Screening of Kangana Ranaut's 'Emergency' cancelled in theatres across Punjab following protests
CHANDIGARH: The cinemas and multiplexes across Punjab on Friday were forced to cancel the screening of Kangana Ranaut-starrer Emergency following protests by various Sikh organization and farmers' bodies. Kangana plays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film. The films release was earlier delayed after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) sought several cuts in the movie after Sikh groups raised concerns over the portrayal of the community. On Thursday, SGPC had demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ban its screening in Punjab. In a letter to Mann, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said the movie was a calculated attempt to distort history and harm Sikh sentiments and warned that releasing it could provoke outrage within the Sikh community. The protesters claimed that the movie hurt the sentiments of the Sikhs and provoked outrage in the community. The members of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) protested against the movie outside the cinemas in Amritsar. Also, there were protests outside cinemas in Bathinda, Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. The members of one of the factions of farmer union BKU gathered outside Dhillon Plaza and Cosmo Plaza in Zirakpur in SAS Nagar district near Chandigarh and protested alleging that Kangana Ranaut used vulgar language against them during the ongoing farmers' protest and in the movie, facts have been twisted to defame the Sikh community. A member of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) said that the history of the Sikh religion and the incidents of 1984 were depicted in the movie in a distorted manner. He demanded the movie to be banned. Meanwhile, Kangana reacted to the protests saying it as a complete harassment of art and the artist. She also slammed the propaganda to tarnish her image. In a message posted on platform X, Kangana Ranaut wrote, This is complete harassment of art and the artist, from Punjab many cities are reporting that these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened. I have utmost respect for all religions and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh I have closely observed and followed sikh religion. This is complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said that governments and censor boards must keep an eye on films like Emergency as such films show scripted stories, which are not true and the facts are twisted otherwise, they would not be successful if there was no masala. However, theaters in the Union Territory of Chandigarh screened the movie.
Badal's resignation accepted by Akali Dal working committee, election of new party chief on March 1
CHANDIGARH: The first family of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) lost control over the 104-year-old party for the first time in three decades as the working committee on Friday accepted the resignation of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Sukhbir had headed the SAD from 2008 before which his father, former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, was president of the party from 1996 till 2008 when he handed over the mantle to his son and heir apparent. After the two-hour meeting of the working committee at the party's headquarters here, SAD spokesperson Daljeet Singh Cheema confirmed that Badals resignation has been accepted. He said the working committee also decided to launch the membership drive for reconstitution of the organizational structure of the party on January 20. Cheema said the membership drive would last for one month till February 20 as the target is to induct 25 lakh new members and that the election of the party president would be held on March 1. The parliamentary board of the party, which is headed by working president Balwinder Singh Bhunder, will take major decisions till then, he added. Cheema further added that senior leader Gulzar Singh Ranike had been made the chief election officer to conduct the organizational elections. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami has been given charge of Jammu and Kashmir and Hoshiarpur district of Punjab, Kirpal Singh Badungar of the entire Malwa region, Manpreet Singh Ayali of Rajasthan, Santa Singh Umaidpur of Himachal Pradesh, Iqbal Singh Jhunda of Malerkotla, Paramjit Singh Sarna of Delhi, Manjit Singh GK of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and Raghujit Singh Virk of Haryana. He also made an appeal to all leaders who are presently outside the SAD due to initiation of disciplinary action against them to approach the disciplinary committee so that their cases could be taken up for their return to the party. The move came after Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh asked the Akali Dal to implement its December 2 edict at the earliest, referring to its directive seeking the acceptance of Badal's resignation, which he had submitted on November 16. The working committee had then declined to accept it, urging him to reconsider and threatening collective resignation if he persisted. Party leaders had been arguing that the party's constitution and its registration as a political party under the Constitution demanded it to remain secular, so receiving and implementing the directions of the Akal Takht would amount to violating the conditions of the registration. Badal who had submitted his resignation attended Friday's meeting. Later, talking to the media, he said he had attended the meeting to stress upon the working committee to accept his resignation besides expressing his gratitude to it for the wholehearted support extended to him during his tenure as president. I am deeply touched by the love and trust they reposed in me. The delegate session of the party entrusted me with the responsibility of leading the party. In the past five years, I have given my best to serve the party. After completing my tenure, I gave my resignation before the working committee but it wasnt accepted earlier for some reasons. I have now presented my resignation again to pave the way for the election of a new party chief, said Badal. He also asserted he would continue to serve the party and Punjab as a humble worker with renewed vigour and commitment. The Committee on its part recorded the exemplary service extended by the president to the party. Badal was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, on August 30 last year. He had undergone religious punishment. Meanwhile, the working committee took strong notice of the National Policy Framework on Agriculture Marketing which it said sought to destroy the entire agri marketing structure in Punjab and promote privatization. Asserting that it was being done to reintroduce the three agricultural laws, the committee demanded a special session of the Vidhan Sabha be convened to reject the draft framework on agri marketing. It condemned both the central government as well as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab for turning a blind eye to the grievances of farmers and not doing anything to ensure the end of the fast unto death of senior farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The committee also slammed the AAP government for thrusting thousands of fake names into the voter list for the SGPC elections and demanded all fake entries be deleted immediately. It also condemned the manner in which the post of chief secretary had been created in Chandigarh besides other posts to further dilute Punjabs right over the Union territory.
