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“Withdraw Appeal from Supreme Court against Sikh farmers of Gujarat”, Bajwa asks Modi

Says, Modi dividing nation along geographical and religious lines

 New Delhi, September 29, 2013

On the day when BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narender Modi was holding rally to project his secular credentials, Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) raked the issue of discrimination and injustice done to members of Sikh community in Gujarat. He accused Mr. Modi of dividing the citizens of nation on religious and geographical lines.

In a letter flashed to Mr. Modi before he arrived to address the Delhi rally, Mr. Bajwa appealed Mr. Modi to withdraw the Appeal filed in Supreme Court by his government against the Gujarat High Courts unanimous decision given in favour of Sikh farmers facing displacement from their land holdings. He  reminded  Mr. Modi the hapless state of Gujarat Sikh farmers in the Kutch district who were asked to go back to Punjab after they were declared non-agriculturists on account of flawed interpretation of the Bombay Tenancy and Agricultural Land (Vidarbha Region and Kutch Area) Act 1958 by your government officials.

Mr. Bajwa said that the official letter issued by the office of the District Collector of Kutch on 22nd of October 2010 instructing the Tehsildars to freeze the Agricultural accounts of all the farmers who in their opinion are “Prima Facie” outsiders from the State of Gujarat is by its very intent and nature Discriminatory and Arbitrary.

Mr. Bajwa wrote, “It is imperative that the historical context is kept in mind while addressing this issue that has the potential of fragmenting our country on narrow and parochial lines. Post the 1965 war with Pakistan, Respected Former Prime Minister Late Sh. Lal Bahadur Shashtri invited farmers from the undivided Punjab to come and settle in the District of Kutch in Gujarat hoping that the Sikh Farmers would make the land cultivable and help in guarding the country’s border”.

Mr. Bajwa further stated that in pursuance of his invitation more than one thousand families from the State of Punjab and Haryana migrated to the Kutch District in Gujarat. After migrating to Gujarat, these families purchased land from the locals of the District and duly complied with all the requisite legal requirements such as payment of stamp duty, etc as a result of which these farmers became Lawful owners of their respective land. Even the revenue records of your State Government shows the farmers to be the lawful owners of the land in question. The current situation being that these farmers are Residents, Ration cardholders and voters of the State of Gujarat.

PPCC President told Mr. Modi that as a consequence of the draconian order issued by your State government, the agricultural accounts of all such farmers stand frozen. After the issuance of this Direction by your Government, the farmers petitioned the Hon’ble High Court of Gujarat which by way of a Special 3 Judges Bench has set aside the order of the Collector of Kutch and has categorically stated that the Gujarat Government cannot freeze the Agricultural accounts of such farmers and that the Act so relied upon by your Government does not contemplate any such situation where such farmers can be deprived of their ownership over the Land.

Mr. Bajwa said that Instead of accepting the well reasoned, fair and just judgment of the Hon’ble High Court of Gujarat, your Government, which is driven by a motivated agenda, had filed a Appeal in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India against the Judgment of the Hon’ble High Court.

Furthermore the decision of the Gujarat Government to deprive the Sikh farmers of the ownership over their Land is contrary to the long advocated demand of your party that seeks the abolition of Article 370 of the Constitution that accords special status to the State of Jammu and Kashmir and wants the adoption of a Uniform Civil Code, Mr. Bajwa stated.

He asserted that this practice of double speak by your Government and Party reeks of opportunism and demonstrates that on one hand your Government intends to deprive the Sikh Farmers from Punjab and Haryana of their land in Gujarat on the ground that they are outsiders from the State of Gujarat and on the other hand your Party advocates for the adoption of a uniform civil code for all citizens and the abolition of Article 370 of the Constitution.

Mr. Bajwa said that in these compelling facts and circumstances of this issue it is necessary that your State Government acknowledges that such decisions of dividing citizens of India along geographical and religious lines would pose a serious challenge to the solidarity and unity of our country and will result in vitiating the atmosphere of harmony. He asked Mr. Modi to withdraw the appeal against the Judgment of the Hon’ble High Court of Gujarat which is currently pending in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the Larger interest of the country and not be driven by an agenda which is antithetical to the very the concept of India which stands for plurality and tolerance.

Among the senior leaders present were  Sunil Jakhar CLP Leader, Sh. Vijay Inder Singla MP, S. Laal Singh MLA, Sh. O.P. Soni, Sh. Tarlochan Singh, Sh. Charanjit Singh Channi, S. Gurpreet Singh Kangar Vice Presidents, PPCC, Sh. Ashwani Sekhri, S. Kuljit Singh Nagra Secretaries, AICC, S. Randeep Singh Nabha, S. Gurkirat Singh Kotli, S. Navtej Singh Cheema, S. Paraminder Singh Pinky, Sh. Surinder Dawar, Sh. Rakesh Pandey, S. Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, S. Ajit Inder Singh Mofar, Sh. Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, S. Balbir Singh Sidhu, Sh. Brahm Mohindra, Smt. Guriqbal Kaur, S. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi, Rana Gurjit Singh, Sh. Raj Kumar Verka MLAs, S. Fateh Jang Singh Bajwa, S. Gurchet Singh Bhullar, S. Sukhjit Singh Lohgarh, Sh. Raman Bhalla, Sh. Aman Arora, Raja Balbir Sodhi, S. Lalli Majithia, Sh. Pawan Dewan, Ch. Jagjit Singh, Dr. Malti Thapar, Prof. Gurwinder Singh Mamanke, Sh. Rajinder Deepa, S. Gurmail Singh Pehalwan, S. Harinder Singh Bhambri, S. Joginder Singh Chheena, Mai Roop Kaur, S. Surinder Pal Singh Sibia and others.

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Extreme step by Navjot Sidhu highlights discrimination with Majha by SAD-BJP govt, says Congress

BJP becomes mute spectator to contempt of its own MP

Amritsar, September 28-

Punjab Congress today said that the threat of fast unto death by Mr. Navjot Sidhu BJP MP in protest against stalling development projects in his constituency of Amritsar had underlined the main charge of Congress party that SAD-BJP government is discriminating with Majha region in matter of development.0

In a joint statement issued here Sh. O.P.Soni Vice President PPCC, Sh. Ashwani Sekhri MLA, Smt. Charanjit Kaur Bajwa MLA, Smt. Aruna Chaudhary MLA, Sh. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa MLA, Sh. Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa MLA, Sh. Ramanjit Singh Sikki MLA said that even though Mr. Sidhu had withdrawn his decision to go on fast unto death after Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal gave assurance of fair dealing, the issue of discrtimination with Amritsar and other Majha disricts is still alive.

The Congress party had time and again raised the issue that SAD-BJP government was ignoring Majha region and diverting all funds to only one Parliament constituency of Bathinda where prestige of Badal family was at stake. Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal wife of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal is facing tough challenge on this seat.

The Congress leaders said that it was unprecedented in Punjab’s political history and shameful for the ruling SAD-BJP alliance that a MP of ruling party was forced to take extgrme step to seek attention of his party’s government. They said that it was unfortunate that an elected representative of people was dealt with such contempt and it reflects the arrogant and undemocratic attitude of Mr. Sukhbir Badal. They said that all MP’s and MLA’s in Punjab who try to raise public issues, particularly from the opposition were mistreated and discriminated by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

The Congress leaders said that Amritsar was a holy city, the highest seat of Sikh religion and center of spiritual awakening for all religions and it is shocking that state government headed by a Sikh Chief Minister has blocked the development of this city. The Congress leaders demanded an explanation from the Chief Minister about the political compulsions behind delay in starting the development projects. They said that Punjab government was trying to befool people by issuing statements that diversion of funds from Municipal Corporation of Amritsar was a routine issue. They said that Rs.60 crores was diverted to other Municipalities under well thought conspiracy.

The Congress leaders and MLAs said that they support the issues raised by Mr. Sidhu who has vindicated the charges of Congress party. They also said that it was shameful that BJP the alliance partner in Government was a mute spectator to the contempt of MP of his own party. They said that BJP had knelt down before the SAD leadership and betrayed the faith of people of state, particularly the urban population.

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Bajwa welcomes Rahul Gandhi’s stand to cleanse political system

Chandigarh, September 28-

Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today complimented AICC Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi for his bold stand to cleanse the political system and said that the views expressed by party Vice President on ordinance to bar convicted politicians from contesting, reflect the viewpoint of youth of India.

Mr. Bajwa in a statement said that Mr. Rahul Gandhi had set an example for all political parties to counter the problem of entry of tainted persons in the politics. He said that stand taken by AICC Vice President had set an agenda for the future of Indian Politics. He said that it was big leap towards election reforms in India and bound to strengthen the democracy. He said that no other party has the courage for self-introspection and accept the shortcomings if felt at any time.

PPCC President said it was a turning point in the Indian politics and Mr. Rahul Gandhi has emerged future leader of India. He said that it was need of the hour to rejuvenate internal democracy in the party and encourage youth leaders to come forward. He said that UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had brought a revolution by bringing Right to Information Act, Right to Education Act, Right to work and Food security ordinance. He said that Mr. Rahul Gandhi had further accelerated the pace of bringing reforms in political system of India. He asked the opposition parties to appreciate the initiative of Congress Vice President and support his cause. He said that Mr. Rahul had worked at grass root level and he understood the aspirations of majority of people.  

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Congress asks Sukhbir Badal to stop wasting public funds on false development propaganda

Pay regular salaries, DA installments to employees, pensions, shagun scheme funds

 

Chandigarh, September 27-

Punjab Congress today took strong exception of wastage of public funds on false propaganda of development in cities of Punjab by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and advised him to spend the money on welfare of various sections of society.

In a statement issued here Mr. Charanjit Singh Channi, Mr. Gurpreet Singh Kangar, Mr. Tarlochan Singh Soond and Mr. O.P. Soni Vice Presidents of PPCC said that Mr. Sukhbir Badal was on foundation laying spree and announcing projects worth crores of Rupees. He said that huge public funds were being spent on publicity of schemes for which there are no funds. They said that SAD-BJP government was misleading people by false propaganda of development while the government has no funds to pay regular salaries of government employees, pensions to widows and payment shagun scheme applicants.

The PPCC leaders said that none of dream projects of Mr. Sukhbir Badal announced in last seven years had seen the light of day. They said that people of Punjab were wise enough to understand the political gimmicks of Mr. Sukhbir Badal. They said that Mr. Navjot Sidhu BJP MP from Amritsar has spilled the beans of false claims of development. They said that the people in cities and villages were crying for basic civic amentias.

The Congress leaders also ridiculed claim of Mr. Sukhbir Badal that Rs.100 crore would be spent in every constituency on development works. They said that UPA government had sent funds to Punjab under Pardhan Mantri Sadak Nirman Yojna and other schemes like National Rural Health Mission. They said that the village roads were being constructed with funds sent by center government.

PPCC leaders advised Mr. Sukhbir Badal if his claims on availability of funds were true let him first pay the two installments of Dearness allowance (DA) to government employees who are due from January and July 2013. They asked Mr. Badal to ensure regular salary to employees and implement all other recommendations of 5th Pay Commission. They reminded Mr. Badal that CITCO has stopped supply of petrol and diesel to Punjab Government vehicles for non-payment of bills of about Rs.One crore. “At least Mr. Sukhbir Badal feel ashamed when he talks so high on development projects”, the Congress leaders said.

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 Bajwa welcomes 7th pay commission for central employees

Asks Punjab Govt to pay arrears of 6th Pay Commission

 

Bathinda, September 26-

Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today welcomed announcement by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to set up 7th Pay Commission for central employees and thanked the UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister and AICC Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi for it.

In a statement issued here Mr. Bajwa said that SAD-BJP government was unlikely to announce 7th Pay Commission for its employees since it has not yet cleared the arrears of 6th Pay Commission. He said that Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Badal was making false claims that economic position of Punjab was good.  He said that while UPA government at center had paid two installments Dearness Allowance in January and July 2013 and also raided the DA by 10 percent. The SAD-BJP government was not able to pay last two DA installments.

Mr. Bajwa said however assured the Punjab employees that Congress party would resolve all their issues when returns to power. He said that an under current of anger was prevailing among the Punjab government employees. 

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Bathinda becomes city of foundations Stones but where is the development, asks Bajwa

Says, Cancer and drug menace goes unchecked in Malwa

Bathinda, September 26-

Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa MP and President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today said that Bathinda has become a city of foundations stones where most of the projects have failed to take off. The city of lakes is mostly marred by lopsided development.

Addressing series of meetings here organised by Mr. Harminder Singh Jassi, the PPCC President lashed out at Badal family for ignoring their own political turf. He said that development was seen only advertisements and Press Notes issued by PR department of SAD-BJP government. He said that Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal MP from Bathinda was doing selective development and discriminating with urban areas.  He said that Bathinda city was not on priority list of Badal family. The lack of potable water, sewerage system in many areas, poor civic conditions, unhygienic environment in slums and unplanned development speak louder than words.

Mr. Bajwa said that during the last about 6 months Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and his son Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal have laid foundation stone of about 85 new projects but none of them grew beyond foundation marking. He said that seven years have passed when Mr. Sukhbir Badal had announced to set up a world class cricket stadium in Bathinda, the foundation stone for which was laid in December 8, 2007. The place earmarked for the stadium is still a gazing ground for cattle, he stated.

PPCC President said that funds Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) and other departments were asked to pump in money in Bathinda district to boost the winning chances of Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal. He said that she would face wrath of voters in the Lok Sabha poll for her failures to protect the dignity of women. She was misusing the platform of Nanhi Chhan to promote her political interests otherwise she has no concern with safety and security of women. She didn’t utter a word when Tarn Taran police beat up a dalit woman Gurbinder Kaur in full public view and police tried to hush up case of assault of poor girl.

Mr. Bajwa said that mushrooming of hospitals in Bathinda city was not sign of development but a strong signal of spread of cancer and other ailments in the Malwa region. He said that SAD-BJP government had given land to a private hospital at concessional rates to set up cancer hospital but poor and needy patients are not getting free treatment. The people were forced to go to Bikaner in Rajasthan for treatment of cancer. He said that center government has approved a cancer hospital at a cost of Rs.500 crores for Malwa region to be set up in Sangrur. He also said that drug menace has gripped Punjab but Malwa was worst affected.

Mr. Bajwa appealed to people of Bathinda to beware of false propaganda of development being made by Badal family. He said that whatever development is visible in Bathinda was made during the Congress government from 2002 to 2007. He said that announcements of new projects by SAD-BJP government were only political gimmicks.

Others who addressed the meetings included Mr.Gurpreet Singh Kangar, Mr.Ajit Inder Singh Mofar, Mr. Makhan Singh, Mr. Ajaib Singh Bhatti,  Mr.Amrinder Singh Raja Waring, Mr.Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Mr. Gura Singh Tungwali, Mr.Ashok Pardhan, Mr.Narinder Bahleria, Mr.Khushbaj Singh Jatana, Mr.Bhupinder Gora and Mr. Bikram Singh Mofar.

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Punjab lacked behind in sports, drug menace ruins youth: Bajwa

Dhemawali (Faridkot), September 25-

Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today said that absence of sports culture and drug menace has pushed Punjab out of competition in the sports at national and international level.

While speaking at concluding ceremony of Kabaddi tournament organised by the Baba Fakkar Dass Sports Club of village Dhemawali, Mr. Bajwa complimented the youth club members for their sportsmanship and engaging youngsters in sports activities. He said that Punjab was in the grip of drug menace and youth was falling victim to drugs. It was unfortunate that Punjab drew blank in the medal tally of National Games and Punjab sportsmen performed poorly in Common Wealth Games and Asian Games last year. No individual from Punjab has qualified for the 2016 Olympics to be held in Brazil.

He said that Punjab had produced legends like Dara Singh(Wrestling) Milkha Singh in athletics, Dhayan Chand, Ajit Pal Singh (Hockey) and youth icons Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh. He said that Hockey team of India which won the Gold Medal in 1975 World Cup had all the 11 playing members from Punjab and team was got trained by the then Chief Minister Giani Zail Singh.

Mr. Bajwa said that SAD-BJP government had during the last seven years had made no headway in sports. They had made false promises in its manifesto to start Guru Hargobind Sport scholarship and best Sportsperson in each district to get Rs.10, 000 scholarships per year, to build air conditioned stadium in each district and sport budget would be be doubled. He said that the Kabbadi World Cup was started by Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal to show up fake interest in sports. He said that in sharp contrast the ruling party was shielding the drug mafia to incapacitate the youth.

Mr. Bajwa said that Mr. Sukhbir Badal had tried to scuttle the sports tournament at Dhemawali village by arresting Congress MLA Joginder Singh Punjgrain and former MLA Mr. Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon along with members of youth club.

Mr. Sunil Jakhar CLP leader said that Sports were an integral part of Punjabi culture. He said that sports subject was part of school curriculum and block and district level sports festivals were an annual feature but now physical health was last priority and sports all activities in schools were discontinued.

Beside Punj Grain and Dhillon, others who were present on occasion included Mr. Gurpreet Singh Kangar Vice President PPCC, Mr. Amarinder Singh Raja Wring MLA, Mr.Darshan Singh Brar, Mr. Ajit Inder Singh Mofar and Mr. Heera Sodhi.

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Bajwa emphasised on girl’s education, gives Rs.5 lakh to SSD Girls College Bathinda

Bathinda, September 25-

Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa MP and President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today announced a grant of Rs.5 lakhs from his MPLAD fund for SSD college for girls here for education infrastructure and stressed for educating girls while speaking at a function of the college. Mr. Kapil Sibal Union Minister for Telecommunication was the chief guest.

Mr. Bajwa said that society couldn’t grow without educating girls. He said that if the girl is educated, she would be an asset for the parents, in-laws and society as a whole. He said that a self dependent and educated girl can fight against the social evils like dowry and female feticide. He appealed to girls to take responsibility to reform the society and eradicate social evils. He also appealed to parents to trust their daughters and back them up for fulfilling their dreams. He emphasized that it was duty of state government to provide free education to the girls. Unfortunately, Punjab government led by SAD-BJP lacked vision in this direction and discontinued free education for girls till graduation level.

PPCC President said that social media was becoming an important tool of communication for the young generation. He said that there was need to educate the girls in particular about the positive and nagative aspects of social media. He also thanked Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Mr. Kapil Sibal for the funds provided to SSD college for development of IT infrastructure.

Mr. Sibal said that center government was providing funds to state governments under various schemes to promote girl child and their education. He said that a safe and secure environment was necessary for girls to continue education.  He said that determination and hard work were key to success.

