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January- March, 2009

 

Tewari appeals SAD-BJP supporters to vote for real Congressman

LUDHIANA, March 27: The Congress candidate from Ludhiana parliamentary constituency Manish Tewari today appealed to the supporters of the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bhartiya Janata Party to vote for the real Congressman and not the fake one.

Addressing a largely attended public meeting at Narangwal near here today, Tewari told the SAD-BJP supporters that in any case they had to vote for a Congressman, either him or Gurcharan Singh Galib, who deserted Congress and joined Akali Dal, just for the contests parliamentary election.

In an impassioned appeal Tewari said, “when the SAD-BJP alliance has already fielded a Congressman as if they faced dearth of leaders, why not vote for the real Congressman and not the one who changes loyalties for personal ends”.

The senior Congress leader told the Akali-BJP supporters, “if Galib cannot be loyal to the Congress, the party which gave him so much made him an MP from an ordinary worker than how we can be loyal to anyone”.
A man should stand firm on his principles come what may. The principals must not be compromised for personal interests and Mr Galib exactly did that by defecting to the Alkalis and deserting his own party with which he spent 50 years for a parliamentary nomination. “And what he did in the parliament all those years he was there is for everybody to see”, Tewari said, while pointing towards the dismal record of the performance of his rival in the parliament. He alongwith S.Jasbir singh MLA Qila Raipur,Manmohan Singh Naragwal,Parminder Singh Latala, (eom)


• Meeting of Ward Presidents, Block Presidents & Senior Party Leaders at Manish Tewari’s Residence.
• Every Congressman will have to fight the election battle – Tewari.
• Senior leaders appeal to masses to make again Dr. Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister of India.

March 26, 2009:

In a meeting of Ward Presidents, Block Presidents & Senior party Leaders held at the residence of Manish Tewari, National Spokesperson of Congress party and party candidate for Ludhiana Parliamentary constituency, Tewari, appealed to congress workers to pull up their socks and gear up for the election battle, which he said, is must to ensure the victory of our party and common masses against the divisive forces. Tewari said that it is not that I am alone contesting election but every party worker and my victory will also be attributed to party workers first. He said that this is the ripe time to work for ensuring the victory of UPA and Congress party in these general elections and give a befitting reply to forces which are hell-bent on creating rift in various sections of society. He further said that victory of UPA will result in Dr. Manmohan Singh again becoming Prime Minister of India as the same has been declared by Smt Sonia Gandhi & UPA.

Tewari further said that it will be a matter of pride for all of us if a Punjabi becomes prime minister for the second consecutive term. He said that during its previous term, UPA took special care of Punjab. He also declared that the problems of party workers will be dealt at priority after the process of elections is over.
Former Ministers Harnam Dass Johar, Rakesh Pandey, Malkit Singh Birmi, Malkiat Singh Dakha, Former Parliamentary Secretary Surinder Dawar, Member Legislative Assembly Harmohinder Singh, Former Mayor Nahar Singh Gill, Senior leader Krishan Kumar Bawa, DCC President Jagmohan Sharma, block presidents, ward presidents and office bearers of DCC urban and Rural were also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile last evening, during his election campaign when Manish Tewari reached village Ghawaddi, a delegation of Ex-Servicemens led by Capt. Bachint Singh met Tewari regarding one pension one rank issue. Tewari assured them that after the elections are over their demands would be met at priority. Delegation comprised of Capt Nacchattar Singh, Bachitter Singh, Subedar Jagdev Singh, Darshan Singh, Harneik Singh, Darshan Singh Dhillon, Harvinder Singh Dhillon and Baljinder Singh, Amarjit Singh, Harkirat Singh, Jagdev Singh.


SAD must explain to the people of Punjab, its stand over Varun Gandhi’s Anti Sikh statement.

LUDHIANA, 24 MARCH

Manish Tewari- national spokesperson congress party & candidate of Ludhiana Lok Sabha seat today said SAD must explain to the people of Punjab, its stand over Varun Gandhi’s Anti Sikh statement. He pointed out SAD had maintained criminal. Silence on the issue as it did not want to antagonize the BJP, as it feared to lose power in Punjab. Addressing a series of public meetings in Jagraon Assembly segment today.

He said a deaf air to what Varun Gandhi said about Sikhs. Otherwise, he pointed out every self respecting Punjabi was feeling angry and upset. This is so shocking, he said while heading, the SAD will have to clarify its stand otherwise it would be presumed that the SAD had no problem with Anti Sikh elements like Varun Gandhi. He said the Akali in general and Badal’s in particular where always bothered about power them the welfare Sikhs.

Tewari said that people of state working keen to return Dr. Manmohan Singh has the Prime Minister of the country. Dr. Singh had made every Punjabi and every Sikhs to feel proud. He pointed out Dr. Singh had provided best leadership and government to the country. He was not honoring respected in India what all over the world. Tewari said this was going to be a battle between Dr. Manmohan Singh and L.K Adwani.


United they stand; Cong presents united face over Tewari nomination


LUDHIANA, March 22: The urban and rural units of the District Congress Committee Ludhiana today presented a united front over the nomination of the national spokesman of the AICC, Manish Tewari as the party’s parliamentary candidate from Ludhiana. At the same time, they pointed out, this is going to be the vote for Dr Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minster of India.

