Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar Ghanshyam Thori on Tuesday briefed the election expenditure observers about the arrangements made by the administration for expenditure monitoring during upcoming assembly election in the district.
During a virtual review meeting with election expenditure observers — Pardeep Kumar Meel, Ayaz Ahmed Kohli, and Satyapal Singh Meena, all IRS — the DC said the district administration was fully committed and geared up for holding free, fair and transparent polls in Jalandhar.
He apprised the observers that the administration has already set up various cells and committees to keep a close tab over the poll expenditure being incurred by the candidates during the run up to the elections. These cells included district-level expenditure monitoring cell, media certification amp; monitoring committee, district-level complaint cell, C-vigil monitoring cell, besides and others, he said adding that the proper training has also been imparted to functionaries of these cells.
The DC further added that to keep a close tab over the expenditure incurred by the candidates, various teams have been deployed in the field. He also said 353 complaints have been received on C-vigil app so far and all of them have been resolved within stipulated timeline. —
After SAD candidate from Jalandhar Cantonment Jagbir Brar opened his new office for political activity at Urban Estate Phase-II here on Friday, he chose to release his own manifesto for the constituency.
Facing a tough challenge from Education Minister Pargat Singh, Brar chose to pick the issue which touches the people from the constituency the most ndash; the site of a huge garbage dump just adjoining the cremation ground at Model Town. Brar said if voted to power, his first priority would be to get this dump removed.
People from across the city who visit the area to attend the cremation of their loved ones detest the site of the dump. "The place is frequented by hundreds of people on a daily basis. Your area MLA has done nothing to improve the situation for five years. Give me a chance and I will get all clearances for an alternate garbage dumping site," Brar told his supporters and area residents who had gathered to listen to him.
He also shared copies of his poll manifesto with them. "I will get security cameras installed throughout my constituency. Public parking will be constructed next to the Model Town market. Proper management will be provided to the civil dispensary next to the Mayor's house in Model Town market. With the help of new technology, the treatment plant next to Jalandhar Heights will be renovated to make it odourless," he listed out his vision for urban areas of the constituency.
For the rural areas, his list of promises included, "A new stadium with AstroTurf will be built in Sansarpur. One JCB machine, two trolleys and two tractors will be arranged for block samiti, resulting in all the garbage being transported to the dump every third day. Treatment plants will be installed in every village, enabling them to use water for irrigation."
He gave a separate plan for the cantonment area too. "Cantt will be made a tehsil. House registries will be opened in Cantt. A facility to pay electricity bills in Cantt will be introduced. A petrol pump will be installed here. The sewerage system in Bhoor Mandi will be replaced. A new football academy will be established in Bhoor Mandi and Topkhana (including a full-sized ground near the PAP) where kids will be given a proper diet and coaching staff."
His rival Pargat Singh has already opened his office in PPR Mall a few days ago. He is set to file his nomination paper tomorrow.
The district reported 211 new cases of Covid on Friday, taking the case tally to 76,049 cases. There is no let up in the deaths as four persons succumbed to the virus in the district today. With fresh fatalities, the deceased tally reached to 1,545 deaths. As many as 71,654 people have recovered from Covid in the district while the number of active cases now stand at 2,850. Of the 19,85,396 samples collected in the district, so far, 19,89,276 samples have tested negative.
60 cases in Kapurthala
The district reported 60 new cases of Covid on Friday. The district tally reached 23,019 today. Meanwhile, the district also reported one new death today. The total deceased tally at Kapurthala now has reached 563. The deceased was a 89-year-old man from Noorpur Jattan viilage.
2 die in Hoshiarpur
The district reported 140 new cases of Covid, taking the tally to 38,977 cases. The district also reported two new deaths. The total deceased tally at Hoshiarpur now has reached 1,038. The deceased included a 45-year-female resident of Chakkowal block, who died at the Civil Hospital, Hoshiarpur, and a 24-year-female, a resident of Halta Badla, who died at the DMC, Ludhiana.
Members of the women wing of the Congress are annoyed with the party. Not just the district women chiefs, but also Punjab Mahila Congress president Balvir Rani Sodhi. None of the 12 women office-bearers, including Sodhi, who had sought ticket from the party to contest the forthcoming elections, have managed to get one. They all gathered at her place in Phagwara on Friday to vent out their ire.
The Mahila Congress office-bearers were so angry that they even decided to hold a protest on the Phagwara highway against their own party but Sodhi said this in any case would not help them at this stage and also damage the prospects of the party. They all have been using social media to express their reactions over the ticket denial.
Sodhi said: "It has been an unfair deal with us. Only 11 women candidates have been picked from among the total candidates announced so far. None of these include anyone from within the Mahila Congress. We are the ones who at a short notice are told to gather members and reach all protest sites, perform effigy burning and ensure a good crowd at rallies. But our work never gets recognised and this time it has been a completely raw deal."
She further added: "The youth wing of the party surely gets adjusted. Ludhiana MP Ravneet Bittu, Phillaur candidate Vikramjit Chaudhary, Garhshankar candidate Amarpreet Lally and Ropar canddiate Brinder Dhillon are all ex-youth Congress presidents. If youth are adjusted so well, why can't the members of the women wing get the same treatment?"
She quoted examples of some "winnable" women candidates including Jasleen Sethi from Jalandhar Central, Gursharan Randhawa from Samana, Satwinder Bitti from Sahnewal, Daman Bajwa from Sunam and sitting MLA Satkar Kaur from Ferozepur Rural.
Jasleen Sethi, Jalandhar councillor and district president of the Mahila Congress who had been claiming ticket from Jalandhar Central, too, has shown regret. "We have ignored our occupations and household works for years to reach the level of the district president. We all reached this place so that the party could recognise our efforts and give us ticket. If not all, the party should have picked at least a few more deserving candidates," she said.
Perpreet Brar, another woman activist from Jalandhar, also has gone on social media to share: "When I sought ticket first in 2017, I was ignored. I felt that there must be something lacking in me. I worked with more dedication but to see this day again."
Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Apneet Riyait on Tuesday warned the staff deputed on the poll duty in the district that any negligence in election duty would invite strict action.
She said the election would be conducted in a completely transparent and smooth manner for which appropriate staff had been appointed for polling and the counting of votes. She said election rehearsals had started and the employees found absent in these rehearsals had been directed to give an explanation for their absence by issuing show-cause notices.
She said a letter had been written to the department heads concerned to register FIRs against the employees who did not present their case. Instructing the officers and staff deputed on the election duty, she said the election process should be carried out in all seriousness and strict action would be taken if any kind of negligence was found.
The District Election Officer said the testing report of Covid-19 would be considered valid only if issued by government health centres or labs. Therefore, the officer and the employee whose Covid-19 report came back positive should submit the report of government health centres to the officer concerned.
She said if the report was found to be fake then the licence of the lab concerned would be revoked and an FIR registered against the lab and the employee who submitted the fake report. She said the testing report of any private lab would not be considered.
Damocles' sword hangs over 71 officials
Hoshiarpur: Taking a serious note of the absence of employees from election duty, the Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer, Apneet Riyait, said FIRs would be lodged against 71 employees engaged in the election duty who were found absent in the first rehearsal and did not respond to the show-cause notice. "The department heads have been written to register FIRs against them. A similar strict action will be adopted in future also against those who do not take the election duty seriously," she said.
Former MLA and Bholath Congress candidate Sukhpal Khaira is all set to receive a huge welcome on his return tomorrow to his home constituency after having spent 78 days in Patiala jail where he was lodged in a matter pertaining to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
His supporters have planned a grand reception for him from his place at Ramgarh. He will first pay obeisance at Gurdwara Kili Sahib before setting out for a quick tour across his constituency making small halts at Littan, Pandorian, Rajputan, Jawahar Nagar, Model Town, Damulian and Nadala Mandi.
He will be able to spend just three days on his campaign as he has got the permission for filing his nomination paper up to January 31. A proper roadmap for these days has already been chalked out by his son Mehtab Khaira, who has been holding the charge in his father's absence.
Khaira, who was in Chandigarh today after his release, said he would be filing his papers on January 31. He showed no regrets for anything and rather said that he had emerged stronger. He said he remained completely updated on day-to-day-basis political developments even in the jail.
Hinting at a possible good combat against minister Rana Gurjeet Singh, he said, "Those who are attacking me should get ready to face my double power attack."