The Prime Minister My Father Knew
By Dr Abhinav Walia In the tapestry of post-partition India, where destinies were rewoven from the threads of displacement, two young men from Pakistan found themselves at Government College, Hoshiarpur, Punjab University both carried with them the weight of loss and the hope for a better future in a new land. One immersed in [] The post The Prime Minister My Father Knew appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Himalayan 'Gaddi' dog recognised as an official breed
CHANDIGARH: It is now officialthe Himalayan Gaddi dog has been recognised as a breed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) in Karnal, Haryana. This recognition will help preserve the purity of the breed. The Gaddi dog is the fourth indigenous canine breed to be registered, following the Rajapalayam and Chippiparai breeds of Tamil Nadu and the Mudhol Hound of Karnataka. On 7 January, the Director of NBAGR, Dr B.P. Mishra, informed the Director of Animal Husbandry, Himachal Pradesh, about the development. The letter read: I am pleased to inform you that the ICAR Breed Registration Committee, in its meeting held on 5 January, has approved the registration of the Gaddi dog as a breed. The accession number of the newly-registered breed is INDIA-DOG-0600_GADDI_19004. Confirming the development, Dr Pardeep Kumar Sharma, Director of Animal Husbandry, Himachal Pradesh, said: This dog guards and is very steady, thus kept by the Gaddi community to guard their flocks from theft and wild beasts. It is also suitable for the cold climate as it has good resistance. It weighs about 40 to 45 kilograms and has long hair, mainly in black and brown colours. As it is registered now, in the coming days we expect its numbers to increase, as the demand for this dog is very high. People also want to keep them in their orchards. Dr Shivani Katoch, Head of the Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding at the College of Veterinary and Animal Science (COVAS), Palampur University, called the recognition a step towards the conservation of indigenous dog breeds. She remarked: This is an achievement towards the conservation of indigenous breeds of dogs. It will go a long way in conserving our natural genetic resources of dogs. After this characterisationboth morphological and genomicwe will be able to know the present population of this breed. Also, as the characteristics are now defined and registered, it will make it easier to maintain the breed's purity. Sources stated that now the Animal Husbandry Department can conduct a census, as the breed has been registered and characterised. Until now, there were no guidelines about the breed. It is the first Himalayan dog breed to be officially registered. However, there are other dog breeds in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand which also claim to be Gaddi dogs. The lack of scientific validation previously allowed the breed to be sold by several breeders without regulation. It was in 2019 that a scientific study of the Gaddi dog began. Specialists at the Conservation-Cum-Propagation Centre for Gaddi dogs, established at COVAS Palampur University, visited interior parts of Himachal Pradesh to collect Gaddi pups for research. After three years of study, the team compiled its findings and sent the data to NBAGR in 2022 for validation. Due to its ability to fight snow leopards, the Gaddi dog is also known as the Indian Panther Hound. These dogs are large, aggressive, and incredibly strong, with a deep bark similar to that of the Tibetan Mastiff. However, their tail is less curly and heavily feathered compared to the Tibetan Mastiff. Like many indigenous breeds, the Gaddi dog is on the verge of extinction due to gene pool dilution. Sources further revealed that these dogs are primarily found in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh. They are also bred in Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and Ropar districts of Punjab, where farmers use them to protect their crops from wild animals. Farmers in Punjab often purchase Gaddi dogs at a premium when Gaddi shepherds migrate to the plains from the hills.