 

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Bajwa seeks CBI inquiry into death of journalist Jasdeep Malhotra who exposed sand mafia

Expressed condolence over demise of HT journalist

Chandigarh, September 22- Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today deeply mourned the death of Mr. Jasdeep Singh Malhotra, Principal Correspondent of The Hindustan Times in a road mishap and suspected a foul play into his death. He appealed to Punjab and High Court to take suo moto notice and order probe by CBI into the road mishap that led to tragic death of scribe.

Mr. Bajwa said that death of Mr. Malhotra was a big blow to the media fraternity and an unrepeatable loss to the bereaved family of scribe. Mr. Malhotra was a daring journalist who had only today done a story in The Hindustran Times and exposed the nefarious activities of ‘sand mafia’ operating in Pathankot area where ‘Gunda Tax of Rs.20 lakh per day is collected by henchmen of mafia. He said that he had serious doubts that Mr. Malhotra was killed in deep rooted conspiracy by ‘sand mafia’.

Mr. Bajwa said that Mr. Malhotra was working for the cause of state in exposing sand mafia. He said that it was evident from the story of Mr. Malhotra that illegal sand mining was going on in Punjab despite ban by High Court. It was expected that Mr. Malhotra had gathered more information on the acitivites of sand mafia shielded by ruling party.  “Since the High Court was monitoring the sand mining cases, I request the Chief Justice of High Court to order CBI probe into the circumstances that led to death of Mr. Malhotra”, Mr. Bajwa said.

Mr. Bajwa said that he knew Mr. Malhotra for the last over 20 years and often personally interacted with him on political and social issues. He said that Mr. Malhotra was a dynamic journalist who put himself in danger for the cause of people. He said that he remembered Mr. Malhotra’s recent visit to Pakistan on which he wrote an article highlighting the need for people to people contact on both sides of border. He said that Mr. Malhotra was a feerless journalist, thorough professional and committed person who has done proud to his family and the management of newspapers for which he worked.

Mr. Bajwa said that he and the Congress party express condolence over the demise of brave journalist and stand by his family in the hour of grief. “It is a personal loss to me since I have lost a noble friend, said Mr.Bajwa. He prayed to almighty to give courage to the family of Mr. Malhotra to bear the loss and give peace to the departed soul.

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Bajwa demands CBI probe into misappropriation of funds by SAD meant for 1984 riot victims

 Chandigarh, September 21-

 Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today in a communication to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh demanded an inquiry by CBI into the misappropriation of funds meant for Sikh migrants of 1984 riots by certain ruling Shiromani Akali Dal leaders of Punjab.

In a letter written to Prime Minister, Mr. Bajwa said that the Ludhiana Sikh Migrants Welfare Board representing these victims has brought to his notice large scale bungling and misappropriation of these funds on the basis of fake identity cards issued at the behest of some ruling party leaders who enjoyed the patronage of the present SAD-BJP government.

He wrote, “I am constrained to bring to your kind notice a case of extreme hardship, disappointment and misery inflicted on nearly 22000 Sikh migrants of 84 riots who settled in Punjab after migrating from all over the Country. In this connection I point out your kind attention to a circular no.  U.13018/46/2005-Delhi-I (NC) issued by Ministry of Home Affairs Govt. of India dated 6th Jan. 2006”.

He added that the above circular, inter alia, provided that these 22000 families being victim of riots would be paid rehabilitation grants @ 2 lakh per family. It was further decided that the state government concerned (in this case Punjab) would provide red colour Identity Card to the victims after verification and on that basis give the grants to them and would then seek reimbursement from the Govt. of India.

Mr. Bajwa noted that on a petition by the Ludhiana Sikh Migrants Welfare Board even the Hon’ble High Court has intervened and at their behest a vigilance inquiry was conducted by the Punjab Government which concluded that fake Identity Cards were indeed issued to distribute rehabilitation allowance of rupees 2 Lakh each. The vigilance inquiries were surprisingly dropped on flimsy and unconvincing grounds of shortage of staff.

“In brief huge amount of the grant given by Govt. of India, meant for genuine riots victims has been squandered away by ruling party politicians in connivance with state government. The matter was adjudicated in Hon’ble High Court Punjab & Haryana and has been in major newspapers from the last several years. In spite of all this state government has not succeeded in bringing the guilty to books and ensure that this money goes to the genuine beneficiaries”, Mr. Bajwa informed the PM.

PPCC president said that uder the circumstances it is earnestly requested that the matter may be handed over to the CBI for investigation since the funds involved are of Government of India. These gestures of the government will build-up lots of goodwill among these people and will also expose the corrupt politicians and officers of the present government in Punjab.  This will go a long way in the rehabilitation of these riot victims.

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Bajwa writes to PM to include Dhobi-Kanaujia community of Punjab in SC list

 Chandigarh, September 20-

 Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) has requested to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to include Dhobi-Kanaujia community of Punjab in the Scheduled castes list to fulfill a long standing demand.

 In a communication sent to the Prime Minister today Mr. Bajwa said that a number of representations have been made from various groups of the community from all parts of the State for their inclusion in the list of Scheduled Castes. There is sizeable population of this community in the State of Punjab.

 He said that currently this community is included in the State/List of Backward Classes while the representatives of this community have been pleading for Scheduled Caste status on the basis of their historical, social economic and educational backwardness. I would like to inform that this community has already been declared as Scheduled Caste in many States like Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

 Mr. Bajwa told the Prime Minister that the parameter adopted for declaring a community as a Scheduled Caste is “extreme social educational and economic backwardness, arising out of traditional practice of untouchability. Lot of literature is available in the history of Dhobi/Kanoujia community which shows extreme social, educational and economic backwardness of this community arising out of traditional practice of untouchability.    ‘A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North West Frontier Provinces” published by the Languages Department Punjab in 1970 described Dhobi as perhaps the most clearly defined and one most nearly approaching a true caste of all the Menial and Artisan castes.

 PPCC President said that Dhobi community was one of the most clearly defined and the one nearly approaching a true definition of all menial and artisan castes. Economically also, people of this community do not earn much and are mostly hand to mouth because of meager earning through menial work, being illiterate. Their literacy percentage is also very low as their children cannot pursue studies because of penury, resulting low percentage in Government and other jobs.

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Bajwa asks Badals to stop day dreaming of forming NDA government at center and look at pathetic condition of Punjab

Asks Badals to reveal source of funding of their vast business empire

“Observations by High Court underlines problem of drug menace in Punjab”

CHHAPAR (Ludhiana), September 19- Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today advised father and son duo-Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal-to stop ‘day dreaming’ of forming NDA government at center and make a reality check of poor performance of their own SAD-BJP government and pathetic condition of Punjab, they have made.

Addressing political conference of Congress party at Chhapar mela here, Mr. Bajwa said that NDA (National Democratic Alliance) was just a bunch of three communal parties-BJP, SAD and Shiv Sena. He said that while BJP was anti-minority community, the Shiv Sena is representing Hindu fundamentalism and strong opponent of North Indians in Maharashtra. He questioned the affiliation of SAD with these parties and asked the Chief Minister to clarify the interest of his party in aligning with divisive forces.

While reacting to statement by Mr. Sukhbir Badal to bring back the black money to India as first priority of NDA government, Mr. Bajwa said that nothing could be more ridicules. “ Let the Badal family made their assets public and explain to people of Punjab the source of the funds for their vast business empire ranging from seven star hotels, lavish farm houses, transport business besides investment in real estate and liquor trade”. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau had in 2002 assessed the total assets of  Badal family at  Rs 4326 crores. It is beyond imagination to calculate the present worth of Badals. He said that it would be great service to people of Punjab if Mr. Sukhbir Badal may also give secret of generating money to people of Punjab.   Mr. Bajwa asked Mr. Badal to take a queue from UPA Government at center and follow it to implement austerity measures to improve economy of Punjab. He said that center government had taken measures to restrict non-plan expenditure by 10 percent and fiscal deficit to 4.8 percent of GDP. It includes ban on purchase of new vehicles while Badal father and son were spending lavishly on new aero planes and new vehicles and their urge to get aircraft at Rs.74 crores and two bullet proof BMW cars worth Rs.7 crore are burden on public exchequer.   PPCC President said that after observations by Punjab and High Court that it needs heavy hand to curb the drug menace in Punjab was in fact an indicator on the intensity of drug problem in the state. He said that SAD-BJP government’s drive against drug menace was restrained to issuing press notes and ground reality is that drug mafia is flourishing under political patronage by ruling alliance. He supported the allegations leveled by former ADGP Mr. Shashi Kant that funding for elections were coming from drug cartels. It was astonishing to know that drug smuggling of over Rs.60,000 crores take place annually in Punjab.   He said that Punjab and Haryana High Court had also intervened to auction sand mines. He said that attack on on Police ASI in Fatehgarh Sahib by sand mafia yesterday proved the allegations of Congress that sand mafia had blessings of ruling party. Now the High Court has also taken up the case of mushrooming of liquor vends along the highways. Is this not shameful for SAD-BJP government that they get rebuke from the judiciary on all of their decisions, he asked ?   Mr. Bajwa also made a dig at political character of SAD and said that Akali leaders have boycotted the function of BJP MLA Mrs. Navjot Kaur Sidhu in Amritsar. He said that after BJP MP Mr. Navjot Sidhu, now heat is turned on to his wife. It is amazing that BJP leadership in Punjab was allowing SAD to humiliate its elected MP and MLA. He rubbished the claim of Mr. Badal that there was complete harmony between SAD and BJP. The actions always speak louder than words, he added.   Others who spoke on this occasion included Mr. Manish Tewari Union minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Sunil Jakhar CLP leader, Mrs. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, S. Sukhdev Singh Libra MP, Mr. Gukirat Singh Kotli MLA, Mr. Gurcharan Singh Boparai MLA, Mohd. Sadiq MLA, Mr. Jassi Khangura, Mr. Malkit Singh Dakha, Mr. Amrik Singh Dhillon,, Mr. Ishar Singh Meharban, Mr. Darshan Singh Brar, Mr. Lakhbir Singh Lakha Payal, Mr. Tej Parkash Singh, Mr. Krishan Bawa and Mr. Pawan Dewan.

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Bajwa compliments Hooda for granting rights of land to Sikh farmers

Asks Modi to follow Haryana and prove his credentials

Chandigarh, September 14- Punjab Congress President S. Partap Singh Bajwa today asked Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narender Modi to rise above his anti minority stand and follow the footsteps of Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda who has brought a legislation in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha ensuring that no Sikh farmer would be displaced from his state. The Sikh farmers in Gujarat were however denied justice by Mr. Modi.

The PPCC President complimented Mr. Hooda for his pro-farmer stance. The step taken by Mr. Hooda was a fine example of political acumen.

Bajwa said that it was shameful that Mr. Modi was nominated BJP candidate for the post of Prime Minister despite his firm stand against the minority communities. He advised Mr. Modi to come out of communal and anti-minority mind set and prove his credentials of being national leader by ensuring justice to 50,000 Sikh farmers of Gujarat. He demanded from the Gujarat Govt. to withdraw the Special Leave Petition filed in the Supreme Court before the Supreme Court gives its verdict.

Bajwa said that Punjab BJP leaders had tied to shield Mr. Modi by raising the similar stance of Sikh farmers in Haryana. He said that Haryana Chief Minister immediately came to the rescue of farmers and gave them ownership rights of land which they were given on ‘Patta’( lease) by late Chief Minister of Joint Punjab Mr. Partap Singh Kairon. He said that farmers in Gujarat were also given land by the former Prime Minister Late Lal Bahadur Shastri after 1965 war with Pakistan to defend the borders. He described the move to displace them after 50 years was anti-national and criminal act.

Bajwa said that thousands of Sikh families belonging to 26 villages of Pehowa and Ghula areas, were facing a similar situation as that of Gujarat. The lease of the land of these Sikh farmers had expired since 1972 and that these farmers had even lost their case right up to the Supreme Court of India. He said that Gujarat farmers had won the case from Gujarat High Court but Mr. Modi remained adamant on his stand of dislocating the Sikh farmers from Kutch area.

PPCC President said that he had already strongly taken up the issue of farmers of Haryana with Mr. Hooda. He said that he had also taken up the issue of Gujarat farmers up to Prime Minister level but BJP government in Gujarat was no ready to withdraw the SLP from Supreme Court. He said that it was more shameful for the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal who declares himself champion of farmers but show no guts to even discuss the problem of Sikh farmers with Mr. Modi. 

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Punjab Congress delegation meets PM, demands to implement Punjabi in Chandigarh

-Pleads to maintain 60 percent ratio of Punjab staff in UT

 Chandigarh, September 14-

 A delegation of Punjab Congress led by CLP leader Mr. Sunil Jakhar and former Chief Minister Mrs. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal which met the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh here today demanded to implement Punjabi language in all offices of Chandigarh and maintain ratio of 60:40 ratio of staff in UT administration.

 S. Tarlochan Singh MLA &Vice President PPCC & S. Balbir Singh Sidhu MLA who were part of the delegation apprised the Prime Minister that Chandigarh was capital of Punjab and Punjab has first right over the city but Punjabi language was not given due place. Even in the matter of recruitment, candidates passed out from Punjab were not considered because Hindi language is made mandatory. The delegation demanded to implement Punjabi in all UT schools and government offices. All sign boards must be written in Punjabi along with English and Hindi.

 The Congress delegation informed the Prime Minister that at the time of reorganization of Punjab in 1966, all the assets and Chandigarh, were shared in 60:40 ratio with the Haryana. However with the passage of time the UT administration had started reducing the strength of Punjab employees. The Congress urged the Prime Minister to restore the 60:40 ratio of staff in UT till the time fate of Chandigarh is not decided. They maintained that Chandigarh belong to Punjab.

 Prime Minister gave an assurance to the Congress delegation that he would ensure the 60:40 ratio of staff is maintained and Punjabi gets its due recognition.

 

Other members of the delegation included Mr. Charanjit Singh Channi, MLA & Vice President PPCC, Mr. Brahm Mahindra, MLA, Mr. Jagmohan Singh Kang, MLA, Mr. Randeep Singh, MLA, Mr.  Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Spokesperson PPCC and Mr. Gurpartap Singh Mann. 

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Badals- father and son-lack coordination, says Bajwa

Reveals factual position of state of economic affairs in Punjab

Jalandhar, September 12-

Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa, MP and President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today said that recent media statements made by the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and son, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal on financial situation of Punjab clearly show the lack of coordination between both of them.

Addressing media persons here Mr. Bajwa said that while the deputy Chief Minister portrays the state’s economy very sound,  growing robustly and having no cash crunch, his father has admitted in the media that the situation is all the opposite and the union government should bail out Punjab.

Showing the copy of the report of Punjab government submitted to the 14th finance commission on its recent visit to Chandigarh, Mr. Bajwa said that congress demands to take it as white paper on the financial situation of Punjab.

PPCC President said, “We would approach the chairman of the finance commission very soon in Delhi, apprise him of the financial situation of the state and then meet the governor of Punjab also”. We are not against the union government helping the state to bail out from the financial mess but the funds and grants should be used properly, not diverted in sangat darshans”.

Commenting on the report submitted to the commission on 7th of this month,  Mr.Bajwa said that Punjab government himself is admitting that the state is under debt stress situation. If Punjab is financially sound why are the Badals compromising the pride of Punjab by going with begging bowl to the Finance commission?

Mr. Bajwa countered the claim of S Sukhbir Singh Badal that in the last 6 years of their rule they have never defaulted on the payment of salaries and pensions. He said that till today 1800 crores amounting to the DA and arrears of the government employees is pending, even 250 crores of salaries out of total 1200 crores monthly salaries of Punjab government employees are pending for the month of August till date. The employees of education department, irrigation and rural health department and government aided schools are party to this. Even the education department employees have decided to gherao district treasury offices. Talking abouit the pensions, Mr. Bajwa said that bills for 108 crore for old age pension, 21 crore for assistance to widows and destitute women, 8.9 crore for assistance to the dependant children and 10.8crore for assistance to disabled persons is still pending towards the Punjab  government. Even the mid day meal grants have been diverted to pay the salaries of teachers. Punjab Government has just released a small grant of 50 crore for the mid day meal otherwise it was also not being served to the poor and needy children.

Mr. Bajwa said that Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has said that Punjab government was not cash starved, then why is it that punjab has availed emergency provisions of overdraft facilities and ways means advances for the record 139 days and 233 days respectively in the last financial year. Mr. Bajwa also revealed the per capita income in punjab which shows that there is constant growth in it from 2002-2007(53%) whereas from 2007-2012 it is 25% while our neighboring states have performed much better than us. today Punjab is far behind than Haryana and Himachal Pradesh in the per capita income.

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Badal leaves Gujarat Sikh farmers in the lurch, also betrayed Punjab farmers: Bajwa

Says, Badal survives on anti-center propaganda, ruined industry, agriculture

Bagha Purana, Sept. 11-

Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has left the Sikh farmers of Gujarat in the lurch and even compromised the interests of farmers of Punjab for vested political and business interests of his family.

While addressing a mammoth gathering of party workers here Mr. Bajwa said that Mr. Badal met the Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narender Modi during Global Agriculture conclave in Ahmedabad last Monday but didn't take up the issue of displacement of Sikh farmers of Gujarat. He said that his media team had merely issued a statement citing an assurance by Mr. Modi not to displace the farmers. He said that assurance purported to have been given by Mr. Modi was self-contradictory when his government was not ready to withdraw SLP filed in the Supreme Court against the Gujarat High Court decision in favour of farmers.

Mr.Bajwa said that Mr. Narender Modi who is anti-minority community was adamant on his stand to dislocate the 50,000 Sikh farmers from Kutch area of Gujarat and as such he had not given any assurance to Mr. Badal. He asked Mr. Badal to categorically tell the people what was his demand from Modi and what Mr. Modi had exactly assured him on SLP filed in the Supreme Court.  He said that farmers were fighting their case strongly in the Supreme Court and if they wins case against Gujarat Government what would be the credibility of Mr. Badal.

Mr. Bajwa described Mr. Badal a shrewd businessman who is wearing the mask of popular leader and his stance of being pro-farmer was nothing more than an illusion. He said that Mr. Badal was Chief Minister of Punjab for the last seven years and enjoying his fifth term in the office but he had ruined the Industry and Agriculture of Punjab. "Everything in Punjab except for the various businesses run by his family members have worsened", said Mr. Bajwa.

PPCC president said that during the last Congress Government Reliance Group had signed an agreement with the Punjab Government to invest Rs.5000 crore in Punjab to establish an Agro Food chain and it was for the first time that any Corporate house had shown interest to invest such a big amount in the Agriculture sector. He said that Mr. Badal cancelled the MoU signed with the Reliance Group causing a major setback to farmers and crop diversification process. He said that now Mr. Badal was demanding Rs. 500 crore for crop diversification without any home work. He said that past record has shown that the cabinet ministers in the Badal Government had embezzled the central funds and no action was taken against them. Mr. Bajwa though supported the demand for crop diversification, he said the center government must monitor the fund investment.

