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amritsar
hoshiarpur |
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ludhiana
pathankot
bathinda
Labourers bundled into trucks for rally
Sensing anti-govt mood, Cong to sharpen attack on alliance
Don’t legalise drugs, warns Amarinder
Punjab Votes 2014
in battlegear:
SAD candidate Harsimrat Kaur Badal in Bathinda for an interactive session of the The Tribune’s ‘Punjab Votes 2014’. She is pitted against Congress-PPP-CPI nominee Manpreet Badal. Tribune photo: vijay kumar
Majithia apologises; Cong moves election panel
Congress workers burn the effigy of Cabinet Minister Bikram Singh Majithia during a protest in Amritsar on Friday. tribune photo
Post-Manpreet’s complaint, SE summoned to CEO office
Cong will open Hussainiwala border if re-elected: Minister
Anmol Sidhu re-elected HC Bar president
Riot-hit moves HC, seeks home under victims’ quota
Yadav calls for revolution to end graft
AAP leader Yogendra Yadav at a rally in Faridkot on Friday. A Tribune photograph
Take action against Moga DEO, Cong tells poll body
Canal lining: Farmers protest ‘mishandling’ of
probe
Punjabi writers’ appeal
Home inmates hold officials captive
Raising Day celebrated
Check unsafe rooms: HC to schools
Faridkot doc booked for offensive SMS to Akali Dal candidate
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amritsar
Amritsar, April 25 He appealed to the voters to send his close friend, Arun Jaitley, to Parliament. Addressing a well-attended rally here, he said: “Amritsar’s key to development is the 5Ts — trade, tradition, talent, technology and tourism. Modi touched almost all issues concerning Amritsar. He said Pakistan had conspired to spread narco-terrorism and push fake currency into the Indian territory. “We cannot allow our young generation to be ruined. We will protect Punjab, the land of warriors, at any cost. We will review border security on forming a government,” he said. Senior Akali leaders have been accused of patronising the drug trade in Punjab and it has become a poll issue. Modi said the UPA Government had failed to tap Amritsar’s potential and there was no reason why it could not become a trade hub. Emphasising the need to boost tourism, he said the foremost requirement for it was to ensure a cleaner city. “We will make Amritsar a top-class city which has an immense potential in sectors such as trade and tourism.” He tried to strike a chord with the residents by promising a train from Amritsar to Patna Sahib, further connecting it with Nanded to create a pilgrimage circuit. He also promised employment opportunities for the youth, safety of women and remunerative prices to the farmers. Modi called Jaitley a valued colleague who, he said, was efficient and dedicated and spotless, which was rare in public life these days. He showered praise on Jaitley, saying he had made a major contribution to the Gujarat model of development. He traced his friendship with him to his Delhi University days. “ On being elected from Amritsar, Jaitley can do wonders for the development of Amritsar. You can expect from him more than you expect from me,” Modi told the gathering. Parkash Singh Badal, CM, and Revenue Minister Bikram Majithia also addressed the crowd. They projected him as the country’s next Finance Minister.
On the sidelines
* Badal felicitated Modi with a sword and a ‘siropa’ *
Jaitley’s speech was a mix of Hindi and Punjabi * Chief Parliamentary Secretary Navjot Kaur Sidhu sought votes for Jaitley *
Punjabi delicacies were specially prepared for Modi
PM’s half brother joins BJP
"Today, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's brother Daljeet Singh has joined the BJP. This will further strengthen us. Ours is not a membership party. We form blood relations," Modi said while welcoming Kohli into the BJP fold. Kohli was also welcomed into the BJP by Jaitley and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. The BJP and the Akali Dal are ruling partners in Punjab, as well as the constituents of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.
