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CHANDIGARH: With 19 months to go for the 2027 Assembly elections in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday carried out yet another cabinet reshuffle, his seventh in a little over three years. In this reshuffle, newly elected Ludhiana (West) MLA Sanjeev Arora was inducted into the cabinet, while NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal resigned. Arora, a 61-year-old Ludhiana-based industrialist and social worker, who served as a Rajya Sabha MP for three years, was sworn in as a cabinet minister after winning the Ludhiana (West) by-election held on 23 June. He defeated his nearest Congress rival Bharat Bhushan Ashu by 10,637 votes. The seat had fallen vacant after sitting AAP MLA Gurpreet Singh Gogi allegedly died in January this year due to an accidental firearm discharge at his home. Arora had resigned from the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, a day before his swearing-in, which took place at the Punjab Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath of office and secrecy to Arora in a simple ceremony conducted by Chief Secretary KAP Sinha. The oath was taken in Punjabi and the ceremony lasted only six minutes, concluding with a rendition of the national anthem. Arora is also known for his social welfare work and runs the Krishna Pran Breast Cancer Charitable Trust. With his induction, the total number of ministers in the Mann cabinet rose to 17, including the Chief Minister. However, Dhaliwals resignation brought the total back down to 16, with two berths remaining vacant. Dhaliwal, an MLA from the Ajnala constituency, announced his resignation via a post on X, writing, My hard work continues for the welfare of the people of Punjab. Sources said Arora has been allocated the portfolios of the Department of Industry and the Department of NRI Affairs. The Industries portfolio was taken away from Tarunpreet Singh Sond, who will continue to handle Rural Development, Labour and Tourism. Chief Minister Mann congratulated Arora on the new role. Sanjeev Arora ji has been given the responsibility of Industry & Commerce, Investment Promotion, NRI Affairs departments. I hope that Sanjeev Arora ji will live up to the expectations of the people of Punjab. He will work with full honesty and without any discrimination for the development of Punjab and the welfare of 3 crore people of the state, Mann said in a post on X. During the bypoll campaign, AAP convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said that Arora would be made a minister if elected. The last cabinet reshuffle in Punjab took place in September last year, when five new ministers were inducted and four were dropped.
Punjab: Newly elected Ludhiana West MLA Sanjeev Arora sworn-in as Cabinet minister
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann bolstered his cabinet by inducting Sanjeev Arora, the newly elected MLA from Ludhiana West, as a minister. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath at Raj Bhavan. Arora's inclusion brings the cabinet's strength to 17, fulfilling AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal's promise made during the bypoll campaign following Gurpreet Bassi Gogi's death.
Punjab man, injured in Pakistan aerial strike, dies
Lakhwinder Singh, injured in May during a Pakistani aerial strike when missile debris fell on his Punjab home, has died in a Ludhiana hospital. He succumbed to his injuries 54 days after the incident, following his wife's death on May 13. Their son, Jaswinder Singh, also injured in the attack, is now left bereaved after losing both parents.
CHANDIGARH: Two months after Sukhwinder Kaur died following a Pakistani drone attack , her husband, 65-year old Lakhwinder Singh of Khai Pheme Ki village in Ferozepur district of Punjab, succumbed to his injuries at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) in Ludhiana. This is the second recorded civilian casualty outside Jammu and Kashmir caused by a drone attack by Pakistan. Sources said that Singh had sustained 70 per cent burns as debris of drone fell on their car parked in the verandah of their house on the night of May 8, after a Pakistani drone was intercepted by the Indian Air Defense system and shot down. The vehicle caught fire and caused severe burn injuries to Lakhwinder Singh, his wife Sukhwinder Kaur, and their son Jaswant Singh (24). Jaswant Singh suffered from leg injuries and has now recovered after treatment. Singh was undergoing treatment at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) in Ludhiana and government was bearing the expenses. Singh has been in critical condition since then and was on dialysis and died late yesterday night. On May 13, his wife Sukhwinder Kaur died due to 100 per cent burns. Their son Jaswant had been with his parents during their treatment. The state government bore the medical expenses of the couple. When the incident took place, Singh was trying to sleep, while Sukhwinder Kaur was in the kitchen. Despite the blackout, the lights were reportedly still on in their house when the debris of the drone struck. On May 9 evening, several drones were spotted in the Ferozepur cantonment and nearby areas amid the India-Pakistan tension following Operatation Sindoor.
Arora likely to be inducted into Mann-led cabinet
Sanjeev Arora, Aam Aadmi Party's Ludhiana West by-election winner, is expected to join the Punjab Cabinet. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will reshuffle the cabinet this week, filling vacant positions and assigning new portfolios. Arora, a Rajya Sabha member, is recognized for his understanding of industry needs. Arvind Kejriwal had promised Arora a cabinet position if elected.
CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has suspended former IPS officer-turned-MLA from Amritsar (North), Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, from the party for five years for anti-party activities, following a string of public criticisms levelled by him against his own government. Kunwar had recently questioned the action taken by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau against senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, prompting the party to suspend him, citing his remarks as anti-party activities. He has also not been attending party meetings for the past few months. The suspension was decided at a Political Affairs Committee meeting, said party sources. He had criticised Majithias arrest, stating that when the Akali leader was previously arrested, the government had not sought his remand and had instead accused police officers of facilitating his bail. He termed the arrest unethical. Kunwar said that although he had ideological differences with Majithia, this case was about ethics and integrity in the process. Majithia was arrested from his house in Amritsar last week. Kunwar has, on several occasions, publicly questioned his own partys government, particularly over the handling of the 2015 sacrilege cases and related police firing incidents. After the recent hooch tragedy in Amritsar, in which 27 people died after consuming illicit liquor, Kunwar alleged that some AAP leaders had joined hands with the liquor mafia. Commenting on Kunwars expulsion, AAP spokesperson Neel Garg said, He has been consistently making public statements against party activities, which is against political decorum and is unacceptable under any circumstances. Garg stated that the action taken against Bikram Majithia had the full support of the people of Punjab. For the first time, the people of the state feel that the government is genuinely taking action against the drug mafia. However, despite being an MLA from the party, Kunwar deliberately spoke against this action, which is entirely inappropriate, he said. He added that the AAP government was working with full commitment to eradicating drugs from Punjab and that the Punjab Police was continuously cracking down on drug smugglers and sending them to jail. At such a time, statements like those made by Kunwar are highly condemnable and unfortunate. Garg noted that if Kunwar had any objections, he could have raised them on the party platform or with the Chief Minister, instead of airing his grievances publicly. This is clearly against party rules, he said. Our goal is clear: to eradicate drugs, crime and corruption from Punjab, and anyone hindering this fight will not be tolerated. There can be no compromise in the battle against drugs, Garg asserted. He further said the action against Majithia was not only supported by the general public but also by several former police officers and ex-Enforcement Directorate officials involved in the investigations. These officials had provided vital information about Majithias activities to the Vigilance Department. Soon after news of his suspension emerged on social media, Kunwar posted on Facebook: Kabir, jis marne te jag dare, mere man anand (Kabir, the world is afraid of dying, but my mind is happy), hinting that he had no regrets. Commenting on the development, Punjab Congress President and Member of Parliament from Ludhiana, Amarinder Raja Warring, wrote on X, While suspension of @Kvijaypratap Singh is indeed an internal matter of the @AamAadmiParty, but that in no way means that the @AAPPunjab government does not owe answers to questions he has raised. Sacrilege and drugs remain unresolved. Party may have unsuccessfully tried to silence his voice, which it could not, it definitely cant avoid the questions that have started being raised. AAP governments question hour has begun and everyone knows it has no answers. It may suspend its MLA from the party, but what about 3 crore Punjabis who are asking the same questions Kunwar Vijay Pratap has been asking. Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira said this just proved that there was no space for dissent or truthful politics in AAP. Khaira had earlier been elected as an MLA on an AAP ticket in 2017 but had soon parted ways with the party. Kunwar had also shared a video on Facebook on June 25, the day Majithia was arrested, and wrote: The dignity of a family is shared by allwhether one is a politician, actor, rich or poor, friend or foe. Carrying out a raid at someone's house early in the morning is against principles. Almost every government has misused the police and vigilance agencies for its own benefit, but the result has never been significant. He further wrote, I may have political or ideological differences with someone, but when it comes to principles, religion, and integrity, it becomes necessary to discuss. When Majithia sahib was in jail in a case registered during the Congress government, the Mann government did not seek any remand nor did any questioning. Later, the state apparatus under Mann sahib even facilitated his bail. The honourable high court granted bail (to Majithia) on grounds that if the police do not require (him) for interrogation, keeping in custody is against the law. When he was in custody, the government facilitated his bail, and now suddenly, notices are issued to him for questioning, and today a raid is being conducted at his house, he added. Kunwar had earlier expressed dissatisfaction over the handling of the 2015 sacrilege and police firing incident cases in Faridkot, repeatedly raising the issue in the Assembly. He was part of the special investigation team of the Punjab Police that probed the 2015 Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan police firing incidents. After taking premature retirement from the police service in 2021, he joined AAP and was later elected as the MLA from the Amritsar North seat.