Jalandhar: Students of HMV Collegiate Senior Secondary School witnessed Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar-2022 organised by Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, in which Prime Minister interacted with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) awardees. Smriti Zubin Irani intimated in the video conference that this year 29 children from across the country, under different categories have been selected for PMRBP-2022. Meedansh Kumar Gupta of Jalandhar, Punjab also got honoured as in 2020 he launched his coronafreeworld.com site. The SSC students of HMV Collegiate marked their presence in the conference to cheer up the awardees and shared their happiness.
Vaccination Camp held
Extending the safety cover for the students and staff, Sanskriti KMV School organised its second vaccination camp with the collaboration of the Health Department, Civil Hospital. The camp was open for the students in the age group of 15-18 years. Rachna Monga, Principal, while taking the camp briefing expressed her satisfaction over approaching the 100 per cent vaccination status of the students in this age bracket. School had taken all required provisions for the camp, including sanitised venue, observation room and refreshment slot for the vaccinated students. During the camp, students shared their gratitude to the teachers and mentioned that time to time health oriented counselling given by the teachers during the online sessions had eased out their decision to get vaccinated safely in the campus and they are eagerly waiting for the opening of the school.
State Public School
State Public School, Shahkot, has been reaccredited with the International Dimensions In School Curriculum Award (IDS) for the period of three years (2022-2025) by British Council. Principal Kanwar Neel Kamal proudly announced that school has been reaccredited with the British Council's prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom. The certificate will be formally presented to school in a ceremony in December 2021. Our school's international work includes building on our already strong school partnerships in UK, Argentina, Italy, Canada, Nigeria, Georgia, Russia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Ghana, Japan, Spain, Tunisia, Columbia, South Korea, Romania and Turkey, the principal said.
Seminar of emotional intelligence
Self-awareness was discussed in brief followed by identification of emotions and steps to handle emotions at Dayanand Model School during a seminar. Healthy development of interpersonal relationships" was the core content. Relationships were compared to ships and questions were asked "What leads to a healthy relationship? What sinks a relationship?" Then the need of friends in life, and peer pressure were taken with great understanding and participation. The topic "How can peer pressure affect adolescents" was exemplified. The topic "Empowering self for digital world and prevention of allied high risk behaviour" was started by Ishita (class IX) in second session. Cyber safety points were discussed. Bad and good effects of gaming too were discussed in an interactive way. Peers shared their personal experiences which led to a way more productive session.
Republic Day celebrated
Republic Day was celebrated online in SRT DAV Public School Bilga. For junior wing, poster making competition was organised and solo song competition was organised for the students of classes VI to VIII. Speech competition was organised for the students of class IX and class X and the result of each competition was declared at the class level itself. On this occasion, Principal of the school Ravi Sharma said Republic Day is a major national festival. Even though we celebrate this with great pomp, we must still bow down to the people who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom. The students were also given complete information about this day by the teachers of the school. Principal Ravi Sharma, teachers and members of Bilga branch of Bharat Vikas Parishad hoisted the Tricolour on the school premises. Tarsem Lal Gupta and Jai Gopal Sachdeva were also present on the occasion.
Lala Lajpat Rai remembered
DIPS Schools celebrated the birthday of freedom struggler Lala Lajpat Rai. Students made posters and wrote letters to enlighten their fellow students on his lide. On the 157th birth anniversary, the teachers shared as to why he was called Punjab Kesari or Lion of Punjab and how he played a pivotal role in India's Independence movement. He boycotted imported goods and called for Indian made goods. He joined the India National Congress and was a powerful religious reformer and leading role in country's freedom struggle. He created awareness for national pride and self-respect among people. He aroused a deep sense of nationalism in the youth of India. In schools and colleges various speeches and lectures on patriotism are held. Therefore, he is regarded as India's best leader and freedom fighter and he will always live in the hearts of young Indians.
School holds science fest
Cambridge International School, Phagwara, organised 'Science Fest' through online mode. The topics for project were solar city, earthquake alarm, rain water harvesting, air purifier, robot, lungs, respiratory system, vacuum cleaner, volcano and heat alarm. The students of CIS, Phagwara, presented their scientific skills, they proved that they have a great interest, passion and calibre to get best out of waste material. They demonstrated the use and benefits of their projects in future with various wonderful examples. The projects based on natural resources were the central attraction of this 'Science Fest'.
Mostly bureaucrats (IAS officers) love to enter politics by contesting the election from the Phagwara assembly constituency (Reserve).
After Som Parkash (BJP) and Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal (INC), now it was the turn of Khushi Ram, IAS (retd), who entered politics in Phagwara and has been declared a candidate from the Sanyukt Samaj Morcha.
Khushi Ram
He is the third IAS officer who preferred Phagwara for contesting the assembly election. Som Prakash (retired as IAS) had been elected an MLA twice from this important constituency on a BJP ticket. On the other hand, Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal (former IAS) is a sitting MLA from the Congress who won the bypoll two and a half years ago when then MLA Som Parkash contested and won the Lok Sabha election and now enjoying a Union Minister's status.
The seat was vacant, then Dhaliwal entered the poll fray and defeated BJP candidate Rajesh Bagha by a big margin of more than twentytwo thousand votes. Now the Samyukta Samaj Morcha has declared Khushi Ram (a former IAS officer) as its candidate from this constituency.
Balwinder Dhaliwal
Notably, Khushi Ram has been SDM of this city and has served as the Deputy Commissioner in several cities, including Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran and Amritsar. He has also been Head of various departments. He was the chairman of the IAS Association for Dalits and had received a special award for good performance from the Central Government. Som Parkash IAS (Retd) has served as the Deputy Commissioner of Faridkot, Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar and has also held posts like the Labour Commissioner, Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) chief administrator, managing director of the Punjab Financial Corporation and director of the Social Security Department before joining politics in Phagwara.
Similarly, sitting MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal (a former IAS officer) remained the Deputy Commissioner at different places, worked as the SDM, Phagwara, and was Director, Land Records, Jalandhar, before joining politics in the year 2019.
Now, Khushi Ram to contest poll from town
Khushi Ram, IAS (retd), has been declared a candidate from the Sanyukt Samaj Morcha. He is the third IAS officer who preferred Phagwara for contesting the assembly election. Som Prakash (retired as IAS) had been elected an MLA twice from here on a BJP ticket. On the other hand, Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal (former IAS) is a sitting MLA from the Congress who won the bypoll two-and-a-half-years ago when then Som Parkash contested and won the Lok Sabha election
Erstwhile Paris of Punjab, the city has traditionally been a peaceful constituency surrounded by Akali bastions. However, due to intense friction within the Congress, 2022 Assembly elections have made it a hotbed of political action coupled with some unpleasant tussles. Prior to 2007, the seat alternated between the Congress and the Akalis. The SAD won the seat in 1980 and 1997 and the Congress tasted success in 1985 and 1992. From 2002 onwards, the Kapurthala Assembly constituency has remained with the family of the state's richest Congress MLA and current Cabinet minister Rana Gurjeet Singh. He currently serves his third term on the seat, which he has won thrice in 2002, 2012 and 2017. Rana's wife Rana Rajbans Kaur won from the seat in 2007 and sister-in-law Sukhjinder Kaur (Sukhi Rana) clinched the 2004 bypoll. In the previous elections, Rana Gurjeet Singh had received 56,378 votes in 2017 winning the Kapurthala seat with a margin of 27,561 votes. He defeated Paramjit Singh (SAD), who received 27,561 votes.Here are the main candidates from the seat...
Rana Gurjeet Singh
Party: Congress
Age: 65 years
Qualification: Class X
Background: Migrated to Punjab in 1986, the sugar baron-turned-politician is the richest MLA in the State Legislative Assembly. In 2017, he had faced an unceremonious exit from the Cabinet amidst corruption charges but made a successful return in the present Channi government's Cabinet. Popular among the electorates, the three-time MLA is raking up quite many controversies ahead of the 2022 elections. He has garnered much attention for his open feuds with MLA colleagues in the constituency (and also PPCC chief) as well as for fielding his son as an Independent candidate.
Priorities:
1. Medical college in Kapurthala
2. New water pipelines for old Kapurthala city
3. Provision of canal water as drinking water for local populace
Manju Rana
Manju Rana
Party: Aam Aadmi Party
Age: 56 years
Qualification: BSc (Medical), LLB
Background: The retired judge has been fielded as a candidate by the AAP from Kapurthala to take on towering politicians. As a judge too, Manju Rana was known for her robust style of functioning and sometimes taking on big corporates. While she hails from Jalandhar, she was chosen as candidate from Kapurthala for having served in the district. She retired from the position of Additional District and Sessions Judge and was also a former Chairman of the Permanent Lok Adalat. During her tenure as judge, she remained posted at Hoshiarpur, Dasuya, Fatehgarh Sahib, Moga among other places.