When contacted, Kohli’s elder brother Surjeet Singh seemed upset. He did not speak much. Kohli could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. His nephew Mandeep claimed that the BJP had asked him to join the party, promising him a lucrative post and monetary aid. Daljeet Singh deals in readymade garments. Sources said his business was not doing well. — TNS
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hoshiarpur
Hoshiarpur, April 25 “I will expose all those who have looted this country. We will bring the entire black money stashed in foreign banks back to India,” said Modi while addressing a rally in favour of BJP candidate from Hoshiarpur (Reserved) constituency Vijay Sampla. Modi said Punjab was “one of the biggest victims of the UPA government”, which would now usher in a new era of development under the NDA regime. Targeting the Prime Minister, Modi said, “Manmohan Singh had worked as a teacher in Hoshiarpur. He was nurtured by the soil of Punjab but when the time came to pay back, he did nothing for the state.” The Punjab’s agrarian community on his mind, he said, “I have a long association with Punjab. Every Punjabi has the same right for service on me as they have on Vajpayee and Badal. I am for the people of Punjab.” He said he had learnt a lot in Punjab. “Though I am in Gujarat for the last 15 years, the memories of Punjab are afresh in my mind,” he said. The next on Modi’s target were the Gandhis: “In an attempt to see her son Rahul Gandhi on the PM’s seat, Sonia Gandhi risked the future of crores of our youth.” He stressed the need for a stable government at the Centre. Modi said once the NDA came to power, the Food Corporation of India would be trifurcated. “One department will do purchasing of foodgrain and pay the MSP to farmers, the second will make ensure proper storage while the third will take care of distribution,” he said. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said there “was need for a war against the Congress under ‘General’ Modi’s leadership”. Akalis not allowed to enter pandal
Hoshiarpur: Senior district SAD leaders could not attend Modi’s rally today. There were no seating arrangements for them. Varinder Singh Bajwa, SAD general secretary, was among those who had to return disappointed. He said: “I have been appointed star campaigner for this constituency. I was told that there would be 15-20 senior leaders on the stage. Among them would be MLAs, constituency heads and district chiefs of the SAd and the BJP. When I reached the rally, I was told that my name was on the list.” Former chairman of Punjab Health Systems Corporation Jasjit Singh Thiada and Co-operative Bank chairman Satwinder Pal Singh Dhatt also did not attend the rally. Cops enter langar hall with shoes
Police on security duty for Narendra Modi’s rally reportedly entered Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib, located near the rally site, bare-headed and without removing their shoes. They were seen at the gurdwara’s langar hall, their shoes lying on mats. Sewadars at the gurdwara claimed that they had urged the police personnel to maintain the Sikh ‘maryada’, but in vain. “They have been entering the gurdwara premises with their shoes. “We were instructed not to allow Anand Karaj on April 24 and 25,” alleged Manjit Singh, gurdwara manager. — Sanjiv Kumar Bakshi
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ludhiana
Ludhiana, April 25 Addressing a gathering at the Grain Market near Jalandhar bypass in favour of SAD-BJP candidate Manpreet Singh Ayali, Modi said after coming to power, he would ensure that there was no flight of industry from Ludhiana. "There was a time when all machine goods that we used to buy in India had a 'Made in Japan' seal. I want to adopt the same business model to promote the Indian industry. The people across the world should feel proud when they 'Made in India', particularly 'Made in Ludhiana', goods," asserted Modi. Modi said adopting 'S3' (skill, scale and speed) strategy was the need of the hour to strengthen the industrial sector. "I have stayed in Ludhiana for some time. I am indebted to Punjab will pay back accordingly," he said. After targeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for their government's alleged misrule that was ridden with scams, Modi stressed that it was time to uproot the "corrupt regime, a task in which the Punjabis had to play an active role". Modi also praised Ayali, whose is locked in a tough four-cornered contest, as a "hardworking" and "dynamic" leader. "If I am voted to power, I will like to have him (Ayali) in my team," said Modi. In their address, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal and Ayali opted to blame the Centre for almost every problem that the city was currently grappling with, including unavailability of potable water, improper sewerage, polluted Budha Nullah and potholed roads. "Once Modi comes to power, all problems will be eradicated," the trio said. Wooing the disgruntled voters, Sukhbir claimed if the NDA was voted to power, he "would do away with property tax as it was implemented under pressure from the Union Government".