Mr. Bajwa said that Mr. Badal was in the habit of making false accusations against center government and this is only excuse he had used through out his political career to cover up his failures. He said that Mr. Badal was blaming center government for problems faced by Industry and Agriculture in the state. He said that during the UPA I AND UPA II governments the MSP of Paddy was increased by Rs. 690 per quintal and that of Wheat Rs.645 per quintal. However during the NDA rule from 1998 to 2004, the Paddy MSP was raised only Rs.145 and of Wheat Rs.130 per quintal.

Mr. Bajwa also held Mr. Badal and his son Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for the death knell of industry. He said that when in 2003 NDA government had given special industrial package to the hilly states, Mr. Sukhbir Badal was MoS for Industry and Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa another SAD leader was Cabinet Minister for Fertilizer and Chemical. He said that both of them were signatory to the cabinet decision. They didn't oppose the decision at that time. He said that Mr. Badal had been opposing Congress demand to given similar special package to border and backward districts of Punjab while they themselves have not done anything for the border districts.

Mr. Bajwa said that BJP MP from Amritsar Mr. Navjot Sidhu has rightly said that SADD-BJP government was building castles in the air and on ground there is no development. He said that Mr. Sukhbir Badal had even beaten the Nazis in telling lies with full conviction.

Mr. Bajwa also said that SAD-BJP government has completely ignored the flood hit people of Malwa districts. He said that people were forced to live in open at the mercy of God. He said that Rs.900 crores was spent in Muktsar, Faridkot and Ferozepur districts in the name of flood protection but it was total collapse of the system there.

Mr. Sunil Jakhar leader of opposition also flayed the SAD-BJP government for causing economic disaster in Punjab. He said that Punjab Government was running on the funds given by center government or by selling government properties. He demanded a white paper on economic position of state.

Others who addressed the meeting included Mr. Gurpreet Singh Kangar PPCC Vice President, Mr. Joginder Singh Panjgrain, Mr. Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Mr. Darshan Singh Brar, Mr. Harminder Singh Jassi, Mr. Gurkirat Singh Kotli, Mr. Makhan Singh, Mr. Surinder Pal Singh Sibia, Mr. Sukhvinder Singh Danny, Bibi Jagdarshan Kaur, Mr. Sardul Singh, Kaka Sukhjit Singh Lohgarh, Mr. Manjit Singh Mann, Dr. Harjot Kamal, Mr. Khushbaaz Singh Jattana, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Gora and Mr. Kamaljit Singh Brar.

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Congress flays SAD-BJP govt for issuing land acquisition notice for Mullanpur Urban Estate under 1894 Act

Chandigarh, September 10-

The Congress party has taken strong exception of land acquisition notice for urban estate phase 2 at Mullanpur, issued by SAD-BJP government under the old Land Acquisition Act of 1894 even when the center government has cleared the new Act  under which farmers would get compensation four times of collector rates.

Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu Congress MLA from Mohali in a statement here said that the haste with which land acquisition notification under section 4of the 1894 Act was issued has unmasked the anti-farmer face of SAD-BJP government. He said that the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabjha have already passed the new bill and it would become an Act after President of India signs it. He said that it was matter of few weeks that Land Acquisition Act 2013 would be implemented. He said that SAD-BJP government had played a fraud with the farmers whose land is being acquired for New Chandigarh project.

Mr. Sidhu said that under the new Act the land of farmers couldn't be acquired unless 80 percent of the land owners agree for it and they have to get rate at four times the collector rates of land in that area. They will also get displacement allowance equal to value of land. He said that under the old Act farmers would get only Rs.1.50 crore per acre where as under the provisions of new Act the compensation would be as much as Rs.6.40 crore per acre. He said that 335 acre land would be acquired for the project.

Mr. Sidhu said that Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal and his son Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal were biggest enemies of farmers. He said that they could have waited for more one or two weeks before issuing notification when there was no urgency in the matter.

Mr. Sidhu said that the Congress party would make people aware of their rights under the new act and the sinister designs of SAD-BJP government. He said that Congress would protest against the government decision if notification is not withdrawn immediately.

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No place for intellectual and sensible people in SAD, BJP: Bajwa

Says, Navjot Sidhu expected to meet the fate of Manpreet Badal

 

Chandigarh September 17- Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee(PPCC) today that Mr. Navjot Sidhu BJP MP from Amritsar was on hit list of Badals for exposing the ground realities and he is expected to meet the fate of former Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal who had voiced against economic policy of of SAD-BJP government.

In a statement issued here Mr. Bajwa said Mr. Badal has asked the BJP high command to snub Mr. Navjot Sidhu who has become an eyesore for the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and his son Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal. He said that except Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal daughter in law of Chief Minister and MP from Bathinda, all other MPs of Punjab were getting same treatment. He said that Congress MPs were raising voice against discrimination by SAD-BJP government and Mr. Navjot Sidhu couldn’t bear the injustice after continued humiliation in the hands of Badals.

Mr. Bajwa said that the revelations made by Mr. Sidhu had endorsed the allegations of Congress party and it was shameful for the BJP leadership to be mute spectator and not coming to the rescue of its MP. He said that there was no place for intelligent and sensible persons in the SAD and BJP. He blamed Badals for letting down the people of holy city of Amritsar to meet the narrow political ends. Mr. Bajwa supported the allegations of Mr. Navjot Sidhu and said that Mr. Sukhbir Badal was running away from responsibility of ignoring the development of holy city of Amritsar.

He said that Mr. Manpreet Badal had raised voice against mismanagement of funds and had warned the SAD-BJP alliance government about the rising debt of state and pressed for debt waiver offer made by the center government. He said that adamant attitude of Mr. Sukhbir Badal ruined the state and pushed Punjab towards bankruptcy. Had the offer made by the then Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee be accepted, Punjab would have placed much better on economic front.

Mr. Bajwa said that Mr. Sukhbir Badal had  been distributing  ‘Lollypops’ to people of Punjab for the last seven years but his political stunts were never challenged from within the alliance. He said that perhaps in the history of Punjab, Mr. Sukhbir Badal was only politician who has an excellent command boasting big and creating an illusion of development without any work on ground. He said that Mr. Sukhbir Badal was now exposed and lost the public trust.

Mr. Bajwa asked the Chief Minister to respond to allegations leveled by Mr. Sidhu and order an inquiry into the allegations of diversion of funds from Amritsar Improvement Trust. He said that Congress party would demand to widen the scope of such an inquiry to whole of Punjab and also cover the diversion of development funds send by center government. He said that people of Punjab were the ultimate victims. He cited the example of recent floods in Muktsar district. He said that during last few years Rs.990 crores were spent on solving the problem of water logging in Muktsar area but still the problem existed. Where have the funds gone, he asked?

Mr. Bajwa said that Punjab Government had diverted huge central funds for other purposes which included Rs.4600 crores of central funds for welfare of Scheduled castes. He said that National SC Commission has written to Punjab Government in this regard. He said that over Rs.2000 crores of central funds were diverted to various corporations and boards and there is no account of Rs.1600 crores. 

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PM assures to give personal hearing to Steel Re-roller Industry Association: Randip Singh

Chandigarh, September 14-

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today met a delegation of All India Steel Re-rollers Association, accompanied by Congress MLA from Amloh Sh. Randeep Singh Nabha and assured to give personal hearing to them on various problems faced by the industry. Mr. Nabha expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for patient hearing to the delegation led by him.

Mr. Nabha along with Mr. Vinod Vashisht President of the Association briefed the Prime Minister about issues related to Re-Roller industry and handed over a memorandum of demands. The Prime Minister told the delegation he would give an appointment soon for detailed discussion on demands. Mr. Randip Nabha told the Prime Minister that small scale industry sector of Mandi Gobindgarh was in serious trouble and needs immediate attention.

The memorandum said that the rerolled products were exempted from excise duty before 1994. After imposition of Central Excise provisions, a parallel economy came into existence and corruption and evasion of duty plagued the whole system. The mandatory provision of taking ISI certificate for all products would throw the industry out of competition as it required new machinery and equipment. The Central Excise and Taxation Department has set high targets for the tax collection much higher than the national growth percentage. The Income Tax and Excise officials put pressure on Industry to collect taxes which often amounts to harassment.  The Association has demanded to abolish target system for collection of taxes. The issue of supply of gas for industry was also brought to the notice of Prime Minister.

 - Bajwa demands CBI inquiry into ‘manmade’ floods in three Malwa districts of Punjab

Hold Badals responsible for havoc played by floods

Chandigarh, September 14:  

The Punjab Congress today demanded high level independent inquiry into the man-made floods in Muktsar, Faridkot  and Fazilka areas saying the genesis of the same was rooted in the Rs. 400 crore anti-waterlogging scam during the tenure of the Akali Dal-BJP government headed by Mr. Parkash Singh Badal from 1997-2002.

In a  statement issued here Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) said though it seemed that the Badal government had done a reasonable job by removing waterlogging which had plagued the area for more than a decade making the life of the people in the rural areas miserable but actually due to rampant corruption the life of people became more miserable. This area was then part of the Faridkot Parliamentary constituency and Akali Dal candidate Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal lost the 1999 election from this very constituency as the people had understood the wrong doings in the implementation of this grand project. He said the inquiry should either be entrusted to the CBI or handed over to the sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

PPCC President said apart from other factors, what had now led to water logging in the area was the misuse of water connections given under the scheme to promote horticulture which in effect was the kinnow cultivation in this area. This included, apart from the Badal clan, big landlords in the area who had been funding and supporting Badal. These special water connections from the canals were misused for cultivating paddy. He said this arid region was not otherwise suitable for this crop which was and continues to be known as the cotton belt.

Mr. Bajwa said a drain was dug under this project to carry water from the affected villages to Satluj river near Fazilka. However, the alignment of this drain was changed under pressure from the big landlords. Moreover, there were other design faults as this drain was at a lower elevation than the Satluj river and as such, water started flowing back in this drain. Over the years, this drain too got choked. Similarly, there were some other works undertaken as part of this Rs. 400 crore project. Now the situation had worsened to such an extent that slightly higher rainfall had led to the flooding in the area.

He further said the areas worst affected included Lambi, Malout, Gidderbaha and Muktsar, the home land of the Badal family. He alleged about 50 per cent of the money was siphoned off from this  Rs. 400 crore project. They said this was not possible in a project having been undertaken in the area of the Chief Minister without it having been under his knowledge.

Mr. Bajwa said how come that water logging re-appeared within a few years in this area which only shows that the measures then adopted were just ad hoc lacking in professional approach. This along with corruption had now compounded the situation.

Mr.Bajwa said the Badal government now wanted central assistance for rooting out this menace. They said his party too supported this demand but at the same time, inquiry should be held into the Rs. 400 crore mega scam otherwise the central assistance would go down the drain again.  

 

 

Congress compliments PWD minister for daring to speak truth on corruption in Punjab govt


Chandigarh, September 6, 2013

Punjab Congress today welcomed the statement of PWD minister Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon for exposing corruption in SAD-BJP government and complimented him for daring to speak truth.
In a joint Statement Congress MLA’s S. Kewal Singh Dhillon, Smt. Harchand Kaur, Mohd. Saddique, Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu, S. Balbir Singh Sidhu and S. Jagmohan Singh Kang today said that Congress party was time and again raising the issue of rampant corruption in SAD-BJP government and also nailed several ministers involved in scams. They said that statement made by Mr.Dhillon that there was rampant corruption in all departments had endorsed the Congress party’s view point.
Congress MLA’s said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal were shielding the corrupt ministers against whom there were serious allegations of misappropriation of government funds. They said that Chief Minister had given clean chit to Animal Husbandry minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike who was involved in embezzlement of border area development funds and Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka who was named in book scam. He said that former Agriculture minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langah was also allowed to go scot free in seed scam.
They asked the Chief Minister to listen the voice of his conscience and act against the corrupt ministers and fulfill his promise of providing corruption free government. They said that it was indeed a matter of serious concern that corruption was on rise and general administration has collapsed. They said that Sangat Darshan programme of CM was root cause of promoting corruption. They advised the Chief Minister to make bureaucracy answerable to people.

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Badal must own moral responsibility and quit: Punjab Congress

Chandigarh, September 6:
The Punjab Congress today said BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu had only reinforced the charge of discrimination leveled against the Badal government that calls for explanation from Chief Minister S Parkash Singh Badal. The party said the issues raised by the BJP MP from Amritsar were not just the internal matter of the BJP as the same were related to the style of governance of this government which had been reduced to Badal and Badal Limited. The party said Badal must own moral responsibility and resign.
In a joint statement issued here today O P Soni, Tarlochan Soond, Charanjit Singh Channi(Vice presidents), party spokesman Rajanbir Singh, Navtej Cheema, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Kaka Randeep Singh, Brahm Mohindra  said the prolonged absence of Sidhu from his constituency could not be condoned on any excuse as it amounted to betrayal with the people but the very issues he had raised about being discriminated against by the Badal government were all the more serious and amounted to indictment of this government, not from an outsider, but from a member of the alliance itself.
They said the Congress MLA’s had gone to the sangat darshan programmes of the Chief Minister on these very issues of neglecting their constituencies. They said in case of Amritsar, the case was all the more serious as Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal had been making tall claims of changing the face of holy city which lacks even in basic amenities. They said the lack of basic amenities had been repeatedly raised by Navjot Singh Sidhu but nothing had moved. Sukhbir had announced major grants for the development of Amritsar which had not materialized as the government was bankrupt.
The Punjab Congress said it was too well known a fact that Sidhu was being sabotaged by an influential Akali Minister there who wanted the Akali Dal to swap Amritsar seat with the BJP for Ludhiana as a family member of the minister was ambitious for this seat. There was no love lost between this Minister and the Amritsar MP.
The leaders said yet another indictment of the Badal government had come from none else but his PWD Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon who had castigated this government for reeking with corruption.
They said Dhillon had gone on record saying that it was not just his department which was corrupt but so was the case with other departments in the government.
The Punjab Congress said these charges were not being levelled by the Congress which Badal could dismiss as politically motivated but the very people from the Akali Dal-BJP alliance. They said Badal must own moral responsibility for non-governance, discrimination in the allotment of grants and stinking corruption in the administration and quit. They said winning elections was different from providing good governance and the father-son duo had failed to perform.

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Bajwa raised issue of Punjab floods in Lok Sabha, seeks special funds and army's help for relief

-Says, SAD-BJP government failed to cope with the disaster

 Chandigarh/New Delhi, August 27-

 Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today during 'Zero Hour' raised in the Lok Sabha, the issue of havoc played by floods in Punjab and the failure of SAD-BJP government in managing the flood situation. Thousands of people were marooned and hundreds of villages were inundated, he told the Parliament.

 Mr.Bajwa demanded immediate deployment of army and other Para-military forces to rescue the villagers from the flood hit areas and allocate special funds to Punjab for undertaking protection measures at war footing.

 The PPCC president while explaining the plight of flood hit people said that large number of villages were submerged in water in districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Ferozepur, Muktsar, Fazilika and Pathankot. The deluge damaged not only the standing crops in lakhs of acres but also left thousands of people homeless and without food. They waited for relief in vain.

 Mr.Bajwa said that state government had miserable failed in managing this disaster and was found severely wanting in its relief and rescue measures. He said that it was evident that local authorities had no resources to meet the emergency situation. He said that there was no clue where have the funds given by center government for disaster management had gone. He said that Punjab government had made tall claims of spending huge funds on protection works but it turned out a white lie. He also referred to 8000 people were displaced in Muktsar district since August 14 last. Most of them are daily wagers who have no sources of income. He demanded immediate relief to affected people.

 Mr.Bajwa said that these floods had become recurring phenomena in the border belt causing irreparable damage to the standing crops and houses. These border villages have been getting step motherly treatment from the state government though the central government allocates resources to these Border States under border area development.

 He pleaded for special funds from center government for flood relief and also demanded from Punjab government to pay Rs.25,000 per acre for fully damaged crops and Rs.15,000 for the partially damaged crops.

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 Bajwa asks Badal to perform or quit, accuses him of betraying people’s trust

Says, lawlessness, corruption, fiscal mess makes Punjab a ‘Banana Republic’

Dharmkot, August 25- Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today asked Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal to perform or quit the job. He asked Mr.Badal to feel pity on people of Punjab and let them live with respect and pride they deserved.

Making a strong worded statement at the workers meeting here Mr.Bajwa said that Punjab was close to become a ‘Banana Republic’ due to a situation of anarchy prevailing in the government headed by Mr.Badal. He said that SAD-BJP government had totally failed in maintaining law and order leaving people to suffer in the hands of criminals. The rampant corruption has plagued the system and economy was in shambles. He said that for the first time in the history of Punjab mafias ruled the roost.

Mr. Bajwa strongly opposed the reckless borrowing and sale of public properties by SAD-BJP government to clear its debt, pay salaries of staff and day to day other expenses and demanded from President of Indian to declare financial emergency in the state.

Mr. Bajwa said that selling government properties was fraud with the people of Punjab and also an unethical and unprofessional practice. He said that SAD-BJP government had already sold properties of Punjab Tourism Corporation at throw away price to its favorites and now began mortgaging the land and buildings owned by Punjab Urban Development Authority. He said that what could be more shameful that PUDA Bhawan in Mohali was also mortgaged for Rs.500 crores. The PUDA has been asked to raise Rs.1000 crores against its properties. The government has also borrowed Rs.3500 crores from market by auctioning state development funds.

Mr.  Bajwa said that he would take up the issue of sale of government properties by SAD-BJP government with the center government and the President of India and apprise them about economic mess in created by present government. He said that Governance was the last thing on the agenda of Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal who has other priorities in mind. He said that Mr.Badal had lost control over administration and also shielding the corrupt ministers in his cabinet.

He said that Chief Minister had given clean chit to former Agriculture minister Sucha Singh Langah in seed subsidy scandal, Mr.Gulzar Singh Ranike in embezzlement of rural development fund scam.  Education Minister Mr.Sikandar Singh Maluka who makes headlines in one or the other scam was given clean chit in bungling of purchase of books, practical books and science kits. Mr.Maluka’s name has now figured in another scam of recruitment of PTI teachers who never applied for the job. He said that Mr.Tota Singh former education minister was convicted in forgery case and he still enjoys the confidence of Mr.Badal.

The Chief Minister was conducting Sangat Darshan just to keep himself busy but his hobby was costing heavily to the public exchequer. He is wasting development funds by scattered distribution of money”, he added.