Priorities:
1. Eradication of drugs
2. Addressing issue of false police cases
3. Ending corruption and improving education sector
Devinder Singh Dhapai
Devinder Singh Dhapai
Party: BSP
Age: 73 years
Qualification: BA II
Background: The senior Akali leader joined the BSP a few days before being announced as Kapurthala candidate from the party. While he had been with the Akali Dal for 45 years, he served on various positions, including former Director, Markfed. He also served as director of the co-operative bank. Dhapai was also sarpanch of the Dhapai village. A politician with years of experience, he was declared the BSP candidate as per the Akali-BSP seat sharing arrangement. The 73-year-old has also been campaigning in the area and holding meetings.
Priorities:
1. Ramping up medical facilities
2. Establishing new schools and upgrading existing ones
3. Infra, law and order, sanitation and eradication of drugs
Nurmahal: The Shahkot police booked Gurmail Singh of Mannak Pur village for brewing illicit liquor and seized two bottles of hooch and 250 kg of lahan, said IO Ram Kishan. The Bilga police have arrested a villager on the charge of selling illicit liquor. Investigating Officer Ashwani Kumar said nine bottles of illicit liquor were recovered from the possession of the accused identified as Sodhi Singh, a resident of Dhagara village. A case under Section 61, 1 and 14 of the Excise Act has been registered against the accused. The Nakodar city police arrested Kewal of Mahunwal village with six bottles of hooch, said IO Balwindar Singh. OC
Man held for stealing cash
Shahkot: The Shahkot police have arrested a Phagwara-based resident on the charge of stealing cash and jewellery. Investigating Officer Dharmindar Singh said the accused has been identified as Bobu, son of Sagar, a resident of railway station, Phagwara. Narindar Kaur, wife of Ranjit Singh, a resident of Punia village has complained to the police that the accused stole her purse from a marriage palace on January 3, which contained Rs 1.10 lakh, gold jewellery, a smartphone and other documents. The IO said a case has been registered against the accused. OC
Attempt to loot ATM in Banga
Banga: Three unknown men tried to loot an ATM of the Punjab and Sind Bank in Gunachaur village in Banga during the wee hours on Thursday. The robbers fled away after a few persons crossing from nearby raised the alarm. According to the police, masked robbers entered the ATM cabin around 3:30am on Thursday and made several attempts to steal cash by damaging it. The miscreants fled from the scene after being spotted by locals. The police are investigating the matter and trying to trace the accused with the help of the CCTV footage. A case has been registered on the complaint of the bank manager. TNS
Peddler held with tablets
Nurmahal: The Nurmahal police have arrested a drug peddler on the charge of selling intoxicant tablets. Station House Officer (SHO) Balraj Singh said 210 intoxicant tablets were seized from the possession of the accused identified as Ravindar Kumar, son of Darshan Ram, a resident of Pasla village. The SHO said a case has been registered under Sections 22-B, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act. OC
Rs30L unaccounted cash seized
Talwara: A static surveillance team (SST) set up by the Election Commission, seized Rs 30 lakh unaccounted cash from two car-borne persons at the naka set up by the SST. The money was sealed and handed over to Dasuya SDM Randeep Singh Heer. The persons have been identified as Elahi Noor Mohammad and Vikas Kumar. They could not show any documentary proof regarding the cash. OC
Under the mandate of the Election Commission, the Directorate of Investigation of the Income Tax Department has made elaborate arrangements for curbing the use of black money in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha poll-2022. The department has also set up a control room with toll-free number 1800-345-1545, where information can be given or complaints registered.
Divulging details, an official spokesperson of the IT Department said the control room established by the department would function round-the-clock. He said the people could call on the toll-free helpline number to furnish specific information relating to cash or other valuable suspected to be used for unduly influencing the election process.
The spokesperson further said the identity of the callers would be kept confidential. He said the teams of officers and inspectors had also been deputed in each district in order to take prompt action on the complaints in their respective districts. Based on the authenticity of information and after due inquiry, appropriate action for seizing the cash etc. would be initiated as per law.
The department has already deputed 80 officers and inspectors for this purpose, who will act in close coordination with the district control room of the district election officer as well as the other agencies. He further stated that a close surveillance was also being maintained over persons, places and activities likely to be involved in handling of unaccounted cash during the election process.
The spokesperson mentioned that air intelligence units (AIUs) had also been made functional at all airports in the state as well as airports having commercial flights to the state, which were keeping the strict vigil over movement of cash by air. Similarly, movement of cash etc. through Railways is also being monitored in coordination with the railway authorities. He further stated that information relating to cash withdrawals from bank accounts, exceeding a certain limit, is being received and processed for identifying suspect transactions and taking appropriate action.
The Directorate shall also examine the affidavits of the candidates declaring their assets and liabilities and, if any suppression of information is noticed, the same with reported to the Election Commission.
Making an elaborate plan to cover all eligible beneficiaries under the Covid-19 vaccination across the district, the administration has involved all departments to achieve the 100 per cent vaccination target.
While reviewing the vaccination operations, Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori said the administration had deputed 76 nodal officers for all 257 session sites to motivate beneficiaries to come forward for their due doses.
He said these nodal officers and health nodal officers would submit the daily progress report to the authorities concerned. He said there were 15 nodal officers appointed for the 100 session sites falling in Jalandhar-1 subdivision while five for 34 sites in Jalandhar-2 subdivision, 36 nodal officers for 38 sites in Nakodar, 12 for 58 sites in Phillaur subdivision and eight for 27 session sites in Shahkot.
Holding discussions with all the line departments, the Deputy Commissioner said now Saturday and Sunday (January 29 and 30) would witness special vaccination camps in the district, where all eligible beneficiaries could get themselves jabbed.
On the third day of filing of nomination papers for the Assembly poll, 12 candidates filed their papers before their respective returning officers in Jalandhar today.
Prominent among them was SAD candidate from Nakodar Gurpartap Wadala. He submitted his nomination to Nakodar returning officer Poonam Singh. His wife Navneet Kaur filed papers as a covering candidate. BSP candidates candidates, Balwinder Kumar from Kartarpur and Anil Kumar from Jalandhar West, and AAP candidate from Kartarpur Balkar Singh also filed their papers today.
Others who filed the papers were Harvinder Kaur of Samajik Sangharsh Party from Phillaur, Sukhdev of BSP (Ambedkar) from Qutbal village of Shahkot, and Independent candidates Neelam from Jalandhar West, Deepak Kamboj from Jalandhar North and Satnam Singh from Jalandhar Cantonment.
Kapurthala: Four Kapurthala candidates filed their papers on Friday. Phagwara MLA and Congress candidate Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, BSP candidate from Kapurthala Devinder Singh Dhapai, Sultanpur Lodhi AAP candidate Sajjan Singh Cheema, and SAD (Amritsar) candidate from Bholath Rajinder Singh filed their papers from Kapurthala. While Surinder Kaur was the covering candidate for BSP candidate Devinder Singh Dhapai, Sajjan Cheema's son Jasmeet Cheema was his covering candidate.
Hoshiarpur: Nomination papers were filed by 10 candidates from the district. Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Apneet Riyat said Jangi Lal Mahajan and Maheshwar Singh (covering candidate) filed nominations from Mukerian as BJP candidates while Gurwatan Singh has filed nomination as Independent candidate. The nominations have been filed by Raghunath Singh Rana and Promila Rana (covering candidate) on behalf of BJP for the Dasuya Assembly constituency, while for Urmar Assembly seat Jasveer Singh Gill and Gurvinder Singh (covering candidate) filed nomination on behalf of Aam Aadmi Party. Rajveer Singh has filed nomination as Independent candidate for Hoshiarpur constituency.
Riyait said nomination papers have been filed by Sohan Singh Thandal as SAD candidate for Chabbewal Assembly constituency. Avtar Singh filed nomination as Independent candidate for Assembly constituency Garhshankar. In all, 18 nominations have been filed so far.
Nawanshahr: Three candidates filed nominations on Friday in Nawanshahr, said district election officer Vishesh Sarangal. Returning officer Baljinder Singh Dhillon received the papers of Nachhatar Pal as Bahujan Samaj Party candidate. His wife filed papers as the covering candidate. Balachaur returning officer Deepak Rohela received papers from Subhash Bath as an Independent candidate. Banga returning officer Navneet Kaur Bal said no nomination was registered in the Banga constituency today.