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pathankot
Pathankot, April 25 Addressing a rally here in favour of BJP candidate for Gurdaspur Vinod Khanna, Modi said, “The Prime Minister was brought up in Amritsar, had his education in the holy city, but I challenge him to have a debate with me on the problems of Punjab.” Striking an emotional chord with the electorate, the Gujarat Chief Minister said he had stayed in Punjab for nearly five years when he was made the BJP state in charge. “I know Punjab as I know Gujarat. I understand Punjab’s problems as I know my home state Gujarat’s,” he said. As Modi arrived two hours late after the scheduled time (11 am), other speakers, including Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Khanna, had to keep their speeches short. Modi alleged that the elections would prove to be UPA’s “farewell party”.” He blamed the scam ridden Congress for all the problems plaguing the country saying that apart from being involved in ‘scam and scandals of various types’ nothing much could be said about the “outgoing UPA government”. “I enjoy a good rapport with Parkash Singh Badal. Once the BJP is firmly in the saddle, I assure you I will solve the innumerable problems facing Punjab,” he said. While seeking votes for Khanna, he reminded the people how during the Gujarat earthquake in 2001, he (Khanna), then at the helm of his film career, had “pitched a tent in quake-ridden Kutch and served the people selflessly”. “Khanna spent money out of his own pocket to help scores of families who were uprooted following the earthquake. I know this fact personally because I myself was there serving the people,” said Modi. The rally was aimed at galvanising the party cadre in the three BJP assembly segments of Pathankot, Bhoa and Sujanpur. Since the rally was held in MLA Ashwani Sharma’s home turf, the onus was on him to rope in BJP workers to attend the rally in a big way. A large number of Akalis, led by constituency heads NS Kahlon, SS Sekhwan and SS Langah, were also present.
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bathinda
Bathinda, April 25 Invoking the legacy of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, he spoke of the beheading on Indian soldiers on the border. He promised a “stronger” India if an NDA government came to power at the Centre. He sought votes for SAD-BJP candidates Harsimrat Kaur Badal (Bathinda), Sukhdev Dhindsa (Sangrur), Deep Inder Dhillon (Patiala), Paramjit Kaur Gulshan (Faridkot), Sher Singh Ghubaya (Ferozepur) and Ranjit Singh Brahmpura (Khadoor Sahib). In his first-ever rally here today amid unprecedented security, Modi said: "Cotton will be grown in the farms, the cotton fibre will be made into a fabric and the fabric used by the fashion industry will be exported to foreign shores.” On suicide by farmers in the region, he blamed the Congress government that had banned cotton export. "Not just the farmers, I have solutions for the youth and industrialists as well. But I can make a difference only if we make a strong government with 300 plus seats,” he said. Modi drew a deafening applause when he promised that his government would not sit quiet in the face of rising inflation and if Pakistan beheaded Indian soldiers. Modi started his speech with 'Jo bole so nihal' and ended with 'Bharat Mata ki jai'. He praised the CM Parkash Singh Badal for the progress the state had made under him. Badal urged: “ Bring Modi ji to power and your dreams and demands will be fulfilled." Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal said an NDA government would introduce crop insurance. He asked voters to defeat the Congress-PPP-CPI candidate from Bathinda, Manpreet Badal. Harsimrat asked voters to re-elect her for her hard work.
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Labourers bundled into trucks for rally
Bathinda, April 25 Truck operator Gurpreet Singh Bheera said it had been announced yesterday that there would by no booking on Friday. Drivers, conductors and truck owners were reportedly sent to Modi’s rally in six buses. A Markfed officer in Rampura said 100 trucks were required for lifting wheat in the mandis, but none was available. Punsup and Punjab Warehouse had sought 120 trucks for lifting wheat, but could not get any. The Rampura Truck Union management committee member, Bhinder Singh Gumti, claimed that no booking had been done owing to the traffic chaos in the area. He admitted that six buses carrying truck owners and drivers had been sent for Modi’s rally. Farmers at the procurement centres at Bhai Rupa, Dhapali and Chauke villages kept waiting the whole day for their stock to be lifted. Labourers employed for unloading trucks were reportedly bundled into trucks and sent to Modi’s rally. Labour union chief Labh Singh said he had sent a bus full of labourers to the rally. He refused to comment further.
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Sensing anti-govt mood, Cong to sharpen attack on alliance
Chandigarh, April 25 Congress candidates in the fray have decided to step up the tirade against the state government on contentious issues such as property tax, drug addiction, easy availability of drugs, Akali ministers’ “protection” to drug peddlers and illegal mining of sand and gravel by the sand mafia. Narendra Modi targeted certain sections of voters in each of the five constituencies that he visited today. In Pathankot, he talked of the sagging agrarian economy and addressed the concerns of exservicemen. In Hoshiarpur, he projected himself as the “son of Punjab” and promised to accord top priority to the state, if he became Prime Minister. In Ludhiana, he talked of skill development and value addition to take industry to the next level of growth. Observers say this was a ploy to consolidate the SAD-BJP vote bank and to woo fence-sitters. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Partap Bajwa, who is contesting from Gurdaspur, said he would continue to take the Akalis head on over “poor” governance. “Modi’s rally in Pathankot won’t make much difference as the voters have already made up their mind,” he claimed. In Amritsar, the Congress is focusing entirely on the urban voter.