Mr.Bajwa also said that the leaders who had lost their worth in the Congress party were accepted by SAD. He said that Mr. Mangat Rai Bansal and Mr.Joginder Pal Jain were fine examples to describe the political character of SAD. He said that some other Congressmen who had defected to SAD were sidelined and their political carrier has ended. He said that SAD was a feudal party and those believe in democracy has no place in the SAD.

PPCC President said that Congress party had taken up the issues like hike in power tariff, bus fares and imposition of property tax by SAD-BJP government. He said that state government was forced to lower the property tax slab under pressure from Congress party. He said that Congress had exposed the SAD-BJP on its false promises made in the election manifesto. He said that Congress party would go for Lok Sabha polls on the all these issues besides achievements of UPA Government at center. He asked the Congress workers to propagate the achievements of Congress and shortcomings of SAD-BJP combine.

Others who addressed the meeting included Kaka sukhjit Singh Lohgarh, Bibi Jagdarshan Kaur, Mr. Parminder Singh Pinki, Mr. Gurkirat Singh Kotli, Mr. Navtej cheema, Mr. Raja waring, Mr. Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Mr. Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa, Mr.Sardul Singh, Mr.Sukhwinder Singh Danny, Mr. Manjeet Mann, Dr Harjot Kanwal Singh and Mr. Harminder gill.

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Badal’s lies nailed, failed to convince Modi on Gujarat Sikh farmer’s issue

Asks Badal to come clean on interest of his family in liquor trade, transport and illegal mining

Sangrur, August 23-

Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today stated that Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal had failed to convince Gujarat Chief Minister Mr.Narender Modi to withdraw SLP filed by his government in the Supreme Court to dislocate Sikh farmers from Kutch area and he was offering legal help for face saving.

Addressing a largely attended meeting of party workers here Mr.Bajwa said that Mr. Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal had promised accompany the Gujarat farmers to meet Mr.Modi and convince him to withdraw SLP which is filed against the order of Gujarat High Court. The full bench of High Court had nullified the orders of Gujarat Government asking farmers to sell their land and go to Punjab because they were not Gujaratis, citing Bombay Tenancy and Agriculture lands Act 1948.

Mr.Bajwa said that SAD is political alliance partner of BJP in Punjab and also member of BJP led NDA at national level. He said that Gujarat farmers had approached Mr.Badal to take up the issue with BJP leaders at political level and use his good offices. “The farmers had not approached Mr.Bajwa for legal help since they have hired best lawyers for their case. The farmers had rightly rejected the legal help by SAD-BJP government”, he added.

PPCC President said that Mr.Badal was in habit of telling lies and making false promises since nobody ever dared to challenge him publically. He said that it was unfortunate that Mr.Badal had failed to understand the gravity of situation and plight of farmers. He said that due to his business interests in other states, Mr.Badal has no moral strength to force BJP leadership and speak for the rights of Sikhs in other states.

He said that Congress party had time and again asserted that BJP was working on agenda of anti-minorities and the victimisation of Sikhs in Gujarat was another example of Modi’s political doctrine. He said that Mrs.Sonia Gandhi had sacrificed the post of Prime Minister for Dr. Manmohan Singh who belonged to minority community. He said that Mr. Badal had lust for money and power which lure him to stick to post of Chief Minister.

Mr.Bajwa also rebutted statements being made by Mr.Badal and his son that center was meddling in affairs of state. He said that they were finding excuses to escape public fury against poor governance, corruption, deteriorating law and order situation and bad economy. He said that Punjab was passing through a face of uncertainty and more or less look like a ‘banana republic’. He said that UPA government at center was rather helping the Punjab government to build infrastructure, set up quality education institutes and improve health and education services in state. The UPA government was not responsible for misappropriation of rural development development funds, book scam in education department and medicine scam in health department.

He asked Mr.Badal to come clean on interest of his family in liquor business, illegal mining of sand and monopoly over public transport. He said that people of Punjab had not elected SAD-BJP government for serving business interests of ruling family. He said that it was also fact that majority of voters had not voted for SAD-BJP combine, they have won the election due to division of opposition votes. He said that Congress would show the Badals their class in the Punjab politics in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

Mr.Bajwa said that Congress had started era of development in Punjab under first Chief Minister late Mr. Partap Singh Kairon. He said that land consolidation and grass root development of villages was done by Mr, Kairon. He led the Punjab farmers for bringing green revolution and made agriculture profitable venture. He set up the city of Chandigarh and then brought quality education and medical institutions like PGI and Punjab agriculture University. It was due o efforts of Mr. Kairon that Bhakra Dam was constructed and it helped Punjab to gain prosperity. He said that Punjab remained number one during Congress rule in growth and per capita income. He reminded Mr. Badal that now Punjab was at 12th position in per capita income and at 6th place in economic performance.

He said that Congress led the freedom struggle and made sacrifices to protect the freedom. He said that Mrs Indira Gandhi,Mr,Rajiv Gandhi and Mr. Beant Singh sacrificed their lives for the unity and integrity of the country. Over 2400 Congress cadre workers were killed during insurgency in Punjab. He said that in present times UPA government had contributed more than any past government in the infrastructure building in Punjab.

Others who spoke on this occasion included Mr. Vijay Inder Singla MP, Mr. Surinderpal Singh Sibia former MLA and Mr.Balbir Singh Sidhu MLA Mohali, S. Jasbir Singh Ex-Minister, Sh. Subhash Grover President DCC Sangrur, S. Surjit Singh Dhiman Ex-MLA, Sh. Chand Singh Chopra Ex-MLA, S. Gurcharan Singh Dirba, Sh. Aman Arora Member AICC, Sh. Rajinder Deepa and Smt. Mai Roop Kaur.

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Bajwa cautions Badals against selling Punjab’s family silver

Says, Punjab developed during Congress rule, hails Kairon 

Kartarpur (Jalandhar), August 22-

The Ideological buffoonery and profligate governance of SAD- BJP government in last six years has rammed Punjab’s economy into stonewall of de-growth, unemployment and hopelessness. This was stated by Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) while addressing a meeting of party workers here.

Mr. Bajwa said that worst both Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab were devising sinister designs to circumvent laid down fiscal procedures to sell prime lands “ Punjab’s family silver” to fill the revenue and fiscal deficit gaps.

He said that Intra department borrowing was being routed through PUDA which has been assigned to sell prime assets to vested interests at undervalued prices on the pretext of raising funds for development works. The fact however is that bragged tax buoyancy and VAT collection has fizzled out to and there is decline in State’s income due to impractical and harsh policies being sought to be implemented to fill state coffers. 

Mr.Bajwa added that the frequency of delay in salaries, the basic parameter of fiscal governance of state, has increased. In the last eight months twice the salaries of top employees’ stand delayed, while the school teachers and the lower staff receive their salaries in parcels twice or thrice a year.

PPCC President said that Punjab government had again overshot its overdraft limit with RBI and the state debt has touched Rs.1 lakh crore beside debt by public sector and loan against small savings, and yet Punjab government has no money to pay salaries and clear treasury bills. There is no information on the status of planned expenditure and how they are planning to fill revenue and fiscal gap they had mentioned in the last budget. Punjab government is being run as den of a don, opaque and gloomy.

He further said that the cry of desperation by their Chief parliamentary secretary Mrs. Navjot Kaur Sidhu of having being cheated and hoodwinked by Deputy CM was not an isolated incident. The story is same everywhere in Punjab, where Mr. Sukhbir Badal under hallucination and intoxication of power promises moon and delivers prunes. Other Akali and BJP MLA’s, MP’s and Ministers are quite about the promised funds and development in their respective constituencies out of sheer greed of enjoying petty perks at the expense of public interest.

Mr.Bajwa said that Punjab under Akali BJP government had landed into dangerous economic quicksand. Desperation to milk public exchequer will force them to put prime Governmental properties on the block. Punjab Congress is trustee of people’s faith and will not allow in any which way to sell Punjab’s family silver.

Mr.Bajwa said that SAD-BJP government had lost faith of people and the Sikhs in particular were fed up from the Badal government. He said that for the second time Mr. Sukhbir Badal was forced to cancel his visit to Canada out of fear of backlash from NRI community. He said that Sikhs didn’t like the Badals who use influence of the community to win elections. He said that Badals had made false promises with NRI’s and now they are afraid of facing them.

Reacting to a statement made by Mr.Badal asking about contribution of Congress for Punjab. Mr.Bajwa said that Congress had started era of development in Punjab under first Chief Minister late Mr. Partap Singh Kairon. He said that land consolidation and grass root development of villages was done by Mr, Kairon. He led the Punjab farmers for bringing green revolution and made agriculture profitable venture. He set up the city of Chandigarh and then brought quality education and medical institutions like PGI and Punjab agriculture University. It was due o efforts of Mr. Kairon that Bhakra Dam was constructed and it helped Punjab to gain prosperity. He said that Punjab remained number one during Congress rule in growth and per capita income. He reminded Mr. Badal that now Punjab was at 12th position in per capita income and at 6th place in economc performance.

He said that Congress led the freedom struggle and made sacrifices to protect the freedom. He said that Mrs Indira Gandhi,Mr,Rajiv Gandhi and Mr. Beant Singh sacrificed their lives for the unity and integrity of the country.  Over 2400 Congress cadre workers were killed during insurgency in Punjab. He said that in present times UPA government had contributed more than any past government in the infrastructure building in Punjab.

Others who spoke on this occasion included Mr. Tarlochan singh soond, Ch jagjit singh, Ch Santokh Singh, Mr. Amarjit Singh Samra,, Mr. Tejinder Bittu, Mr.Anil Dutta, Mr. Satnam kainth, Mr. C.D kamboj,  Varinder Sharma, Arun Walia, Mr. Ram lal jassi

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SAD-BJP Govt. neglected historical towns, fails on its promise of religious tourism: Bajwa

Says, Punjab in a state of economic emergency, a step short of total bankruptcy

Congratulates people on Rakhar-Punia

 

Baba Bakala, August 21-

Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today blamed the SAD-BJP government for ignoring the historical towns of Punjab in matter of development and making false promises on promoting religious tourism in the state.

Addressing a mammoth gathering of Sikh devotees here at historical Rakhar-Punia festival, Mr.Bajwa congratulated the people of Punjab and Sikhs in particular on this auspicious occasion. He said that Punjab had a rich heritage of religion and culture. “Unfortunately, the all town of religious and historical importance are in state of neglect”, he added and said it was duty of the present government to project the Punjab’s rich heritage for tourism purposes at international level. He stated that religious tourism had a great potential in Punjab but SAD-BJP Government had no vision in this direction.

Mr.Bajwa said that SAD-BJP government had come to power on false promises made to people and all sections of society are frustrated from its poor performance. He said that Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal had lost control over administration and his son Deputy Chief Minister was misusing the mandate of people to promote his family business in transport, liquor and real estate. He held Mr.Sukhbir responsible for shielding sand mafia and creating monopoly in every business.

“Mr.Sukhbir Badal is leading the Punjab towards disaster”, Mr.Bajwa warned and said that economy of state was in such a bad shape that salaries were not paid to government employees for the month of July.  He referred to media reports that Punjab government had already exhausted its limit of overdraft from Reserve Bank of India. It was a state of economic emergency and a step short of total bankruptcy. He said that state government had sought a loan of Rs.1000 crores from Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) against the government lands transferred to it for infrastructure development. The cabinet in its last meeting had also asked PUDA to obtain a loan of Rs.1000 crores to fund the widening of state highways and toll system will be implemented almost on all roads in the state.

PPCC President said that SAD-BJP government was imposing heavy taxes on the people and still they are not able to manage the economy of state. He said that recent hikes in power tariff, bus fares, stamp duty, VAT and property tax were direct burden on the people. The Badal government had imposed taxes of about Rs.2000 crores immediately after the budget was presented in Vidhan Sabha and burden of another Rs.2000 crores was imposed by revision in tariffs and VAT.

Mr. Bajwa said that as a result of heavy tax structure and poor law and order in Punjab industry was shifting out of state. SAD-BJP government which at one stage accused the UPA government at center for exodus of industry from Punjab was not engaged in campaign to probe that no industry had shifted out of Punjab. He said that Congress party had always taken stand on important issues and exposed the misdeeds of Badal family. He said that Congress stood by its claim that big industrial houses in Punjab were expanding its units in other states. In the last five years 274 industrial units had shifted to other states, he added.

Mr.Bajwa said that SAD-BJP had failed to wake up to flood fury in Punjab. Thousands of people were marooned and villages were inundated with flood waters and no government help reached them for days together. Only after Congress party raised the matter in media, the government machinery was activated. He reiterated demand for Rs.25,000 per acre for full damage and Rs.15,000 per acre for partial damage of crops.

PPCC President said that illegal sand mining had patronage of Badal family and sand mafia was exploiting the mines without auction. He said that it was direct loss to revenue of state and danger to environment. The illegal mining is one of the major reasons for floods in Punjab, he added and blamed Mr.Badal for not pushing for auction of sand mines rather finding illegal means to block the auctions.

Others who spoke on occasion included Mr.Harish Chaudhary Secretary AICC and incharge of Punjab Affairs, Mr.O.P.Soni Vice President PPCC, Mr.Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa General Secretary PPCC, Mr.Jasbir Singh Dimpa, Mr.Sardul Singh, Mr.Ranjit Singh Chhajjalwindi, Mr.Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Mr.Gurchet Singh Bhullar, Mr.Harminder Singh Jassi, Dr.Dharampal Agnihotri, Mr.Sukhdev Singh Shehbazpuri, Mr.Harpartap Singh Ajnala, Mr.Vikas Soni, Mr.Sunil Dutti, Mr.Jugal Kishore Sharma and Mr.Inderjit Singh Jeera.

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An opportunist, communal alliance of SAD-BJP not in the interest of Punjab, says Harish Chaudhary

Baba Bakala (Amritsar), August 21-

AICC secretary and Punjab affairs in-charge Harish Chaudhary today while addressing political conference of Congress party at Rakhar Punia festival here said that political alliance between SAD and BJP in Punjab was opportunistic and communal and is not in the interest of peace, prosperity and economic stability of Punjab.

Mr.Chaudhary said that Punjab remained a leader in all fields in the country and earned international recognition for bringing green revolution. He said that Punjab was fast loosing its position in agriculture and industrial development and slipped to 6th rank in economic performance from second position it held six years back. He blamed the SAD-BJP government for lack of planning and resource mismanagement for poor performance of state.

The AICC secretary said that UPA government at center had extended all kind of support and funding to Punjab particularly in infrastructure building under Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Development Mission, improvement of health system under National Rural Health Mission, development of human resources under Sarb Shiksha Abhiyan and various schemes of social welfare. It was shocking that SAD-BJP government had failed to fully utilize the central funds or in many cases misappropriated the funds.

Mr.Chaudhary said that Sangat Darshan Programme of Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal was a step towards establishing feudal system in the state. He said that an effective mechanism of administration was missing in Punjab and people were not getting justice from police and civil administration as a matter of right. The people had to wait for months for the Sangat Darshan programme to raise their issues. Is this not shameful and irritating, he asked?

Mr.Chaudhary said that UPA government was trying to get the Food Security bill passed by Lok Sabha. He said that opposition parties were not cooperating. He said that UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi was motivation behind the Food Security bill which will ensure food for the deprived 67 percent of population of country. He asked people of Punjab to decide their future in the coming Lok Sabha elections and give a jolt to SAD-BJP alliance.

 

 

 

SAD-BJP Govt hounding business community with draconian laws and corrupt bureaucracy: Bajwa

Demands to withdraw e-trip system of business transactions 

Jalandhar, July 26, 2013

 Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President of PPCC today opposed the implementation of e-trip system of tax collection and said that SAD-BJP government in Punjab was vindictively hounding the business community with draconian laws and corrupt bureaucracy.

 Addressing a press conference here, Mr.Bajwa said that Badal Government was bringing deceptive ideas of harassing the traders rather than rationalizing the tax regime and taking austerity measures to manage its bad economy. He said that he had received numerous representations from traders against implementing e-trip system of tax collection. The whole business community was up in arms against the new system and it is the duty of state government to address their grievances.

 PPCC President said that BJP an equal partner in the Government though claim to be repersentative party of urbanites and business community but it has failed to safe guard the interests of both the sections. He said that BJP ministers in the government supported property tax on urban properties, an exorbitant hike in power tariff and hefty fees imposed on regularization of illegal colonies. He said that BJP ministers were compromising with public interest for their self gains. He also said that notification for E-trip system was issued without consulting the industry and trade leaders.

 He said that by imposing e-trip system in business transactions in Punjab alone, the SAD-BJP Government had disturbed the integration of regional economy of northern India. He demanded that to immediately withdraw imposition of e-trip and put businessmen of Punjab at par with neighboring states. Punjab Congress stands by with the businessmen of Punjab will extend all possible help and support to build pressure on Punjab Government to withdraw imposition of e-trip in Punjab, he added.

 Mr.Bajwa said that the basic premise on which the concept of e-trip lies is disbelief in the business community of Punjab, it is ironical that one of the most dishonest and corrupt state government in India is hounding state subjects on pretext of being tax evaders. They are imposing systems of governance for which small time business men are incapable of. The department should not engage in swooping the trade and industry like a bird of prey. He said that SAD-BJP government was holding Rs.400 crore VAT refunds and unable to curb corruption in the Excise and Taxation department.

 Mr.Bajwa said that a deputation of industrialists had apprised him of problems that would arise out of e-trip technology raised the questions that how could one expect moderately educated businessmen to be computer savvy and technology expert?  He said that traders feared that e-trip would give corrupt bureaucracy a tool to harass and extract their pound of flesh. He said that there were certain genuine and serious doubts about usefulness of e-trip.  He said that it was not possible for every small and medium trader to afford the expenses of switching over to a new system which requires computers and technical persons to handle the day to day trading.  What would happen if online portal of excise and taxation department crashes?

 PPCC President said that under vat rules 64B inter state movement of goods following items namely iron & steel, Hosiery & readymade garments, all types of pipes including plastic pipes, Rice, Nut bolts/Fasteners bill amount exceeding 50,000/- will have to follow the e-trip procedure. When ICC barriers are established all around the state and form-36 is filled with complete information and moreover quarterly returns are submitted by the vat registered dealers to the Excise and Taxation department then what is the necessity of this futile exercise, he asked.

 Mr.Bajwa said that people of Punjab had realized that they have created a Frankenstein of Akali BJP government who is all out to devour its creator. While SAD-BJP government is paying no heed to their own profligate ways of governance, they are in no mood to understand difficulties of common men and businessmen in Punjab.

 Mr. Bajwa said that while the UPA government is extending all support to capacity building of industry through infrastructure projects like dedicated freight corridor between Amritsar and Ludhiana with  Calcutta and Mumbai , and giving relief in excise and central taxes, Punjab government is making things difficult for industry and business community.