Ludhiana hit-and-run: Speeding Audi crashes into cart, bikes; 1 dead, 3 injured
In Ludhiana, a speeding Audi car, bearing a Chandigarh number plate, tragically crushed a street food vendor, Prem Shah, to death and injured three others on Bhamian Road. The driver and his companion, suspected to be intoxicated, fled the scene after the accident. Police are investigating the incident and tracing the car owner to apprehend the accused.
Man, wife arrested for hacking father to death with axe
AAP leader Sanjeev Arora takes oath as Ludhiana West MLA
Sanjeev Arora of AAP was sworn in as MLA for Ludhiana West after winning the recent bypoll, with Punjab Minister Aman Arora praising his honesty and thanking voters for their support. The victory leaves AAP's Rajya Sabha seat vacant, with the party yet to decide on a replacement.
Punjab cadre 1989-batch IPS Parag Jain appointed R&AW chief
NEW DELHI: The government on Saturday issued an order appointing 1989-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Punjab Cadre Parag Jain as the next Secretary of Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) for a tenure of two years. Jain will replace Ravi Sinha, a 1988-batch IPS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre, as he will complete his tenure as the chief of the R&AW on June 30 and Jain will take over from him on July 1. In an order the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT said, The Appointments Committee ofCabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Parag jain (PB:89) to the post of Secretary, Research & Analysis Wing (R$AW) under the Cabinet Secretariat for a tenure of two years from the date of assumption of the charge of the post or until further orders,whichever is earlier, in terms of provisions of FR 56 (d) and Rule 16 (1A) of All India India Service(Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rule, 1958. Jain is currently heading the Aviation Research Centre, which played a critical role during Operation Sindoor, by collecting intelligence about Pakistani armed forces and the exact locations of the terror camps situated in the neighbouring country. Jain is also credited with playing a key operational role during the terrorism days in Punjab. He had served in Bhatinda, Mansa, Hoshiarpur districts of Punjab as SP and was SSP Chandigarh and DIG Ludhiana in the past. Jain has also handled Pakistan in Indias external intelligence agency with tenures in Jammu and Kashmir during abrogation of Article 370 and Operation Balakote. The next R&AW chief has always been an unassuming officer while serving in Canada and in Sri Lanka as Indian representative in the respective missions there. During his Canada posting, he had taken on the Khalistan ecosystem there and had then warned Delhi that it was becoming something dangerous. With Jain taking over from Sinha after next Monday, Indias external intelligence agency would needs an overhaul as it was found wanting during Maldives and Bangladesh crisis in the past two years. The R&AWs role becomes very important considering the fact that Asim Munir has become a Field Marshal with cross border terrorism against India high on the governments agenda. Given that India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty, it is anticipated that Pakistan will continue to use terrorism as a proxy to strike back and for that Indias external intelligence needs to improve its ground activities rather than purely relying on technical inputs.
CHANDIGARH: With 19 months left till the 2027 assembly elections, the Punjab Congress leadership is apprehensive that the current AAP-led Punjab government might target party leaders who are facing vigilance inquiries. Such concerns have been raised following the arrest of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia in a drugs and disproportionate assets case, while former Health Minister and AAP MLA Vijay Singla and his OSD Pradeep Kumar were given a clean chit in a corruption case registered against them in 2022. Sources said that a charge sheet has been filed in cases registered against former Congress MLA Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon and former cabinet minister OP Soni. Other Congress leaders who are facing vigilance inquiries include: Punjab Congress President and Member of Parliament from Ludhiana Amarinder Raja Warring, former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament from Jalandhar Charanjit Singh Channi, former cabinet ministers Sunder Shyam Arora and Vijay Inder Singla, and MLAs Barindemeet Singh Pahra and Pargat Singh. Channi, who himself is under the scrutiny of the vigilance, claimed that those politicians who are vocal against the government are being targeted by the AAP government. They have already been after me for a long time, several party leaders, including Jalandhar (Cantonment) MLA Pargat Singh, were under the lens of the vigilance bureau. After Bikram Majithia, Pargat Singh might be next target of the government, he said. Ludhiana MP Warring said, It would be premature to comment at this moment. On the other hand, Punjab Police has given a clean chit to former Health Minister and AAP MLA Vijay Singla and his OSD Pradeep Kumar in corruption case registered against them in 2022 at Phase 8 Police Station in Mohali. The state police have filed a closure report in a court in Mohali recently, citing that no conclusive evidence was found to proceed against the accused. The court will take up the matter on July 14. While thhe complainant in the case, Rajinder Singh, a government engineer on deputation with Punjab Health System Corporation, has agreed with the closure report. It is worth mentioning here that the complainant had submitted that he was summoned to Punjab Bhawan, and a commission of one per cent was demanded from him. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had dismissed Singla from his cabinet.
Kuldeep Singh Mundia, ex-aide to Shiromani Akali Dal leader Jagdev Singh Talwandi, was killed near Ludhiana. Attackers assaulted him with swords. Police are investigating the murder. Separately, SAD workers protested the arrest of Bikram Singh Majithia. His wife criticized the police action, alleging improper procedure. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau took Majithia into custody and searched his home.
Newly-elected MLA from Ludhiana West Sanjeev Arora administered oath by Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker
Arora had defeated Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu by a margin of 10,637 votes in the Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll
Ludhiana Couple Consume Poison, Die After Alleged Harassment By Bank Officials Over Loan Dues
Despite paying 55 EMIs regularly, one delayed payment this month allegedly led to pressure and threats from the banks recovery team
Meerut Murder Dj Vu: Ludhiana Man's Body Tied With Rope Found Stuffed In A Blue Drum
Police confirmed that the body, believed to be that of a man around 40 years old, was wrapped in a bedsheet
Firing at Kurukshetra hotel, accused to be nabbed soon, says SP
In Kurukshetra's Shahabad-Markanda, bike-borne miscreants fired gunshots at a hotel on National Highway 44, leaving behind a note. This incident follows a recent murder of a liquor contractor nearby, raising public safety concerns. Kurukshetra police have launched a manhunt, establishing checkpoints and deploying multiple teams to apprehend the culprits and ramp up security in the area.
Punjab: After Meerut drum murder case, man's body found in a blue drum in Ludhiana
A dead body was discovered in a blue drum in Ludhiana's Sherpur area. The victim's limbs were tied. Rag pickers found the drum and alerted the police due to a foul smell. Police investigation revealed the body was wrapped in a bedsheet inside a gunny bag. The victim is estimated to be around 40 years old.
Resignations pile up in Punjab Congress as party rift deepens after Ludhiana West loss
CHANDIGARH: All is not well within the faction-ridden Punjab Congress following the partys defeat in the Ludhiana (West) by-election, as senior leaders Pargat Singh and Kushaldeep Dhillon have resigned from their posts as state unit vice-presidents. This comes close on the heels of former cabinet minister and party candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu quitting his post. The knives are now being unsheathed within the grand old party, albeit carefully and in a calibrated manner. Both leaders have sent their resignations to All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal and general secretary in-charge for Punjab Bhupesh Baghel. Party sources said both Pargat and Dhillon, who had actively campaigned for Ashu, felt the election result called for honest introspection and that it would be wrong to interpret it as an individuals defeat. Punjab Congress president and Member of Parliament from Ludhiana, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, and Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa had largely stayed away from canvassing, appearing only in the final days of the partys campaign. Ludhiana district Congress chief Sanjay Talwar and former MLAs Surinder Dawar, Kuldeep Singh Vaid and Rakesh Pandey also stayed away from Ashus campaign. Sources further revealed that Ashu had categorically told the party high command that Warring and Bajwa should not campaign for him due to his differences with both top leaders. The resignations reflect the deepening fault lines within the party. The campaign for the Ludhiana (West) by-election was spearheaded by a group of senior leaders, including former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, MLAs Rana Gurjeet Singh and Pargat Singh. Rana is the same leader who had earlier described Warring as a selfish leader and had shown a strong interest in becoming the state Congress president. The developments come a day after Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who was appointed working president of the Punjab Congress on April 11, 2022, resigned from his post. He stated, I take full moral responsibility for this defeat. The state Congress president and the Leader of Opposition were nowhere in the campaign. He added that he had sent his resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel. Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said he was not aware of the development as the resignations had not been sent to him. It is for the party high command to see, he said. Meanwhile, the tussle between Simarjeet Singh Bains and Bharat Bhushan Ashu has also come out into the open, with Bains calling Ashu arrogant, while Ashu responded by saying he did not consider Bains a Congressman.