Counter-strategy *
Party candidates will step up attack on the
ruling alliance on contentious issues * Among these issues are property tax, drug addiction, easy availability of drugs, Akali ministers’ “protection” to drug peddlers and illegal mining of sand and gravel *
In Amritsar, Cong candidate Capt Amarinder Singh will focus entirely on the urban voters
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Don’t legalise drugs, warns Amarinder
Amritsar, April 25 Warning that he would not allow “this government to write the death warrant of an entire generation,” he said the CM’s stand vindicated the charges that the Badals were patronising drug peddlers. He alleged that the Badals wanted to legalise the drug trade to make easy money. Talking to mediapersons here today, Amarinder said: “It is shameful for a Chief Minister to say that he cannot stop drug trafficking and, hence, the trade should be legalised and that licensed vends must be allowed .” The former Chief Minister warned that cheap synthetic drugs being manufactured in Punjab would find their way to these licensed vends and “destroy” the youth. —TNS
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Punjab Votes 2014
HARSIMRAT Kaur Badal, the sitting MP from the Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency, feels that her three children are her biggest critics and wants politics to become an honourable career so that youngsters desire to become a politicians. As for the plans for the Bathinda, she aims to make it a sought-after city equipped with modern facilities.
In an interaction moderated by The Tribune’s Principal Correspondent Jupinderjit Singh, SAD candidate from Bathinda Harsimrat fields questions from a group of prominent citizens. During the session, she listed all-round development in Bathinda and Mansa and how "Nanhi Chhaan" - a pilot project of her NGO, helped in checking female foeticide. "I've slogged like a sarpanch in my constituency," the MP said and assured to develop the constituency in every possible way if elected and if the NDA constituents attained power at the Centre. Punjab once had abundant natural resources, which have now depleted due to over-exploitation. Since there is a dire need to prioritise the issue, how do you plan to restore the balance?
— ‘Need to upgrade irrigation system’ Harsimrat Badal: From being a food-deficient state, Punjab became self-sufficient and its credit goes to farmers, who worked tirelessly during the Green Revolution. While Punjab became the food bowl of the nation, it ended up facing the problem of fast-depleting natural resources. Sadly, we have a 150-year-old irrigation network, which causes loss of almost 33 per cent of water. We had asked the Centre to give us funds to upgrade the irrigation system, but it did not. If the Centre has the funds to pump in Rs 40,000 crore into the MNREGS, we wonder why it is not ready to give Rs 3,500 crore for revamping the irrigation system. The farmers can't be blamed. They are caught in the vicious cycle of production. As the central government does not provide remunerative prices for the crops, the farmers try to get more yield from limited land they own. This leads to more problems. It affects health of the soil, groundwater and causes diseases. I had requested the Centre to send a team of experts to look into the causes of cancer and other diseases, but the proposal is yet to materialise. Prevention is better than cure of diseases such as cancer. I want to develop a mechanism that arrests the spread of cancer. Punjab produces 40 per cent of the paddy in the country. In spite of this, the government agencies harass farmers on the quality of the produce. In the absence of computerised labs, the procurement is reduced to the whims and fancies of government officials. One variety of rice recommended by agricultural experts was not lifted. How do you plan to improve the situation?
— ‘FCI functions in archaic manner’ The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has become the mother of corruption. It is run in an archaic manner. We plan to divide the FCI into three wings -procurement, storage and distribution - to arrest the rot. When the Centre stopped milling and distributing the PAU 201 variety due to alleged presence of damaged grain exceeding the regulatory limits, I sent a sample of the rice to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, asking them to eat the rice and see if they fall ill. Our efforts bore fruit and we were able to get the PAU 201 variety lifted. As for computerised labs, we will definitely set them up to check the quality of paddy. Besides, we will work to providing silos - modern grain storage technique - at every storage facility so that that tonnes of grain going waste every year is averted. The government spent crores of rupees on building sports stadiums, but the grounds are in a poor shape. Do you take suggestions of sportspersons on how to develop the infrastructure?