 Others who were present at press conference included Mr.Mohinder Singh Kay Pee MP and former PPCC President, Mr.Tarlochan Singh Soond Vice President PPCC, Ch. Jagjit Singh and Mr.Avtar Henry former ministers, Mr.Rajinder Berry, Mr.Arun Walia, Mr. Rajanbir Singh, Mr.Anil Dutta, Mr.Tejinder Bittu and Mr Gurbinder Singh Atwal.

 

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Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa President Kabbadi (circle style) Federation of India announces organization structure

Chandigarh, July 26- Mr.Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa President of Kabaddi(Circle style) Federation of India today announced the executive body of the federation in consultation with General secretary Jugraj Singh.

Mr.Bajwa has announced the names of five Vice Presidents, two joint secretaries, cashier, office cum press secretary, legal advisor, 8 executive members, 14 special invitees, four state presidents and four district presidents of Punjab.

Mr.Bajwa said that circle kabbadi was a traditional game of rural India and it will help to bring together people from various parts of country. He said that this game has given a unique identity to Punjabis around the world. He said that his effort was to spread the game to all corners of world and get a place for it national and Asian games. He said that to popularize the game, the support of NRIs would also be taken.

The following is the list of office bearers of Kabbadi (circle style) federation of India.

S.  Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa        President 

S.  Jugraj Singh waraich          Gen. Secy 

Vice Presidents
S. Jasbir singh Gill Dimpa, S. Parmjit Singh Randhawa, S. Tej partap Singh Bath,  S. Kawaljit singh Lalli Adampur,  S. Harinder Pal Singh Mann,         

Shri Rajan Bedi / Finance Secy  
Prof. Sarchand Singh   /  Office / Press Sec.        

Joint Secy /   Dr. Raj chabewal    & S. Charanjit Singh Channi   
Adv. Inder Pal Singh   / Legal Advisor     

Executive Members
Sh. Ravinder Sharma ,  Dr. S.S. Nijjar, S. Sawaran Singh Bal,  S. Kawaljeet Singh Jeeta, Sh prakul Vashist CHD, Sh. Biswajit Mohanty ( Orissa), Sh. Hemant Kumar (Maharashtra) ,  Sh. Iytha Bala (Andra Pradesh) ,

Spl. Invitees ,  

S. Rana Harkirat  Singh Dhillon UK, S. Daljit Singh Sahota UK ,   S. Jagdev Singh Bajwa USA, S. Bambi Aujala USA , S. Satnam Sandhu pehlwan USA , Dr. B S Riar Canada , S. Karamjit Dhillon  Italy,  S. Surinder Rana Holland  , S. Manjit singh Germany, S. Sukhvir Singh sidhu Germany , S. Kuldeep singh Gill Germany, S. Harbinder Singh Switzerland, Jagir Singh Padda Dubai, S. Amarjit singh Balla U K.
 
 STATE Unit ( Association) 
Kabaddi ( Circle style ) Association of Punjab 
1       S. Anoop Singh  Bhullar            President 
2       Sh. Ram Partap Sharma     Gen. Secy 

Vice Presidents
3       S. Harinder Singh Sandhawalia Tita         
4       S. Amrik Singh lalli       
5       Sh. Jagdish Bishnoi       
6       S. Ujal Didar singh Aulakh  
7       S. Narinder Singh Walia   Joint Secy 
 
Kabaddi ( Circle style ) Association of Chandigarh UT
1       S. Balwinder Singh Cheema         President 
2       S. Gurtej Singh Pannu     Gen. secy 
3       S. Jagdeep Singh Jaggi    Vice President 
 
Kabaddi ( Circle style ) Association of Haryana 
1       S. Ravinder Singh Raja Dhillon Ambala    President 
 
Kabaddi ( Circle style ) Association of Himachal Pradesh 
1       Sh. Ajay Mahajan MLA Nurpur       President 
 
Distt Units 
Taran Taran  S. Gurminder Singh Rataul President  
Sangrur  Sh. Rajinder Deepa    President 
 Moga  S. Ravi Grewal Moga  President 
 Kapurthala  S. jarnail Singh Merrypur  President

 

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SAD-BJP govt betrays unemployed youth by hiking retirement age to 60 years: Bajwa

False promises were made to SCs, BCs and BPL families

PTU reputation is at stake due to political interest of Badal 

Phagwara, July 24-

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa today opposed the SAD-BJP government decision to increase the retirement age of government employees to 60 years and described it a great betrayal with 65 lakh unemployed educated youth who are waiting for new job avenues.

While addressing a meeting of party workers here Mr. Bajwa said that SAD-BJP was running away from its responsibility and promise of providing suitable jobs to the educated youth else pay the unemployment allowance of Rs.1000 per month. The government decision also belies the tall claims being made by Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal and his son Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal that there was no fund crunch in the government. PPCC President said that the cabinet had extended the retirement age to postpone payment of retirement benefits to the retiring employees.

“The decision is neither in the interest of serving employees nor the unemployed youth. The decision would block promotions of thousands of regular employees and job prospectus of about 70,000 employees working on contract basis beside the educated youth”, he added and added that all categories of employees are on war path to get their rights.

Mr.Bajwa said that not only youth,  the scheduled castes, backward classes, women, senior citizens, employees, poor, down trodden and other sections of society felt cheated by SAD-BJP alliance which won the last assembly elections by making tall promises with them. He counted the false promises made by the ruling alliance and questioned the Chief Minister on his promise of increasing money under shagun scheme from Rs.15,000 to Rs.31000. He said that 78866 applications of shagun scheme were pending for the last about three years. The promise of setting up Backward classes’ commission also remained on paper.

He said that the dalit and poor people falling under Below Poverty Line (BPL) were cheated in the name of Atta-Dal Scheme which is now defunct. He blamed SAD-BJP government for not implementing Food Security Act in Punjab due to political considerations. He said that Food security Act would benefit every poor irrespective of his social and community status. He said that the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had soft corner for Punjab and he was giving liberal funds under various schemes. He however rued that ministers in Badal government were misappropriating the central funds.

Mr.Bajwa said that the reputation of Punjab Technical University (PTU) was ruined due to political interests of Mr.Badal who has no guts to question the Vice Chancellor Dr.Rajnish Arora a RSS nominee for his misdeeds.  Mr.Bajwa said that due to incompetency of VC admissions to PTU were banned by Delhi High Court for fleecing students. He said that future of 50,000 students of distance learning programme, mostly from weaker sections and rural areas was at stake. It has rendered jobless about 20,000 professionals working in Distance Learning centers of PTU. He said that university would loose Rs.200 crores due to ban on admissions by the court.

He said that Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the Board of Director to reconsider the extension given to Dr.Rajnish Arora. He said that VC had allotted tender for supply of answer sheets to a firm owned by RSS leader of Jalandhar despite objections made by the purchase committee. Earlier he out of the way allotted tenders worth Rs.25 crores to favorites in BJP and RSS.

PPCC President said that SAD-BJP government was in systematic way damaging education and primary health system to pursue vested political and business interests.  Badals are working on hidden agenda privatization of education and health sectors to make room for investment of their ill gotten money. He said that poor people were crying for good education for their children and basic medical facilities for their families. “The situation is alarming”, he maintained.

Others who addressed the meeting included Mrs. Santosh Chaudhary Union Minister of state for health, Mr.Tarlochan Singh Soond Vice President PPCC, Mr.Sukhpal Singh Khaira spokesman PPCC, Mr.Navtej Singh Cheema MLA, Mr.Joginder Singh Mann former minister, Mr.Jagbir Singh Brar, Mr.Rajanbir Singh, Mr.Arun Walia, Mr.Jasbir Singh Dimpa, Mr.Anil Dutta, Mr.Inderjit Singh Zira, Prof Gurwinder Singh Mamanke and Mr.Gurvinder Singh Atwal

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Badal family neglected education, health care and promoted drug menace and corrupt electoral practices in Malwa: Bajwa

-Blames Harsimrat Badal for misusing Nanhi Chhan platform for political motives

-Center approved Rs.500 crore cancer hospitals for Malwa to be set up at Sangrur

 Mansa, July 23- On second day of his tour of 117 assembly segments of Punjab, Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee(PPCC) today made a scathing attack on Badal family and accused them of neglecting education and health care of people and pushing youth to drug addiction.

 Addressing massive meeting of party workers, Mr. Bajwa exhorted the party cadre to highlight the shortcomings of SAD-BJP government particularly about the unkept promises of Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal and his daughter in law Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal MP from Bathinda constituency of which Mansa is a part.

 Mr. Bajwa said that Badal family drew its political strength from Malwa but didn't help the people to come out of poverty and misery. "They were selective in development to suit their political needs" and added that they Bathinda was not on their agenda before Badals decided to field Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal from this seat. He said that Badal family had brought the drug culture to Malwa and spread the menace to secure votes.

 PPCC President said that large number of people in Malwa region were suffering from cancer and they have no place to go for treatment. He said that SAD had in election manifesto promised free treatment of cancer patients but no cancer hospital is opened here. He said that cancer patients were being fleeced by private hospitals which are charging between Rs.5 to 10 lakhs. People were forced to go to Bikaner in Rajasthan where certain hospitals are charging Rs.1.50 lakhs for treatment. He said that center government has approved a cancer hospital for Malwa region at the cost of Rs. 500 crores to be set up in Sangrur district.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Mrs.Harsimrat Kaur Badal who boasts to be champion of women's cause and runs Nanhi Chhan trust had no interest in saving girl child. She is exploiting sentiments of people for the girls and playing her politics. He questioned her over fall in sex ratio of girls per 1000 male children from 870 to 868. He said that Nanhi Chhan was a noble project launched by Ranbaxy Industries and later Mrs. Badal hijacked it and misled the people about her motives.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Mrs. Harsimrat Badal didn't utter a word in support of Harbinder Kaur dalit girl of Tarn Taran who was beaten up by police in full public view. SAD-BJP government tried level best to protect the guilty police officers. Action was taken only after Supreme Court intervened. She also kept mum over molestation of Amritsar girl, the daughter of Punjab Police ASI who was gunned down by goons of Youth Akali Dal. "Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal failed to take up case of dalit girls who were not paid shagun scheme money by SAD-BJP government. There are 78866 applications of Shagun scheme pending with the government", he added.

 Mr. Bajwa said that Mansa remained neglected for long and the credit for existing infrastructure goes to Congress party since it was carved out a from Bathinda to become a district headquarter by former Chief Minister late Mr.Beant Singh.

 Mr.Bajwa complimented the party workers for giving good performance in the recently concluded Panchayat, Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections. He said that victory of Congress candidates in Mansa and Bathinda was giving sleepless nights to Mrs.Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

 On development front Mr.Bajwa said that widening of national highways in the Malwa region was being done with funds given by center government. He said that RO system set up in villages was done with World Bank grant secured by center government. He said that schools in Malwa region were in dilapidated condition and without teachers. He said that SAD-BJP government was not doing any business other than issuing press notes to put their stamp on works executed with central grants.

 He reiterated that Food Security Bill would be passed by the Parliament in session starting on August 5. He flayed SAD and BJP for opposing the food security bill and women reservation bill. He said that both parties have communal politics a common agenda; otherwise they have no concern with the plight of people. He said that law and order in the state was deteriorating everyday and police force was demoralized due to political interference. He asked the people to teach lesson to SAD-BJP alliance in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

 Prominent among others who addressed the meeting are Mr. Sher Singh Gagowal, Mr.Harminder Singh Jassi, Mr.Ajit Inder Singh Mofar, Mr. Amarinder Singh Raja Waring MLA, Ms. Gurpreet Kaur Dhaliwal, Mr.Ram Lal Dhaipai, Mr.Major Singh Jhalwati, Mr.Chiranji Lal Garg, Mr.Bikarmjit Singh Mofar, Mr.Aman Arora and Mr.Khushbaj Singh.

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Roll back exorbitant fee on “illegal” colonies, Bajwa asks Badal

SAD-BJP government acting in desperation to bridge revenue deficit

Chandigarh, July 20-

Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today said that SAD-BJP alliance government was acting in desperation to bridge the revenue deficit and imposing an irrational tax structure to cover up their failures.

In a statement issued here Mr.Bajwa asked the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to show some sense of responsibility and improve the governance, eradicate corruption, stop evasion of taxes and adopt austerity measures to bridge the revenue deficit. He said that policies of SAD-BJP government were responsible for revenue deficit of about Rs.13000 crores.

PPCC President said that earlier it was exorbitant property tax, now the SAD-BJP government has imposed hefty fees for regularization of so called “illegal” residential colonies. He said that the government decision of charging fee of Rs.400 per sq feet from owners of plots in about 5340 colonies across the state would hit nearly two lakh families. He said that in first instance the government agencies allowed the construction of such colonies. He said that corruption in the government was major reason for mushrooming of illegal colonies. People now feel cheated and victimized by the state government, he added.

Mr.Bajwa demanded to roll back hefty fee imposed on “illegal” colonies and said that instead of helping out the victims and penalizing government officials who allowed illegal colonies, the SAD-BJP government is harassing the common people. He asked the Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal that under what rules, the government department approved the layout plans of these colonies and also provided power connections to them.  

Mr.Bajwa said that BJP, partner with SAD in the government was fully responsible for plight of urban people who have been overburdened with taxes. He said that BJP didn’t oppose to imposition of property tax and BJP ministers kept quite in the cabinet meeting when decision to impose hefty fees on illegal colonies was taken. He said that it was due to pressure built by Congress party that state government was forced to review the property tax rates. He said that Congress party would not allow SAD-BJP government to play such mischief time and again.

Mr.Bajwa said that SAD-BJP government was likely to impose fresh taxes to the tune of Rs.4000 crores on people. He said that state government has mooted a proposal to impose professional tax on lawyers, doctors, private teachers and architects etc.

He said that Finance Minister Mr.Parminder Dhindsa had imposed taxes of Rs.2000 crores immediately after the “tax free” budget for year 2012-13 was passed by Vidhan Sabha. He said that base rate of VAT in Punjab was already five percent against 4 percent in other states and tax of about 18 percent on diesel s highest in the country.

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Punjab Congress expressed concern over collapse of primary health services in state

Seeks probe into misuitization of central funds under NRHM

 Chandigarh, July 10-

 Punjab Congress today expressed deep concern over collapse of primary health services in the state and blamed SAD-BJP government for total mismanagement of available resources. They also demanded a high level probe by center government into misutilization of central funds given to health department.

 In a statement issued here PPCC Vice Presidents Mr.Charanjit Singh Channi, Mr. Om Parkash Soni, Mr. Tarlochan Singh Soond, Mr.Gurpeet Singh Kangar and party general secretary Mr.Fateh Jung Sing Bajwa in a joint statement said that primary health services in Punjab were at receiving end and majority of hospitals and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in the state were on the verge of closure. They said that poor people living in villages and small towns had no excess to health facilities.

 They said that SAD-BJP government's decision to promote only 100 district and sub division hospitals has played havoc with the health services at grass root level. They said that medical and Para-medical staff from most of sub-division hospitals and PHCs was transferred to designated hospital bringing the emergency services to halt. They said that poor people were left with no choice other than approaching private hospitals for even minor ailments.

 The Congress leader said that SAD-BJP government was conspiring to hand over the existing infra-structure of government hospitals and PHCs to private players and running away from its fundamental duty of providing health services to all citizens. They said that sign boards of 'Emergency Services Not Available' were hanging outside PHCs due to non-availability of doctors.

 They said that center government was sending huge funds under National Rural Health Mission to expand the primary health services but SAD-BJP government was working contrary to spirit of the Rural Health Mission. They apprehended that central funds under Rural Health Mission were being misutilized on non-productive items where as the patients were crying for life saving drugs.

 The Congress leaders said that a survey done by doctors of Baba Farid Medical University presented a shocking picture of the health system in Punjab. They said that the health budget has slipped down from 12 to 4 percent of plan budget; the number of civil hospitals has come down from 144 to 67 and dispensaries reduced to 139 from 196. Against 4206 Health Sub centers, Punjab has only 2882; the number of PHCs is 466 against need of 685. Only 114 Community Health Centers are working against requirement of 176. There is shortage of 85 percent beds in the rural hospitals and the number of rural hospitals has come down from 125 to four only. they said.

 Congress leaders asked the Health Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal about the details utilization of central funds under National Rural Health Mission. The center government had given Rs.1284 crores to Punjab under NRHM since the year 2007 when SAD-BJP government was formed. Had these funds been used properly, Punjab would have been best model of health services in the country. They said that in the year 2012-13 the state government was able to utilize only 60 percent of the central grant.

 They said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal was happy with his picture on the center sponsored 108 ambulance service and not concerned over plight of poor people. They demanded to fill the vacancies of doctors and Para-medical staff in the health department, create separate cadre for specialist doctors and revive the rural hospitals, PHCs and dispensaries in rural areas. 

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Punjab Congress MLAs say Atta-Dal scheme of SAD-BJP govt was cruel joke with poor people

Asks Badal to set his house order to implement Food Security Act

 Chandigarh, July 10-

Punjab Congress MLAs today joined issue with Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal and flayed him for comparing Atta-Dal Scheme (ADS) of SAD-BJP government with the Food Security Act brought by UPA government at center and said that ADS was a cruel joke with the poor people living below poverty line.

In a statement issued here party MLAs Sh. Amarinder Singh Warring, Sh. Balbir Singh Sidhu, Sh. Jagmohan Singh Kang, Smt. Karan Kaur Brar, Sh. Ajitinder Singh Mofar and Sh. Brahm Mohindra said that Atta-Dal scheme was a political ploy of ruling alliance to lure votes from among the BPL families and it failed to live its utility. They said that SAD-BJP government had not covered all the poor families under this scheme and discriminated with beneficiaries on political considerations. They said that Food security Act would ensure coverage of 67 percent population of poor people.  They however questioned the ability of SAD-BJP regime in implementing Food Security Act in its true spirit given the past track record in implementing centre sponsored schemes like Sarv Sikhya Abhiyan and National Rural Health Mission.

The Congress MLAs said that SAD-BJP government had promised to give 35 kg Atta and 4 Kg Dal to the BPL families but it supplied only 25 kg wheat that too after diverting stocks meant for Center government’s Above Poverty Line (APL) scheme. They said that Comptroller and Auditor General of India in its report for the year 2012-13 stated, "In violation of the (Centre's) instructions, Director, Food and Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Punjab (DFSC) intimated to district controllers/ Punjab State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd (PUNSUP) to divert the wheat allocated by the Government of India for the Above Poverty Line families to ADS,"

The report further observed that the Punjab government did not seek the approval of the Centre before diverting wheat meant for APL to ADS.