Punjab: State-Wide Bandh by Farmers Against Centre on MSP Paralyses Life
New Delhi/Chandigarh: Life was badly hit across Punjab on Monday following a state-wide bandh call given by farmers who have been agitating against the Centre for a legal guarantee of a minimum support price for their crops. Rail and road traffic was crippled and commercial establishments remained shut in many parts of the state. The protesting farmers held dharnas on several roads as part of their bandh call, throwing commuter traffic out of gear. A shutdown call was given over a week ago by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha over the Centre not acting on the farmers demand for a legal guarantee for the MSP. As the indefinite hunger strike of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered its 35th day on Monday, the Supreme Court will on Tuesday examine the Punjab governments measures to provide treatment to the ailing farmer leader. A team of the Punjab government officials on December 29 had attempted to persuade the septuagenarian to take medical aid, but he declined it, fearing use of forces to oust him from the protest site. In a related development, the Supreme Court panel formed under the chairmanship of retired Justice Nawab Singh has invited the SKM for talks on January 3. It is learnt that the farmers outfit has accepted this invitation. The protesting farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by the security forces. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers had attempted to march to Delhi on foot three times between December 6 and 14 but were stopped by security personnel from Haryana. Besides MSP, the farmers are also demanding a debt waiver, pension, no hike in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. On Monday, the farmers observed a sit-in at Dhareri Jattan toll plaza, which affected vehicular movement on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway. At Amritsar's Golden Gate, scores of farmers assembled near the city's entry point. Dharnas were also held in Bathinda's Rampura Phul. In Phagwara, farmers held a dharna near the Sugarmill crossing on NH-44, blocking the roads leading from Phagwara towards Nakodar, Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahr. They also staged a dharna at Behram toll plaza on Phagwara-Banga road. Grain markets also remained shut in several places. Public transport remained off roads at several places, while most private bus operators suspended services, abiding by the bandh call. The band's impact was also seen in some neighbouring areas of the state, including Ambala. Hundreds of daily commuters travelling from Ambala to Chandigarh, Mohali, Patiala and other nearby cities of Punjab were thrown off stride because of the shutdown. Buses took alternate routes to go from Ambala to Chandigarh as they had to cross a stretch of the national highway that passes through Punjab. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher told reporters in Amritsar that their strike received strong support from transporters, employee unions, traders bodies, and religious bodies. Mr Pandher also said that emergency and other essential services were allowed to operate. He said anyone travelling to the airport to catch a flight, anyone going to attend a job interview, or anyone needing to attend a wedding, were also allowed. All establishments remained shut. Punjabis have shown their unity today and they are extending full support, Mr Pandher claimed. The bandh is successful. Train services have been completely suspended and no train is entering Punjab, he said.
BSF constable ends life with service rifle in Jaisalmer
JAIPUR: A 44-year-old head constable of Border Security Force (BSF) posted at the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district allegedly shot himself with his service rifle, police said on Friday. The incident occurred on Thursday. The exact reasons behind the suicide are not clear yet, Jaisalmer Circle Officer Roop Singh Inda said. The deceased, Krishna Kumar from Hoshiarpur in Punjab, was posted at the Bhonu border outpost in the Shahgarh area. Kumar was on duty when he shot himself. Hearing the gunshot, his fellow soldiers rushed to the scene and found him dead, police said. The post-mortem will be conducted today, the officer said. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
20 injured as bus overturns in fields on Jalandhar-Jammu NH
Hoshiarpur: A private bus overturned in fields near village Kurala on the Jalandhar-Jammu National Highway on Wednesday, injuring 20 passengers, police said. Tanda SHO Gurwinderjit Singh said nine injured passengers were admitted to the Civil Hospital in Dasuya, while 11 were taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Tanda for treatment. Four critically injured passengers were referred to the Government Hospital in Hoshiarpur from Dasuya Civil Hospital here. Some of the injured were discharged after receiving first aid at CHC, Tanda. The bus was travelling from Pathankot to Jalandhar, the police said. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle near Kurala village, SHO Singh said, adding that further investigations are underway.
CHANDIGARH: Today, farmers across Punjab blocked rail tracks for three hours as part of their 'Rail Roko' protest, demanding that the Union Government address their concerns. As a result, 31 trains were disrupted. The farmers also called for a Punjab bandh on December 30 to further press their demands. The call for the 'Rail Roko' has been given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The farmers held protests and blocked railway tracks at seventeen places in the state Moga, Faridkot, Kadian and Batala in Gurdaspur; Phillaur in Jalandhar; Tanda, Dasuya, Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur; Makhu, Talwandi Bhai in Ferozepur; Sahnewal in Ludhiana; Shambhu in Patiala; Mohali; Sunam and Lehra in Sangrur, Rampura Phul in Bathinda and Devidaspura in Amritsar. Sources in the railways said that 31 trains were effected as of these nine were short terminated and one train was diverted. The Shatabdi Express coming from New Delhi for Amritsar was halted at Khanna railway station. While the Humsafar Express from Jammu to Sealdah, Dadar Express from Amritsar to Mumbai and Shan-e-Punjab Express from New Delhi to Amritsar were halted at different platforms of the Ludhiana railway station. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha convenor Sarwan Singh Pandher said farmers sat on the rail tracks at many places from 12 noon and till 3 pm. For the past three weeks, Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers made three attempts to enter Delhi on foot on December 6, December 8 and again on December 14 but Haryana Police did not allow them to proceed. Besides a legal guarantee on MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.