As part of AAP's strategy to consolidate election campaigns in poll-bound Punjab and other states, party's national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has directed that only local leaders should lead the campaign in their respective areas. This measure comes on the back of fresh assessment by poll managers of the party this week about approach and progress of its election campaigns.
Wary of 2017 poll outcome
In effect, senior leaders and activists from outside have been forbidden from taking part in poll campaigns and taking centre stage
The view in AAP circles is party had to pay the price in the 2017 elections, even though it was in a good position then
The move has been made after fresh assessment by party poll managers this week about progress of election campaigns
In effect, the diktat forbids senior leaders and activists from outside who take part in the election campaigns from taking the centre stage in any manner. The directive expressly is to leaders from outside the state concerned to avoid making statements or views to media.
A source in the AAP said the measure is to dispel any impression among voters that leaders from outside in the poll-bound state were trying to influence the elections.
The view in AAP circles is that the party had to pay the price in the last Assembly elections in Punjab, even though it was in a good position, owing to this factor.
The party had fallen short to rectify the impression among people of the state that the party was not in sync with local issues.
The wide-ranging view in the AAP is that the opponents in Punjab were successful in creating distrust among the populace about the intentions of the party, which it could not counter.
Hence, the party took a corrective measure by declaring Bhagwant Singh Mann as the chief ministerial face. Sources say the AAP in all probability will activate its supporters-residents in Delhi to canvass with their relatives and friends in Punjab to vote for the party.
Meanwhile in Jalandhar, promising an honest government, the AAP supremo today said there had been no justice in sacrilege or drugs cases in Punjab so far as "everyone" is involved in protecting the culprits.
Targeting CM Charanjit Channi and SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia, Kejriwal while addressing a gathering at the townhall in Adampur termed the recent FIR against the Akali leader a sham and asked people whether those facing charges of sand mining and drugs could protect the state. "People should rather opt for the AAP's 'kattar imandaar sarkar' (fiercely honest government)," he said.
Earlier, addressing a meeting at Phillaur, Kejriwal said: "Have any of those committing sacrilege incidents been punished? Why? Because the perpetrators and masterminds are all together. Had those behind the Bargari incident been punished, no one would have dared to commit sacrilege at Darbar Sahib. If the AAP government comes to power, it will ensure strict punishment to culprits so that there is no repeat of such incidents."
Kejriwal took a pointed dig at Majithia and Channi, alleging: "Drugs are being sold openly as governments side with those behind it. They enact a drama. Channi is boasting about an FIR having been lodged. The FIR is part of the drama. Did you catch him? They are all in this together." "If our government comes to power, this entire network of suppliers will be busted," he claimed.
Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at various schools and colleges in the city. Flag hoisting, declamation competition, patriotic songs were sung and among other events were held to mark the day.
Students of St Soldier School during Republic Day celebrations in Jalandhar.
KMV College
Republic Day was celebrated at KMV College with great fervour. Principal Atima Sharma Dwivedi started the function by hoisting the national flag. In her address, she averred that the Republic Day celebration is dedicated to our brave soldiers and martyrs. Prof. Dwivedi exhorted everyone to remember that many valiant and precious lives had been lost during the freedom struggle and India stands strong amongst all the nations of the world committed to world peace and harmony. She said that every citizen should follow the path and direction given in the constitution in order to make our nation more prosperous, strong and happy. She also made everyone aware about their Fundamental Rights granted to us by our constitution and maintained that along with their rights, the citizens should also remember their duties towards their motherland.
Apeejay School
Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, observed Republic Day celebrations virtually through Zoom platform. The programme was solemnized by the singing of the National Anthem and the hoisting of the Tricolour. The young compeers, Gunisha, Devina, Sargun and Yadavi wearing the colours of the Tricolour on their faces from grades 1-3, delightfully engaged with the audience. The group song led by Sammanith from grade 9 held the audience enthralled with their poignant rendition. While Pranav Sharma from Class I presented a poem as a tribute to the freedom fighters, Saanvi Aggarwal from Grade III delivered an impressive speech extolling the significance of this day. A theatrical enactment 'Hamara Savidhan, Hamari Shaan' was presented as a wake-up call to the youth to cherish the gift of Independence.
DC Collegiate Sr Sec School
DC Collegiate Senior Secondary School under Doaba College, Jalandhar, and the student welfare committee celebrated Republic Day with teaching and non-teaching Staff following the Covid-19 guidelines. Principal Dr Pardeep Bhandari graced the occasion as the chief guest. Dr Bhandari addressed the august gathering and apprised them about the relevance of Republic Day. The students participated in virtual online mode and gave outstanding performances in the form of poems, patriotic songs and dances. Head girl Rashi Rawal and Mitali, student coordinator for literary activities, conducted the show affectively.
Lyallpur Khalsa College Technical Campus
The School of Management, Lyallpur Khalsa College Technical Campus (LKCTC), celebrated the 73rd Republic Day with patriotism and fervour. The Cultural Committee of School of Management organised various Online Events on theme- "My Country, My Expectations" such as poetry competition, e-poster making competition, slogan writing competition and patriotic song competition. The events were conducted to inculcate among students the sense of belongingness towards their country and sober souvenir of the sacrifice of the martyrs who passed away for the country in the freedom movement. Parul Nanda and Anterpreet Kaur were the coordinators of the event. The students across different schools and colleges participated with great zeal and enthusiasm. Sukhbir Singh Chatha, Director, Academic Affairs, commended the Department of Management and highlighted that such events will surely help in imbibing the feeling of patriotism among the students for progressive Nation.
St Soldier Group
of Institutions
St Soldier Group of Institutions celebrated Republic Day with gaiety and patriotic fervor. On the occasion, chairman Anil Chopra, vice chairperson Sangeeta Chopra along with the directors, principals, staff members and students of all colleges saluted the Tricolour hoisting on the campus. The parade was marched by the NCC, NSS of Law College, and school students. The students made tricolor on their faces and in their hands, saluted the martyrs who sacrificed for the country's freedom by presenting a short drama on life, struggle, and contribution. The students took a vow to always love the country and increase its value. While congratulating everyone on Republic Day, chairman and vice-chairperson gave a message to all to love the country and live together.
HMV College
Principal of Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya (HMV) Dr Ajay Sareen was honoured by CM Charanjit Singh Channi at the Republic Day function organised in Jalandhar. Dr Sareen was honoured for her contribution in the field of education, cleanliness, innovation and spreading environment consciousness among the students. Dr Sareen thanked the district administration for this honour. She said HMV always strives for innovation, which is the need of the hour. On the occasion, Dr Anjana Bhatia, Dean, Innovation and Research of the College, was also awarded in recognition of her performance of duty in the field of innovation.