The Congress MLAs said that SAD-BJP government had earned a reputation of pilfering and misusing the central funds. They reiterated the Congress demand to set up all party committees at block level to monitor the implementation of Food Security Act. They also demanded to conduct fresh survey if BPL families. They asked the SAD-BJP government not to take credit for the center sponsored schemes rather focus on effective implementation of various programmes. They asked Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal to set his house in order so that benefits of Food Security reach the genuine persons.

 

Bajwa, Jakhar meet Sonia Gandhi, PM, plead Punjab's case for special industrial package, direct flight to Toronto, one rank one pension

-Thanks them for Food Security ordinance

 New Delhi/Chandigarh, July 8- Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) along with CLP leader Mr.Sunil Kumar Jakhar today met the Congress President Mrs.Sonia  Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh at Delhi and expressed gratitude to them for issuing ordinance on Food Security, giving guarantee of food to 80 crore Indians.

 Mr.Bajwa was accompanied by PPCC Vice Presidents Mr. Charanjit Singh Channi and Mr. Om Parkash Soni, Mr.Mohinder Singh Kay Pee MP and former president PPCC,  Mr.Ravneet Singh Bittu MP, Mr.Kuljit Singh Nagra and Mr Ashwani Sekhri Secretary AICC beside other MLA's from Punjab.

 Mr.Bajwa told Mrs.Sonia Gandhi and Dr.Manmohan Singh that ordinance on Food Security was a revolutionary step and it is a big leap towards zero hunger status of India. He shared his concern with the Prime Minister that UPA government would spend Rs.1.25 lakh crores on the food security but unfortunately SAD-BJP government in Punjab lacked preparedness to implement the food program. He said that Public Distribution system in Punjab was faulty and the state government has no updated static's on number of beneficiaries. He requested the Prime Minister to ensure delivery of food to the deserving people in Punjab.

 Mr.Bajwa strongly pleaded with Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister the need of special industrial package to Punjab on the pattern of three hilly states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand and J and K. He requested party president and PM that since UPA government had decided to extend the package for these three states, the same tax concessions must be extended to six border districts of Punjab i.e. Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilika. These districts had suffered the most during terrorism and Indo-Pak wars. He said that entire border belt remained neglected and lack behind in development.

 He stated that SAD-BJP government in Punjab had failed to bring comprehensive industrial policy, imposed heavy tax regime and is unable to meet the power demand of industry. The state government policies had devastated the existing industry which is relocating to other states. He further stated that vast land at cheap rates and water resources are available in plenty in border districts. He said that if special industrial package was granted to border districts, it would retain the existing industry which can relocate to border belt instead of other states.

 Mr.Bajwa and Mr.Jakhar also thanked UPA Chairperson and Prime Minister for extending Kolkatta-Delhi Industrial corridor up to Amritsar and granting three new airports to Punjab which would give boost to economy of the state.

 Mr.Bajwa took up with the Prime Minister the case of over 20 lakh ex-servicemen who are fighting for years to get 'one rank-one pension' scheme implemented. Mr.Bajwa said that Prime Minister had assured the Congress delegation about fully implementing the scheme  for which Rs.3000 crores would be needed.

 PPCC President demanded from Prime Minister to re-start direct flight of Air India between holy city of Amritsar and Toronto. He told the Prime Minister that thousands of NRIs of Punjabi origin were settled in North America and major chunk of them is based in Canada. He said that Amritsar-Toronto air link had emotional tag linked with it and the route is commercially viable. He said that Amritsar was only international airport to cater to the needs of people of Punjab and from neighboring states of J & K and Himachal Pradesh as well.

 The MLAs who joined the Congress delegation included former minister Mr.Lal Singh Sanour, Mrs. Charanjit Kaur Bajwa Qadian, Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu Mohali, Mrs. Karan Kaur Brar Muktsar, Harchand Kaur Mahal Kalan,  Gur iqbal Kaur Nawanshehar,  Sadhu Singh Dharamsot Nabha, Aruna Chaudhary Dina Nagar, Jagmohan Singh Kang Kharar, Mohammed Saddiq Bhadaur, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa Dera Baba Nanak,  Surinder Dawar Ludhiana central, Bharat Bhushan Ashu Ludhiana west, Parminder Pinki Ferozepur city, Raja Waring Gidderbaha, Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi Guru Harsahai and former minister Surinder Singla. 

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Punjab Congress demands immediate withdrawal of false case against Kangar

Blames Maluka for vendetta cases against Congress men

 Chandigarh, July 6-

 Punjab Congress has taken serious notice of the false criminal case registered against Mr. Gurpreet Singh Kangar Vice President of PPCC and former MLA from Rampura Phool assembly constituency and blamed the a controversial SAD minister for hatching political conspiracy against Mr.Kangar.

 In a statement issued here today PPCC Vice Presidents O.P.Soni, Mr.Charanjit Singh Channi and Mr. Tarlochan Singh Soond, PPCC General Secretary Mr.Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa and Congress party Spokesperson Mr.Sukhpal Singh Khaira said that party president Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa was seized of the matter and party would fight against highhandedness of the SAD-BJP government to a logical end.

 The Congress leaders said that Mr.Kangar and ten other party leaders were booked in case of poll violation even though Mr.Kangar was not present at the scene. The Congress workers however opposed the misuse of government machinery at the time of polling for Panchayat elections.

 They said that it was a clear case of vendetta registered at the behest of SAD Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka who was recently nailed by Congress for his involvement in the purchase of library books, science kits and practical notebooks. Mr.Kangar also led a dharna and protest against Mr.Maluka at Rampura Phool demanding his resignation for embezzlement in central funds meant for Sarv Sikhya Abhiyan.

 The Congress leaders said that Mr. Maluka was behaving in a desperate manner after his misdeeds were exposed in public. They said that his name also figured in assault on Director General of School Education (DGSE) Mr.Kahan Singh Pannu who is a honest officer and opposed the tendering process of library books. Mr. Pannu was attacked by a group of miscreants at Gobind Ghat in Uttrakhand during rescue operation of pilgrims and one of the key accused is close aide of Mr.Balbir Singh Sidhu Halqa incharge of Talwandi Sabo. Sidhu joined SAD at a public function organized by Mr. Maluka. They said that attack on Mr. Pannu and an earlier incident of Mr. Maluka slapping school teachers at a protest rally at Rampura Phool show the revengeful attitude of Mr. Maluka.

 The Congress leaders said that SAD-BJP government had registered false cases against many other party leaders and workers during Panchayat Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections. They said that in another incident at Samrala Ajmer Singh Nagra brother-in-law of Congress MLA Amrik Singh Dhillon was beaten up by a local SAD candidate for Sarpanch who lost the election. During Panchayati Raj elections at least six Congress workers were killed and several injured by SAD goons, they added.

 The Congress demanded cancellation of FIR against Mr. Kangar and others and book SAD leaders who were trying to rig the poll process. They said that Congress will fight the case to logical end.

 

 

Shakeel Ahmed asked Punjab Congressmen to uproot corrupt regime of SAD-BJP alliance

 Chandigarh, June 30- Mr. Shakeel Ahmed General Secretary AICC and in charge of party affairs of Punjab today called upon the party cadre to uproot the government of SAD-BJP alliance and liberate the people of  Punjab from a 'corrupt and incompetent' regime.

 Mr.Shakeel Ahmed was addressing a meeting of party leaders including MPs, MLAs, district and block presidents here at Congress Bhawan on his maiden visit to Chandigarh after taking over his new assignment. AICC Secretary in charge Mr.Harish Chaudhary MP and K.L.Sharma secretary AICC, PPCC president Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa, Union minister Mr.Manish Tewari, Ministers of state Mrs.Preneet Kaur and Mrs.Santosh Chaudhary and Mr.Sunil Jakhar CLP leaders were also present.

 Mr.Shakeel Ahmed said that Congress had a long history of struggle and sacrifices and this is only political party that can fight against communal forces. He said that defeat of Congress party in the last assembly elections was shocking and against the expectations of party high command. He said that he was of the opinion that only Congress can defeat Congress and no other party has the strength to let down the Congress.

 Mr.Shakeel Ahmed asked the party cadre to take revenge from SAD-BJP for their defeat in the Parliament elections of 2014. He said that Congress had won 8 seats in the last Lok Sabha poll despite SAD-BJP alliance having in power. He said that people sentiment was now more against the SAD-BJP government due to corruption and non-governance. He asked the party men to target all the 13 seats and make a clean sweep this time. He said that in neighboring Haryana Congress has done with winning all the 10 seats.

 AICC General Secretary said that keep aside petty differences and work for the victory of Congress party. He hailed PPCC President Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa who is working hard to streamline the party in state. He said that AICC president Mrs.Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Mr.Rahul Gandhi had inducted young leaders Kuljit Singh Nagra and Ashwani Sekhri as secretary in the party that will benefit the state.

 He said that centre government led by Dr.Manmohan Singh had extended the Kolkatta-Delhi industrial corridor up to Amritsar on the initiative of Mr.Bajwa. He said that some other demands put forward by Mr.Bajwa were under consideration of union government. He said that he had full faith that Congress would win all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and return to power in next assembly elections.

 Commenting on the recent visit of Guraraj CM Mr. Narendra Modi to Punjab, Mr.Shakeel Ahmed stated that friendship of Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal and Gujarat Chief Minister was not in favour of Punjab. He said that Mr. Modi was against minorities and he wants to stay in power by dividing communities.

 He also thanked the Punjab leadership for giving him warm reception which he said was better than any state he had visited so far.

 PPCC President and other office bearers honoured Mr.Shakeel Ahmed with siropa and model of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Mr.Harish Chaudhary secretary AICC was also honoured. Earlier Mr.Sunil Jakhar welcomed Mr.Shakeel Ahmed and Mr.Chaudhary.

 On behalf of PPCC, Mr.Shakeel Ahmed presented a cheque of Rs. 2.50 lakhs to Jaswinder Kaur the dalit girl of Tarn Taran who was assaulted by police in full public view. Mr.Bajwa informed the AICC general secretary that Congress party fought tooth and nail against injustice done to dalit girl. He said that party would extend all legal and monetary help the victim girl.

 Others prominent leaders present in today meetings including Mr. Mohinder Singh Kay Pee, Mr. Shamsher Singh Dullo, Mr.Varinder Kataria (former PPCC presidents) Mr.Lal Singh former minister, Vice President PPCC, Mr.Charanjit Singh Channi, Mr.Gurpreet Singh Kangar, Mr.Tarlochan Singh Soond and Mr. Om Parkash Soni, Mrs. Malti Thapar President Mahila Congress, Mr.Vikram Singh Chaudhary President Punjab Youth Congress and former minister Mr.Lal Singh. 

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Union Ministers, CLP leader express full faith in leadership of Bajwa

 Chandigarh, June 30-

 The three ministers from Punjab in the Union cabinet Mr. Manish Tewari minister for information and broadcasting, Mrs. Preneet Kaur minister of state for external affairs and Mrs. Santosh Chaudhary minister of  state for health and family welfare have reposed full faith in the capability and leadership of Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa president of PPCC.

 Addressing the meeting of party leaders from across the state here at Congress Bhawan in the presence of AICC general secretary Mr.Shakeel Ahmed, the union ministers said that Mr. Bajwa was trying hard to unite the party and galvanize the party cadre.

 Mr.Manish Tewari Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting said that appointment of Mr. Bajwa had given a new life to the Congress party in Punjab. He said that he was confident Congress would return to power in the state and win all seats in Lok Sabha. He said that Congress had strong base in Punjab and it is only party who has established secular credentials.

 He said that from the day Mr. Narendra Modi was appointed head of the publicity committee his decline had started. He said that NDA had no partner and there were no chances of third front. He said that UPA government under Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Dr.Manmohan Singh had brought number of welfare schemes and injected huge funds in the infrastructure development. He said that people of Punjab knew about the contribution of Congress in development of state.

 Mrs.Preneet Kaur union minister of state for external affairs said that she would extend full support to Mr.Bajwa. She said that SAD-BJP government had lost its glory and total chaos prevails in Punjab. She said that most of the welfare schemes and development projects of state government were financed by center government. She said that Congress leaders must propagate it in public.

 Mrs. Santosh Chaudhary union minister of state for health said that Mr.Bajwa was an able leader and he has long administrative experience in the various governments. She said that Congress is the only party which thinks about the poor and down trodden people. She said that SAD-BJP government was misusing the central funds. She said that she said that 108 ambulance service was sponsored by center government and Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal had put his photo on all ambulances. She said that center would stop grant if CMs photo is not removed. She said that she

 Mr.Sunil Jakhar extended full support to Mr.Bajwa and said that he would carry all sections of party along. He raised the issue of atrocities on dalit and poor people in Punjab. He said that Congress party was fighting relentlessly against the police highhandedness. He said that dalit women were humiliated by police. He said that there was no government in Punjab. He requested the center government to take notice of agitation by PPCC against the SAD-BJP government.

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Bajwa to start tour of Punjab from July 15

Seeks special package for SCs, BCs and border areas

 Chandigarh, June 30-

 Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) announced that he would start tour of Punjab and visit every assembly constituency.

 While addressing meeting of Congress officer bearers, party MPs and MLAs here today Mr.Bajwa welcomed the AICC General Secretary Mr.Shakeel Ahmed and Secretary Mr.Harish Chaudhary and informed them that all Congress leaders in Punjab would work for the victory of the party. He said that people were fed up by the SAD-BJP government and an undercurrent of anger is prevailing among all sections.

 Mr.Bajwa said that he would tour the Punjab to prepare ground for the Parliament elections. He said that people were fed up during his previous tour of districts of Punjab he had received an overwhelming response from people and Congress workers were enthusiastic to counter the SAD-BJP government.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Congress party had fought against property tax and wealth tax. He said that on the demand of Punjab Congress, the Union Finance Minister had withdrawn the proposed wealth tax on agriculture land and under pressure from Congress the SAD-BJP government was forced to reduce the slab of property tax.

 Mr.Bajwa said that he was thankful to AICC President Mrs.Sonia Gandhi, Vice President Mr.Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh to extend the Kolkatta-Delhi industrial corridor upto Amritsar. He said that it would help Punjab to revive its economy. He said that SAD-BJP government was trying to take undue credit of projects sanctioned by UPA government.

 Mr.Bajwa requested Mr.Shakeel Ahmed to give special industrial package to six border districts of Punjab to off set the loss made by special tax holiday given to three hilly states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand and J and K. He said that if similar package in given to border area districts, the migration of industry from Punjab would stop. He said that 274 industrial units had shifted out of Punjab.

 He also demanded a special package for the scheduled castes and backwards classes of the state. He said that he would soon meet the Prime Minister in this regards and requested Mr.Shakeel Ahmed to support the demand of PPCC.

 Mr.Bajwa said that all Congress MLAs and party candidates would enroll 1000 unemployed youth and register their names in the employment exchanges. He said that they target to enroll one lakh youth within a month. He said that SAD-BJP alliance had promised to pay Rs.1000 unemployment allowance to unemployed but promise was not fulfilled. He said that they would fight on this issue at political and legal level.

 Mr.Bajwa said that law and order in Punjab was at its worst and women specially the dalit women were not safe in the state. He said that Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Punjab police were working as joint venture and they have been virtually controlling liquor, mining and other trades.

 Mr.Bajwa said that SAD-BJP government had rigged the Panchayat, block samiti and Zila Parishad elections. He said that Congress workers were not even allowed to file their nomination papers. He said that State Election Commission was favouring the ruling alliance and he didn't listen to issues raised by Congress leaders. He said that a delegation of Congress yesterday demanded to video graph the counting of Panchayat votes but no reply was given by SEC.

 Mr.Bajwa said that economy of Punjab was in bad shape. He said that Punjab ahs income of Rs.30, 000 crores against the annual committed expenditure of Rs.42, 000 crores. He said that the government didn't have money to pay salaries. he said that this was the result of  poor governance, corruption and decline in tax collection.

 Mr.Bajwa hailed the commendable job done by Indian army and para-military forces in the Uttrakhand disater. He however flayed Mr.Sukhbir Badal for making false claims on number of people rescued by five seater helicopter of Punjab government. He said that similar claim was made by Gujaraj CM Mr.Narendra Modi.

 Mr.Sunil Jakhar CLP leader assured Mr.Shakeel Ahmed that Punjab Congress would fight the elections unitedly. He said that Mr.Bajwa was doing commendable job and he is taking all party workers along. He also said that people of Punjab were against the policies of SAD-BJP government. 

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Sarbjit Mann of Los Angeles Appointed California Chapter of  Indian National Overseas Congress [I] , June 8, 2013

Congress threatens to intensify agitation against Maluka, seeks his dismissal

 Chandigarh, June 13, 2013

 Daring heavy rain, the Congress workers from Ludhiana district today held a demonstration and rally here at Congress Bhawan in protest against continuation of Education Minister Mr.Sikandar Singh Maluka in the cabinet of Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal. The protestors demanded to dismiss Mr.Maluka and probe into ‘book scam’ by CBI or sitting judge of the High Court.

 Mr.Charanjit Singh Channi MLA and Vice President PPCC who led the protest said that Congress would intensify the protest against Mr.Maluka if Chief Minister failed to take immediate action against the tainted minister. He said that Mr. Maluka was morally corrupt and his continuation in the education department was leaving wrong impression on the mind of children. He said that Mr.Maluka was blaming subordinate staff for the scam in supply of vulgar books, practical note books and science kits. He said that conscience of Mr.Maluka had died otherwise any sensible person would have accepted the moral responsibility and step down from the post.

 Mr.Malkiat Singh Dakha President DCC Ludhiana (rural) welcomed the central team sent by HRD Minister to probe the book scam. He said that HRD Minister had decided to probe the matter on the basis of memorandum submitted by PPCC to the Union Minister. He said that seriousness of the allegations against Mr.Maluka was evident from the high level team rushed by the center government.

 Mr.Gurcharan Singh Boparai MLA Raikot said that Mr. Maluka was avoiding visiting his residence in Kansal village fearing outcry of Congress workers. He said that Mr.Maluka has no moral strength to face the truth.  He said that Mr.Maluka had converted the education department to family business by bringing his daughter in law on deputation from rural development department and gave her all adminsitrative and financial powers. He said that IAS officer working as Director General of School Education was sidelined and it has sent wrong signals to state bureaucracy. He said that senior officers were unable to perform their duty freely and effectively.

 Others who addressed the protest rally included Mr. Ishar Singh Meharban, Ex-MLA Jagraon, Mr. Jagpal Singh Khangura (Dakha), Mr.  Tej Parkash Singh, Ex-MLA,  Mr.Lakhvir Singh Lakha (Payal), Mr. Vikram Singh Bajwa (Sahnewal), Mr. Hardeep Singh Dhillon, Mr. Tanvir Singh Raia, Zila Parishad Members, Mr. Deepak Khandur, Youth Congress Lok Sabha Incharge Ludhiana Rural.  DCC Office Bearers, Presidents, Block Congress Committee, Block Samiti Members, Distt. Youth Congress Leaders, Mahila Congress Leaders, Seva Dal & Minority Deptt. Leaders also participated in the protest.