Farmers begin three-hour rail roko protest in Punjab as 'Dilli Chalo' attempts crushed
CHANDIGARH: Farmers blocked train routes at several places in Punjab on Wednesday as part of their three-hour 'Rail Roko' protest to press the Centre into accepting their various demands, including a legally binding minimum support price for crops. The call for the 'rail roko' has been given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said farmers have been squatting on rail tracks at many places from 12 noon and will continue to be there till 3 pm. VIDEO | Punjab: Protesting farmers block railway track in Mohali as part of their 'Rail Roko' agitation. #FarmersProtest (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/DcnLpI2BZt Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 18, 2024 The places where the protest was supposed to be held included Moga, Faridkot, Kadian and Batala in Gurdaspur; Phillaur in Jalandhar; Tanda, Dasuya, Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur; Makhu, Talwandi Bhai in Ferozepur; Sahnewal in Ludhiana; Shambhu in Patiala; Mohali, and Sunam and Lehra in Sangrur. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. For the past three weeks, Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP on crops. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers made three attempts to enter Delhi on foot on December 6, December 8 and again on December 14. Haryana security personnel did not allow them to proceed. Farmers suspend Delhi march for the day as 17 injured after Haryana cops fire tear gas Besides a legal guarantee on MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.
3-hour rail roko protest by farmers begins in Punjab
Chandigarh: Farmers blocked train routes at several places in Punjab on Wednesday as part of their three-hour 'Rail Roko' protest to press the Centre into accepting their various demands, including a legally binding minimum support price for crops. The call for the 'rail roko' has been given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said farmers have been squatting on rail tracks at many places from 12 noon and will continue to be there till 3 pm. The places where the protest was supposed to be held included Moga, Faridkot, Kadian and Batala in Gurdaspur; Phillaur in Jalandhar; Tanda, Dasuya, Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur; Makhu, Talwandi Bhai in Ferozepur; Sahnewal in Ludhiana; Shambhu in Patiala; Mohali, and Sunam and Lehra in Sangrur. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. For the past three weeks, Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP on crops. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers made three attempts to enter Delhi on foot on December 6, December 8 and again on December 14. Haryana security personnel did not allow them to proceed. Besides a legal guarantee on MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.
AAP wins three seats, Congress wins one in assembly by-elections in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won three of the four by-poll assembly seats, including Gidderbaha, Chabbewal and Dera Baba Nanak. The grand old party faced a setback in the by-elections after winning seven seats in the recent Lok Sabha Elections. The only silver lining for Congress was that it won the Barnala seat, which was the traditional stronghold of the AAP in Punjab. In the fierce contest between the Congress and the AAP, Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon of AAP defeated his nearest rival and Congress nominee Amrita Warring, the wife of Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, by a margin of 21,969 votes. While the BJP candidate and former Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal was in the third spot. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa of the ruling party won the Dera Baba Nanak assembly seat, defeating Congress nominee Jatinder Kaur by a margin of 5,699 votes. Kaur is the wife of Congress MP from Gurdaspur Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who represented this assembly seat in 2002, 2012, 2017 and 2022. Ishank Kumar Chabbewal of AAP won the Chabbewal assembly seat, defeating his nearest rival and Congress nominee Ranjit Kumar by a margin of 28,690 votes. The Chabbewal by-election was necessitated after Ishank's father Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, who was a Congress MLA but later joined the AAP, was elected to the Lok Sabha from Hoshiarpur. He represented this reserved seat in 2017 and 2022 on Congress ticket. All these three assembly seat of Gidderbaha, Chabbewal and Dera Baba Nanak won the congress in the 2022 assembly elections and now they fell into the kitty of AAP in these by-polls. Congress candidate Kuldeep Singh Dhillon won the Barnala assembly segment, defeating Harinder Singh Dhaliwal of AAP by a margin of 2,157 votes. While the Barnala assembly seat was earlier with AAP as it was won by Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer twice, now Hayer is the Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Sangrur. Sources said that the Punjab Congress president, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring attributed the party's loss to the absence of SAD candidates and now these by-election results would have implications not only for Raja Warring whose wife, Amrita Warring, lost in Gidderbaha but also for senior leader and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Randhawa, whose wife Jatinder Kaur lost in Dera Baba Nanak. It is learnt that the criticism is mounting against Warring as a section of party leaders are suggesting that, after being elected as MP from Ludhiana he should hand over the state leadership to someone else. As AAP won three seats from the Congress, taking its tally in the 117-member Assembly to 94, the Congress is now 17 MLAs in the assembly. In all four by-poll seats, the contest was between AAP and Congress as the BJP trailed at the third spot in every seat despite putting up strong candidates, none was able to make an impact. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), however, did not contest these by-polls.
Punjab bypolls: AAP's Ishank Kumar wins Chabbewal seat
AAP candidate and doctor Ishank Kumar Chabbewal secured a decisive victory in the Chabbewal assembly seat bypoll in Punjab, defeating Congress nominee Ranjit Kumar by a significant margin of 28,690 votes. The by-election was held following the election of Ishank Kumar's father, Raj Kumar Chabbewal, to the Lok Sabha from Hoshiarpur.