MoRTH to frame IRC guidelines after adopting new-age machines for faster highway construction
NEW DELHI: After the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) decided to adopt Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) for highway development to ensure timely project completion, it announced that Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines will be prepared based on feedback from contractors and concessionaires. The ministry has already sanctioned atleast 16 projects, where innovative machines will be used. According to the officials, Cabinet approval is awaited for 10 projects envisaged for implementation of AIMC system. With a significant growth in the national highways network including a significant increase in Greenfield and Brownfield highways with high embankments requiring a significant amount of earthwork and proper compaction in the last one decade, it has been felt appropriate to induct AIMC in highway construction, said officials. The decision to formally adopt the system was taken after evaluation of efficacy in a pilot; Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Project, where in GPS-aided Motor Grader, Intelligent Compactor and Stringless Paver were used. The ministry also took into consideration the feedback from stakeholders and international guidelines and specifications. The ministry has also sought feedback on adoption of AIMC to formulate IRC guidelines, added officials. Officials added that the ministry would facilitate the concessionaire or contractor with the required license for the radio frequency range from the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) for the use of machines. The list of projects, which are already sanctioned, includes Western Bypass Gwalior (29 kms), 6-lane Greenfield Ludhiana Bypass (25 kms), Deoghar Bypass (49 kms), Shillong-Silchar Corridor (167 kms), Vrindavan Bypass (15 kms) and Patna-Arrah-Sasaram (125 kms) in Bihar. The projects which have been submitted for the Cabinet approval are Satellite Township Ring Road of Bengaluru (STRR) Karnataka (144 kms), BadveI Nellore Corridor (108 kms) in Andhra Pradesh, 4-lane access controlled Sirhind-Sehna section of NH-205AG (107 kms) in Punjab, and Nashik-Ahmednagar- Solapur-Akkalkot segment of the Surat-Chennai Expressway (374 kms). The ministry, in December, sought feedback from roads construction agencies, public work departments in states and union territories and other stakeholders on the proposal for adoption of the construction facilitated by innovatory. The benefits of AIMC are expected high adherence to design specification, improved rideability, performance durability and longevity and reduced wastage as well. The technology-driven construction also increases productivity, helps in real-time documentation, brings better transparency and minimises human interventions.
AAP bigwigs gather in Ghumar Mandi for roadshow
Nota votes reflect persistent voter discontent in Ludh West
MC asks dairy owners to install screens to curb cow dung discharge into ETP
AAP roadshow causes traffic congestion in Ghumar Mandi
AAP tests it's anti-corruption plank in bypolls; bounces back
Aam Aadmi Party regained momentum after recent electoral setbacks. The party secured victories in Gujarat and Punjab by-elections. AAP retained both seats, improving their previous victory margins. The party focused on its anti-corruption platform. Gopal Italia won the Visavadar seat in Gujarat. Sanjeev Arora won in Ludhiana, Punjab. AAP leaders crafted campaigns focused on local issues.
Bypoll election results: AAP wins 2 seats, Trinamool & BJP 1 each; Congress wins in Kerala
In recent assembly by-polls across four states, AAP emerged victorious in two seats, retaining Ludhiana West and Visavadar. BJP, Congress, and Trinamool Congress each secured one seat, with BJP holding Kadi, Congress winning Nilambur from CPM, and Trinamool Congress retaining Kaliganj. The results reflect shifts in regional political dynamics ahead of upcoming elections.
AAP wins Ludhiana bypoll in Punjab; political circles see it as a face-saving victory
Congress candidate and working president of the State unit in Punjab resigns in the aftermath of the results
Recent bypolls across five Assembly seats in Gujarat, Kerala, West Bengal, and Punjab yielded mixed results. Congress' UDF secured Nilambur, dealing a blow to Kerala's LDF. TMC's Alifa Ahmed won Kaliganj by a significant margin. AAP retained Visavadar in Gujarat, while BJP held Kadi. In Punjab, AAP kept Ludhiana West, prompting Congress leader Ashu's resignation.
CHANDIGARH: The infighting and factionalism within the Congress appear to have cost the partys candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu dearly in the Ludhiana (West) assembly bypoll. Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa were noticeably absent from the campaign. Despite Ashus aggressive campaign efforts, he only managed to get 24,542 votes in this bypoll -- a 27.22 per cent vote share, which is less than the 28.06 per cent vote share he got in the last elections when he got around 32,000 votes. Thus the grand old partys voter base in Ludhiana (West) seems to have eroded considerably. A visible rift between Punjab Congress president Amarinder Raja Warring and Ashu hurt the partys campaign. Warrings absence from key events including Ashus road show underlined the internal divisions. These differences within the state leadership severely damaged his winning prospects. In fact, Ashu ensured top leadership stayed away from his campaign trail. With both Warring and Bajwa noticeably absent from the campaigning, the party was led by former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and MLAs Rana Gurjeet and Pargat Singh. The faction-ridden Congress lost momentum during the crucial final stages. In a closed door meeting at the PPCC office where senior leaders including the party's Punjab in-charge and former chief minister of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel were present, the lack of involvement of the state leadership in the campaign was flagged. Baghel too appeared in Ludhiana only a day before canvassing ended. Earlier, he was present when Ashu filed his nomination papers. Ludhiana (West) assembly bypoll sees 51.33% voter turnout in four-cornered contest Punjab Congress working president Ashu served as MLA twice from this seat in 2012 and 2017. The 51-year-old was defeated by Gurpreet Bassi alias Gogi by a margin of 7,512 votes in the 2022 Punjab assembly polls. Ashu, who was food and civil supplies minister in the previous Congress government, recently got a clean chit from the Punjab and Haryana High Court in a corruption case, but was unable to emulate his earlier victories. The BJP failed to capitalise on the momentum from last year's Lok Sabha polls, despite aggressive campaigning by Union Ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and Hardeep Singh Puri, former Union minister Anurag Thakur, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar. Party candidate Jivan Gupta, who is a member of the core committee of the Punjab BJP and was earlier the party's state general secretary, got 20,323 votes translating into a vote share of 22.54 per cent. Expectations had been high for the saffron party after its candidate Ravneet Singh Bittu had led from the Ludhiana West assembly segment, which is part of the Ludhiana Lok Sabha seat, in last year's general elections, though he lost to Congress candidate Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Meanwhile, the downslide of the Shiromani Akali Dal continued as the bypoll result marked another low. The partys candidate Parupkar Singh Ghumman was at the forth sport with 8203 votes, which is 9.1 per cent of the vote share, despite campaigning by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal and senior leaders including Bikram Singh Majithia. In the 2022 assembly polls, senior party leader Maheshinder Singh Grewal got 10,072 votes.
AAP's Sanjeev Arora retains Ludhiana (West) assembly seat in Punjab; set to become cabinet minister
CHANDIGARH: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) retained the Ludhiana (West) assembly seat. In the by-polls, results for which were declared on Monday, party candidate Sanjeev Arora won by a margin of 10,637 votes. He polled 35, 179 votes as against the 24, 542 votes polled by his nearest Congress rival Bharat Bhushan Ashu. The BJP candidate Jivan Gupta came third with 20,323 votes. The Shiromani Akali Dal candidate Parupkar Singh Ghuman came a poor fourth. With this victory, Arora is all set to become a cabinet minister. The cabinet expansion is expected to happen soon. The Rajya Sabha seat vacated by him might go to a top AAP leader. It has to be seen whether AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal or his former Deputy Manish Sisodia, both of whom have largely been out of the spotlight since losing the Delhi assembly elections earlier this year, will be nominated for the Rajya Sabha. As opposition leaders had been claiming that the bypoll was engineered to facilitate either Kejriwal or Sisodia's entry into the upper house of parliament, a presumption the AAP has denied so far. Nonetheless, Aroras resignation from the Rajya Sabha will trigger a vacancy, giving the AAP window to manoeuvre. Meanwhile, speculations are rife now that at least one sitting cabinet minister might be asked to step down and there will be a reshuffle in the state cabinet. The byelection victory has come as a morale booster for the AAP which lost the Delhi Assembly elections in February earlier this year. The AAP threw its entire weight behind the campaign with the partys national leadership led by AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia and former Delhi health minister Satyendra Jain campaigning for the party candidate. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his wife, Dr Gurpreet Kaur Mann also campaigned extensively for Sanjeev Arora. Being a first time contestant, Arora didn't carry any political baggage like Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu. Arora had consistently raised local issues in Parliament, including pending National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects and the need for more seats in private medical colleges. He also funded various local development projects through his MPLADS funds, focused on schools, colleges, and civic infrastructure. His candidature was declared in February which gave him a good head start. The win consolidates AAPs hold on the Ludhiana West seat, which became vacant following the death of party MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January this year. A voter turnout of 51.33 per cent was recorded in the bypoll, a sharp drop from the 64 per cent voting registered in the 2022 assembly elections. Vote share of AAP improves The vote share of AAP has improved this time around. Arora polled 35, 179 votes which translates to 39.02 per cent of the vote share, while in 2022 assembly polls, AAP's vote share was 34.46 percent. The vote share of the Congress and the BJP has dropped. The Congress party's vote share was 27.22 percent as against the 28.06 per cent vote share of last elections. BJP candidate Gupta's vote share is 22.54 percent as against 23.95 percent of last elections.
Chance For Arvind Kejriwal As AAP Seat In Rajya Sabha Falls Vacant
Aam Aadmi Party's ability to retain one seat in the Gujarat by-election and Ludhiana has not only underscored its growing grassroots grip but also holds out hope for party chief Arvind Kejriwal's entry into Rajya Sabha.