 

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Only Congress can provide Sustained development with security and harmony’ – Pratap Singh Bajwa
“Partap Singh Bajwa hailed as “fearless fighter”

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Bajwa thanks HRD minister for sending central team to probe ‘book scam’

 Chandigarh, June 12-

 Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today welcomed the probe by center government team into infamous ‘book scam’ involving education minister Mr.Sikandar Singh Maluka and thanked the Union Human Resource Development Minister Dr. M. M. Pallam Raju for accepting the demand by PPCC to probe embezzlement of central funds under Sarb Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA).

 Mr. Bajwa said that AICC Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi who was seized of the matter had also promised him (Bajwa) to probe the matter which is very serious in nature. He said that the so called ‘book scam’ involves financial as well moral corruption. He said that orders for supply of books worth Rs.42 crores at exorbitant rates were given to a company which was manufacturing pipes. He said that Mr.Maluka was architect of the scam and he owes moral responsibility to supply of books with vulgar and denigrating comments against national heroes like Mahatma Gandhi and Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Mr. Maluka had done irreparable damage to the reputation of education department and he has been behaving as if he had won laurels for the departments. He said that instead of owing responsibility for the scam, Mr. Maluka was adamant not to resign. He said that most unfortunate part was that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal chooses to defend the tainted minister and tried to hush up the matter by holding a sham inquiry.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Congress has rejected the inquiry ordered by Chief Minister and nothing less than an inquiry by CBI or sitting judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court would satisfy them. He said that Congress party was continuing its agitation against Mr.Maluka to force him to resign from his post. He said that Congress was doing its duty of opposition earnestly.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Chief Minister still has an opportunity to order a fair probe and dismiss Mr. Maluka from his cabinet. He said that otherwise people of Punjab not forgive the SAD-BJP alliance for playing mischief with them. He said that due to non-supply of books in schools, the study of first quarter of academic year was spoiled. He appealed to teacher community to come forward and denounce the act of Education Minister.

India is not safe in hands of BJP: Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa

 Chandigarh, June 12- Mr.Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa General Secretary PPCC today said that security interests of India were not safe in the hands of BJP after disclosures by BJPs senior leader Mr.L.K.Advani who has stated that party leaders are fighting for vested interests.

 Mr. Bajwa said that BJP has lost its glory and it has now become clear that BJP leaders had no moral character and they have no love for the country. He said that BJP was earlier playing communal card on the issue of Ram Temple and now promoted Gujarat Chief Minister Mr.Narender Modi whose hands are blood soaked in anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat. He said that BJP was always conspiring to eliminate minority communities.

 M.rBjawa said that the interference of RSS in the BJP politics has also came in open and the whole drama enacted by Mr. Advani was game plan of RSS. He said that RSS was trying to play communal card once again in the coming Lok Sabha elections. He however said that their motives would never be fulfilled.

Mr.Bajwa said that BJP was answerable to people of country for the political gimmicks played by it. He said that BJP has no face to show and BJP president must apologize from people for taking them to ride. He said that elevation of Mr.Modi has triggered disintegration of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He said that BJP has lost its ideology and no party would like to associate with a spent force. He said that BJP can go to any extent to grab power.

 He said that contrary to BJP leaders, the AICC Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi was making hard efforts to strengthen unity and communal harmony in the country. He said that people can see the difference in the politics of BJP and Congress.

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Power crisis in Punjab man made, SAD-BJP govt failed to meet the challenge: Bajwa

 Chandigarh, June 6, 2013

Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee(PPCC) today said that the power crisis in Punjab was man made and SAD-BJP government was fully responsible for it. The power crisis is taking an alarming situation notwithstanding the claims by SAD-BJP government to make Punjab power surplus by the end of this year.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Deputy Chief Minister Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal has failed to take up the challenge and was telling lies to people on the issue of power generation for the last six years. He said that SAD had promised in its election manifesto to make Punjab power surplus in three years. He said that three thermal plants waiting for inauguration were far from starting power generation and the existing thermal plants were facing acute shortage of coal.  

Mr. Bajwa said that according to latest report of Central Electricity Authority, Punjab was 25.6 percent short of power during peak season and during non-peak season Punjab has shortage of 19.6 percent. He said that Mr.Badal was making false propaganda of Punjab becoming power surplus and would be selling power to other states. He reminded Mr.Badal that power would not be generated by issuing press statements. It needs vision and hard work, he added. 

Mr.Bajwa said that though Goindwal Sahib thermal project might be ready by the end of 2013 but it is unlikely to start production due to non-availability of coal blocks. He said that no coal blocks were arranged for Talwandi Sabo and Rajpura power projects which have already been delayed due to wrong planning. He said that SAD-BJP government had failed to explore option of hydro power which is cheaper than the thermal power. 

Mr.Bajwa said that Punjab State Power Supply Corporation (PSPCL) was unable to make advance arrangements for coal. He said that the daily  coal requirement of  three  thermal  plants  is   11 to 12  rakes. In June , only 18  rakes  has come from Coal India and no coal rake has been received. He said that reports suggested that one unit at Lehra Mohabbat was already closed and other units were also facing closure

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Police cane charged Punjab Youth Congress workers going to gherao CM residence

Chaudhary alongwith Six Youth Congress leaders arrested

Chandigarh, June 5: 

The Chandigarh police today cane charged and used water cannon and tear gas shells to stop thousands of Punjab Youth Congress workers from proceeding towards residence of Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal.

 

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Mr. Vikarmjeet Singh Chaudhary President PYC was leading the march in protest for not arresting the murders of Youth Congress leader Mr. Sukhraj Singh, Congress candidate of Block Samiti from Patti.

The youth Congress workers from all over the Punjab assembled at Congress Bhawan here and the city police blocked all the entry and exit points. The Youth Congress workers were raising slogans against SAD-BJP government. They were stopped few yards away from Congress Bhawan and police used force to disburse them. Chaudhary was arrested alongwith party workers when they were proceeding towards the Chief Minister residence from Sector – 11 market.

The Youth Congress Chief said that SAD was shielding the culprits who are roaming free. He said that this was treachery of justice and misuse of political power.

Mr.Chaudhary warned that SAD-BJP Government was exceeding its limits and indulging in repression.  He strongly condemned the disgraceful statement of the top police officials that the main culprits who committed the heinous crime in from of the Gurdwara in broad day light, were not even present there.

He said that the the criminal elements were taking the law into hands due to SAD-BJP government’s policy to encourage radical elements. He said that it was high time that the Punjab Police understand the undercurrent of protest among people. He said that people expected that police would protect their lives. Unfortunately the police  became puppet in the hands of political masters.

Youth Congress president said that sacrifice of Sukhraj Singh would not go waste. He said that they would continue the protest until the assailants of Sukhraj Singh are not arrested. He blamed Food and Supply minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon for protecting the murderers.

Others arrested by police included Sukhpal Bhuller, Rajwinder Lucky, Deep Inder Randhawa, Amarpreet Lally, Sukhwinder Singh, Vijay Agnihotri.

Kanwar Partap Singh Bajwa President Youth Congress Sri Hargobindpur Assembly also participated in today protest with hundreds of supporters

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NRIs feel frustrated due to false promises made to them by SAD-BJP government: Bajwa

Punjab missed the industrial revolution

 Washington, (USA) June 4, 2013

Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today said that SAD-BJP government in Punjab has failed to address the problems of NRIs who feel alienated from their home land. He said that NRIs were prepared to invest if conducive environment is provided to them.

 Mr.Bajwa who arrived here on an official visit was given warm welcome by about 200 prominent Punjabi Americans at a function hosted by Mr.Jagdev Singh Bajwa and Mr. Bobby Sidhu. The PPCC president was also facilitated a meeting hosted by Mr.Mohinder Singh Gilchian Vce President of Indian National Overseas Congress (INOC) at New York. George Ibrahim President of INOC said that the Punjabi community of New York will also honour Mr.Bajwa on June 8.

 While addressing the meetings with NRIs Mr.Bajwa said that Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal who claimed to have taken many steps to facilitated NRIs was actually making castles in the air. He said that NRIs were frustrated by policies of SAD-BJP government and they were made false promises of incentives to them. He asked Mr. Sukhbir Badal how much investment by NRIs was made in Punjab during last six years.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Punjab has missed the industrial revolution and failed to bring industrial policy to address the needs of new and existing industry. He said that the new industrial policy announced by Deputy Chief Minister Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal had not brought any special incentives to promote investment by NRIs in the industrial sector. There is hardly any power to meet the demand of existing industry. The input cost of industry has inflated due to high taxes on raw material and high power tariff. He said that implementing new policy would need big land pool and it would take years to build it up.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Punjab was an agriculture based state and amazingly there was no agriculture policy and no future planning for crop diversification. He said that land holdings were shrinking. He said that farming community has bleak future due to conversion of agriculture land for real estate and commercial purposes.

 He said that Punjab was pushed to 12th place from number one in the last six years of SAD-BJP rule. He said that 70 percent people of Punjab mainly youth was addicted to drugs and the remaining 30 percent would now get addicted to online lottery system announced by this government.

 He said that Badal family had grabbed power in Punjab with the slogan. 'Raj Nahi Sewa' but they have failed to give governance and doing service of terrorizing the people. He said that one can see the plight of residents of village Manna in Muktsar district where all inhabitants were booked for opposing booth capturing during Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections

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New Punjab industrial policy to trigger exodus of existing industry to other states: Bajwa

Erratic power supply, poor law and order major deterrents for investment

 Chandigarh, June 3-

 Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today out rightly rejected the new industrial policy unveiled by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and said that it would prove another disaster for the industrial sector in Punjab.

 In a statement issued here Mr. Bajwa said that SAD-BJP government had created so much euphoria about the industrial policy and it took them six years to draft the policy which proved to be anti-climax. He said that there was no incentive for the existing industry which is heavily burdened with taxes and facing stiff market competition due to taxes imposed on raw material. He said that erratic power supply, forced industrial holidays and high tariff rates were major bottlenecks in growth of industry

 Mr. Bajwa said that small scale industry was totally ignored. He said that the hopes of existing and small scale industry for getting incentives to compete in the market were shattered. He said that since Punjab was a land locked state, promoting small scale industry would have been best option to boost the economy of state and provide employment to the skilled youth.

 He added that the incentives announced for big industry by SAD-BJP government would prove counterproductive in the absence of conducive environment for new investment in the state. The deteriorating law and order problem and corruption in the government were strong deterrents for investment in Punjab. He said that Punjab government had failed to give committed subsidy to the medium industry in the state and many manufacturing units were forced close down their units.

 He said that new industrial policy would prove death knell for small scale industrial sector which is already on the brink of closure due to lack of proper policy by state government. He said that hundreds of hosiery units in Ludhiana, hand tool industry of Amritsar and Batala, sports industry of Jalandhar and iron industry in Mandi Gobindgarh have already closed. Most of the existing industry is shifting to Gujarat and the new industrial policy would trigger the exodus, Mr.Bajwa added.

 PPCC president said that SAD-BJP government had failed to establish its credibility among investors. The TATA group had approached Punjab Government to set up its car manufacturing unit here but they shifted to Gujarat due to lack of positive response.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Mr.Sukhbir Badal is a dream seller and he plays with the emotions of people. He has failed to deliver his past promises and most of the projects like Metro for Ludhiana and Mohali and Express highways had never seen light of the day.

 Mr.Bajwa asked Mr.Sukhbir Badal to give the names of industrial houses that have approached him for investment as he has claimed in front of media today. He also asked Mr. Sukhbir Badal to categorically specify what incentives SAD-BJP government had given to industry and how much investment was made in the industrial sector in the last six years. He said that Deputy Chief Minister also explain to people how much industrial units had migrated to other states during SAD-BJP regime.

 Mr. Bajwa said that after today’s unveiling of industrial policy by Mr.Sukhbir Badal it seems that he has also grabbed the prerogative of minister for Industry Mr.Anil Joshi to present the industrial policy. He said that Mr.Sukhbir Badal has centralized all the powers of cabinet ministers to himself which is dangerous for the state of Punjab. Earlier too he had walked into the press conference of Finance Minister Mr.Parminder Singh Dhindsa immediately after budget presentation in the Vidhan Sabha.

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Maluka lost moral strength, blaming DGSE for his bluff 

Chandigarh, June 2, 2013

 Mr. Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa General secretary Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today said that Education Minister Mr.Sikandar Singh Maluka who lost his reputation with the book scam has now also lost his moral strength and started blaming Director General of School Education (DGSE) for his own bluff.

 In a statement issued here Mr.Bajwa said that It was unethical on part of Mr.Maluka to blame DGSE senior IAS officer Mr.K.S.Pannu for the scam in a bid to save his daughter in law Parampal Kaur Additional DGSE who held all the financial and administrative powers. He said that Mr.Maluka was making funny excuses that that he has brought his daughter in law on deputation from Rural Development and Panchayats so that the entire family lives together in Chandigarh. He said that her parent department had several posts lying vacant in Chandigarh.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Mr.Maluka was scare of agitation by the Congress party. He said that Congress had taken the initiative to expose the misdeeds of Mr.Maluka and will take the agitation to a logical end. He said that Mr.Maluka was showing his arrogance and insulting the public sentiment by accusing protestors. He said that it would have been batter Mr.Maluka steps down from his post and set an example of morality for the school children and his crime of cheating the school children would have been lessened.

 He also questioned Mr.Maluka for forcing the District Education Officers (DEOs) and school heads to rally behind him. He appealed to teachers not to follow the dictate of the minister and maintain the dignity of their profession.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal was equally responsible for the misdeeds of Mr.Maluka. He said that along with Mr.Maluka, chief minister has also failed to exhibit moral values. He said that by shielding tainted minister, Mr.Badal was losing his prestige in the public. He said that earlier animal husbandry minister Mr.Gulzar Singh Ranike was given clean chit in the border area development fund scam and junior officials were sentenced.  He said that now once again buck was being shifted on to junior officials of education department.

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NSUI members protest against Maluka, seek his dismissal from cabinet

 Chandigarh, June 2, 2013

 Hundreds of students affiliated to National Students Union of India (NSUI)  today staged march and hold dharna against Punjab education minister Mr.Sikandar Singh Maluka at his residence in village Kansal near here.

 The protestors led by Ms.Daaman Bajwa President of Punjab unit of NSUI and Mr.Jaswinder Singh national secretary of NSUI marched from Congress Bhwasn Chandigarh to village Kansal carrying banners and raising slogans against the disgraced education minister for his involvement in the book scam.

 Ms.Daaman Bajwa while addressing the protestors demanded dismissal of Mr.Maluka from the cabinet and demanded a CBI probe against him. She said that the book scam was blot on the face of SAD-BJP government. She said that Mr.Maluka cant escape the responsibility of supplying books with vulgar content to school children. She said that national heroes like Pt.Jawahar Lal Nehru were denigrated by the education minister.

 Ms. Bajwa said that Mr.Maluka should show some grace of the post and resign himself on moral grounds. She said that it was unfair on the part of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to support Mr.Maluka. She said that daughter in law of the minister was fully responsible for the scam and she must be suspended.

 She also said that the Badal government had failed to address the problems of youth. She said that SAD-BJP alliance had promised to give unemployment allowance to youth and laptops to school students. They had also promised free education to girls. None of these issues has been fulfilled. Ms.Bajwa said that NSUI will launch awareness campaign on the drug menace. 

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Book scam exposes arrogance, moral bankruptcy of Punjab CM, sack Maluka: Bajwa

Vulgarity in school books, denigrating Pt. Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi not tolerable

 Chandigarh, May 31-

 Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today said that the book scam in Education Department had exposed the arrogance and moral bankruptcy of Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal who is not ready to act against Mr.Sikandar Singh Maluka, the disgraced minister of his cabinet.

 In a statement issued here Mr. Bajwa stated that the book scam which appeared to be only an embezzlement of central funds has now cropped up a bizarre case of unparallel political corruption. He said that the way Chief Minister was shielding the education minister; it shows the arrogance and lack of resolve in containing corruption in his government. He said Chief Minister was blind folded and not ready to see the gravity of blunder committed by his minister.

 Mr.Bajwa said that he was shocked to see the comments against national and state leaders as given in the books supplied to primary school children. The Congress party can’t tolerate the insult of national leaders and Chief Minister owes a public apology besides taking strict action against Mr.Maluka. The scam of this magnitude and nature shall be investigated by an independent agency like CBI or a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

  He said that in one of the books selected by his minister for school libraries, a chapter from a book ‘Kanwal Kehnda Reha’ deplorable comments were made against India’s first Prime Minister late Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru and nation of the father Mahatma Gandhi that they always acted against farmers, labourers and dalits. Even about the Chief Minister the books says, “Badal is yet to mature in his thinking.”

 Mr.Bajwa said that the women were disgraced in the books supplied to children where as they were portrayed as decoration pieces and depicted in lewd manner. . He asked Mr. Badal did he approve the vulgarity offered to children at tender age. He said that misappropriation of funds of ‘Sarv Sikhya Abhiyan’ is only one aspect of the scam, the moral and ethical conduct of the minister was more severe in nature. He said that most shameful of it was that Mr. Maluka had made his daughter-in-law party to his illegal activities. 

 PPCC President while complimenting media for unraveling the misdeeds of education minister, Mr.Bajwa said that Mr.Maluka was earlier caught on camera slapping and abusing the government school teachers who went to protest in his home constituency of Rampur Phool. He said that what more could be expected from a man of criminal mentality

 Mr.Bajwa said that had the scam would not be exposed; Mr.Maluka would gave walked away with booty of Rs.46 crores. The scam involved purchase of books for libraries, practical books, science kits and map masters. He said that the panel selected for the tendering was all close men of Mr. Maluka and they are now being made scape goat to save the skin of minister. He asked Mr.Badal to explain his political compulsions behind protecting Mr.Maluka.

 Mr. Bajwa said that it was intriguing why the Chief Minister took the resignation of animal husbandry minister Gulzar Singh Ranike who was involved in border area fund scam and using different yard stick for Mr. Maluka.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Mr.Maluka be sacked immediately and a probe by CBI must be ordered. He said that if Mr.Badak has no faith in CBI let him request the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana high court to appoint a sitting judge to probe the scam in time bound manner.

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Political terrorism, insecurity and corruption rule the roost in Punjab, Bajwa told Sonia Gandhi

 Requests to send central teams to investigate misuse of central funds by SAD-BJP government

 Chandigarh, May 30, 2013

 Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa, President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) in a meeting with AICC President and UPA Chairperson Mrs.  Sonia Gandhi today in Delhi brought to her notice the prevailing political terrorism, insecurity and corruption in Punjab Government led by SAD-BJP alliance.