Punjab bypolls: 63 per cent voter turnout recorded to four assembly seats
CHANDIGARH: A voter turnout of 63 per cent was recorded till 6 pm in the by-elections to four assembly segments in Punjab on Wednesday, according to Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C. These by-polls to the Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal and Barnala assembly segments were necessitated after the incumbent lawmakers were elected to the Lok Sabha. Of the four assembly segments, Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak and Chabbewal were earlier held by the Congress, and the Barnala seat by the AAP. The precise figures of the total turnout will be updated by tomorrow morning once all polling parties return to the collection centres and final data entry is completed. The CEO shared that as per recorded data till 6 pm, the highest turnout of 81 per cent was recorded in Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak recorded 63 per cent turnout, while Barnala saw 54 per cent and Chabbewal 53 per cent turnout. At Dera Pathana village in Dera Baba Nanak segment, a clash took place between the AAP and Congress supporters. Gurdaspur Member of Parliament Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who is the husband of Congress candidate Jatinder Kaur, alleged that some outsiders at the behest of the AAP thrashed his party worker in the village and also accused the police of not taking action. The workers of both the warring factions engaged in heated arguments. A heavy police force was deputed at the site to defuse the situation. The ruling AAP would like to register victories after its dismal performance in the Lok Sabha elections in the three concerned contests while the Congress and the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) are also out for triumph in these by-polls. From the hot assembly seat of Gidderbaha, Amrita Warring, the wife of Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana Member of Parliament Amrinder Singh Raja Warring in contesting against former Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal of BJP and Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon of AAP. Earlier this seat was represented by Warring himself. The other assembly seat where the focus is Dera Baba Nanak from here Jatinder Kaur wife of Gurdaspur Member of Parliament and former deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa is pitched against Ravikaran Singh Kahlon of BJP and Gurdeep Singh Randhawa of AAP. While from Barnala assembly segment Kewal Singh Dhillon of BJP is facing Kuldeep Singh Kaka Dhillon of Congress, Harinder Singh Dhaliwal of AAP, Govind Singh Mann of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and AAP rebel and Independent candidate Gurdeep Singh Batth. This assembly seat fell vacant after Gurmeet Singh Hayer, the local MLA from the AAP and states sports and youth affairs minister was elected from the Sangrur Lok Sabha seat. Hayer won the Barnala seat in the 2017 and 2022 assembly polls. On the Chabbewal seat it is Ishank Kumar Chabbewal of AAP son of Hoshiarpur MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal as earlier this seat was presented by Raj Kumar who was then in Congress before lok sabha polls joined the AAP and then contested and won from Hosharpur. The other candidates in the fray are Sohan Singh Thandal of BJP who was earlier in the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). SAD has opted to stay away from these by-polls. 45 candidates, including three women, are in the fray for the bypolls. A total of 6.96 lakh voters, including 3.31 lakh women, are eligible to exercise their franchise at 831 polling stations. At present, the AAP has 91 MLAs in the 117-member Punjab assembly, while the Congress has 15, Shiromani Akali Dal three, BJP two, and the Bahujan Samaj Party one. One seat is held by an Independent MLA.
Kejriwal urges Punjab Sarpanchs to ensure transparency, development in villages
CHANDIGARH: Former Delhi Chief Minister and National Convenor of AAP, Arvind Kejriwal, called upon Punjab's newly elected Sarpanchs today to hold gram sabhas in their respective villages, ensuring every decision is made in full public view to promote transparency in developmental work. Kejriwal made the remarks as Chief Guest at a state-level function in Ludhiana, where Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann administered the oath of office to 10,031 Sarpanchs from across the state. It is imperative to ensure the optimum utilisation of public money for the welfare of the public and the comprehensive development of villages, Kejriwal said. He emphasised that decisions related to village development should be taken through gram sabhas to ensure judicious use of funds. The AAP convenor further noted that if Sarpanchs fulfil their roles responsibly, they could significantly impact the lives of villagers and transform rural communities. He assured Sarpanchs that the state government would extend full support for all their noble causes. Kejriwal also urged Sarpanchs to play an active role in eliminating drugs from Punjab, adding that with their proactive involvement, the state could soon become drug-free. The state government and Punjab Police are committed to this noble cause, and no effort will be spared, he stated. Kejriwal expressed hope that, following their oath, the Sarpanchs would lead their villages on a path of development. He was particularly pleased to learn that approximately 3,000 panchayats were elected unanimously, which, he said, would provide an impetus for village development. The Sarpanchs must strive to transform their villages into model communities, he said, stressing that they should work with honesty and transparency for the welfare of the villages. He advised Sarpanchs to consult villagers before making decisions, as they hold the potential to drive the overall development of their communities. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann remarked on the recent elections, where 13,147 new panchayats were elected across the state. During todays event, 10,031 Sarpanchs from 19 districts were administered the oath of office. Mann added that the remaining newly elected Sarpanchs from the districts of Muktsar Sahib, Hoshiarpur, Barnala, and Gurdaspur, as well as 81,808 newly elected Panches from 23 districts, would be sworn in after the by-elections in the four Vidhan Sabha constituencies of Giddarbaha, Chabbewal, Barnala, and Dera Baba Nanak. Mann expressed his gratitude to villages that elected panchayats unanimously, stating that these communities had risen above parochial considerations to strengthen harmony and brotherhood. He noted with pride that the panchayats of 3,037 villages across the state were selected unanimously, with Ferozepur district leading with 336 panchayats, followed by Gurdaspur with 335 and Tarn Taran with 334. He reminded the Sarpanchs of their duty to safeguard the interests and aspirations of the villagers, highlighting that with around 70% of Indias population residing in villages, Panchayati Raj institutions serve as a lighthouse of democracy. Mann added that while policies are framed by the state government, Sarpanchs and Panches play a crucial role in implementing them at the ground level. The Chief Minister pointed out that public services, such as schools, dispensaries, and veterinary hospitals, are already under panchayat supervision, along with numerous village development works. He urged Sarpanchs to ensure dedicated oversight of these initiatives. Mann advised them to avoid undue interference in these services and warned against the dangers of groupism, which often undermines progress in villages.