Hoshiarpur: The Garhshankar police have booked Jasveer Singh, presently residing in Italy, his wife and her father on the charge of abetment to suicide. The complainant, Rajvir Kaur, Jasveer's sister, alleged that his brother Jasveer, his wife Paramjit Kaur and her (Paramjit's) father Parvinder Singh, a resident of Fateh Nagah SBS Nagar, were harassing the complainant's sister Mandeep Kaur. She alleged that on January 20, Paramjit and her father Parvinder came to their house in Bagwai and threatened Mandeep after which she committed suicide by jumping into a pond on January 25 night. The police have booked Jasveer Singh, his wife Paramjit Kaur and father-in-law Parvinder Singh under Sections 306 and 34 of the IPC. OC
Rs2L cash seized in talwara
Talwara: The police seized Rs2,01,850 from a car-borne suspect at a naka on the Sansarpur Terrace road, Talwara. The driver has been identified as Sachin Kumar, a resident of Amroh. Deepak Kumar, a resident of Marwari, Una, Himachal Pradesh was also travelling in the vehicle. The police personnel had stopped the vehicle on suspicion and during the search Rs 2,01,850 in cash was found from the dashboard of the vehicle. When asked about the source of the money, the suspects failed to give a satisfactory answer. The police sealed the recovered amount in a plastic box and sent it to the returning officer of Dasuya. OC
Misbehaving with doctor: 3 booked
Nakodar: The police have booked three persons for misbehaving with a government doctor. The investigating officer said the accused have been identified as Sanjiv Kumar, Baldev Singh and Mangal Singh, all residents of Kang Sahib Rai village. The police received a telephone call from the Civil Hospital that the accused misbehaved with Harpreet Kaur, a government doctor, and disrupted her in discharging her official duty. The IO said a case under Sections 188, 353, 506 and 34 of the IPC have been registered. oc
2 arrested with smuggled liquor
Hoshiarpur: The police arrested two persons with 31,500-ml liquor, smuggled from Chandigarh and Himachal. The Garhdiwala police arrested Stawinder Kaur, a resident of Mallian and recovered 24,750 ml of smuggled liquor having 'for sale in Chandigarh only' marked on it. The Dasuya police arrested Sarabjit Singh of Balaggan village recovering 6,750 ml of liquor having marked 'for sale in Himachal Pradsh only' on it. Both the accused have been booked under the Excise Act. OC
PO in snatching case arrested
Nakodar: The police have arrested a proclaimed offender (PO) absconding for the past one year. The investigating officer said the accused has been identified as Robin Chandar alias Muna, a resident of Gorsian Peeran village. The accused is wanted in a case of snatching. OC
Drunk man kills 1.5-year-old son
Jalandhar: A man has been arrested for allegedly killing, in an inebriated state, his one-and-half-year-old son by throwing him on the floor. The mother the child, Anjali (23), a resident of Guru Tegh Bahadur Park, has lodged a complaint with the police in this regard. The complainant told that her husband Sunil Kumar, in a drunken state, started quarrelling with her after coming home on January 25 evening. She said when her husband started beating her, the baby sitting nearby got scared and started crying loudly. In a fit of rage, her husband threw him on the ground, killing him instantly. The investigating officer Desraj said the accused has been arrested under Section 302 of the IPC. The body of the deceased child was handed over to the family after the post-mortem. The accused was produced before a court, which sent him to 14-day judicial custody. TNS
Hoshiarpur: five die, 408 infected
Hoshiarpur: The district on Thursday reported 408 new cases of Covid-19. With this, the Covid tally in the district has reached 38,837. As many as 34,846 persons have recovered from Covid in the district so far while the number of active cases has reached 2,995. With five deaths reported in the district today, the deceased tally stands at 1,036. OC
9 food samples collected
Hoshiarpur: The District Health Officer (DHO), Dr Lakhvir Singh, on Thursday collected nine samples of milk and milk products. The samples have been sent to the Food Testing Laboratory in Kharar. Dr Lakhvir said samples were collected from milkmen at the Government College chowk and a shop on the Phagwara road, Kamalpur. He said the team collected five samples of milk from milkmen, while one sample each of milk, khoya, barfi and cheese were taken from Dilbagh Sweets Shop on Phagwara road. He said the Health Department would receive the reports in three weeks. The DHO said strict action would be initiated against those found indulged in this malpractice. He appealed to the food manufacturers and sellers to make pure and quality food products. OC
Hockey Punjab, a state-level hockey body, has been suspended by Hockey India over allegations that the election process adopted by the state body is in serious violation with the principles of Hockey India.
In a notice sent to Hockey Punjab, it has been mentioned that the Hockey India Executive Board at its meeting after considering various aspects, unanimously agreed that the election process adopted by Hockey Punjab is in violation of the principles of a free and fair election process set by Hockey India. It said that voting cannot be dispensed with, as was done by Hockey Punjab for elections for the period of 2021-2025.
It further reads that a notice was sent to Hockey Punjab in this regard. However, their response that no individuals submitted their nomination for any post was found unsatisfactory. Therefore, Hockey Punjab has been considered a defaulter and liable for disaffiliation since it is not following any guidelines or instructions that cover good governance, transparency and good ethical practices.
"The executive board of Hockey India has taken a serious view and suspended the Hockey Punjab until free and fair elections can be held by the Ad Hoc Committee," the notice reads.
Besides, Hockey India has formed a three-member adhoc committee for the day-to-day working of Hockey Punjab, keeping in view the interests of Punjab players. Bhola Nath Singh, Olympian Balwinder Singh Shammi and Cdr RK Srivastava have been appointed Chairman, Member, and Convener, respectively.
Meanwhile, former secretary-general of the Surjit Hockey Society Iqbal Singh Sandhu, while welcoming the decision, alleged that hockey Olympian-turned-politician Pargat Singh, along with a local businessman has been misusing Hockey Punjab for its own political benefits. He said Pargat who was Director (Sports), Punjab, in 2009 joined hands with the SAD chief and then deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal to dislodge the DGP, Punjab, from the post of president as the control of Punjab Hockey was used to be with the Police Department.
In October 2009, Sukhbir became the president and Pargat Singh as secretary-general by setting up a new body called namely Hockey Punjab. Sandhu further said when the Akali government lost elections in 2017, Pargat Singh joined hands with the Congress and removed Sukhbir from the post of president and appointed Nitin Kohli, a local businessman.
The BJP on Thursday condemned the incident wherein a statue of Dr BR Ambedkar was garlanded by AAP's CM candidate Bhagwant Mann by taking off his own garland. BJP leader and Delhi MP Hans Raj Hans today said the incident involving the statue of BR Ambedkar was extremely hurtful and Mann should immediately tender a written apology for hurting the sentiments of the schedules class.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP party's central election office here today, Hans said Dr Ambedkar is the father of the Constitution and any disrespectful behaviour towards his stature in our society is deplorable and Bhagwant Mann should immediately apologise for his misdemeanour towards Dr Ambedkar. The BJP leader also said several complaints had been filed on the mideamanour by Mann and the pressure to lodge an FIR will also be stepped up. —
National Commission for Scheduled Caste Chairman Vijay Sampla has been fielded from the Phagwara constituency by the BJP in the party's second list of candidates for the Assembly elections released today. Of all the 27 candidates in the list, four names from Doaba have been announced namely Vijay Sampla from Phagwara, former Akali leader Sarabjit Makkar from Jalandhar Cantt, former Jalandhar Mayor Surinder Mahey from Kartarpur and Narinder Pal Singh Chandi from Shahkot.
Bhandari, Laddi, Kohar file papers
Three main candidates from Jalandhar Assembly constituencies filed their nomination papers today on the second day of filing of papers. BJP candidate KD Bhandari filed his papers from Jalandhar North, Akali candidate Bachitar Singh Kohar, grandson of ex-minister Ajit S Kohar filed his papers from Shahkot and second timer Hardev Singh Laddi Sherowalia filed his papers from Shahkot as the Congress candidate
Laddi first went to Amritsar to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple accompanying Rahul Gandhi there. He returned to his constituency and along with his wife and covering candidate Manjinder Kaur went to the office of the Shahkot SDM to file his papers. After filing his papers, he came to Jalandhar to attend Rahul's rally at Mithapur
The seat with a predominant Hindu urban base, Phagwara has seen current Cabinet minister Som Parkash win both in 2012 and 2017 poll. While Union minister Som Parkash's wife Anita Parkash was also a contender from the seat, the BJP went with Sampla fielding him from the constituency.
Meanwhile, former Akali leader Sarabjit Makkar, who had recently joined the BJP party, has been fielded as the party's candidate from Jalandhar Cantt. Makkar will be contesting against Cabinet minister Pargat Singh, incumbent MLA from the seat. Makkar had quit the Akali Dal to join the BJP after being denied a ticket by the SAD, which chose Jagbir Brar as its candidate from Jalandhar Cantt.
From Kartarpur, former Congress leader and former Jalandhar Mayor Surinder Mahey has been chosen to contest the elections while from Shahkot Narinder Pal Singh Chandi has been fielded as the party's candidate.
Exhorting the people of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district to break the previous records of voting by participating in large numbers during these Assembly election, Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal said huge turnout on the polling day (February 20) would further strengthen the foundation of Indian democracy.
Addressing the people after unfurling the national flag here at local ITI Ground during 73rd Republic Day celebrations, the Deputy Commissioner said the historical participation of the voters in the elections would set new milestone and would make India a more vibrant nation in the world. He said it was an honour to be an elector in the largest democracy of the world and reminded the electorate by exercising their fundamental right to vote, they would be fulfilling aspirations of coming generations and would create strong system that would further take the country to the greater heights.
Saluting the doctors, healthcare and frontline workers for their unmatched resolve in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic, Sarangal said due to their commitment and dedicated efforts, Punjab has emerged as victorious in this war against an invisible enemy. Paying rich tributes to the father of Indian Constitution, Sarangal said Indian Constitution is the result Dr Ambedkar's hard work, dedication and vision and asked the people to follow the path shown by him. He called upon them to make dedicated efforts securing justice and equality for all sections of society.