In a joint statement issued by the party leaders here today, the DCC(urban) president Jagmohan Sharma, rural president, Bhalinder Singh, senior leaders and former ministers Harnam Dass Johar, Rakesh Pandey, Milkiat Singh Birmi, Milkiat Singh Dakha, Surinder Dawer, Jassi Khangura, Harmohinder Singh Pradhan, Gurdeep Singh Bhaini, former Mayor Nahar Singh Gill and others thanked the Congress president Sonia Gandhi and the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for nominating a young, brilliant, dynamic and outstanding candidate from Ludhiana parliamentary constituency.

The Congress leaders said, the party high command deserves all the praise for making the right choice. They assured and promised that they would ensure that Tewari won by the huge margin. They maintained that the Congress rank and file was perfectly united and was firmly behind Tewari in his candidature from here.

They pointed out, Tewari despite losing by a narrow margin last time, ensured a regular touch and liosan with Ludhiana. He participated in every function of the party and shared the joys and griefs of the party workers. They said, the Congress leaders and workers had already jumped into the campaigning and the party had already made a considerably ground to ensure a sweeping victory for Tewari.

The party leader observed, this was not just electing Tewari to the parliament, but actually was a vote for the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the true son of the soil. They said, such occasions come on rarely when “some from amongst us” is the Prime Minister. They said, it is the moral duty of every Punjabi to ensure a second term of Dr Manmohan Singh. “It is the matter of prestige and honour for every Punjabi”, they claimed, while adding, there was already a sweeping wave in favour of Congress in general and Dr Manmohan Singh in particular. (eom)


Tewari asks Akalis tell farmers what you did for them

LUDHIANA, March 20: Senior Congress leader and the national spokesman of the All India Congress Committee Manish Tewari today aske the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab to tell the farmers as what it really did for them whenever it was in power.

Accompanied by the Kila Raipur MLA, Jassi Khangura, Tewari toured different villages of Dakha assembly segment and addressed impressive public meetings. He also visited Sarabha village and paid homage to great martyr Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha there.

Addressing the public meetings, Tewari lashed at the ruling Akalis for failing the expectations of Akalis always. He said, the Akalis were claiming themselves to be the well wishers of the farmers. “But ask them what they really did for you”, he told a huge gathering of farmers at village Sarabha, while adding, “they could not even manage reasonable and respectable Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the farmers crops during the six years of NDA rule of which they were part and parcel”.

He pointed out, during the six year rule of the NDA there was a meager hike of Rs 30 in the MSP, while during the five year Congress led UPA regime the MSP was raised by by Rs 350. He said, this was just an example as how the Akalis have failed the state including the farmers. Tewari added, “but they are not bothered as long as they enjoy the pelf of power themselves”. Because during the NDA regime Mr Sukhbir Badal remained a minister and so did Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa who never opened their mouth for the cause of farmers, rather for anybody.

Compared to that, the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh ensured that all major development projects came to Punjab. He said, Dr Singh, needless to add that he is the real son of the soil, was always keen and concerned about the welfare of the Punjabis in whatever way possible. Thousands of crores of rupees were sanctioned to Punjab during the last five years. While most of it was diverted to either Bathinda or was lapsed and wasted for lack of proper policies and vision, he regretted.



Tewari asks Akalis to come clean about Varun Gandhi


LUDHIANA, March 18: The national spokesperson of the All India Congress Committee, Manish Tewari today asked the Shiromani Akali Dal to come clear and come clean about its stand on the recent statement of Varun Gandhi where in he had insulted the minorities including the Sikhs.

Talking to reporters during his road-show in Jagaraon, Tewari pointed out, “SAD, claiming itself to be the representative and well wisher of the Sikhs, is an ally of the BJP and Varun Gandhi has been speaking for the BJP”. He specifically referred to an incident where Varun Gandhi had asked an elderly Sikh to get out of his meeting.

“While the BJP’s dual stand of shedding crocodile tears on the issue is understandable because Varun Gandhi is doing everything at its (the party’s) behest, let the SAD, particularly its leadership including Sardar Parkash Singh Ji Badal and Sukhbir Singh Badal clarify on the issue”, he said, while pointing out, this is a sensitive issue given the fact that Varun Gandhi is contesting from Pilibhit as a BJP candidate where there is a substantial proportion of Punjabi and Sikh population.

Meanwhile, the Congress road-show today drew huge crowds in Jagaraon city where people marched along with Tewari and three sitting legislators Gudeep Singh Bhaini, Darshan Singh Brar and Harmohinder Singh Pradhan.

Addressing the workers during the road-show Tewari observed that there appeared to be a definite mood of change prevailing among the people as they have been disillusioned with the ruling SAD-BJP government in the state. He said, “the SAD-BJP alliance had misled the people of the state into deceit making tempting promises without aiming to fulfill them”.

However, Tewari congratulated the people of Jagaraon for taking a firm stand against the coalition even during the assembly elections when they returned the Congress candidate Bhaini from here. He appealed to them, “now is the time to reiterate your resolve and announce your verdict once again against this government in the parliamentary elections”. His words were received with thundering applause by the crowds.