Not Going To Rajya Sabha: Arvind Kejriwal After MP Sanjeev Arora's Bypoll Win
Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said he would not go to the Rajya Sabha, after the party's sitting Upper House member Sanjeev Arora won the Ludhiana West bypolls in Punjab.
Assembly bypolls: AAP retains 2 seats in Punjab, Gujarat; Kejriwal takes fresh jibe at Congress, BJP
Arvind Kejriwal asserted that Gujarat is weary of the BJP, highlighting AAP's Visavadar win and BJP's Kadi victory in Gujarat bypolls. He also celebrated AAP's anticipated win in Punjab's Ludhiana West, noting increased support compared to 2022.
Not going to Rajya Sabha: Kejriwal after MP Sanjeev Arora wins Ludhiana West assembly bypoll
Arvind Kejriwal, the former Delhi chief minister, has stated that he will not be taking Sanjeev Arora's Rajya Sabha seat, which will become vacant after Arora's victory in the Ludhiana West bypolls. Kejriwal clarified that the party's political affairs committee will decide on the nomination for the Upper House. Opposition parties speculated that Kejriwal himself would fill the position.
People Rejected Both BJP And Congress In Bypolls: Kejriwal
New Delhi, Jun 23: AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said people are fed up with the BJP in Gujarat and stressed that people had rejected both Congress and BJP in the bypolls. AAP leader Gopal Italia won the Visavadar seat, while BJPs Rajendra Chavda bagged the Kadi seat on Monday, as counting for bypolls to the two constituencies in Gujarat concluded, officials said. AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora appears to be heading for a victory from the Ludhiana West [] The post People Rejected Both BJP And Congress In Bypolls: Kejriwal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bypoll results: UDF wins in Kerala, TMC ahead in Bengal, AAP and BJP secure one seat each in Gujarat
By-elections to assembly seats in Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, and Kerala on Monday delivered mixed results, with AAP gaining ground, TMC set to retain its seat in Bengal, and the Congress-led UDF scoring a key victory in Kerala. Kerala: UDF snatches Nilambur seat In a severe blow to the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government in Kerala, the opposition UDF on Monday surged ahead in the Nilambur Assembly by-election and was on the verge of victory as counting neared completion. UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath, son of Congress veteran Aryadan Muhammed, secured a lead of 11,077 votes over CPI(M)s M Swaraj. The bypoll was widely seen as a mid-term referendum on the LDF government. Independent candidate P V Anvar, the former legislator whose resignation triggered the bypoll, surprised many with his strong performance, securing over 18,000 votes. The BJP candidate, Mohan George, lagged far behind. Celebrations erupted in Nilambur and across the UDF camp, with Congress leaders hailing the result as a sign of growing public support ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath wins Nilambur bypoll by a margin of over 11000 votes West Bengal: TMC comfortably ahead in Kaliganj In West Bengals Kaliganj assembly seat, TMC candidate Alifa Ahamed, daughter of the late MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed, was leading by over 29,749 votes after 13 rounds of counting. TMC candidate Alifa Ahamed secured 59,329 votes, while her nearest rival, BJP nominee Ashis Ghosh 29,580. Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh, backed by the CPI(M), slipped to the third position with 19,516 votes, election officials said. The bypoll was held following the death of Nasiruddin Ahamed in February. Voting saw a turnout of 69.85 per cent and remained largely peaceful. Voting for the by-election was held on Thursday, with a voter turnout of 69.85 per cent recorded till 5 pm. Barring a few isolated incidents, voting remained largely peaceful. Punjab: AAP edges ahead in Ludhiana West In Punjabs Ludhiana West, AAPs Sanjeev Arora was leading by 2,286 votes over Congress Bharat Bhushan Ashu after six of the 14 counting rounds. The BJPs Jiwan Gupta was in the third position, followed by Shiromani Akali Dals Parupkar Singh Ghuman. The by-election was necessitated by the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi earlier this year. Voter turnout for the seat stood at 51.33 per cent, a significant drop from the 64 per cent registered in the 2022 assembly elections. Gujarat: AAP wins Visavadar seat, BJP holds Kadi AAP leader Gopal Italia won the Visavadar seat, while BJP's Rajendra Chavda bagged Kadi seat on Monday, as counting for bypolls to the two constituencies in Gujarat concluded, officials said. Italia, the former Gujarat president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), defeated his nearest rival, BJP candidate Kirit Patel, in Visavadar seat of Junagadh district by a margin of 17,554 votes. While Italia received 75,942 votes, Patel got 58,388 votes after the end of total 21 rounds of counting, as per the data shared by the Election Commission. BJP leaders earlier said they were hoping to break the 18-year jinx in Visavadar, where the party last tasted victory in 2007. Meanwhile, in the SC-reserved Kadi seat, BJP candidate Rajendra Chavda was leading by over 35,000 votes against Congress' Ramesh Chavda after 16 rounds of counting. The seat fell vacant following the death of BJP MLA Karsan Solanki in February. In Kadi seat of Mehsana district, reserved for the Scheduled Caste candidates, BJP's Rajendra Chavda emerged victorious by a margin of 39,452 votes over Congress' Ramesh Chavda after the end of all 22 rounds of counting. While Rajendra Chavda received 99,742 votes, former Congress MLA Ramesh Chavda managed to secure 60,290 votes. (With inputs from PTI)
Bypoll results: UDF scores big in Kerala, TMC ahead in Bengal, AAP leads in Gujarat and Punjab
By-elections to assembly seats in Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, and Kerala on Monday delivered mixed results, with AAP gaining ground, TMC set to retain its seat in Bengal, and the Congress-led UDF scoring a key victory in Kerala. UDF snatches Nilambur seat In a severe blow to the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government in Kerala, the opposition UDF on Monday surged ahead in the Nilambur Assembly by-election and was on the verge of victory as counting neared completion. UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath, son of Congress veteran Aryadan Muhammed, secured a lead of 11,077 votes over CPI(M)s M Swaraj. The bypoll was widely seen as a mid-term referendum on the LDF government. Independent candidate P V Anvar, the former legislator whose resignation triggered the bypoll, surprised many with his strong performance, securing over 18,000 votes. The BJP candidate, Mohan George, lagged far behind. Celebrations erupted in Nilambur and across the UDF camp, with Congress leaders hailing the result as a sign of growing public support ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. TMC comfortably ahead in Kaliganj In West Bengals Kaliganj assembly seat, TMC candidate Alifa Ahamed, daughter of the late MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed, was leading by over 19,000 votes after seven rounds of counting. She had secured 32,308 votes against Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh, who had the backing of the CPI(M) and polled 13,144 votes. BJPs Ashis Ghosh was in third place with 11,987 votes. The bypoll was held following the death of Nasiruddin Ahamed in February. Voting saw a turnout of 69.85 per cent and remained largely peaceful. AAP edges ahead in Ludhiana West In Punjabs Ludhiana West, AAPs Sanjeev Arora was leading by 2,286 votes over Congress Bharat Bhushan Ashu after six of the 14 counting rounds. The BJPs Jiwan Gupta was in the third position, followed by Shiromani Akali Dals Parupkar Singh Ghuman. The by-election was necessitated by the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi earlier this year. Voter turnout for the seat stood at 51.33 per cent, a significant drop from the 64 per cent registered in the 2022 assembly elections. AAP widens lead in Visavadar, BJP holds Kadi AAP's Gopal Italia, the party's former state president, was leading by a substantial margin in the Visavadar assembly seat as counting neared completion. After 18 of the 21 counting rounds, Italia had secured 65,295 votes, ahead of BJP's Kirit Patel, who polled 51,222 votes. Congress' Nitin Ranpariya was trailing in the contest. The Visavadar seat, vacated in December 2023 after AAP legislator Bhupendra Bhayani joined the BJP, has been out of the BJPs grasp since 2007. The party was hoping to break its 18-year losing streak. Meanwhile, in the SC-reserved Kadi seat, BJP candidate Rajendra Chavda was leading by over 35,000 votes against Congress' Ramesh Chavda after 16 rounds of counting. The seat fell vacant following the death of BJP MLA Karsan Solanki in February. (With inputs from PTI)
Ludhiana Election Result: AAP's Sanjeev Arora vs Congress' Bharat Bhushan Ashu. Who is winning
Ludhiana Election Result: Aam Aadmi Party's Sanjeev Arora is leading in the Ludhiana West by-election, surpassing Congress rival Bharat Bhushan Ashu by 2,286 votes after six rounds. The by-poll, triggered by the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, is a crucial test of voter sentiment midway through AAP's term in Punjab. The results will indicate whether anti-incumbency is surfacing in the state.
Counting Underway for Bypolls in Gujarat, Punjab, Kerala, and Bengal
Five Assembly seats up for grabs across four states; key contests in Visavadar, Kaliganj, Nilambur, and Ludhiana West
Assembly Bypoll Result 2025 Live Updates: Counting Underway In 4 States On 5 Seats
The Assembly bypolls were held for two seats in Gujarat's Visavadar and Kadi, and one each in Kerala's Nilambur, Punjab's Ludhiana West, and West Bengal's Kaliganj.