Eight candidates on Thursday filed nomination papers for the Assembly elections in the Hoshiarpur district. The Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer, Apneet Riyait, said in the Mukerian constituency Sarabjot Singh from Shiromani Akali Dal filed nomination papers while from the Dasuya constituency Sushil Kumar Sharma and Meena, covering candidate, from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) filed nomination papers. She said Lakhwinder Singh from the BSP had filed nomination for the Urmar Assembly constituency. Sundar Sham Arora had filed nomination from Congress and Dr Shivani Arora, covering candidate; from Aam Aadmi Party Brahm Shankar Sharma and Vibha Sharma, covering candidate, have also filed papers for Hoshiarpur Assembly constituency. The DEO said no nomination papers have been received for Shamchurasi, Chabbewal and Garhshankar constituencies.
Riyait said as per the criteria laid down by the EC , only three persons, including the candidate would be allowed to enter the returning officer's room where nomination papers would be received. The nomination papers can be filed from 11 to 3 pm till February 1, whereas nomination papers would not be received on January 30 due to a holiday but the nomination papers will be received on January 29. — OC
Nawanshahr became a district in 1995 and was renamed as Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (SBS Nagar) in 2007. It is a semi-urban constituency with nearly 1.76 lakh voters. The district is divided into 19 wards and 466 villages. The locals here have voted mostly for the Congress. Late Dilbag Singh remained the most influential leader from the seat. He was also responsible for making Nawanshahr a district. This time when the BJP is contesting in alliance with Capt Amarinder Singh's Punjab Lok Congress (PLC), the BSP and SAD are together and the Congress (candidate not announced yet), AAP and new entrant Samyukta Samaj Morcha (SSM) also in the fray, the electoral battle has turned interesting and it's all set to witness a multi-cornered contest. Here are the main candidates from the seat...
Nachhatar Pal Singh Party: SAD-BSP Age: 47 years Qualification: B Pharmacy
Background: Nachhatar Pal Singh, who is BSP's state general secretary, has been a social worker, a two-time councillor, and former vice-president of Nawanshahr Municipal Council. He contested for the Assembly poll in 2017, also on BSP ticket, but managed just 19,578 votes. He has been associated with the Bahujan Samaj Party since the Kanshi Ram movement and before being appointed as state general secretary, he was district BSP chief.
Priorities: 1. To upgrade the educational infrastructure and establish a college/university in district 2. A medical college amp; hospital 3. To create job opportunities by setting up more industries
Lalit Mohan Pathak Party: Aam Aadmi Party Age: 52 years Qualification: Graduation
Background: A property dealer by occupation, Lalit Mohan Pathak (popularly known as Ballu), has been a four-time councillor and two-time president of the Nawanshahr Municipal Council. During his tenure, Nawanshahr district topped twice in Swachh Bharat Survekshan in the north zone for urban local bodies with a population of 25-50,000. He was a die-hard Congressman, but due to his differences with sitting MLA Angad Saini and other reasons, he left the Congress and joined AAP.
Priorities: 1. To make Nawanshahr a corruption-free district 2. Establishment of a PGI-like hospital in the district 3. Development of sports parks and stadiums
Kuldeep Singh Party: SSM Age: 42 years Qualification: Class X
Background: A farmer by profession, Kuldeep Singh has been an active farm activist from the region. At present, he is the president of the Doaba Kisan Union. Besides, he is a member of Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Bharatiya Kisan Union. He says he led the farmers' protest at Singhu border from the region. It was he who took along thousands of protesters to the site and had stayed there from Day 1.
Priorities: 1. Healthcare facilities in every village and hospital in district 2. Will work to make Nawanshahr a corruption-free district 3. Socio-economic uplift of labourers, farmers and other workers
Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal on Tuesday briefed the election expenditure observer Jayshankar Prakash Upadhyay about the arrangements made by the administration for expenditure monitoring during the assembly poll. He said strict vigil was being ensured for transparent functioning of the expenditure monitoring teams in the district. —
As many as 17 deaths due to Covid were reported from Jalandhar in the past four days. With 411 new cases of Covid, the tally has reached 75,836 cases. With four deaths in the district, the deceased tally reached to 1,541 today. As many as 71,005 people have recovered from Covid in the district while the number of active cases in Jalandhar have reached 3,290 today. Of the 19,85,396 samples collected in the district, so far, 18,28,746 samples have tested negative.
3 lose life in Kapurthala
The district reported 144 new cases of Covid , taking the tally to 22,956 cases. The district also reported three new deaths. The total deceased tally at Kapurthala now has reached 562. The deceased include a 70-year-old man from Kapurthala, a 70-year-old man from Majijitpur village and a 25-year-old man from Begowal. —
Annoyed with the party over being denied ticket, ex-Congress minister MS Kaypee was seen prominently seated on the front row of the stage of former AICC president Rahul Gandhi today during the virtual rally event on 66ft road here.
As Rahul came on the stage, he met everyone and stood interacting for a few seconds with Kaypee giving all onlookers an impression that it could be something about his candidature. A Dalit face of the party and relative of Punjab CM Charanjit S Channi, Kaypee had been seeking review of his ticket from the high command. Kaypee had been expecting a review of the ticket which did not even come in the second list. A third and the final list of the party is expected any time.
Like Kaypee, miffed ex-MLA Gurbinder Atwal also came close to Rahul on stage and handed him over a white slip. He too had been reportedly annoyed as he had applied for candidature from Nakodar seat which has gone to Dr Navjot Dahiya.
Recalling the exceptional contribution made by Dr BR Ambedkar in drafting the Constitution of the nation, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday unfurled the Tricolour at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium here.
He said it was a humongous task to frame the Constitution for a country as diverse as ours, but Baba Saheb made strenuous efforts and accomplished the gigantic work with aplomb. It took two years, 11 months and 18 days to draft the Constitution, which was handed over to the President of the Constituent Assembly, Dr Rajendra Prasad, on November 26, 1949, thus paving the way for country becoming a republic on January 26, 1950.
Exhorting the people to leave no stone unturned in ensuring unhindered developmental journey of the country, the CM assured that the communal harmony and peace in the state would be maintained at all costs. The march past was led by Jasroop Kaur Baath, IPS, and DSP Satbir Singh, comprising the contingents from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Commissionerate Police (men and women), PRTC Jahan Khelan (three contingents) and Home Guard Wing of the Commissionerate Police.
The Chief Minister also honoured 135 persons from different walks of life rendering selfless services to society with the appreciation certificates besides honouring the members of march past contingents with the mementoes. The list of awardees included two students ndash; PM Bal Puraskar awardee Meedhansh Gupta for his social work and Bhavya, a budding artist. Bhavya has made several sketches of real-life heroes, religious gurus, saints and senior police officials. Noted plant lover Parduman Thukral, who has been maintaining several parks in the city and has organised various plantation drives, was also honoured.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Subhash Chander Arora, too, was among the awardees for rendering his services, especially during the Covid-19 period through various outreach programmes carried out by the police during the trying times.
Commuters were a harried lot due to the visit of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders to Jalandhar on Thursday. A long stretch of the road, starting from petrol station to Jalandhar Heights, and even some nearby areas were closed early in the morning for security reasons. It remained closed till Rahul left in the evening.
Commuters navigate through a kutcha road in Jalandhar on Thursday.
The stretch is used by thousands of people residing in the localities along the road and by commuters travelling to Nakodar, Pholriwal village and Mithapur. The commuters had to take kutcha roads that pass through villages in Jalandhar Cantt and other long routes to reach their destinations. Besides, a long traffic jam was witnessed on Mithapur road that further leads to Cheema Chowk.
"From former CM Capt Amarinder Singh to Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, the Congress government in past has many times vowed to end VIP culture, but in reality it is otherwise. Whenever any senior leader or CM's convoy has to pass or attend function somewhere, several roads are closed and barricaded, giving commuters a tough time," said Mayank Kumar, a resident.
Another resident, Jyoti Sachdeva of Jalandhar Heights 1, said it took her 30 minutes to drop his son to the tuition centre that's just 500m away from her house. "I requested police officials to kindly allow me to go, but they refused and instead of sharing any alternate route, they insisted that I should go back home and teach my son on my own," she said.
Residents complained that no proper route diversion was planned and the entire stretch was closed to give freeway to Rahul Gandhi. "The road should have been closed for a few minutes before the arrival of the guests. We do understand the security concerns, but closing the road when people leave for their work and children for their classes, can't be justified," said Balminder Kaur.
Another commuter Shamsher Singh said: "The residents often have to face such troubles during visits of VVIPs. These unjustified restrictions imposed on commuters are absolutely wrong. Why people should suffer due to ministers or others?"