Spike in stubble burning on Diwali worsens Punjabs air quality
CHANDIGARH: The biggest spike in stubble burning cases this season in Punjab occurred on Diwali, with 484 farm fire incidents reported. So far, a total of 2,950 crop residue burning cases have been reported across the state, and the number is expected to rise in the coming days. The Air Quality Index (AQI) level this morning in Punjab and Haryana fell into the 'Very Poor' and 'Poor' categories, while the Union Territory of Chandigarh recorded 'Very Poor' air quality. Meanwhile, Pakistan Punjabs Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has described smog as a common enemy and called for joint efforts between the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. She stressed that the issue is not political but a humanitarian one. According to data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Sangrur topped the state with 89 stubble burning incidents, followed by Ferozepur with 65, Mansa with 40, Fatehgarh Sahib with 36, and 35 each reported in Tarn Taran and Kapurthala. In Patiala, 33 incidents occurred, followed by 29 in Amritsar, 28 in Bathinda, 20 in Gurdaspur, and 14 each in Moga and Barnala. Additionally, Ludhiana recorded 11 cases, Faridkot had 10, and seven cases were reported from Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. Muktsar saw four cases, SAS Nagar three, and one case each was recorded in Fazilka and Malerkotla. Since October, there has been a noticeable uptick in stubble-burning incidents. On October 12, 177 cases were reported, followed by 163 on October 13, 173 on October 15, and 219 on October 29. Sources pointed out that the number of crop residue burning cases is expected to increase further in the coming days, as farmers prepare to clear their fields for wheat sowing during the November 1-15 window. Cracker ban goes up in smoke as Delhi records its most polluted Diwali in three years The deteriorating air quality in major cities across Punjab remains a concern. This morning, Amritsar recorded an AQI of 335 ('Very Poor'), Mandi Gobindgarh 326 ('Very Poor'), and Khanna 306 ('Very Poor'). In other cities, the AQI fell into the 'Poor' category: Patiala registered 255, Ludhiana 206, and Jalandhar 266. Bathinda was the only city with 'Moderate' air quality at 110. In Chandigarh, the AQI was marked as 'Very Poor' at 320. Haryanas air quality was also grim, with four cities recording 'Very Poor' AQI levels this morning: Gurugram at 376, Ambala at 336, Jind at 326, and Kurukshetra at 310. Twelve cities had AQI levels in the 'Poor' range, including Bahadurgarh at 284, Faridabad at 278, Bhiwani at 275, Kaithal at 260, and Daruhera at 257. Panchkula registered 249, Manesar 247, Hisar 246, Karnal 243, Ballabgarh 228, Fatehabad 233, and Charkhi Dadri 210. Only Palwal (129) and Mandikhera (136) recorded 'Moderate' air quality. Addressing a Diwali event in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasised the need for cooperation between the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. She stated, Winds do not recognise boundaries; we must engage in diplomacy with the government of Indian Punjab, as smog has become a significant concern in Punjab, especially Lahore. I am thinking of writing to the CM of Indian Punjab for a joint war against smog and ask for a coordinated response to measures being implemented to prevent smog and environmental degradation. Until both Punjabs come together, we will not be able to tackle the smog issue.