The Congress spokesperson declared, this was going to be a decisive fight between the communal and opportunist forces led by the SAD-BJP on the one hand and the secular and progressive forces led by the Congress and its leader Dr Manmohan Singh. He pointed out, the real communal colours of the BJP had already started coming out with Varun Gandhi’s speech, who has already denounced the minorities including the Muslims and the Sikhs. (eom)


If Shiv Sena can support Pawar, why we should not support Manmohan as PM

LUDHIANA, March 15, Senior Congress leader and the national spokesperson of the All India Congress Committee, Manish Tewari today said, if the Shiv Sena, a strong ally of the Bhartiya Janata Party, could support Sharad Pawar for the post of the Prime Minister against Lal Kishen Advani, just because he (Pawar) was a Marhata, why can’t Punjabis support Dr Manmohan Singh.

Accompanied by MLA Jassi Khangura, Tewari while speaking at various villages in Dakha assembly segment, asked, “If Shiv Sena can support Sharad Pawar for the post of the Prime Minister just because he is a Marhata, why can’t Akalis do the same in Punjab.” But, he added, “they (the Akalis) led by Badals will never do that, because they are not bothered about the pride and prestige of Punjab, but their own power which they have restricted within their won family”.

He said, the whole world has acknowledged the genius of Dr Manmohan Singh. He disclosed that even the countries like the United States seek Dr Singh’s advice on various issues. “It is his unparalleled genius that has been recognized not only in India but by the whole world”, he pointed out, while adding, if India has not been hit by the economic crisis it is because of the brilliance and vision of Dr Manmohan Singh.

Tewari lashed out at the Shiromani Akali Dal for always opposing Dr Singh as the Prime Minister. “Not only that he is a great genius, but also because he is a true Punjabi and a true Sikh, we should feel proud of, but I am sorry to say, Akalis tried their best to ensure that he was removed from the post”, Tewari said, while referring to Akalis opposition to Dr Manmohan Singh during vote of confidence. He said, these are the same Akalis who swear by serving the interests of the panth and Punjab.

Tewari was accorded tumultuous reception in all the villages in the Dakha assembly segment including Chhapar, Mini Chhapar, Rajowal, Jukhana, Ghungrana, Majri, Kote Aga, Phulewal, Chamoda and Bhalowal Tewari. The villagers promised Tewari and Khangura that they would ensure the Congress won from their areas by maximum number of votes. (eom)


Tewari gets overwhelming response in Jagaraon area


LUDHIANA, March 14, 2009

The National Spokesman of the All India Congress Committee, Manish Tewari has been getting overwhelming response in different areas of the Jagaraon assembly constituency. During his whirlwind tour of the area today Tewari addressed a series of meetings in villages Malak, Chimna, Basurg, Malsian Bhike, Rasulpur, Jandi, Sadarpura, Ramgarh, Sawddi Khurd and Bodalwala.

The people in these villages promised Tewari of their full support in the parliamentary elections saying they were fed up with the traditional leadership which had never bothered to look into their problems.
Speaking at the meetings Tewari said, it was a straight contest for the Prime Ministership between Dr Manmohan Singh and Mr Lal Kishen Advani. He pointed out, Dr Singh had already proved his mettle and steered the country through one of the worst economic crisis.

Similarly, he said, in Punjab it was a contest between the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and the former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh. He pointed out, the comparisons are too distinct as the Congress regime under the leadership of Capt Amarinder provided a clean and transparent administration while the Akali-BJP government is neck deep in the corruption.

Moreover, he pointed out, it was during the Congress regime of Capt Amarinder when the farmers did not face any problem of water, electricity or the disposal of their crops in the mandis. Now the farmers themselves have been realizing as what this Akali-BJP government is up to. The farmers’ crops are not procured on time and they were being exploited by the officials.

Tewari was accorded rousing reception in all the villages wherever he went. His cavalcade of vehicles was frequently stopped where people presented him flowers and garlands. Expressing his gratitude to the supporters he said, he would try his level best and ensure that he came upto their expectations taking care of all their big and small problems. (eom)
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Tewari advocates one rank one pension for ex servicemen


LUDHIANA, March 13: The national spokesperson of the All India Congress Committee, Manish Tewari today advocated the one rank one pension scheme for the ex servicemen across the country.

In a statement issued here today, Tewari said, he and his party were working out a comprehensive package for the ex servicemen with one rank one pension as the main focus. He said, although the one rank one pension scheme had been implemented till 1986, it is being extended to include all the exservicemen.

Referring to some reports claiming that he was not in favour of one rank one pension, Tewari clarified that these were absolutely false and baseless. He asserted, “the issue of my opposition to the one rank one pension does not arise as me and my party have always held the view that all the exservicemen should be governed by this policy”.

Tewari promised that once the Congress government is formed at the centre after the general elections, implementation of one rank one pension scheme would be his top priority as he believed that this was quite a justified demand. (eom)


Tewari lambastes SAD-BJP govt for political vendetta


LUDHIAN, March 12: The National Spokesperson of the All India Congress Committee Manish Tewari yesterday lambasted the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bhartiya Janata Party government in the state for ignoring the development and focusing its full energies on the political vendetta against the political opponents.

Addressing a public meeting in Ward 45 alongwith senior Congress leader and former Minister, Harnam Dass Johar, Tewari observed that the state government had not fulfilled even a single promise it had made to the masses before coming to power. Instead the alliance has focused its energies in identifying and intimidating the political rivals by slapping false cases on them.