— ‘Youth future of Punjab’ In the past five years, we tried our best to provide infrastructure to the budding sportspersons. Apart from building stadiums in the cities, we negotiated with panchayats to give land for playgrounds to nurture local talent. We distributed sports kits and made available land for the construction of gyms in the villages to put youth on the path of physical fitness. The local administration is responsible for the maintenance of facilities, including playgrounds, and not a Member of Parliament. During my “Sangat Darshan” programmes, I make it a point to ask youth what they want from the government. Youth are the future of our state and we want to provide the best that we can. Do you think youth like me can hope of getting diverse jobs in and around Bathinda instead of shifting to state capital or metro cities? There has been a spurt in professional colleges in the city, which is a good sign for youth, but to look for better jobs, most have to move out.
— ‘Bathinda to be world-class city’ As an MP with the NDA Government, I would launch several projects that would generate jobs. But the problem is all want to work in the metros. For instance, we opened hospitals here but very few doctors opted to work in rural areas. We have developed Bathinda with malls and parks, and provided facilities of a metro city here. We welcome professionals to work here. Industries such as Sportsking have opened units here. The Bathinda refinery is already functioning. We are committed to make Bathinda a world-class city. The incidents of snatching, drug peddling and petty crimes are on the rise. The police neither have a sense of responsibility nor do they talk to women properly. In the women's cells, complainants are harassed. When will the police be gender
sensitised? ‘Concerned about women’s safety’ Being a woman, I understand the problem. I have been instrumental in the recruitment of women constables and setting up of the Women's Armed Special Protection Squad (WASPS). The Punjab Government recruited 3,500 women constables, making “khakhi” no more a bastion of the men. The maximum numbers of distressed calls received on 181 (Punjab Police's helpline) pertain to
domestic violence. The complaints are effectively handled and sorted out. To behave properly with women is all about one’s mindset, which the government cannot change. The way one should behave with women is taught by families and not by the government. We are talking of the times when society is developed to such an extent that every woman is looked as a daughter or a sister. The Punjab Government is working to create a conducive atmosphere, wherein every woman is empowered and does not fear approaching the police. Under the garb of making Punjab power surplus, the SAD-BJP Government has set up three thermal power plants in the private sector. The Mukerian thermal plant, envisaged in the public sector, exists on papers only. Lopsided policy favouring the private sector has led to no jobs for locals and abnormal increase in the power tariff. Since you enlist power-surplus Punjab as one of your achievements, what is your take on the issue?
— ‘Good to have pvt thremal plants’ Though power is a state subject, I find no wrong in having thermal power plants in the private sector as long as they meet our requirements. The delay in generating power from the newly constructed private thermal power plants is due to the lack of coal linkage, for which the Centre is responsible. It took us one-and-a-half years to get clearance from 11 central departments for the Banawali thermal power plant. From 6,000 MW seven years ago,
we have come to 12,000-MW production. The Chief Minister has already held talks for the Mukerian thermal power plant. The primary healthcare, not only in Bathinda, but in the entire state is in a shambles. Also, you chose to keep quiet on women's issues when people waited for a person like you - a woman rights activist - to air your opinion on the matter. Why did you not react?
— ‘Nanhi Chhaan is apolitical work’ To strengthen primary healthcare rules, we need to first have adequate number of doctors. We had asked the MBBS doctors to walk in for interviews, but the response was not encouraging. At the same time, we the Punjab Government will urge the Centre to frame rules for recruiting doctors as per the specific requirements of the states. Coming to your second question, I chose to remain silent on certain issues as I was not directly involved in those matters. I have strong opinion as a woman and as a mother on several issues, but my views would be interpreted politically. The statements are linked with my "Nanhi Chhaan" programme which hurts me a lot as it an apolitical programme. The government is giving us free power for paddy season, but not for other crops. Why would farmers diversify to other crops if they have to pay power bills? Farmers don't mind paying the power bills unless they get uninterrupted supply. Secondly, what is being done to curb the growing menace of stray cattle that destroy crops?