ECI By-Elections Results Live: In by-elections across multiple states, early results show mixed outcomes. In Kerala's Nilambur, the UDF candidate leads, while in Punjab's Ludhiana West, AAP is ahead. West Bengal's Kaliganj sees TMC in the lead. Gujarat's Visavadar and Kadi constituencies indicate a BJP advantage as vote counting continues.
ECI By-Elections Results 2025 Live Updates: Bypoll, Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, Visavadar, Kadi, Ludhiana West, Bengal, and Kerala.
Assembly bypoll results LIVE updates: Counting starts at 8 a.m. in five Assembly constituencies
Polling took place at the Assembly constituencies of Kadi (SC) and Visavadar in Gujarat, Nilambur in Kerala, Ludhiana West in Punjab and Kaliganj in West Bengal.
How Ludhiana West bypoll result is crucial for all parties
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5 Assembly bypolls in 4 states largely peaceful; Nilambur in Kerala records 73 pc turnout
LUDHIANA/AHMEDABAD: Bypolls were held in five Assembly segments across Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat and Kerala on Thursday, with the Nilambur seat in Kerala registering a voter turnout of 73.26 per cent, and Ludiana West in Punjab recording a polling percentage of 51.33 per cent. The polling that commenced at 7 am and concluded at 6 pm was largely peaceful, with the exception of a few isolated incidents, officials said. While the deaths of the incumbent MLAs necessitated the bypolls in one seat each in Gujarat, West Bengal and Punjab, the resignation of two legislators led to the polling in Kerala and another seat in Gujarat. The counting of votes for all the seats will be taken up on June 23. Nilambur in Kerala saw a steady turnout through the day, recording a turnout of 73.26 per cent, according to the latest figures released by the Election Commission, which said the numbers might be updated later. In the 2021 assembly polls, the turnout in Nilambur was 75.20 per cent. People came out in good numbers at the 263 polling booths across the constituency, which has over 2.32 lakh voters. Among the 10 contestants, the key contenders are ruling LDF's pick M Swaraj, Aryadan Shoukath of the Congress-led UDF, TMC state convenor and Independent nominee P V Anvar and Mohan George of the BJP-led NDA. Anvar, whose resignation as the MLA from Nilambur necessitated the bypoll, claimed that neither of the three fronts -- UDF, LDF and NDA -- discussed local issues like wild-animal attacks during their campaigns. Presently the state convener of the TMC, Anvar resigned as the MLA after severing ties with the CPI(M)-led LDF over certain allegations levelled by him against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his close aides. The final voter list includes 1,13,613 men, 1,18,760 women, and 8 transgender persons, with 7,787 first-time voters, 373 overseas voters, and 324 service voters. In Gujarat, the Visavadar seat in Junagadh district recorded a poll percentage of 56.89, and Kadi in Mehsana district saw a voter turnout of 57.90 per cent, officials said. The state government declared a public holiday on Thursday in both the constituencies. The BJP, Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) fielded their candidates in the two seats. The Visavadar seat was lying vacant since December 2023 after then AAP legislator Bhupendra Bhayani resigned and joined the BJP. The Kadi seat, reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, fell vacant on February 4 following the death of BJP MLA Karsan Solanki. Till 5 pm, 41 complaints were received from citizens through the C-Vigil app, out of which 34 were resolved within 100 minutes, officials said. In Visavadar, BJP candidate Kirit Patel and Congress nominee Nitin Ranpariya cast their votes in the early hours. The AAP has fielded its former Gujarat president, Gopal Italia, from Visavadar. He is not registered as a voter in the constituency. Despite its near-total dominance in the state, the BJP has not won the Visavadar seat since 2007. Party leaders are hopeful of overcoming the 18-year jinx this time. In the 2022 Assembly polls, Bhayani defeated BJP's Harshad Ribadiya, a Congress turncoat and former MLA, by 7,063 votes. The BJP has fielded Rajendra Chavda from Kadi, while the Congress has given ticket to former MLA Ramesh Chavda. Chavda won the seat in 2012, but lost it to the BJP's Karsanbhai Solanki in 2017. Like Visavadar, Kadi will also witness a three-way fight, with the AAP fielding Jagdish Chavda. In the 182-member Gujarat Assembly, the BJP has 161 legislators, the Congress 12 and the AAP four. While one seat is with the Samajwadi Party, two are with independents. The bypoll to the Ludhiana West Assembly seat in Punjab recorded a turnout of 51.33 per cent, a sharp drop from the 64 per cent polling registered in the 2022 Assembly elections, officials said. The polling, which remained peaceful, sealed the fate of 14 candidates in the fray for the urban constituency, which fell vacant after the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January. The bypoll's outcome will throw light on the popularity of the AAP regime's policies and programmes among the urban voters of the constituency. Stakes are also high for the Congress, the main opposition party that won the seat six times in the past. Prestige is at stake for the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) as well. AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora exercised his franchise along with his family members in the morning, and later paid obeisance at a gurdwara, a temple and the Dargah Pir in Phillaur. Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu, BJP nominee Jiwan Gupta and SAD's Parupkar Singh Ghuman also cast their votes. A total of 1,75,469 voters were eligible to exercise their franchise, including 85,371 women and 10 belonging to the third gender. The voting process was monitored real-time from the integrated command and control centre at the district administrative complex. A total of 235 CCTV cameras were installed at the polling stations, officials said. At Kaliganj in West Bengal's Nadia district, a voter turnout of 69.85 per cent was recorded till 5 pm. Polling has been peaceful. There was no report of any incident from anywhere in and around the constituency. Till 5 pm, the polling was 69.85 per cent, an election official told PTI. Sources said the polling percentage may go up as there were queues outside the polling booths. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed in February. The ruling party has fielded his daughter, Alifa Ahamed, for the bypoll. The BJP has nominated Ashis Ghosh for the contest, while Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh is in the fray with the support of the CPI(M). Fourteen companies of central forces were deployed across the constituency to ensure free-and-fair polling. Minor tension was reported from a few booths. At Chandghar Adarsha Vidyapith's booth No. 56, the Congress alleged that its polling agent was forcibly removed by Trinamool workers, an allegation denied by the ruling party. BJP nominee Ghosh alleged that officials deliberately applied indelible ink on his middle finger instead of the index finger under the insistence of Trinamool agents. First, they missed putting the ink on my finger when I went to vote. Then, after I noticed it and returned, they deliberately marked my middle finger. This is a pre-planned political conspiracy by the TMC, Ghosh alleged. Poll officials confirmed that no rules were violated but said they have sought a report from the district magistrate regarding the incident. The Election Commission said webcasting was done at all but one polling station of the five seats. A total of 1,354 polling stations were set up for the bypolls and webcasting was held at 1,353 of them, the poll authority said. This was also the first time that the EC provided a mobile-phone deposit facility to the voters. The deposit centres were set up outside the polling stations. So far, no such facility was available and some voters hid phones in their clothes and carried those inside the polling stations, which is against rules.
Peaceful bypolls in five assembly seats
Brisk polling occurred across four states for five assembly by-elections. Webcasting was implemented at most polling stations. West Bengal's Kaliganj saw high voter turnout and peaceful conditions. Gujarat's Visavadar and Kadi witnessed a triangular contest. Kerala's Nilambur and Punjab's Ludhiana West also held bypolls. The elections generally proceeded smoothly, marking a significant democratic exercise.
Firsts for ECI: Real-Time VTR, 100% Webcasting in Bypolls
By-polls were held at the ACs of Kadi and Visavadar in Gujarat, Nilambur in Kerala, Ludhiana West in Punjab and Kaliganj in West Bengal on Thursday
Bye-elections: Voting concludes in five Assembly Constituencies
Polling took place at the Assembly Constituencies of Kadi (SC) and Visavadar in Gujarat, Nilambur in Kerala, Ludhiana West in Punjab and Kaliganj in West Bengal
5 Assembly bypolls: High voter turnout in Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Kerala - check details
Bypolls across five Assembly segments in Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Kerala saw varied voter turnouts, with West Bengal's Kaliganj leading at nearly 70%. Largely peaceful, the polls were necessitated by MLA deaths and resignations. Key contests included those in Nilambur (Kerala), Visavadar and Kadi (Gujarat), and Ludhiana West (Punjab). The Election Commission implemented webcasting and mobile-phone deposit facilities.
Voting underway in assembly bypolls in four states, moderate turnout recorded till noon
Bypolls took place across Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Kerala. Voting started at 7 am. Moderate turnout was seen in the initial hours. Tension arose in West Bengal over alleged polling agent removal. Candidates expressed confidence in Kerala. Gujarat's Visavadar and Kadi also saw voting. Punjab's Ludhiana West witnessed polling with appeals from key figures.