Tewari maintained, the days of the alliance were numbered as people were disillusioned and alienated. He pointed out, the government had not been able to ensure regular power supply what to speak of other promises. He said, the industries had suffered huge losses due to the frequent and unjustified power cuts.

Similarly he asked, where has the “aata daal” scheme gone. When they promised to the people that the aata daal would be provided for Rs four and Rs 20 per kg they had never laid any conditions and when it came to the delivery of the promises they started laying so many conditions.

The AIIC spokesperson said, despite the central government being liberal in providing generous grants to the state government, the SAD-BJP alliance had failed to utilize those funds and grants. These had either been siphoned off or remained unutilized. He said, the SAD-BJP alliance had never been sincere towards the sentiments of Punjab and had only exploited these.
Tewari reiterated that Dr Manmohan Singh, the son of the soil was set to return as the Prime Minister of the country with due patronage from the party president Sonia Gandhi. He pointed out, Dr Manmohan Singh had set a record in honesty and development. (eom)


Complaint to Election Commission

The Chief Election Commissioner of India,
New Delhi.

Subject Violation of Election Code of Conduct by the officials of the Ludhiana
Municipal Corporation.

Sir,
This is to bring to your kind notice that the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation authorities
at the behest of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharitya Janata Party alliance government in Punjab have been indulging in blatant violation of the election code of conduct.

The Municipal authorities are distributing the cheques for various development and construction works among the people in clear violations of the guidelines issued by you.

While the elections were announced on March 2, 2009 the municipal authorities have been issuing payment cheques in the back date, till now, to hoodwink the Election Commission of India guidelines.

It is submitted that strict action may be taken against the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation authorities and they may be prevented from such activities as their actions are aimed at influencing the poll outcome in favour of the ruling alliance.


Yours sincerely,


Dharamjit Singh Khera
President Legal Cell
District Congress Committee,
Ludhiana.

Dated: March 10, 2009



SAD-BJP destroying Punjab in name of development


LUDHIANA, March 9, 2009

The national spokesperson of the All India Congress Committee, Manish Tewari today said, the SAD-BJP alliance in the state was destroying the state in the name of development. Addressing two separate meetings organized by the District Congress Committee Ludhiana and the District Youth Congress, Tewari alleged that the alliance government has just been juggling the figures to deceive the people.

Addressing the leaders and office bearers during the DCC meeting, which was attended among others by the president, Jamohan Sharma, Milkiat Singh, Rakesh Pandey, KK Bawa, Nahar Singh Gill and others, Tewari said, the two years of Akali rule and only seen the corruption all around. He asked the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his Deputy Chief Minister son Sukhbir Badal in particular to explain where from they will get the money to start and implement all the projects they have been claiming to have launched.

And what happened to all these projects, Tewari asked, while pointing out, “during the last two years we have seen almost everyday newspaper pages carrying advertisements that such and such project was launched but nothing exists on the ground”. He observed, either the SAD-BJP government is launching these projects on the files only or have been robbing and destroying the state of funds in the name of development.

Speaking at the meeting of the District Youth Congress organized by its president Dimple Rana, Tewari said, the alliance government had cheated the youth and educated. He pointed out, during the campaigning the SAD-BJP alliance had promised moon to the youth, but the government has not provided employment even to a single youth. He said, the way the unemployment was growing in the state could prove very dangerous as the youth were getting frustrated.

Appealing to the youth to support the Congress, he said, the Congress under the dynamic leadership of Prime Manmohan Singh had a great vision which will address the concerns of all the sections of the society, particularly the youth. He pointed out, the Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi in particular had been emphasizing on involving the youth in a large scale with the country’s development. (eom)


Congress starts mass mobilization in Ludhiana

LUDHIANA, March 8: The Ludhiana Congress has already geared itself for the parliamentary elections with the whole of party rank and file organizing regular programmes across the city. The entire party leadership including former ministers Harnam Dass Johar and Rakesh Pandey, former Parliamentary Secretary, Surinder Dawer, former legislator Milkiat Singh Dakha, the District Congress Committee president, Jagmohan Sharma, District Youth Congress president, Dimple Rana and councilors and ward presidents holding rallies and public meetings.
All these meetings were addressed by the national spokesperson of the All India Congress Committee, Manish Tewari who made a whirlwind tour of the area. A number of leaders and workers from the ruling SAD-BJP alliance also joined the Congress during these meetings.

An awareness rally was organized in Ward 25 by Ward President Abbas Raja. Besides, Tewari, District Congress President Jagmohan Sharma, DYC president Dimple Rana were also present on the occasion.
In ward 44 a public rally was organized by Congress leader Dharamjit Singh Dhana in Cycle Market. Former Parliamentary Secretary Surinder Dawar and former Councillor Bhupinder Singh were also present on the occasion.
In Dashmesh Nagar ward 45 a function was organized by former councilor Amarjit Singh Mattharo. Former Minister Harnam Dass Johar, Congress leader Amarjit Singh Tikka, Jasbir Jassal and Dilbagh Singh Rana were also present on the occasion.

In Sector 39, Ward 15 acknowledging the people friendly policies of Congress party and discarding the policies of Bhartiya Janta Party, BJP leader and president Dushehra Committee Manmohan Sharma along with his supporters joined Congress. On the occasion former Minister Rakesh Pandey, District Congress president Jagmohan Sharma, Former Councillor Sardul Singh Grewal, Industrialist Narinder Bhanwara and Surjit Sing Sadhugarh were also present.