— ‘There’s urgent need to diversify’ Punjab is a state of marginal and small farmers, who do not have money to pay the power bills. The thermal power plants will soon provide uninterrupted power supply. I will take up your suggestion on encouraging diversification. We need to diversify as the central government is not inclined to buy paddy from us in two years or so. Sadly, the Centre controls input prices as well as the MSP, which are not equal. The Swaminathan Commission's recommendation of 50 per cent profit on MSP has not been implemented. Regarding stray cattle, we have been unable to find a solution. There's a need of a strong policy at the national level to deal with the problem. (Inputs by Megha Mann, Gurdeep Mann,
Nikhila Pant Dhawan and Sukhmeet Singh)
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Majithia apologises; Cong moves election panel
Amritsar, April 25 Majithia said: “I have realised my mistake. I apologise for it with all humility.” The minister said it was not his intentions to hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community. Earlier in the day, Congress activists led by party councillor Gurinder Rishi, burnt Majithia’s effigy. They urged the Election Commission to initiate action against the SAD leader for hurting the religious feelings of the Sikhs.They also urged the Akal Takht to ex-communicate him. Senior Congress leader Bir Devinder Singh has approached the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) over the issue, pleading that Majithia be banned from addressing public rallies. He has also sought punitive action against BJP candidate Arun Jaitley. Yesterday, he had appealed to the Akal Takht chief to summon Majithia for "distorting" Guru Gobind Singh’s ‘shabad’ while condemning the minister for the “act of sycophancy”. Majithia had said: “Nischay kar Arun Jailtey ki jeet karu”.
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Post-Manpreet’s complaint, SE summoned to CEO office
Chandigarh, April 25 Congress candidate from Bathinda Manpreet Badal had alleged that the SE was openly supporting the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) campaign. The Joint Electoral Officer, Amit Talwar, said, “The decision on the SE was taken when the complaint of his alleged involvement in the distribution of money came before CEO VK Singh. Although no proof has been given, the charge, if true, amounts to a serious poll violation. Therefore, the transfer was ordered immediately.” In another case, the Secretary of the Public Works Department has been asked to transfer Fatehgarh Sahib XEN Yuvraj Bindra for his failure to control the model code of conduct violations in the area assigned to him. The Election Commission has also sought a transfer of District Excise Officer, Ludhiana, for violating the model code of conduct. The Joint Electoral Officer said, “Our office received the communication late in the afternoon. The district has more than a dozen excise officers and the Deputy Commissioner was unable to pinpoint the officer concerned. We should have the name by tomorrow.” Ludhiana tops in poll complaints Ludhiana constituency tops the list of election-related complaints this year. Interestingly, the constituency also has the highest complaint disposal rate as only eight out of the total 82 are pending. In Jalandhar, as many as 18 out of the total 44 complaints are pending. Taran Taran saw a total of 78 complaints, Amritsar 76 and Mohali 52. 752 complaints disposed of The Joint Electoral Officer said as many as 752 of 920 complaints received had been disposed of. To keep an eye on suspected elements, as many as 9,425 non-bailable warrants had been executed, he said. A total of 3,088 election-related FIRs had been lodged till date.
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Cong will open Hussainiwala border if re-elected: Minister
Ferozepur, April 25 Sharma said the spade work to revive this vital trade link between the two neighbouring countries had been done. He said once opened, the link would bring a lot of business to the region. On the other hand, Sharma cautioned there was little possibility of the link being reopened if the BJP came to power at the Centre. He also credited the UPA-II for increasing trade with Pakistan through the setting up of the Integrated Check Post in Amritsar. Launching a scathing attack against the SAD-BJP government, Sharma said the state’s bad policies led to the closure of 19,000 industrial units. “The state government has burdened the common man with several taxes and a high power tariff,” he said. Jakhar further said the Badal family had hijacked several businesses, including the sand, liquor and transport business. Congress MLA Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi, Ferozepur MLA Parminder Pinki and Mohammed Sadiqe were also present on the occasion. Notwithstanding health problems, veteran Congress leader Balram Jakhar also attended the rally to support his son Sunil Kumar Jakhar. He had won from this seat with a thumping majority in 1980. His presence drew large crowds at the rally.