Ravjot Singh Denies AI-Edited Obscene Photos, Slams SAD for Caste-Based Conspiracy
Just ahead of Ludhiana bypoll, Majithia shares photos allegedly showing AAP minister in compromising position; minister vows legal action
Ludhiana (West) bypoll a litmus test for AAP and CM Mann, prestige at stake for Congress, BJP
CHANDIGARH: The Ludhiana (West) by-election on Thursday will be a litmus test for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party's national leadership and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as they have aggressively campaigned to retain the seat, while the Congress looks to regain its foothold over the urban constituency which it held six times in the past. While the main contest is likely to be between the AAP and Congress, the bypoll outcome will also shed light on how the BJP performs among urban voters in the state. It is also going to be a test for Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal as his party looks to resurrect itself after a series of crushing electoral losses. In the parliamentary elections last year, Ravneet Singh Bittu of the BJP had led from the Ludhiana West assembly segment, which is part of the Ludhiana Lok Sabha seat. However, he lost to Congress canddiate Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. The BJP's senior leadership including Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, Ravneet Singh Bittu, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and Tarun Chugh, canvassed for Jivan Gupta, besides state unit leaders. Gupta is a member of the core committee of the Punjab BJP. He was earlier the party's state general secretary. The stakes are also high for the Congress. Punjab Congress leaders, including party's general secretary in-charge Punjab and former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Charanjit Singh Channi, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Amritsar Member of Parliament Gurjit Singh Aujla, leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, MLAs Rana Gurjit Singh, and Pargat Singh campaigned for Bharat Bhusan Ashu. Punjab Congress working president Ashu served as MLA twice from this seat in 2012 and 2017. The 51-year-old was defeated by Gurpreet Bassi alias Gogi by a margin of 7,512 votes in the 2022 Punjab assembly polls. Ashu was food and civil supplies minister in the previous Congress government. The AAP leadership urged the Ludhiana (West) electorate to vote for party candidate Sanjeev Arora who is presently a Rajya Sabha MP, with party supremo Arvind Kejriwal announcing that the AAP candidate will be made the state cabinet minister if he is elected. The 61-year-old Arora is a Ludhiana-based industrialist and is also known for his social work. He runs the Krishna Pran Breast Cancer Charitable Trust. Arora has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2022. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the election as a battle between humility and arrogance, stating that Arora represents simplicity while the Congress nominee is known for arrogance. Kejriwal lauded Arora for his philanthropic efforts and assured the public that with Arora's election, Ludhiana West would witness unparalleled development. The outcome of this byelection will throw light on the popularity of the AAP regime's policies and programmes among urban voters in the constituency. In November last year, the AAP had won three out of four assembly bypolls. The SAD has named Parupkar Singh Ghuman as its candidate for the bypoll. Ghuman is a lawyer and former president of the Ludhiana bar. There are a total of 14 candidates in the fray. Polling will be held from 7 am till 6 pm on June 19 and the counting will be held on June 23. A total of 1,75,469 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise, 85,371 of them women and 10 of third gender. There will be a total of 194 polling stations for the bypoll and 100 percent live webcasting of polling stations. The Ludhiana West assembly seat fell vacant following the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January.
Ludhiana bypoll: FIR lodged against online news channels for publishing opinion polls
CHANDIGARH, June 18: A case has been registered against some online news channels for allegedly publishing opinion polls in connection with the Ludhiana West bypoll scheduled to be held on Thursday. The publication of the poll was allegedly carried out in violation of the guidelines issued by the Election Commission, which prohibits the publication or broadcasting of opinion polls in electronic media during the restricted period (48 hours prior to close of the poll). The complaint was formally lodged [] The post Ludhiana bypoll: FIR lodged against online news channels for publishing opinion polls appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CHANDIGARH: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, voters in the Ludhiana (West) Assembly bye-elections , scheduled for June 19, will be able to securely deposit their mobile phones in designated holders before entering the polling station, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab, Sibin C, announced. The new facility, being piloted across all 194 polling stations in the constituency, is aimed at improving voter convenience while ensuring the secrecy of voting, as mandated under Rule 49M of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961. Implementing the mobile phone deposit facility during the Ludhiana (West) bye-elections is part of our broader effort to improve the convenience of voters, while maintaining the secrecy of voting, said Sibin C, CEO, Punjab. As per Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines issued on May 23, voters arriving at polling stations with mobile phones will now be able to deposit them at designated counters just outside the polling station entrance. These counters will be managed by trained volunteers using jute or cloth bag holders to store phones safely. Proper arrangements are also being made to ensure that the deposited mobile phones are returned safely after voting, added the CEO. The facility is expected to particularly benefit women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, who often face challenges without access to their phones. However, as per election regulations, mobile phones will not be allowed inside polling stations, and must remain switched off within 100 metres of the station to maintain the decorum and secrecy of the electoral process. The ECIs initiative will be observed closely as a potential model for future elections across India.
CHANDIGARH: Amritpal Singh Mehron, the main accused in the murder of Punjab-based social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, also known as Kamal Kaur Bhabi, is now being glorified as a hero in parts of Punjab. Flex-boards depicting Mehron with phrases such as Kaum Da Heera (Jewel of the Community) and Izattan De Rakhe (Protector of Honour) have appeared in Ludhiana, sparking outrage and concern. What has caused further alarm is that Malkiat Singh, the Head Granthi of the Golden Temple, has come out in open support of Mehron. Speaking on the matter, Malkiat Singh alleged that the victim had adopted a Sikh name with the intention of tarnishing the image of the Sikh community. He claimed that Kamal Kaurs name misled people into believing she belonged to a Sikh family. Sikh history is filled with examples where those engaging in indecent activities were punished, he said. According to Sikh teachings, we are discouraged from listening to vulgar songs. People spreading obscenity and defaming the community deserve such treatment. Nothing wrong has happened its not the first time such a thing has occurred. Amritpal Singh Mehron wanted for murder, threats to women influencers; Punjab Police issues lookout notice The flex-boards, however, violate standard legal requirements as they lack printer details or mention of any sponsoring individual or organisation. Despite their visibility, the Ludhiana district administration currently focused on the Ludhiana West Assembly by-election has yet to respond to the matter, according to sources. Mehron reportedly fled to the UAE just hours after the alleged murder, which has gripped the state in controversy. Malkiat Singhs position as Head Granthi of the Golden Temple makes him one of the highest religious functionaries in Sikhism, second only to the Jathedar. While the Jathedar addresses broader issues concerning the Sikh community, the Head Granthi is responsible for maintaining religious discipline and overseeing daily ceremonies. Amritpal Singh linked to murder of Sikh activist as Punjab police arrest three suspects In a significant development, the Punjab Police have issued a lookout circular for Ranjit Singh of Sohal village in Tarn Taran district, another suspect in the case. A lookout notice had earlier been issued for Amritpal Singh Mehron, described as the mastermind of the crime. Two of his alleged accomplices, Jaspreet Singh and Nimaratjeet Singh, are already in police custody. Senior Superintendent of Police, Bathinda, Amneet Kondal clarified that, according to the post-mortem report, the influencer was not raped. The post-mortem does not mention sexual assault. The body was in a highly decomposed state, making it difficult to determine any such evidence. The cause of death has been confirmed as strangulation, and the viscera report is awaited, she said. Meanwhile, Bollywood singer Mika Singh released a video message condemning the murder. Urging Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take swift and strict action, Mika Singh said such acts of violence are deeply disturbing and go against Sikh values. True Sikhs protect women they do not harm them, he said.
Bikramjit Singh from Ludhiana built a Rs 100 crore organic farming business, empowering 600 farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture through his brand 'Healthy Earth'.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta calls Punjab CM a mask, says AAPs Delhi rejects are running show
CHANDIGARH: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta today labelled Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as a mask (mukhota) and asserted that his administration is effectively controlled by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders who have been dismissed by the electorate in Delhi. She was campaigning for BJP candidate Jiwan Gupta in the Ludhiana (West) assembly by-elections, for which polling will take place on June 19. During her address, Gupta took a dig at AAP national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for failing to fulfil his promises to both Delhi and Punjab, as she questioned, What about your promises? (Kya hua tera vaada?). She also challenged AAPs commitments to enhance health infrastructure and education, pointing out the ongoing drug problem and the consequences of spurious liquor consumption in Punjab. Gupta alleged that while Mann may be the face of the government, it is the rejected leaders from Delhi who are truly in control. She accused Kejriwal of exhibiting false Punjabiyat and highlighted the lack of representation for the Sikh community in his Delhi cabinet during his tenure. She pointed out that the AAP has fielded Rajya Sabha member Sanjeev Arora for the Ludhiana West bypoll, suggesting that Kejriwal is attempting to secure a pathway to the Rajya Sabha through this election. She asserted that the AAPs leadership in Punjab is ineffective and disconnected from ground realities and the local population. Gupta further criticised the AAP for failing to deliver on its promises made during the 2022 state assembly elections, such as providing financial assistance to women and ensuring minimum support prices for farmers. She accused the party of perpetuating a VIP culture and misusing Punjabs resources for personal gain. Referencing the rampant drug issue in the state, Gupta claimed that the crisis has escalated under the leadership of AAP. Punjab has been converted into a Chitta Express, she said. Gupta claimed that the current BJP government has made strides in delivering justice to the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, including providing job appointment letters to their families. She expressed confidence that voters in Ludhiana West would make a wise choice and support the BJP candidate. Gupta asserted that AAPs governance has led Punjab into significant debt, and she urged voters to reject the party in the upcoming by-election. She claimed that Ludhiana West will serve as a precursor to the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, predicting a victory for the BJP candidate.