Similarly in ward 73, Shimlapuri at a function organized by Congress leader Baljit Malra SAD leader Jasbir Singh Bhamra along with his several associates joined Congress. Former Minister Malkit Singh Dakha, DCC President Jagmohan Sharma, Former DCC president K.K. Bawa, Gurdev Singh Lappran, former Mayor Nahar Singh Gill, Block president Palwinder Taggar and block youth congress president Sunil Shukla were also president. (eom)


90 yr old Akali family joins Congress in Jagaraon



JAGARAON, March 7: In a major development that is certain to have a significant impact on the Akali politics in Jagaraon area, a leading Akali family with over nine decades of association with the Shiromani Akali Dal today joined the Congress at village Hansi Kallan near here in presence of senior party leaders including the national spokesperson of the AICC, Manish Tewari, MLAs, Darshan Singh Brar, Isher Singh and Gurdeep Singh Bhaini and former Dakha MLA, Milkiat Singh Dakha.

Speaking on the occasion, the family head Mandeep Singh, son of Buta Singh said, he was fed up with the “family politics” of the father son-duo of the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his Deputy Chief Minister son Sukhbir Badal. He observed, the Shiromani Akali Dal which had been founded decades ago with so many great sacrifices for the noble mission to watch the interests of the panth had been restricted to watch the interests of a single family that of Parkash Singh Badal.

Several other leaders from the SAD also joined the Congress today at another function. They included Harnek Singh cooperative society member, Harbhajan Singh, member Panchayat Samiti, Sukhdev Singh Member block samiti and others, alongwith hundreds of their supporters.

Addressing the meetings the national spokesperson of the AICC, Manish Tewari welcomed the Akali leaders to the Congress. He appreciated their acknowledgment of the policies of the Congress. He pointed out, it was the Congress which had given the country its first Sikh Prime Minister and made the Sikhs, not only in Punjab but world over, to feel proud of their identity.

Tewari said, the fact that so many leaders with such a long association with the SAD like the family of Mandeep Singh joining the Congress was indicative of an emerging trend that people were disillusioned with the policies of the SAD, which had become the private company of the Badals. He assured all the leaders that their urges and aspirations would be duly taken care of in the Congress.

Meanwhile at a separate function organized jointly by the councilors of Ward 27 and 28, Hemraj Aggarwal and Mukhtiar Kaur in Dakha assembly segment, last night Tewari reminded the SAD-BJP government in the state of its false promises made to the people of the state.

He pointed out, two years had already passed and the government was yet to deliver on its promises. “Where is the metro in Ludhiana?”? he asked, while adding, there were so many promises which the SAD-BJP government had made to the public without any intent of fulfilling. He said, the people were feeling betrayed and let down and they were now waiting for the parliamentary elections to teach them a lesson.

For Dakha MLA, Milkiat Singh Dakha, councilors Hemraj Aggarwal and Mukhtiar Kaur and the chairman of the HOUSEFED, KK Bawa also addressed the meeting. (eom)



Tewari tells Sukhbir don’t cheat Ludhiana for Bathinda

LUDHIANA: March 03, 2009
Pawan Dewan

Manish Tewari, the spokesperson of the All India Congress Committee today criticised the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal for diverting the development funds from Ludhiana to Bathinda. He said, the people of Ludhiana have now realized as how much they were being cheated and discriminated against by the Akali regime. Surprisingly, he regretted, “the Akalis kept quiet when our funds were snatched from us and given to Bathinda”.

Referring to the shifting of the jet sewer cleaner from Ludhiana to Bathinda, just because his (Sukhbir’s) wife Harsimrat Kaur was going to contest the parliamentary elections from there, Tewari pointed out, this is an indication of the things to come in future when everything will go to Bathinda.

Tewari asked Badals, “try to look beyond your household, because you are the rulers of the whole of Punjab”. He pointed out, earlier also, the Badals shifted various machinery from Ludhiana to Muktsar, their home district, while Ludhianvis were made to wait.

The AICC spokesperson disclosed that he had credible information that the local municipal authorities had been asked to spare funds for the development projects in Bathinda. He remarked, “this is cheating and fraud with the people of Ludhiana which would not be tolerated in any case”.

Tewari said, Badals are welcome to ensure full development in Bathinda, but not at the cost of Ludhiana. He said, the Akalis will have to face the repercussions in the coming parliamentary elections. He said, even otherwise, Ludhiana has been ignored and sidelined by the Akalis. During the last two years, there has been no development work as the funds were being diverted and transferred to Muktsar and Bathinda from Ludhiana which contributed so much to the state revenues.

He added, even this will not help the Akalis in any way in Bathinda which they are certain to loose. “Ludhiana, they have already lost as they have themselves conceded the defeat by fielding an ex Congressman and Bathinda they will certainly loose”, he asserted, while maintaining that such discriminatory policies towards Ludhiana will have serious ramifications for the Akalis. (eom)


This is Manmohan Singh verses Advani

LUDHIANA: 28 Feb 2009
Pawan Dewan

The All India Congress Committee spokesperson Manish Tewari today said, it was going to the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh verses Lal Kishen Advani in the forthcoming parliamentary elections at the national level. At the same time in Punjab it was a straight contest between Capt Amarinder Singh and Parkash Singh Badal.
Addressing a series of public rallies in different villages of Kila Raipur assembly segment, Jartoli, Mehmasinghwala, Narangwal, Lohgarh and Assi Kallan, alongwith the local MLA, Jassi Khangura, Tewari pointed out, the enormous progress the country had made under the leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh. He said, it was the visionary leadership of Singh which had saved India from the worldwide economic crisis.