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Anmol Sidhu re-elected HC Bar president
Chandigarh, April 25 Advocate Saurav Khurana was elected secretary with 1,854 votes. His rival candidate Govinder Brar got 764 votes. Advocate Nirbhay Garg was elected vice-president with 1,571 votes. In all, 2,907 advocates, out of the 3,653 registered voters, cast their votes to elect president and other office-bearers. The elections were held on Thursday but the counting started on Friday morning. The final results were out around 6 pm. Sidhu, who is also Assistant Solicitor-General of India, has been elected for the sixth time as president. — TNS
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Riot-hit moves HC, seeks home under victims’ quota
Chandigarh, April 25 Recognised by the Punjab Government as a “riot victim”, he was even given Rs 2-lakh financial aid and a red card. Caught in the administrative rigmarole, he has now moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court alleging contempt of court for non-implementation of orders that directed the state to consider his claim for a flat under the riot victims’ quota. The reason for his housing troubles apparently stem from the fact that he did not apply for a house in the city where the scheme for riot victims was launched. Though the High Court directed the authorities concerned to treat his application valid for cities where the scheme was valid, Daljit Singh is still without an allocation letter. Taking up his plea, Justice Mahesh Grover has issued a notice to the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) officer for October 31. Now settled in Zirakpur, Daljit Singh had initially moved the High Court around two years ago for quashing an order dated March 5, 2012, "whereby his claim for allotment of a house reserved for such victims was turned down on the ground that he applied for allotment at Mohali, where no such scheme was launched". Responding to the contentions, the state admitted that the petitioner was a riot victim, who applied for allotment of house at Mohali. But, insisted that the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) had invited applications through public notice for houses to riot victims at Patiala, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Bathinda only. Since the petitioner did not apply for a house in these cities, his application was rejected. When the matter came up for preliminary hearing in August 2012, the petitioner was willing to be considered for a plot anywhere in the state. Taking note of the assertion, Justices Surya Kant and RP Nagrath ruled in January 2013: “If there is an un-allotted house or dwelling unit at Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala and Bathinda, reserved for the 1984 riot victims, let the application moved by the petitioner - for allotment of such a house at Mohali — be considered valid for allotment of house/dwelling unit in these cities in the reserved category of riot victims."
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Yadav calls for revolution to end graft
Faridkot, April 25 In the 20-month case, a 15-year-old girl was abducted from the local Dogar Basti at gunpoint by a gangster and his accomplices. The accused dragged the girl by her hair and thrashed her parents in full public view. “The prolonged and collective agitation of the local people brought justice to the minor girl. A gangster, facing a dossier of 20 criminal cases, is languishing in the jail for a life term after Faridkot residents declined to surrender to the nexus of political leaders, police and criminals. People should now raise their voice against the drug menace,” said Prof Sadhu Singh. “In Punjab, corruption is grossly rooted in everything and the ruling alliance has taken control over even sand queries, cable television and transport to make slaves out of people,” he said. "People’ angst against corruption is visible in the state but it needs to be converted into a revolution during these elections, he said. “The sin of silence when they should protest makes cowards out of men. After winning war against terrorism, Punjab is losing a fight against drugs as many political leaders in the state are involved in pushing the youth into drugs,” said Yadav. Deploy central forces for fair poll: AAP to Centre Abohar: Apprehending that musclemen will capture booths in the Abohar and Balluana segments of Ferozepur parliamentary constituency, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has urged the Election Commission (EC) to deploy central security forces. AAP leaders filed two complaints with the EC in this regard. Party leaders demanded that Abohar and Balluana be declared super sensitive segments and urged the EC to install CCTV cameras at all polling booths.— OC
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Take action against Moga DEO, Cong tells poll body
Moga, April 25 Sathi said since Thind had violated the poll code, the EC should immediately transfer Thind out of the area and take action against him. He alleged that Sathi had also pressured government employees to vote for the SAD. However, Harpreet Sandhu, Executive Officer of the Improvement Trust, clarified they had not permitted the truck union to operate from their land. “We have leased out this land that is reserved for parking to a local resident. He charges truck drivers for parking their vehicles on the land. The lease contract is likely to end on May 15,” he said. Meanwhile, sources said the truck union had leased a shop from a local businessman, who is also a member of the union, to run their office. The main office of the union situated on the national highway was sealed by the administration four months ago following a dispute between two groups backed by local MLA Joginder Pal Jain and former DGP Paramdip Gill.