Dhami re-elected as SGPC president for fourth consecutive term
CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate Harjinder Singh Dhami has been re-elected as the president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the mini-parliament of Sikhs, for the fourth consecutive term. A total of 142 votes were polled and Dhami got 107 votes, while on the other hand, Bibi Jagir Kaur could secure only 33 votes and two votes were declared invalid. Of the 148 members, only 142 turned up to participate in the election process for the top post of the apex gurdwara body at the Teja Singh Samundri Hall in the Golden Temple complex at Amritsar. Raghujit Singh Virk was elected as senior vice-president unopposed, and Baldev Singh Kalyan and Sher Singh were elected as junior vice-president and general secretary, respectively. Meanwhile, the 11-member executive was also nominated. Dhami has been the SGPC president for consecutive four terms - 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. He had replaced Bibi Jagir Kaur as the chief in the 2021-2022 election and his tenure as president of the Sikh body remained non-controversial. The general house of the SGPC consists of a total of 185 members, including the 15 co-opted members. At present, the house has 148 members as 31 members have died, while four others have resigned from the membership and two half lost the voting rights. The five Takht Jathedars (High Priests) and the Golden Temple head granthi are also counted in the House, separately, but they have no voting rights. This is likely the last annual election of the existing body as the Chief Gurdwara Election Commission has declared to hold the General Elections (for a five-year term) of the SGPC. The voting registration process is underway and the SGPC general polls are expected to be held next year. The house proceedings were attended by Golden Temples Head Granthi and Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh, Akal Takhts Additional Granthi Giani Malkit Singh. A loyalist of the Badal family, Dhami is an advocate by profession. Born on August 28, 1956, in Piplan Wala village, Hoshiarpur district, he has been a member of the SGPC representing the Sham Chaurasi segment since 1996.
Punjab police thwart three target killings with arrest of Bambiha-Kaushal gang operatives
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police have thwarted three possible target killings with the arrest of five key operatives of the Bambiha-Kaushal gang. Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, announced the arrests, which were made by the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police. The arrested individuals have been identified as Jaspreet Singh alias Jassa of Boparai Kalan village in Jalandhar, Harshdeep Singh of Garage Mehdood village in Hoshiarpur, Shekhar of Muradpur village in Tarn Taran, Gagandeep Singh alias Ginni Bajwa of New Model House in Jalandhar, and Amit Sahota of Bambian Wal village in Jalandhar. The police recovered nine weapons from their possession, including eight pistols and one revolver, along with 15 live cartridges. Yadav stated, The arrested accused were involved in multiple serious offences, including extortion, murder, and arms trafficking across several districts of the state. Several cases have already been registered against these accused persons. He added that further investigations are underway to uncover their broader network and establish both backward and forward linkages to dismantle the gang completely. Commissioner of Police of Jalandhar, Swapan Sharma, shared details of the operation, stating that following reliable inputs about the Bambiha-Kaushal gang planning a major criminal activity in the state, police teams laid a naka at BSF Chowk. They arrested three individuals, including Jaspreet Jassa, Harshdeep, and Shekhar, after recovering six weapons from their possession. Sharma further reported that two more operatives of the gang, identified as Gagandeep Ginni and Amit Sahota, were arrested from a naka near Bhargo Camp, with three weapons recovered from them. Further investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected, he added. In this regard, two separate cases have been registered, including FIR No. 253 under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station New Baradari in Jalandhar and FIR No. 100 under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Bhargo Camp in Jalandhar.
AAP announces candidates for Punjab bypolls to four assembly seats
CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday released its list of candidates for the November 13 bypolls to four assembly seats in Punjab. The list was shared by the party on X (formerly Twitter). AAP has fielded Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon, who joined the party after quitting the Shiromani Akali Dal in August, from the Gidderbaha constituency. Ishaan Chabbewal, son of AAP Hoshiarpur MP Raj Kumar Chabbewal, has been named as the candidate for the Chabbewal (SC) segment. Harinder Singh Dhaliwal will represent the party from Barnala, while Gurdeep Singh Randhawa will contest from the Dera Baba Nanak seat. The bypolls were necessitated after MLAs representing the four constituencies were elected to the Lok Sabha. Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, the Congress MLA from Gidderbaha, won the Ludhiana Lok Sabha seat. Raj Kumar Chabbewal, a former Congress MLA who later joined the AAP, was elected to the Lok Sabha from Hoshiarpur. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, the Congress MLA from Dera Baba Nanak, won the Gurdaspur parliamentary seat, and Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, the AAP MLA from Barnala, was elected from Sangrur. The counting of votes for the bypolls will take place on November 23.