The AICC spokesperson said, “the choice is yours, on the one hand you have a visionary leader like Manmohan Singh whose economic skills have been acknowledged by the whole world and on the other hand you have Lal Kishen Advani supported by the Akalis who has nothing to his credit except the demolitions and destructions”.
Moreover, Tewari pointed out, Manmohan Singh is the son of the soil who has made all the Punjabis feel proud. “Not only the Punjabis, but the entire country feels proud of his leadership”, he said, while adding, now was the time for the Punjabis to acknowledge the honour he had got them and stand by him for another term.
Speaking on the occasion, Jassi Khangura rapped the Akalis and pointed out, they had opposed a Sikh Prime Minister in the parliament. He said, “the Akalis are the same people who claim to be the guardians of the panth, but when it came to supporting a Sikh Prime Minister, they backed out”.

Khangura appealed to the people that now was the time to teach the Akalis a lesson. Not only had they betrayed the masses, but had also failed in providing a good government. He said, they were neck deep in corruption and their only agenda was too accumulate personal wealth.

Those who spoke on the occasion included Parminder Singh Latala, Avtar Singh Latala, Manmohan Singh and others. (eom)


Financial Emergency Imposed in Punjab?

LUDHIANA: 25 Feb 2009
Pawan Dewan

The All India Congress Committee spokesperson Manish Tewari,today said that the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bhartiya Janata Party alliance government had thrown the state into total bankruptcy and imposed financial emergency. He pointed out, this was the natural consequence of the wrong policies of the government which had been admitted to time and again by no less a person than the Finance Minister, Manpreet Badal, himself.

In a statement issued here today, Tewari pointed out, it is unprecedented that a state government has brought a ‘vote on account’ budget in a non election year. “It is no less than the financial emergency as the state has no funds even to pay the salaries”, he remarked, while adding, “otherwise what is the rationale behind bringing a vote on account budget in a non election year”.

He said, the silence of the Finance Minister on the crucial issue was intriguing. “He is either not being allowed to speak the truth or he has stopped speaking the truth”, Tewari remarked, while referring to his (Manpreet Badal’s) earlier candid admissions about the wrong policies of the government and its repercussions on the state of economy.

The AICC spokesperson, who has been moving around in different partsof the Ludhiana parliamentary constituency for a long time, said, he had found that no government cheques were honoured as there were no funds. “It is quite unheard of that the government cheques go dishonoured, but this has been happening in Punjab and that too the cheques issued during the Sangat Darshan programmes presided over by no less a person than the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal himself”,he said.

Tewari ridiculed the development claims of the Punjab government particularly the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his Deputy Chief Minister son, Sukhbir Badal. He asked them to explain as where from do the father-son duo get the money for these projects. “I am sure they are spending much more on propaganda and publicity than the development”, he asserted, while adding, “I doubt whether there is any blue print of such projects available anywhere”. Because, these projects are inaugurated for the heck of it without any motive or intent of starting work, not to speak of completing them.

The senior Congress leader challenged Sukhbir Badal in particular to illustrate one example where any development project has really taken off. “You are already into the third year of government and you are yet to show to the people anything worth the name you have done for the state”, he said, while revealing that the maximum money the Punjab government has spent during the last two years is on publicity and propaganda.

“You have had enough of foundation laying ceremonies, let’s see when you start the inauguration functions”, Tewari remarked, while pointing out, not a single project has been completed or inaugurated during this government in two years of its tenure. (eom)



REGULAR BUDGET AND NOT VOTE ON ACCOUNT Mr.BADAL: TEWARI

Ludhiana 19 Feb 2009
Pawan Dewan

Reacting to newspaper report of PUNJAB Government attempt to present a vote-on-account instead of regular budget, National Spokeperson of Congress Manish Tewari said’ It is the height of misgovernance by Akali –BJP. To postpone presentation of regular budget beyond Lok Sabha elections clearly reflects the ulterior motive of state government to hike taxes and impose new taxes in the regular budget. Till now no election code of conduct is in place and AKALI-BJP government has the mandate to rule for the remaining term till they have majority in Vidhan Sabha, so technically speaking nothing withholds them to present a regular budget in the current budget session of Vidhan Sabha starting on 27th Feburary. Vote on account or the interim budget presented UPA government at the centre was precisely because the tenure of present Lok Sabha was expiring in MAY 2009. As per the constitutional propriety Akali BJP government is bound to present regular budget in the upcoming budget session which should clearly elucidate financial health of the state. Budget is a vital document which reflects the financial prudence of any government and thus it is all the more important that before the people of Punjab vote for Lok Sabha elections they are able to take in account fiscal management of the state by the incumbent government.’