The controversy * Congress alleges he permitted the truck union to operate from govt land *
They said the official took this step to help the SAD appease the disgruntled workers in the transport business
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Canal lining: Farmers protest ‘mishandling’ of
probe
Abohar, April 25 Kisan Sangharsh Samiti spokesman Subhash Sehgal said the officers of the Water Resources Department (WRD), who were allegedly responsible
for the sub-standard lining of the feeder, were informed about the ACB’s drive. Sources said the
erring officials were assisting in the probe. The protesters demanded that the WRD
officers be shifted out to ensure a fair probe. The ACB team said the officials of the Agricultural Marketing Society and Public Works Department were helping them carry out a fair probe.
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Punjabi writers’ appeal
Chandigarh, April 25 They have not named any party pursuing such an ideology. " We have come to a point where we feel the very idea of India as a secular and inclusive country founded on pluralist principles is under threat," the writers said.
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Home inmates hold officials captive
Jalandhar, April 25 Deputy Commissioner Varun Roojam, who reached the spot, was not allowed to enter the ashram. Women cops rushed to his aid. In all, 17 inmate girls (all minors) who had reportedly eloped from their homes with their boyfriends were caught and later shifted to the ashram. One of them is reportedly pregnant. The administration officials visited the ashram after District Legal Services Authority secretary Rana Kanwar Deep Kaur, during her visit to the observation home yesterday, found that 24 of the 96 girls were confined in one room. — TNS
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Raising Day celebrated
Chandigarh, April 25 Since its raising, the Chetak Corps has gone through a series of transformations to reach its present state as a professional and operationally effective formation. Army formations and units based in Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Alwar and Kota fall under the Chetak Corps. As a part of the Raising Day celebrations, Lt Gen PM Hariz, General Officer Commanding, Chetak Corps, laid a wreath at the Yodha Yaadgar war memorial in honour of the martyrs.
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Check unsafe rooms: HC to schools
Chandigarh, April 25 “We may have to pass very strong orders, if the government itself does not take remedial measures,” the High Court observed during the resumed hearing of a PIL filed by advocate HC Arora. He was seeking demolition of unsafe classrooms in state's government schools. He stated in his affidavit that he visited 14 government schools in Mohali, Ropar and Ludhiana districts and identified at least 36 unsafe classrooms.
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Faridkot doc booked for offensive SMS to Akali Dal candidate
Faridkot, April 25 The police have registered a criminal case under Section 66-A of the Information and Technology Act and Section 125 of the Representation of People Act against the doctor. This crime is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine. In this election time when the use of SMSes is very common and people are sending messages to their friends and relatives to share their choice of candidates and parties, some leaders in the fray are getting offensive messages. Sat Pal, Investigating Officer, said the police were investigating the case and the process to summon record from the service provider cellular company had been started. DEO’s order on deploying students withdrawn Fatehgarh Sahib: The DC-cum-District Electoral Officer Arun Sekhri has withdrawn District Education Officer (Secondary) Parveen Kumar’s order of deploying students at polling booths to help voters and sought an explanation in this regard. The DC said deploying students at the polling booths was voluntary. The Tribune had, on April 24, reported that parents were resentful of the DEO’s mandatory order.
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Congress leaders have decided to counter the “Modi wave” by sharpening attacks on the SAD-BJP leadership and whipping up the anti-incumbency sentiment.
Congress candidates in the fray have decided to step up the tirade against the state government on contentious issues such as property tax, drug addiction, easy availability of drugs, Akali ministers’ “protection” to drug peddlers and illegal mining of sand and gravel by the sand mafia.
HARSIMRAT Kaur Badal, the sitting MP from the Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency, feels that her three children are her biggest critics and wants politics to become an honourable career so that youngsters desire to become a politicians. As for the plans for the
Bathinda, she aims to make it a sought-after city equipped with modern facilities.
State Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia today tendered an apology for distorting a ‘shabad (hymn)’ while seeking votes for BJP candidate Arun Jaitley at a public rally here last evening.
Majithia said: “I have realised my mistake. I apologise for it with all humility.” The minister said it was not his intentions to hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.
A rape case was dominant in the speeches of AAP ideologue Yogendra Yadav and Faridkot candidate Prof Sadhu Singh during the latter’s roadshow in Faridkot today.
In the 20-month case, a 15-year-old girl was abducted from the local Dogar Basti at gunpoint by a gangster and his accomplices. The accused dragged the girl by her hair and thrashed her parents in full public view.
Amritsar: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's half brother Daljeet Singh Kohli joined the BJP at Narendra Modi’s rally on Friday. He shared the dais with Modi and other senior BJP and SAD leaders.
