipal Commissioner Sukhwinder Singh was present in the court *
The court was apprised on his behalf that the “sewerage being laid down by JCT Mills would ultimately converge in the sewerage meant for residential area of the city”
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Gang of vehicle thieves busted; 4 held
Tarn Taran, April 22 A case under Sections 379, 411, 473 and 34 of the IPC has been registered against the accused. Those who have been arrested are Gursewak Singh, Manpreet Singh, Kulbir Singh and Pippal Singh. Kuljit Singh and Gopi, the gang members, managed to escape from the spot. The police said after stealing the vehicles,
the gang members used to change the number plates. They also prepared fake registration certificate (RC).
About the gang The gang was active in the border belt. After stealing the cars, the accused used to change the number plates and also prepare fake registration certificates
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1,200 cases of liquor seized
Barnala, April 22 Senior superintendent of Police (SSP), Barnala, Upinderjit Singh Ghumman today said a police party including Tallewal SHO, intercepted the truck at about 10.30 pm. It was found to be loaded with liquor. The driver of the truck, Dinesh Kumar, told the police that there were 1,200 cases of liquor in the truck but he could not produce any permit or any other written document for the consignment, the SSP added. The SSP said after taking the truck in their possession, the SHO called excise department officials for further proceedings. He said during the investigation, the driver told the police that he had brought the liquor from a distillery at Lakha village in Tarn Taran to be unloaded at the Sunam road in Sangrur. As per a pass with the driver, he had to drop the liquor at Sunam road before 10.15 pm, the SSP said.
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Jarnail Singh and his friend from a nearby village, both in their 40s, push their motorcycle, that has a flat
tyre, towards the Rajasthan border. They have no time to get the tyre mended. For the drug vend in Haripur
(Rajasthan) may close any time.
Deputy Chief Minister and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal was forced to re-schedule his meeting with local party leaders in the wake of a protest by hundreds of state government employees against the state government.
Brushing aside the “parachuter” and "outsider" tag that her opponent Prem Singh Chandumajra of the Akali Dal has been using against her, she says: “In my long political career, it hurts when my opponents question my Punjabi identity and my credentials even though I have worked so hard for Punjab. It is because of my work that I have always had a connect with people and Congress leaders here, all of whom have now joined hands to support me.”
In his latest blog, Jaitley said: "The politics of Captain Amarinder Singh only reflects his feudal instincts. He still lives in a world of sycophants where he is referred to as "Maharaja Sahib". He is discourteous and rude."
Preneet is supported by a brigade of 40 relatives.They are camping at Moti Bagh Palace to help her with her election work. Perneet's son-in-law Gurpal Singh and his sister have turned foot soldiers. Another relative Sunder Singh looks after the media centre where a team of volunteers are at work. 
Several industries in the city such as fan manufacturing, carpet manufacturing and others have shut shop over a period of time. Now, hospitality and tourism form the mainstay of industry here. Notwithstanding the number of hotels coming up, the short stay of tourists is a concern. This could be the next industry in the doldrums. What is your take on it?
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Q: There is anti-incumbency sentiment against the Congress-led UPA Government after its 10-year rule. In case your government does not come to power and you are elected from the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat, how will you fulfill all these promises?
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The expenditure on two sectors — health and education - is declining rather than increasing. Is it possible for Parliament to sanction adequate funds for the educational and health institutions and not depend upon generating funds by raising fees that hit students of the rural sector hard?
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Scores of state farmers have not been given ownership rights of land they have been cultivating for decades. What will you do for them? Secondly, what efforts will you make for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations?
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We keep juggling between what is a state subject and a Central subject. But why hasn't the state progressed? Also, what will be your policy towards developing art and culture in the holy city?
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