He further said that the report of the sixth pay commission should be implemented as our neighbouring state Haryana and the central government has already done so. The reason state government is giving for delay in implementation of pay commission are nothing but delaying tactics and indicator of incapable governance. The economy of the state is in shambles and the daily advertisement campaign unleashed by Akali BJP government is waste of public exchequer and an attempt to mislead the people. He said people of state are smart enough to figure out development works carried out during Congress regime when they appear in the advertisement of Akali BJP government. In this era of global economic down turn the Akali BJP government does not have vision to tide over the crises and it is really bad luck of state to have them as incumbent government.”



Tewari flays SAD-BJP for mis-governance

Feb. 14, 2009

AICC spokesperson Manish Tewari today lashed at the SAD-BJP government in the state for corruption, nepotism and vindictiveness. He also warned those officials who at the behest of the Akali-BJP leadership were intimidating the Congress workers on false charges.

Addressing a series of public meetings in Jagaraon assembly segment, Tewari pointed out, the government had failed on all fronts. There was no electricity and the power cuts have been the longest ever. The only thing the Akalis have succeeded in, he remarked, is in gaining the personal wealth.

He said, due to the lack of vision and total misgorvernance of the Akalis, the state was on the brink of bankruptcy. This is because the Akalis cared only for their personal interests while putting at stake the interests of the masses.

The AICC spokesperson said, the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi had once again reposed her faith in the leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh, who is again going to be the Prime Minister of the country. He said, there could be no better leader than Dr Manmohan Singh who can guide the country through the worldwide recession.

About the grant of ticket by the Congress in Ludhiana, Tewari argued, this was the prerogative of the Congress president to choose the right and winning candidate. There must not be any personal politics about it. Everybody, he said, had a right to stake his claim for the ticket and it was only upto the party to take the final decision.

Addressing the function, the local legislator Gurdeep Singh Bheni said that success of the public meetings at Mullanpur Dakha under the stewardship of Manish Tewari vindicated popularity of Congress and certain win. He assured Manish Tewari that people of Jagraon were impressed with his candid views and his dedication to serve them honestly. People of Jagraon are looking forward to vote for him in huge numbers and have full faith in his leadership.

Tewari also visited village Dangia to pay condolence at the demise of son of Congress leader Jagdeeshar Singh Dangian at village Dangian and at village Daidka at the residence of late sarpanch Mukhtiar Singh.

Manjit Dhillon, Pritam Akahra, Gopal Sharma, Jagjit Singh Kaunke, all Congress municipal councilors, Raman Kumar, Rajesh Gogi, Ram Murti Sabarwal, ex MC president Davinder Kathuria and Pawan Dewan were also present during the meetings. (eom)


 

Congress organizes spectacular show in Ludhiana

Ludhiana, Thu 2/5/2009 3:25 AM
Pawan Dewan

The Congress workers meet organised by Manish Tewari, the spokesperson All India Congress Committee at Mullapur Dakha near here today turned out into a huge rally with the attendance of at least fifty thousand people. The local grain market, venue of the rally, proved too small for the multitude of the crowds who had converged there cramming the venue and people literally fighting for the space.

The added attraction to the grand show was the presence of the entire state leadership of the party including the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president, Mohinder Singh Kaypee, chairman of the Campaign Committee Capt Amarinder Singh, leader of the opposition in Punjab assembly, Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, convenor of the Campaign Committee, Ashwani Sekhri and former minister and the party in charge for Ludhiana, Lal Singh.


Manish Tewari


The tone and tenor of the rally was thoroughly anti government and anti Badals. Right from Amarinder Singh to Manish Tewari, the speakers lashed out at the government for victimizing the Congress workers and indulging in nepotism and corruption.

Amarinder pointed out, the Badals had made it a family estate with the father being the Chief Minister, the son the Deputy Chief Minister, the nephew Finance Minister, the son in law the Food and Civil Supplies minister and so on. He said, senior Akali leaders within the party were feeling suffocated as the family members of the Badals were grabbing everything.

The Campaign Committee chairman remarked, there seemed to be no end to the lust for money for the Badals as they had grabbed everything, be it the sand contracts, the liquor contracts, the transport permits or the cable operations.

He warned the Badals against victimizing the Congress workers. He said, the Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Badal would make good his escape before the next assembly elections as he knows that people will not spare him his misdeeds.

Speaking in the same vein, Rajinder Kaur Bhattal lashed out at Akalis for their failure in providing good governance to the people of Punjab. Congratulating Manish Tewari for organizing a spectacular show today, she said, it would be a matter of great privilege for the people to have him as their representative. She also thanked the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi for providing such a brilliant and articulate candidate to the people of Ludhiana.

Speaking on the occasion, the PCC president Mohinder Singh Kaypee appealed to the people to ensure that the Congress won the elections. He said, the people of the state were quite upset and disappointed with the Akali-BJP government and they wanted to get rid off it at the earliest.

Expressing his gratitude to the people, the workers and the leaders, the party spokesperson, Manish Tewari pointed out, it was the Congress which had provided such a good governance in the state. He said, the Congress government at the centre had raised the minimum support price of wheat by Rs 300 while the BJP led NDA government had enhanced it by Rs 30 during their six year tenure. Moreover, he pointed out, it was Sonia Gandhi who had appointed the son of the soil, Dr Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister of the country.