Prestige battle unfolds in Ludhiana West
The Ludhiana West Assembly seat by-election is crucial. Aam Aadmi Party, BJP, and Congress are competing. AAP's Sanjeev Arora is contesting. Arvind Kejriwal promised him a ministerial position. BJP's Jiwan Gupta relies on Ravneet Bittu's support. Congress nominated Bharat Bhushan Ashu. All parties are campaigning intensely. The election outcome is awaited.
Punjab government issues public advisory amid spike in COVID-19 cases
Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases, the Punjab Government has issued a public advisory mandating elderly, pregnant woman, immunocompromised and people with health issues to wear mask in crowded or closed places. The advisory also insisted health care staff to wear masks and follow COVID protocols. The advisory issued on Friday says, Due to slight rise in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country, a precautionary advisory is being issued. Thought the situation in the state of Punjab is under control and the health system is fully prepared, still, citizens are advised to follow basic safety measures to help prevent the spread of disease. Issuing the Dos, the advisory noted: Individuals should cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezingusing a handkerchief, tissue, or the inside of the elbow. In case of symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty in breathing, it is advised to wear a mask and consult a doctor immediately. Listing the donts the advisory advised to avoid crowded or poorly ventilated places, especially if you have health problems and do not touch your face without washing hands, do not spit in public and avoid self-medication for respiratory symptoms. The advisory follows a noticeable surge in infections across the state, particularly in Ludhiana, which has emerged as the current hotspot. Two persons, one a 69-year-old woman, who was undergoing treatment at PGIMER in Chandigarh and another, a 39-year-old man, who was admitted to Government Medical College Hospital, Sector 32 of Chandigarh succumbed to the infection. Both were natives of Ludhiana. According to the Punjab Health Department, the active COVID-19 cases in the state has risen from just 12 a week ago to over 35, touching 60 this year. The has been a steep rise seen in Ludhiana, which has reported 23 new cases, attributed in part to ongoing political gatherings due to the Ludhiana (West) assembly by-poll as political leaders of various parties and the party workers are busy with campaign works Sources said that both the pre-existing medical conditions and the recent travel history, have made the situation more vulnerable to complications. Under the statewide Har Shukkarvaar, Dengue Te Vaar campaign, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh visited Balongi, a semi-urban village near Mohali, on Friday and said that while neighbouring states like Delhi and Haryana have witnessed a rise in cases, Punjab has so far reported only 31 mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 infections. Commenting on the two COVID-related deaths, Dr. Singh clarified that both patients had underlying co-morbidities, and the fatalities could not be definitively attributed to the virus. We urge people to avoid closed-door gatherings and opt for well-ventilated spaces, he said, assuring that the states healthcare infrastructure is fully equipped with oxygen supplies, essential medicines, and emergency beds.
Punjab issues COVID advisory amid rise in cases, Ludhiana emerges as hotspot
CHANDIGARH: Amid a slight rise in COVID-19 cases, the Punjab Government has issued a public advisory urging high-risk individuals such as the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised persons, and those with underlying health conditions to wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces. Health care workers have also been advised to adhere strictly to COVID-appropriate behaviour. The advisory, issued on Friday, reads: Due to a slight rise in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country, a precautionary advisory is being issued. Though the situation in Punjab is under control and the health system is fully prepared, citizens are advised to follow basic safety measures to help prevent the spread of infection. Among the recommended practices, the advisory states that vulnerable individuals and health care staff should wear masks in crowded or closed spaces. It further advises: Cover your mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing using a handkerchief, tissue or elbow crease. If you feel sick (fever, cough, breathing difficulty), wear a mask and consult a doctor. Donts include: Avoid crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, especially if you have health issues. Do not touch your face without washing hands. Avoid spitting in public. Refrain from self-medicating for respiratory symptoms. The advisory follows a noticeable surge in infections across the state, particularly in Ludhiana, which has emerged as the current hotspot. Two COVID-related deaths have been reported: a 69-year-old woman receiving treatment at PGIMER in Chandigarh and a 39-year-old man admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32. Both were residents of Ludhiana and had pre-existing health conditions and recent travel histories, making them more vulnerable. According to the Punjab Health Department, active COVID cases in the state have increased from 12 last week to over 35, with total cases in 2025 reaching 60. Ludhiana alone has reported 23 new cases, a spike partially linked to ongoing political activity and gatherings for the Ludhiana (West) Assembly bypoll. As part of the states ongoing Har Shukkarvaar, Dengue Te Vaar public health campaign, Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh visited Balongi village near Mohali and addressed concerns about rising infections. He said, While neighbouring states like Delhi and Haryana have seen a rise in cases, Punjab has recorded only 31 mild, asymptomatic infections so far. The two reported deaths involved individuals with co-morbidities and may not be directly linked to COVID-19. Dr Singh urged residents to avoid closed-door gatherings and prioritise well-ventilated spaces. He assured the public that the states healthcare infrastructure is fully prepared, with adequate oxygen supplies, essential medicines, and emergency beds available.
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Vijay Rupani re-scheduled his London visit from June 5 to 12 due to Ludhiana (West) by-elections
CHANDIGARH: Former Chief Minister of Gujarat and Punjab Affairs-in-charge of BJP Vijay Rupani, who was among the 241 passengers killed in the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, has been involved in Punjab politics for the last three years. In fact, he re-scheduled his visit to London from June 5 to June 12 due to the Ludhiana (West) by-elections. The constituency goes to polling on June 19, and the result will be announced on June 23. Rupani was specifically brought by the saffron party to take charge of the state in September 2022 after the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) ended its alliance with the BJP. During this time, BJP's electoral performance improved. The party's vote share rose to 18.56 per cent from 6.6 percent in last years parliamentary elections. Under his leadership, the party had been taking on the AAP-led Punjab Government over many issues, including the law and order and the drug menace. State BJP leadership described him as an ``acceptable, humble and down-to-earth human being who deeply connected with the people across all levels of the state administration. He had planned to travel to London on June 5 to meet his daughter but his travel plans were delayed due to the Ludhiana (west) by-election. His wife, Anjali Rupani, had already left for London on June 5. The state party leaders recalled that Rupani was campaigning for the upcoming Ludhiana West assembly bypoll for weeks and had been diligently carrying out his responsibilities, including attending the filing of nomination papers by the party candidate Jiwan Gupta on June 2 from Ludhiana (West). On June 9, he had exuded confidence that Gupta would win the bypoll with a huge margin. Known as a protg of Amit Shah, Rupani was a first-time MLA from Rajkot (West) when he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Expressing profound sorrow over the passing of Rupani, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar said, He was a humble and compassionate human being and a grassroots leader. I had the fortune of being associated with him while he was in-charge of the Punjab BJP. He was a real gentleman politician. Not only Gujarat has lost a great leader in him, but it is a personal loss for me, as I found his gentle and soft demeanour so endearing. His sagacity and simplicity in public life will be missed. Punjab BJP spokesman Pritpal Singh Baliawal who was the last party leader to see him off at Ludhiana said that he was a leader of the masses and he used to connect with people one to one to get feedback from the ground. A sombre mood has enveloped the party unit as politicians from across the spectrum expressed their condolences. Among those who offered their sympathies included AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Leader of the Opposition and senior congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa.