Meanwhile, the police deployed at the venue and at barricades maintained that due security reasons, they received the orders to close the entire stretch for traffic.
Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Aruna Chaudhary unfurled the national flag at the Police Lines ground, Hoshiarpur, during a district-level function on Wednesday. After unfurling the Tricolour, Choudhary inspected the parade.
Giving a message to the people of the district, the minister said even though the country became independent on August 15, 1947, we became a republic only after the Indian Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950. She handed over 20 sewing machines to the needy and five wheel chairs to the beneficiaries on behalf of the District Red Cross Society. Apart from this, 63 personalities who excelled in different fields of life were also honoured. A spectacular march past was held under the leadership of Parade Commander DSP Manavjit Singh. On behalf of the district administration, DC Apneet Riyat and SSP Dhruman H. Nimbale presented a memento to the chief guest.
At the subsidiary training centre, Border Security Force, Kharkan camp, chief guest IG Madhu Sudan Sharma unfurled the Tricolour. All the personnel officers, subordinate officers, jawans, trainees and children of the training centre participated in the celebrations.
The national flag was also unfurled at Government College, Talwara; BJP office; Rotary Club, Hoshiarpur; Gems Cambridge International School; District Congress Committee office; The SVM School, Talwara, among other places.
R-Day celebrated in Nakodar
Nakodar: Republic Day was celebrated with grandeur in Nakodar and Shahkot subdivisions and Nurmahal subtehsil. Sub-divisional magistrates Poonam Singh and Lal Biswas unfurled national flag at Nakodar, Shahkot and Nurmahal NC president HK Johalat.
On his daylong visit to the state, former AICC chief Rahul Gandhi today said he would soon announce the chief ministerial candidate for the state Assembly elections.
Addressing a virtual rally in Jalandhar, Rahul said either of the two — Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi or PCC chief Navjot Sidhu — would be picked. He said opinion would be sought from the party workers before making the announcement.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (centre), Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and PCC president Navjot Singh Sidhu at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Thursday. Tribune photo: Vishal Kumar
Rahul said he discussed the issue with both Sidhu and Channi on his way to the venue. "They told me the biggest question everyone is asking in Punjab is who of the two will take the lead. There cannot be two leaders. If one gets the chance, the other one will pledge support for him. I was really happy with it. So, I thought that if the party leaders, workers and Punjab want it, we will take the decision. We will do it by seeking the opinion of our workers and I want everyone to fight as a team."
Prior to his speech both Sidhu and Channi set the narrative in this direction. Sidhu said: "People are asking who will be the leader to put forth the party agenda. I will accept your decision. Meinu darshani ghoda na bana dena (Do not make me a mere showpiece)."
Starting his speech with the verses of Guru Ravidass, Channi told Rahul, "If you have liked my 111 days of CMship, a thought could be given for the next five years." He was, however, quick to change his stance, "You have already given too much to someone whose family has not even had anyone even as an MLA. Pick anyone as CM face. I assure you my full support." At this, he invited Sidhu near him on the dais and hugged him. Sidhu responded with a warm gesture as ministers Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Pargat Singh also came along.
Rahul also spoke on many plans already put forth by Sidhu in his Punjab Model for the past few days.
Affirming that his party would give a push to the industry, Rahul said, "We want 'Made in Punjab' labels to go popular." On governance, he said, "We will start single window system for 160 services under 'Sarkar aapke dwaar' project. We will focus on decentralisation." On women issues, he said, "I have suggested that a dedicated women manifesto must be released with two-three main promises".
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi along with party's all candidates kicked off the election campaign after paying obeisance at the Golden Temple here today. He also paid tributes to martyrs at the Jallianwala Bagh, before visiting Durgiana Mandir and Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath temple.
Rahul landed at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, at 12.30 pm from where he directly reached the Golden Temple. Unlike his June 2017 visit when he opted to stand in a queue meant for common devotees, he gained access from the VIP lane to the sanctum sanctorum and offered 'rumala' and 'karah parshad deg' at the shrine. In acknowledgement, SGPC staffers presented him a 'sehra' (a garland). Congress leader Bhagwant Pal Singh Sachchar presented him a 'kirpan'. He also listened to the kirtan for some time.
He was flanked by Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, PCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, Deputy CMs OP Soni and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. During the course of his visit, he kept on sharing his experience through tweets in Hindi.
Eight of nine MPs not present
Of a total of eight Congress MPs, only Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla accompanied Rahul. Punjab Lok Congress leader Amarinder Singh's wife Preneet Kaur (Patiala), Manish Tewari (Anandpur Sahib), Ravneet Singh Bittu (Ludhiana), Jasbir Singh Gill (Khadoor Sahib), Mohammad Sadique (Faridkot), Chaudhry Santokh Singh (Jalandhar) and Amar Singh (Fatehgarh Sahib) were conspicuous by their absence. Congress leaders said most MPs were busy with their prior commitments. The Khadoor Sahib MP clarified due to his personal obligations he was not able to attend the Amritsar function and for this he had already informed his leadership, 'no assumptions please'.
There can't be two chiefs
They (Channi amp; Sidhu) told me the biggest question everyone is asking in Punjab is who of the two will take the lead. There cannot be two chiefs. If one gets the chance, the other one will pledge support for him. Rahul Gandhi, former AICC chief
Schools and colleges across the city on Tuesday celebrated Republic Day through virtual mode. The institutions kept the students engaged in various activities such as poster-making, face-painting and slogan-writing to instil patriotic spirit among them.
Sanskriti KMV School
Students participated in activities such as poster-making, poem-recitation and collage-making virtually. Students exhibited creative skills. Principal Rachna Monga told students about the importance of the Constitution.
Innocent Hearts Group of School
Students of the five schools of Innocent Hearts Group held celebrations on the theme, 'Mera Bharat, Meri Shaan'. Children recited patriotic poems. Dressed in Tricolour attire, they uploaded their pictures on the official Facebook page of the group. The NSS unit paid tributes to martyrs. Nandini stood first in patriotic singing competition. Sakshi Thakur won the first prize in the patriotic dance competition.
PCM SD College for Women
The Republic Day ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by Principal Pooja Prashar. This was followed by the rendition of the national anthem. The NCC wing also participated in the event.
State Public School
The school organised different activities for students online. Students of Nursery to Class IV made artwork dedicated to the nation. Students from Class V sang patriotic songs. Principal Savina Bahl and president Narotam Singh appreciated the students' efforts.
Hukam Chand SD Public School
Various activities were organised to honour the freedom fighters. Students made wall-hangings. Senior students participated in online extempore. Principal Priyanka Sharma motivated students to keep the environment clean.
Cambridge International School
The school organised an online assembly. Students presented patriotic songs and dance performances depicting the life of soldiers and the importance of the National Flag. Tiny tots raised the slogan, 'Jai Hind' and drew the National Bird peacock. Principal Jorawar Singh urged students to serve the nation.
Delhi Public School
The special assembly began with the NCC song. The students pledged to become responsible citizens. The cultural programme comprised speeches, patriotic singing and dance performances. Students also performed 'Surya Namaskar'. The school has decided to engage in the project of 750 million 'Surya Namaskars' of The Ministry of Education as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Pro-Vice Chairman Thakur Arun Singh and Principal Ritu Kaul congratulated everyone on the occasion. The programme culminated with a special address by school CAO Colonel AK Maini.
Shiv Jyoti Public School
Various activities were organised to apprise students of the heritage of the country. An inter-house English declamation competition was held for classes III to V. In all, 48 participants took part in the competition. Saanvi Dogra and Mayank of class III bagged the first position, while Aradhya Narang and Aaryan stood second. Hazel Sharma and Shivansh Sharma stood third. In class IV, Paavni secured the first position, Simarpreet Kaur and Gurjit Singh shared the second spot and Vani Kalia stood third. In class V, Hitakshi Sharma, Prabhseerat and Dikshita were the top three winners.
DIPS School
The chain of schools organised poster-making, fancy dress and dance competitions. Principals and teachers hoisted the National Flag. Students made posters and presented kathak, giddha and bhangra. DIPS Chain of Institutions MD Tarwinder Singh, CAO Ramneek Singh and CEO Monica Mandotra felicitated Principals, teachers and students on the occasion and urged them to work for peace and prosperity of the nation.