Legislators including Tej Parkash Singh, Jassi Khangura, Gurdeep Singh Bhaini, Harmohinder Singh, Isher Singh, Darshan Singh Brar, former ministers Harnam Dass Johar, Rakesh Pandey, Milkiat Singh Dakha, Milkiat Singh Birmi, Surinder Dawer, Punjab Youth Congress president, Ravneet Singh Bittu and others. (eom)

The Congress workers meet organised by Manish Tewari, the spokesperson All India Congress Committee at Mullapur Dakha near here today turned out into a huge rally with the attendance of at least fifty thousand people. The local grain market, venue of the rally, proved too small for the multitude of the crowds who had converged there cramming the venue and people literally fighting for the space.

The added attraction to the grand show was the presence of the entire state leadership of the party including the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president, Mohinder Singh Kaypee, chairman of the Campaign Committee Capt Amarinder Singh, leader of the opposition in Punjab assembly, Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, convenor of the Campaign Committee, Ashwani Sekhri and former minister and the party in charge for Ludhiana, Lal Singh.

The tone and tenor of the rally was thoroughly anti government and anti Badals. Right from Amarinder Singh to Manish Tewari, the speakers lashed out at the government for victimizing the Congress workers and indulging in nepotism and corruption.

Amarinder pointed out, the Badals had made it a family estate with the father being the Chief Minister, the son the Deputy Chief Minister, the nephew Finance Minister, the son in law the Food and Civil Supplies minister and so on. He said, senior Akali leaders within the party were feeling suffocated as the family members of the Badals were grabbing everything.

The Campaign Committee chairman remarked, there seemed to be no end to the lust for money for the Badals as they had grabbed everything, be it the sand contracts, the liquor contracts, the transport permits or the cable operations.

He warned the Badals against victimizing the Congress workers. He said, the Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Badal would make good his escape before the next assembly elections as he knows that people will not spare him his misdeeds.

Speaking in the same vein, Rajinder Kaur Bhattal lashed out at Akalis for their failure in providing good governance to the people of Punjab. Congratulating Manish Tewari for organizing a spectacular show today, she said, it would be a matter of great privilege for the people to have him as their representative. She also thanked the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi for providing such a brilliant and articulate candidate to the people of Ludhiana.

Speaking on the occasion, the PCC president Mohinder Singh Kaypee appealed to the people to ensure that the Congress won the elections. He said, the people of the state were quite upset and disappointed with the Akali-BJP government and they wanted to get rid off it at the earliest.

Expressing his gratitude to the people, the workers and the leaders, the party spokesperson, Manish Tewari pointed out, it was the Congress which had provided such a good governance in the state. He said, the Congress government at the centre had raised the minimum support price of wheat by Rs 300 while the BJP led NDA government had enhanced it by Rs 30 during their six year tenure. Moreover, he pointed out, it was Sonia Gandhi who had appointed the son of the soil, Dr Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister of the country.

Legislators including Tej Parkash Singh, Jassi Khangura, Gurdeep Singh Bhaini, Harmohinder Singh, Isher Singh, Darshan Singh Brar, former ministers Harnam Dass Johar, Rakesh Pandey, Milkiat Singh Dakha, Milkiat Singh Birmi, Surinder Dawer, Punjab Youth Congress president, Ravneet Singh Bittu and others. (eom)


 

Congress chalks out strategy for Feb 5 rally

1/31/2009 3:18 AM
Pawan Dewan

Setting at rest the specualtions and in a strong rebuff to the critics about the so called differences within the party in Ludhiana, the Congress leaders today came together on a single platform to chalk out the strategy for the February 5 rally of the party which would be addressed among others by the chairman of the campaign committee of the Pradesh Congress, Capt Amarinder Singh.

The meeting was chaired by the senior Congress leader and former minister, Lal Singh and attended among others by the secretary and spokesman AICC, Manish Tewari, legislators Jassi Khangura, Gurdeep Singh Bhaini, Harmohinder Singh Pradhan, former legislators Surnider Dawer, Milkait Singh Birmi, Milkait Singh Dakha, the rural and urban district presdients Jagmohan Sharma and Bhulinder Singh, chairman HOUSEFED, KK Bawa, sitting and former councillors and other party leaders.

Addressing the meeting Lal Singh lambasted the Akali-BJP government in the state for having failed the expectations of the general masses. He said, the government was neck deep in corruption and it had turned out to be a family affair of the Badals. He observed, the common man was not being heard and he had nowhere to go. He claimed that the Aakalis were so much afraid in the state in general and Ludhiana in particular, that they were not able to decide about the candidate from here. Appealing the workers of the party to join hands and work harder, he said, the forthcoming parliamentary elections would be a referenduma gainst the ruling alliance.

Speaking on the occasion, Manish Tewari expressed his gratitude to all the workers and leaders for participating in the meeting. He said, the Febraury 5 rally will set the tone for campaigning for the forthcomnig parliamentary elections. He pointed out, the participation of the entire leadership of the party from the distict in today's meeting was a clear and unambiguous rebuff for all those who tried to project that there was no unity in the party. He asserted, the Congress was absolutely united in Ludhiana as had been established during today's meeting. He maintained, "there is total unanimity among the Congressmen and leaders that come what may Congress has to and it will sweep the parliamentary elections in Punjab with the largest lead from Ludhiana".

 

 

 

 

Mr. Manish Tewari has been appointed as spokesman of AICC by Sonia Gandhi. Press release dated Feb. 18, 2008