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police have cracked the blind murder case of 30-year-old social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, popularly known as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, with the arrest of two nihangs who allegedly killed her as part of a moral policing act. Kanchan was found dead under mysterious circumstances inside her car parked outside Adesh University at Bhucho Kalan, along the Bathinda-Chandigarh highway, on Wednesday. The arrested accused have been identified as Jaspreet Singh (32) of Mehron village in Moga district and Nimratjeet Singh (21) of Harike in Tarn Taran district. Both are unemployed and frequently wore nihang attire. They were arrested around 1 am on Thursday. However, the key accused, Amritpal Singh Mehron, remains absconding. Canada-based designated gangster-terrorist Arsh Dalla had also allegedly threatened Kanchan earlier, warning her of dire consequences if she continued posting objectionable videos. Confirming that the murder was premeditated and executed with full coordination, Senior Superintendent of Police of Bathinda, Amneet Kondal, said, The alleged accused Jaspreet Singh and Nimratjeet Singh have been arrested for the murder, while a search is on for the third accused, Amritpal Singh Mehron, a self-styled Sikh radical leader, who is on the run. They had earlier warned the deceased Kanchan not to post her online content, which they thought was vulgar and objectionable. The main accused Amritpal Singh had earlier warned her to stop posting vulgar videos and had planned to teach her a lesson. He, along with others, then hatched a conspiracy and they strangled her to death at an isolated location on Tuesday, Kondal added. She further revealed that on June 7, Amritpal had approached Kanchan at her Ludhiana residence and sought promotional work in Bathinda. He again met her the next day and convinced her to visit Bathinda. Then, on June 9, he contacted her again, and Kanchan agreed. That night, her mother could not contact her. Later, on Wednesday night, her decomposed body was found inside her car parked outside Adesh University near Bathinda, said Kondal. The alleged accused also took her to a workshop on the pretext of getting her car repaired. During an argument, Jaspreet, who was wearing a waistband under his shirt, strangled her. Later, her body was shifted and dumped in her car to mislead the police, Kondal said. She added that the police collected CCTV footage to trace the accused during the investigation. Kanchan, who belonged to a family of migrant workers but spoke fluent Punjabi, had 2.36 lakh followers on YouTube, 3.84 lakh on Instagram, and 1.74 lakh on Facebook. She frequently posted reels and stories and was cremated in Bathinda on Thursday as her family was unable to take her mutilated body back to Ludhiana. Her mother, Girija Devi, told the police that her daughter often travelled for promotional work. The arrests came after Amritpal Singh Mehron claimed responsibility for the murder on social media, just hours after Kanchans decomposed body was discovered. A video surfaced online in which Mehron is seen justifying the crime, saying Kanchan was killed by two of his accomplices. He claimed she belonged to a non-Sikh family but used a Sikh name to create immoral content. He went on to say that his accomplices would continue to target people engaged in objectionable content creation.
Punjab Influencer Found Dead In Car; CCTV Footage Shows Man Parking Vehicle | Video
Kamal is a resident of Ludhiana's Laxman Nagar. Investigations revealed that the vehicle where her body was discovered is registered in her own name.
Who Was Kamal Kaur 'Bhabhi', Instagram Influencer Found Dead In Car In Bathinda?
Kaur, a resident of Ludhiana, had more than 3.8 lakh followers on social media and had allegedly received threats from Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla
Who was Kamal Kaur? Ludhiana-based social media influencer found dead in her car in Bathinda
A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Thursday to ascertain the cause of death.
BJP confident of big win in Ludhiana West Bypoll: Bali Bhagat
Excelsior Correspondent LUDHIANA, June 11: Senior BJP leader and former J&K Minister Bali Bhagat today expressed confidence that the Ludhiana West Assembly segment will vote overwhelmingly for change, accountability, and development in the June 19 bypoll. He was speaking after a high-level strategy meeting held in the constituency. Bhagat, who is among BJPs national star campaigners for the by-election, said the partys candidate Jeewan Gupta enjoys strong public support due to his clean image and deep grassroots connect. He claimed [] The post BJP confident of big win in Ludhiana West Bypoll: Bali Bhagat appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delhi is grappling with an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 43.8C, prompting an orange alert from the IMD. Rajasthan faces even more extreme conditions, with Ganganagar exceeding 47C and a red alert issued. The heatwave extends across North India, impacting Ludhiana and even elevating temperatures in Himachal Pradesh, signaling a widespread regional crisis.
Newlywed Husband Kills Wife After 'Discovering Her Previous Marriage' In Ludhiana, On The Run
The police said that the victim wife was already married before her wedding with the accused, but had kept it a secret from him. Her body was found in her flat in Ludhiana.
Dead Lizard In Ice-Cream Angers Locals In Ludhiana, Health Officials To Examine Samples
A lizard was found in a Choco Bar kulfi bought by a seven-year-old in Ludhiana. The vendor, Milk Bell, denied responsibility. Health officials will test the samples.
Chandigarh Diary | CM Sainis surprise visit delights Karnal villagers
The residents of Karnals Fafdana were in for a surprise as Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini who was on his way back from the state-level Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebrations held at Assandhs Salwan made a pit stop at their village. Getting off his vehicle, CM Saini headed straight toward a group of villagers huddled under a tree. Wide-eyed with astonishment, the locals patiently answered every question the CM asked about the development issues being faced in the area. Later in the journey, Sainis convoy also had a stopover in Jalmana village, where he again seized the opportunity to mingle with local residents and traders. AAP pulls out all stops ahead of June 19 bypoll With the high-stakes Ludhiana (West) byelection slated for June 19 fast approaching, AAP is pulling out all stops to woo urban voters. The state Cabinet gave its nod to the land pooling policy for 27 towns and cities during a meet chaired by the CM last Monday. The following day, it okayed a proposal to waive off the loans taken by 4,727 families belonging to the SC community that amount to a staggering `68 crore. Then on Wednesday it cleared an amendment to the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act of 1958 to reduce compliance burdens on 95% of small businesses. Cracks appear in Punjab Congress leadership Even during an election season, the grand old party fails to put up a united front. Every now and then, internal rifts make headlines, much to the embarrassment of the top Congress leadership. And the party just cant catch a break! The posters released for its Ludhiana (West) candidate, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, have renewed speculation of a power play. Why? Because they notably dont feature photos of state unit president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Lok Sabha MP from Gurdaspur Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. While the party may insist that all is well, the divide couldnt be more apparent. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com
CHANDIGARH: A day after the state vigilance bureau issued a summons to the Congress candidate for the Ludhiana (West) assembly seat Bharat Bhushan Ashu in connection with an alleged Rs 2,400 crore scam, the Punjab government suspended Jagatpreet Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police (Vigilance) at Ludhiana, claiming that he issued the summons in connivance with Ashu to benefit him in the ensuing bypoll. The summons issued by Jagatpreet Singh directed Ashu to appear for questioning on Friday. The summons related to a First Information Report (FIR) registered on January 8 in which Ashu and others were accused of cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and conspiracy. The investigation was transferred to the Vigilance Bureau owing to the suspected involvement of government officials. The alleged scam pertains to 4.7 acres of land given to New Senior Secondary School in Sarabha Nagar at a subsidised rate strictly for educational purposes by the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) decades ago. However, during investigations it came to light that parts of this land are being illegally used for commercial activities. Additional Chief Secretary, (Home) Alok Shekhar, issued the order which states that Jagatpreet Singh has been placed under suspension with immediate effect under Rule 4(1) (a) of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970, for his grave misconduct and dereliction of duty. Meanwhile, the state Congress leadership has trashed the allegations of a nexus between Ashu and the suspended police officer. Calling it a a calculated attempt to intimidate Ashu ahead of the Ludhiana West bypoll, senior Congress leader and leader of the opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said, Its clear that the AAP government first tried to use state machinery to scare Ashu into silence. Summons were issued to him by the Vigilance Bureau just weeks before pollingnot as part of any genuine investigation, but as a crude, desperate tactic to gain political advantage. Bajwa questioned the intent behind the timing, calling it a desperate, dictatorial move and a gross misuse of power. This is not governance; this is vendetta politics at its worst, he said. When their intimidation attempt backfired and public backlash intensified, the AAP shifted gears in a bizarre U-turn. In an unbelievable twist, Vigilance Bureau SSP Jagatpreet Singhwho had issued the summons to Ashuwas suddenly suspended, he said. Calling it a laughable face-saving stunt, he asked, What kind of circus is this? Is Bharat Bhushan Ashu running the police department now? Bajwa alleged that SSP Jagatpreet Singh was seen attending a public meeting of AAPs Rajya Sabha MP and Ludhiana West candidate Sanjeev Arora, raising serious questions about the officers political neutrality and the real motive behind the summons. Meanwhile, Ashu claimed that it was a cheap tactic of the ruling AAP government and yet another U-turn which it has taken after facing widespread criticism. On allegations that he was in touch with the officer, Ashu asked whether he is so powerful in the AAP government that he can get a summons issued to himself. Ashu alleged that a message has been sent to the local police to dig out pending cases and complaints against him so that he can be implicated and harassed again. Punjab minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh said the vigilance notice issued against Ashu was part of a deceitful ploy devised by the Congress candidate himself. Upon investigation, it was uncovered that the vigilance SSP who issued the notice was a former classmate and close friend of Ashu, he said. He alleged that Ashu manipulated his connections to fabricate the notice, aiming to portray himself as a victim and divert public attention from the scam in which he and his associates, including his brother, have been accused of misappropriating prime land meant for a school. Sondh claimed that both the BJP and Congress have an alliance against AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora in Ludhiana West. The BJP has conceded defeat and is urging voters not to support the AAP, he alleged.
SCTIMST launches multi-centric study on air pollution and heart health
Other than SCTIMST, the study is being carried out at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana
Rajinder Gupta, a school dropout from Punjab, built Trident Group into a billion-dollar empire and became Ludhiana's richest man.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Manns Operation Sindoor remark sparks BJP outrage
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann criticized BJP's 'Operation Sindoor' campaign for the Ludhiana West byelection, questioning if it implied a 'one nation, one husband' concept. The BJP strongly condemned Mann's remarks, accusing him of mocking the operation's significance, which aimed to protect Hindu women from terrorists who used 'sindoor' as a marker for identification during a period of violence.