Several families in Punjab worried over India, Canada diplomatic fallout
CHANDIGARH: As relations between India and Canada have hit an all time low, after the diplomatic fallout now the parents and families of students and others from Punjab who have gone to Canada on study visas or currently working there are apprehensive on getting PR while those who got permanent residency or citizenship are anxiouson how this might cause hindrance in travelling back to India. Talking with this newspaper, the parents and others expressed lot of apprehension and were worried about the outcome of this diplomatic row between countries and how it will be effect their families and children, as they expressed the feared that they will face difficulties in securing visas to meet familes, children and relatives in Canada. Reacting to the fresh development, DP Singh who lives in Mohali has sent his children to Canada he is apprehensive that this deteriorating relationship should not have a negative effect on the permanent residency and citizenship of the children. After spending so much the children have gone to Canada for higher studies and once they complete their studies they look to settle down there, but this present diplomatic row should not become hindrance in their permanent residency and afterwards citizenship, he says. Canada-India diplomatic standoff over assassination allegations could impact Modi's global ambitions Another parent Jaswant Singh whose son and daughter are studying in Canada, says that the day by day the Canadian Government is tightening the grip on intentional students as they have changed the rules and regulations and not only that the students will now face more difficulties in getting permanent residency (PR) and thus they fear they might be deported back and students will then be forced to apply for refugee status. The other problem which might come is that senior citizens who are living with the children in Canada and come to Punjab to visit their families and relatives back home once a year and to take care of their properties here. They are worried now that it might be difficult to come as many have given up their Indian citizenship and got Canadian citizenship so they apprehensive about getting visas, he says. Amanpreet Singh Oberoi who got his Canadian PR a few years back and has been doing business here and travels to Canada on a regular basis explanid that the present row between both countries will affect bilateral trade and the Indian Diaspora in Canada who sends money back as they buy properties in Punjab. Also the students who are studying there will have a lot of negative effects as Canada might not encourage people to visit there, he adds. A decade ago when the study visa program picked up pace in Canada there were only 214,000 international students and now in 2022, there are over 800,000 international students. As per estimates, Punjab accounts for around 70 per cent of the total Indian students who go to Canada. With Canadian federal elections due next year the immigration policy is now a key factor in the country. In last September, the Canadian government announced a reduction in the intake cap on international student study permits for 2025. It reduced study permits by 10 per cent from the 2024 target of 4.85 lakh new student permits. While Kunal Saini of Hoshiarpur whose sister, Kanika Saini went to Canada three years ago on a student visa said that his dream of studying in Canada now feels uncertain and is now exploring other options for higher education. Arvind Sharma of Hoshiarpur, whose son Gopal Sharma has the permanent resident status fears that the ongoing diplomatic standoff could make it difficult for Indians here and there to secure visas to visit their relatives. Several people of the Doaba region (Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar districts) of Punjab have settled abroad, mostly in Canada, the USA and the UK.
By-elections of four assembly segments in Punjab on November 13
CHANDIGARH: The Election Commission of India has announced by-elections for four assembly seats in Punjab these are Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC), Gidderbaha, and Barnala. Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab Sibin C said that, as per the program issued for these by-elections, the notification will be issued on October 18. The last date for filing nominations is October 25 and the scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on October 28 while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 30. Sibin C informed that voting will take place on November 13, and the counting of votes and announcement of results will be done on November 23. He further stated that with the announcement of the by-elections, the election code of conduct has come into effect in the districts where these constituencies are located, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Barnala. The code of conduct will remain in force until the completion of the election process till November 25. Number of voters and polling stations in four assembly constituencies, Sibin C said that, as of October 10, the total number of voters in the four constituencies is 6,96,316, with a total of 831 polling stations. While in Dera Baba Nanak, there are 1,93,268 voters and 241 polling stations. In Chabbewal (SC), the number of voters is 1,59,254, with 205 polling stations. He further added that in Gidderbaha, the total number of voters is 1,66,489, and 173 polling stations have been established. Meanwhile, in Barnala, there are 1,77,305 voters and 212 polling stations. He said that Uma Shankar Gupta, Deputy Commissioner of Gurdaspur, has been appointed as the District Election Officer for the Dera Baba Nanak assembly constituency, while Komal Mittal, Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur, will serve as the District Election Officer for Chabbewal (SC). Rajesh Tripathi, Deputy Commissioner of Sri Muktsar Sahib, has been appointed for the Gidderbaha constituency, and Poonamdeep Kaur, Deputy Commissioner of Barnala, will be the District Election Officer for Barnala. Additionally, the SDM of Dera Baba Nanak has been appointed as the Returning Officer for that constituency, while the ADC (G) of Hoshiarpur has been named the Returning Officer for Chabbewal (SC). The SDM of Gidderbaha has been appointed as the Returning Officer for Gidderbaha, and the SDM of Barnala for Barnala.
Diplomatic Crisis Between India, Canada Leaves Several Punjab Families Worried
Kunal Saini, a 21-year-old student from Hoshiarpur, feels his dream of studying in Canada is shattered. Hoshiarpur's Arvind Sharma, whose son is a permanent resident status there, fears that it will be difficult for him to secure a Canadian visa.
Punjab: Farmers block roads, squat on rail tracks to protest tardy paddy purchase
LUDHIANA/HOSHIARPUR/AMRITSAR (Pb), Oct 13: Punjab farmers on Sunday blocked roads and squatted on rail tracks at many places in the state as part of their protest against the alleged tardy procurement of paddy in the ongoing Kharif marketing season. While the Samyukta Kisan Morcha had given a call for a statewide road blockade from 12 to 3 pm, the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) had also given a call for rail roko for three hours. As farmers blocked roads at [] The post Punjab: Farmers block roads, squat on rail tracks to protest tardy paddy purchase appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