Kanya Maha Vidyalaya
The Sweep Club, the Electoral Literacy Club, the Red Ribbon Club, the NSS wing and the Department of Political Science, organised activities such as poster-making, slogan-writing and essay-writing. A poster-making activity was also held by the Post Graduate Department of Fine Arts. Students presented their views on social construction, gender equality, national unity, development of science and technology and importance of voting. Principal Atima Sharma Dwivedi said the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution must be guaranteed to all citizens.
IVY World School
The virtual celebration comprised speeches on the history and importance of Republic Day and on the Constitutional rights and duties. A dance performance and a Hindi poem dedicated to the nation highlighted the poignant aspects and nuances of the Constitution. Students sang patriotic songs instilling pride, love and respect for the country. Drawings, paintings and dance performances depicted the heritage of the country. Principal S Chauhan apprised children of the features of the Constitution.
Lovely Professional University
Ashish Kumar, a student of BTech (computer science) at Lovely Professional University (LPU), was declared among the top three 'All-India Best NCC Cadets'. At present, he is Under Officer (UO) of the Army Wing of the NCC, and will receive a bronze medal during the 73rd Republic Day parade to be held in New Delhi. To win this award, Ashish underwent 100-day training at the national NCC camps. Other NCC and NSS students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) will also participate in the Republic Day celebrations at New Delhi. Deeksha Gaur of BBA-MBA (integrated), Omkar Nath of MBA and Saumya Singh of BTech (mechanical engineering) will also participated in the parade. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports have selected LPU students from among lakhs of volunteers who participated from across five zones of India.
Apeejay College of Fine Arts
Various online activities such as poster-making, rangoli-making, block-painting and face-painting were held. Students from all departments of the college participated in the activities based on the theme of Tricolour. Principal Neerja Dhingra it was important to engage students in such events to help them understand the significance of important days. She appreciated the efforts put in by students in the celebration.
The district police on Monday evening arrested six persons, including a woman, and recovered a huge quantity of narcotics and liquor from them different places. Model Town police arrested Kamaljeet, alias Kamli, a resident of Tulsi Nagar, and recovered 25 gm of heroin from him. The police arrested Biru of Balveer Colony and recovered 35 gm of intoxicating powder from him. Mahilpur police arrested Binder, alias Dhillon, a resident of BDPO Colony, Mahilpur, and recovered an intoxicating pills from her. Mehtiana police arrested Jasvir Singh, a resident of Harkhowal, and recovered intoxicating pills from him. Bullowal police arrested Noor Alam, alias Noor, a resident of the local Mohalla Neel Kanth, and recovered 18 gm of heroin from him. Meanwhile, Sadar police arrested Manjhi resident Jaswinder Kumar, alias Kaka, and recovered 9,000 ml of liquor from him. — OC
In a midnight 'surgical strike' against sitting MLA and official Congress candidate Navtej Cheema, Independent candidate Rana Inder Partap Singh, who is the son of minister Rana Gurjeet Singh, got all 10 party councillors of the Municipal Council, Sultanpur Lodhi, on his side.
The 10 councillors also include MC chief Deepak Dhir Raju and vice-president Navneet Singh Cheema of the Sultanpur Lodhi. At the meeting, which lasted till 1.30 am, all assured Rana Inder Partap Singh that they would work for his victory.
The move of the Ranas has surely put Cheema in a tizzy. This morning as the group picture of the councillors went viral, junior Rana threw a challenge to Cheema saying that he should better surrender the seat instead of facing a humiliating defeat. "All the leaders and ground workers have left you and joined me. It would be better if you take a respectable exit from the seat now," he said as his video went viral.
Rana Inder Partap also alleged: "The councillors have told me that Cheema is keeping blank affidavits and cheques signed by them with him, which he could use any time to harass the elected representatives. I openly challenge him to use these cheques and affidavits of the councillors now to threaten them for withdrawing support in my favour."
In a move to counter Rana's attack, Cheema, too, organised his show of strength today. He organised a meeting of his supporters from the town and sarpanches from adjoining villages. Cheema also threw a challenge on Rana. "You may show the joining of all 10 councillors, but the residents are with me. When the results will come, he will himself see how he fares from the urban part," Cheema said.
Cheema once again wrote to the high command asking them to look into the alleged interference of minister Rana Gurjeet Singh. He told the minister: "Do not use your clout as the minister to use your influence on the councillors. You should ideally resign from the Cabinet before coming down to contest elections for your son."
Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya hosted the district-level event organised to celebrate the 12th National Voters' Day, in association with the District Election Office. Deputy Commissioner Ghanshaym Thori was the chief guest. He told the first-time voters that the selection of the leader was dependent on the honest conduct of elections. The event comprised a performance on the theme, 'Meri vote, meri takat', and a street play titled 'Meri vote, mera adhikar'.
The DC released Punjabi Song 'Voter Jugni' prepared with the help of the students of the college besides launching the logo of SVEEP, Jalandhar. He also felicitated Phillaur SDM Amarinder Singh Malli, BLO Manju Bala, and SVEEP nodal officer Surjit Lal for outstanding performance under SVEEP activities while lauding the efforts of students for creating awareness among youngsters towards enrolment as voters. Meanwhile, the DC administered the oath of ethical voting to gathering and handed over EPIC cards to first-time voters as a gesture to motivate them to exercise their voting right judiciously.
Principal Ajay Sareen was honoured as the 'Best voting event organiser' by the District Election Office. She said the institution was organising National Voters' Day celebration for the sixth consecutive year. The winners of various competitions were presented certificates.
Hindu Kanya College, Kapurthala
A video-making competition was organised by the Electoral Literacy Cell to highlight the theme 'Electoral literacy for stronger democracy'. Fifteen students exhibited multimedia skills by participating in the event. Khushi from BCA- Semester I, Sukhmanjot Kaur of BA-Semester III and Simran Pathania from BCA- Semester III were the top three winners. An oath-taking ceremony was also held, wherein the staff and students pledged to cast vote.
MLU DAV College, Phagwara
A webinar was organised to make students aware of the right to vote. Declamation, poster-making and poetry-recitation events were also organised. Principal Dr Kiranjeet Randhawa told students that voting was the basis of democracy. It was an effective medium to bring about the desired change in the society, she said.
DAV College of Edu, Hoshiarpur
The faculty and students attended a virtual session through the official YouTube link of the Chief Election Commission. They learnt about the importance of the day. The procedure to register as a voter was also discussed. Eligible students who did not have voter cards were encouraged to register themselves. The faculty and students pledged to cast vote in the coming Punjab Vidhan Sabha Elections. Students of MEd and Bed courses took part in an essay-writing competition. Kiran, Sakshi and Inderpreet secured the top three positions, and Neelam Rani won the appreciation prize.
Jalandhar district on Tuesday reported 244 new cases of Covid-19. With this, the Covid tally in the district has reached 74,887. As many as 69,464 persons have recovered from Covid in the district so far while the number of active cases has reached 3,888. With two deaths reported in the district today, the deceased tally in Jalandhar stands at 1,535.
The two, who succumbed to the virus, were Sheela Rani (78), a resident of Charanjit Pura, who was admitted at NHS Hospital, and Chand Kala Devi (70), a resident of Babu Labh Singh Nagar, who was undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital here.
2,393 get booster dose
As many as 2,393 persons received booster dose on Tuesday as part of the Covid-19 vaccination booster drive. With this, the total number of persons vaccinated with booster dose in Jalandhar stands at 17,791. The booster dose was administered to people who had received both their Covid-19 vaccine doses at least nine months ago.
1,106 teens vaccinated
As many as 1,106 youngsters in the age group 15-18 received their first dose of vaccination on Tuesday. The health centres where the vaccination drives took place on Tuesday were ESI Hospital, Govt Hospital at Garha road, Mahavir Jain School and Maqsudan. Besides, vaccination camps were held at different school campuses too. Moreover, in order to give a fillip to vaccination drive in the district, the district administration has identified 271 schools to organise special vaccination camps for beneficiaries of 15 to 18 years of age group.
Nawanshahr reports 86 cases
As many as 86 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Nawanshahr on Tuesday, taking the district tally to 13,069. Those tested positive include residents of Urban Nawanshahr, Urban Rahon, block Balachaur, block Sujjon, block Muzaffarpur among other places. Meanwhile, no new death was reported in the district and the number of active cases stands at 511.
120 test +ve in Kapurthala
As many as 120 new cases of Covid were reported on Tuesday in Kapurthala district, taking the tally to 20,931. Those tested positive included residents of Kapurthala, Phagwara, Sultanpur, Bholath, Kala Sanghhian among other places. Meanwhile, no new death was reported in Kapurthala and the number of active cases stands at 1,099.