Mr.Bajwa while going into details told Mrs. Gandhi that      SAD-BJP government was neck deep in the corruption and funds sent by center government for various development and social welfare schemes were being embezzled with impunity. He said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal shielding the corrupt ministers.

 Mr.Bajwa told Mrs. Gandhi that in two recent cases the Animal Husbandry Minister Mr.Gulzar Singh Ranike and Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka were directly involved in the misappropriation of central funds. He said that Mr. Ranike was responsible for siphoning off more than Rs.20 crores grants meant for border area development. The Chief Minister was instrumental in getting clean chit to Mr.Ranike and one of his personal staff was held responsible for the whole scam.

 Mr.Bajwa told the UPA Chairperson that the funds from Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan worth crores of Rupees were misused by the education minister Mr. Maluka who is close to the Chief Minister. The misdeeds of the education minister were exposed by the media and the Congress party. The Chief Minister in an apparent bid to protect the minister set up a one man commission headed by retired judge of High Court Mr. A.K.Jindal.  He said the buck would be passed on to some junior officials and minister will go scot free.

 Mr.Bajwa requested Mrs.Gandhi to ask the concerned ministries to send special investigating teams to probe the charges of embezzlement of central funds. He said that misuse of central funds was not only issue, the failure of SAD-BJP government in utilizing the center government funds for lack of matching grant was another  important matter that needs to be addressed. Mr.Bajwa said that economy of state was in shambles due to fiscal mismanagement.

 Mr.Bajwa also brought to the notice of Mrs. Gandhi the unstable law and order situation in the state and said that no one is safe there.  He said that Congress leaders who were fighting battle on streets against the atrocities of SAD-BJP regime were facing serious threat due to free run for criminals. He said that state government had withdrawn the security of many senior Congress leaders. In the light of Chhatisgarh incident where entire Congress leadership is eliminated, security concerns of Punjab leaders needed to be addressed.

 He cited examples of political violence and terror unleashed by SAD-BJP government on the Congress workers during the recently concluded Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections. Four Congress leaders have lost their lives any large many number of them were attacked during the local elections.

 Mr.Bajwa told Mrs. Gandhi that SAD-BJP government had rigged the Block Samiti and Zila Parishad Poll and election was marred by violence and booth capturing. He said that four workers of Congress were shot dead and several others were injured. He cited the case of Manna village in home constituency of Chief Minister, only two kms from his native village Badal, where the police have booked about 150 persons of village and they are being hounded by police. He told Mrs.Gandhi that he visited the Manna village and found most of the houses locked and few families staying in the village were terrorized.

Mr.Bajwa assured Mrs. Gandhi that Punjab Congress would continue its tirade against the highhandeness of SAD-BJP government. He said that a strong sentiment against policies of SAD-BJP alliance prevailed in the state

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Bajwa opposed online lottery, stamp duty on power of attorney

Chandigarh, May 28- Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee  today strongly opposed cabinet decision to restart online lottery system and imposition of two percent stamp duty on power of attorneys to generate revenue for the state.

Mr.Bajwa in a statement said that former Congress government in Punjab had banned the online lottery system considering its social implications.  He said that online lottery ruined thousands of families in the state. Many other states had banned the online and single digit lotteries.

He condemned the SAD-BJP government for promoting social evil like gambling.   He stated that on-line lottery would affect the poor and students who are easily lured for easy money. He said that online lottery was an addiction like drugs and it would spoil the youth.

He said that past experience had shown that all retailers approved by state government for the online lottery were running parallel ‘Satta centers’ and generating black money in double the volume of online lottery. He said that online lottery was a ploy of SAD-BJP government to strip the people of state of their hard earned money.  He said that promoting gambling was brain child of Deputy Chief Minister Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal who is also trying to bring casino culture to the state and also earmarked land near Ludhiana for the purpose.

Mr.Bajwa also opposed decision to impose 2 percent stamp duty on power of attorneys. He said that it would hamper the growth of real estate sector. He said that SADF-BJP government should rather enact a law to safeguard the interests of investors in real estate.

He also demanded to open all sand mines under the administrative control of industry department to control the rates. He said that for the last six years SAD-BJP government was promoting the mining mafia and people were forced to but sand and gravel at ten times higher rates than existing in neighboring states of Himahcal Pradesh and Haryana. He said that Punjab government’s decision of partial auction of sand mines was not in the interest of people.Bajwa opposed online lottery, stamp duty on power of attorney

Chandigarh, May 28- Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee  today strongly opposed cabinet decision to restart online lottery system and imposition of two percent stamp duty on power of attorneys to generate revenue for the state.

Mr.Bajwa in a statement said that former Congress government in Punjab had banned the online lottery system considering its social implications.  He said that online lottery ruined thousands of families in the state. Many other states had banned the online and single digit lotteries.

He condemned the SAD-BJP government for promoting social evil like gambling.   He stated that on-line lottery would affect the poor and students who are easily lured for easy money. He said that online lottery was an addiction like drugs and it would spoil the youth.

He said that past experience had shown that all retailers approved by state government for the online lottery were running parallel ‘Satta centers’ and generating black money in double the volume of online lottery. He said that online lottery was a ploy of SAD-BJP government to strip the people of state of their hard earned money.  He said that promoting gambling was brain child of Deputy Chief Minister Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal who is also trying to bring casino culture to the state and also earmarked land near Ludhiana for the purpose.

Mr.Bajwa also opposed decision to impose 2 percent stamp duty on power of attorneys. He said that it would hamper the growth of real estate sector. He said that SADF-BJP government should rather enact a law to safeguard the interests of investors in real estate.

He also demanded to open all sand mines under the administrative control of industry department to control the rates. He said that for the last six years SAD-BJP government was promoting the mining mafia and people were forced to but sand and gravel at ten times higher rates than existing in neighboring states of Himahcal Pradesh and Haryana. He said that Punjab government’s decision of partial auction of sand mines was not in the interest of people

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PPCC asked CM to overcome his moral shortcomings and act against corrupt ministers

Accused Badal of being biased towards elected BS, ZP members

Chandigarh, May 28- Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today accused Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal of  being a hypocrite who lecture the people on moral values and  live with his own moral shortcomings as far as his conduct in shielding his corrupt cabinet colleagues is concerned.

Mr. Charanjit Singh Channi, Tarlochan Singh Soond, Gurpreet Singh Kangar and O.P.Soni all vice presidents of PPCC in a joint statement issued here said that the actions of Mr.Badal speak louder than his words. They asked the Chief Minister to overcome his moral shortcomings and act against the corrupt ministers. They said that Mr. Badal was turning a deaf ear to corruption charges against his ministerial colleagues in scams notably the illegal mining, embezzlement in Border Area Development fund and Sarv Sikhya Abhiyan funds.

The Congress leaders said that attitude of Chief Minister towards allegations of corruption against Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Animal Husbandry minister Gulzar Singh Ranike and Education Minister Mr.Sikandar Singh Maluka have proved that the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues are cut from the same cloth. They added that the Congress party to continue the crusade against the corrupt education minister. 

The PPCC Vice Presidents said that inquiry into the book scam ordered by Chief Minister was a travesty Of Justice. They said the reputation of Justice (retd) A. K.Jindal a retired judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court who is appointed inquiry office was mired by controversies and he is also considered close to Mr.Badal.  They demanded an inquiry by CBI or by a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The Congress leaders added that in the case of Mr.Ranike his PA was made scape goat and minister was given the clean chit and officials of education department who acted at the behest of Mr.Maluka were placed under suspension and ground is being prepared to give clean chit to the minister.

PPCC Vice Presidents said that the involvement of Education Minister Mr.Sikandar Singh Maluka in the books scam was not only for monitory benefits but it also amounts to an immoral act as he tried to grab the central funds meant for poor school children. He is also responsible for supply of books containing vulgar and derogatory content 

PPCC office bearers further accused the Chief Minister of adopting double standards in holding democratic values. On the one hand he boasts to be champion of democracy and on the hand he will not allow free and fair Panchayati Raj elections. They also questioned the conduct of Chief Minister in inviting elected members of Block Samiti and Zila Parishad only affiliated with SAD-BJP for function to welcome them held today in Kisan Bhawan Chandigarh.

The Congress Vice Presidents asked the Chief Minister to behave like a responsible person and ensure justice to the people of the state. He said that Congress party would not allow SAD-BJP government to get off the hook so easily. He said that Congress would take all these issued to public domain.

Lauding the President PPCC for visiting vill. Mann to meet the victims of SAD atrocities they added that S. Partap Singh Bajwa has tried to console the victims families while the Chief Minister could not spare few moments for the people of this village whose residence is just 2 km. away

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Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa demands to dismiss Malooka from cabinet

Punjab Congress Chief condemns killing of Chhatisgarh Congress president and other leaders in Maoist attack

Chandigarh, May 26-

Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today strongly condemned  the Maoist attack on convoy of Chhattisgarh Congress leaders and killings of many senior Congress leaders including State Congress President Nand Kumar Patel and former minister Mahendra Karma and 16 other party men.

In a statement issued here Mr. Bajwa mourned the assassination of senior congress leaders and expressed sympathies with the families of deceased and injured leaders including former union minister Mr. Vidya Charan Shukla who is under treatment. He said that the death of senior party leaders of Chhatisgarh was great loss to the people of state and the Congress party. He said that violence has no place in Indian democracy and culprits must be dealt with an iron hand.

Mr.Bajwa accused the BJP government of Chhatisgarh for being complacent towards security of opposition leaders. He said that several Congress workers have also laid their lives in the attack. He said that Mr.Nand Kumar Patel and Mr. Mahendra Karma were peace loving public leaders and raising voice against anti-national forces. He urged the center government to take firm action against Maoists responsible for the ghastly incident.

While Mr.Bajwa conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, the PPCC office bearers held a prayer meeting in the Congress Bhawan Chandigarh and observed two minutes silence in the memory of departed souls. Those present included former minister Mr. Jagmohan Singh Kang, Mr.Balbir Sidhu MLA,S. Fateh Jang Singh Bajwa General Secretary PCC,   Mr.R.R. Bharadwaj incharge RTI cell PPCC, Mr.Rajpal Singh former General secretary PCC, Sh. Rajanbir Singh Former Secretary PCC, Sh. Gagan Pradeep Singh Bal former Chairman Intellectual Cell, Smt. Romila Bansal Vice President Punjab Mahila Congress, Smt. Rajni Mehta General secretary Punjab Mahila Congress, sh. Pritam Singh Bhatti former Chairman Grievances Cell, Sh. Rajwant Singh Shergill Vice Chairman Panchayati Raj Sangathan of PCC & S. Gurvinder Singh Bali, Ex-Member AICC.
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Bajwa demands CBI probe into book scam and resignation of Malooka
Announced to visit Manna village against police atrocities

Chandigarh, May 25, 2013

Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today demanded a CBI probe into the book scan in Punjab Education Department and demanded immediate resignation of Education Minister Mr.Sikandar Singh Malooka in the interest of fair inquiry.

He also announced to lead a delegation of Congress MPs and MLAs to Manna village where police atrocities were continuing against local residents for opposing booth capturing.

 Addressing a press conference here Mr.Bajwa said that the Book Scam involved misapprociation of funds of about Rs.9.50 crores from the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan. He said that Mr.Malooka was earlier involved in scandal of supply of practical books and students were directed to buy practical books from particular dealers. He said that a person who was manufacturing pipes was given contract to publish exercise books.

 He said that books with vulgar material and chapters containing derogatory remarks against national leaders and the present Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal were supplied. He said that Congress would meet the Union Human Resource (HRD) minister and bring to his notice misuse of centre government funds. He said that SAD-BJP government had parked Rs.3500 crores in bank accounts of its Corporations and Boards to skip audit. According to CAG report Rs.1600 crores out of these funds was missing, he added.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Mr.Parkash Singh Badal was fully responsible for the corrupt practices by his ministers but he rued that every time clean chit is given to guilty ministers. He said that Congress has no faith in Punjab Vigilance Department. Earlier, the Vigilance Bureau had absolved Mr.Gulzar Singh Ranike of charges of embezzlement of border area development funds.

 Mr.Bajwa said that Mr. Badal was going on wrong track. Though he himself started his political career as sarpanch of his village, he has lost all respect for democratic values. He said that what ever he was doing at the instance of his son Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal would cost him dearly.

 PPCC President announced to lead a delegation of party MPs and MLAs to Manna village adjoining Badal's native village in Lambi assembly constituency on May 27 where Punjab Police had registered criminal cases against about 150 persons who protested against booth capturing by Akali goons led by Bobby Badal a relative of Chief Minister. "The entire village residents have deserted the homes and police was camping there round the clock. The relatives of local residents living in far away villages are picked up and terrorized", he said.

 Mr. Bajwa denied that Congress workers as such had burnt the vehicles in Manna village. He said that the whole village had gathered to oppose booth capturing by SAD men and retaliated to action of Akali goons. He asked the police what action they have taken against those persons who came armed and captured the booths.

 Mr.Bajwa said that he would also visit Bhagta  Bhai in Rampura Sub division where Congress workers would be holding dharna against Mr.Malooka against fund embezzlement of central funds under Sarv Shikhsha Abhiyan.
 PPCC President said that Punjab Police had become slave of SAD-BJP government and police officers have no self esteem. He said that Police was refusing to register FIR on the complaint of Congress leaders. Total anarchy prevailed during Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections.

 Mr.Bajwa said that they had fought Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections with full democratic spirit and complimented party workers. He said that main focus of the Congress is to win Lok Sabha poll of 2012.

 Mr.Bajwa charged that SAD-BJP government had colluded with Punjab police and State Election Commissioner to rig the Panchayati Raj elections. He said that State Election Commissioner Mr.S.S.Brar was a spineless person who allowed the system to erode. He said that repeated requests were made to Mr. Brar to deploy para-military forces and video graph the polling process but he didn't pay any heed because he was a party to rigging of elections.

 Others present in the Press Conference were Mr.Charanjit Singh Channi and Tarlochan Soond Vice Presidents, Gurkirat Kotli MLA, Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa General Secretary and Sukhpal Singh Khaira Spokes persons PPCC.

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Not a popular mandate rather murder of democracy: Bajwa

Congress dismisses SAD-BJP claim of victory in BS, ZP elections

Chandigarh, May 21- Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today dismissed as ‘mischievous’ the claim of land slide victory in Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections made by SAD-BJP government. “It is not a popular mandate rather murder of democracy”, Bajwa stated.

Mr.Bajwa in a statement here said that the people of Manna, the village adjoining to native village of the Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal had felt the first taste of so called victory of SAD-BJP alliance where the Punjab Police has booked 150 persons for rioting. He said that the violence in Manna village was reaction to mass booth capturing by a mob led by OSD to the Dy. Chief Minister.

PPCC President said that registration of criminal cases against residents of whole village by police was an attempt to gag the voice of public. “It is telling story of terror created by SAD-BJP government before and after the elections”, he stated and added that Chief Minister was unable to feel the undercurrent of anger in people against rigging. He said that if this was state of affairs in home constituency of Chief Minister, the plight of people in rest of the state can’t be different.

Mr.Bajwa said that Congress had taken the decision to fight the Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections to safeguard the people’s faith in democracy and they have succeeded in their aim. He said that organized violence against Congress workers was an attempt by the ruling alliance to frustrate the Congress cadre and win unopposed. “We have defeated the design of SAD-BJP alliance and ensured the maximum possible participation of people. This is real victory of people of Punjab”, he added.

Mr. Bajwa however complimented the Congress candidates who won despite all odds and party workers for fighting vigorously against the coercive methods adopted by the SAD-BJP alliance to suppress the voters and particularly the Congress cadre. He said that ruling alliance had made brazen attempts to hijack the election process in connivance with the State Election Commission and Punjab Police right from the time of demarcation of zones for Block Samiti and Zila Parishad. He said that names of Congress voters were deleted and zones were demarked arbitrarily. The Congress candidates were coerced and their nomination papers were rejected without citing any valid reason.

PPCC President said that Congress raised the issue at every stage and submitted two memorandums with ample evidence of violations and highhandedness by SAD-BJP alliance. The stand of Congress party that free and fair election is not possible in the given circumstances was proved right by the independent media reports. He said that notwithstanding claims by SAD-BJP government, the people of Punjab are witness to rigging by way of pre-poll violence, political murders of opposition candidate and workers, booth capturing at large scale.

Mr. Bajwa said that SAD-BJP alliance leaders were free to celebrate their victory but Congress has serious concerns about the future of Punjab and mainly worried about the credibility of democratic institutions and eroding faith of people in the democratic process. He said that he was saddened to see the decline in moral values and lack of accountability in ruling alliance leaders. He stated that SAD-BJP had formed an opportunist alliance and their only agenda is to grab and ruin the democratic institutions.

Mr. Bajwa said SAD-BJP alliance had broke the faith of people in democracy and weakened the foundation of democratic institutions by leaps of their actions. He said founders of constitution had given the right to people to vote fearlessly. 

-      DISTRICT WISE RESULT

Congress takes challenge to decimate SAD in Lok Sabha poll in 2014: Bajwa

Promises to instill fear of God in Sukhbir Badal

Chandigarh, May 19-

Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today said that the Shiromani Akal Dal (SAD) President and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was living in great illusion that he was a popular leader and the fact remains he has no respect for democratic values and no concern for plight of the people of Punjab.

Rebutting a statement by Mr.Sukhbir Badal to decimate Congress party in Punjab, Mr.Bajwa said that Congress was a 125 year old national party and it has obtained 40.09 percent votes in the last assembly elections whereas SAD got only 34.7 percent votes. He reminded Mr.Badal that 60 percent of people of state voted against SAD. He said that SAD had manipulated the victory by undemocratic means and was surviving with the support of BJP. He said that it was shameful for Mr.Sukhbir Badal if he claims victory in Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections by rigging the entire poll process.

Mr.Bajwa said that Mr.Sukhbir Badal was most disliked person among people of Punjab and. He said that Mr.Sukhbir Badal was doing disservice to Punjab by suppressing voters, capturing booths, using money and muscle power as is evident to whole of the world in Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections. He said that in a bid to grab democratic institutions, Mr.Sukhbir Badal was snatching the right of self governance from the people of Punjab granted to them by 73rd and 74th amendment in the constitution of India.

He said that Mr.Sukhbir Badal was competing only with Taliban and trying to replicate their model of governing people by terror and diminishing democratic institutions.

Mr.Bajwa challenged Mr. Sukhbir Badal to ensure free and fare election of any democratic institution and face the verdict of people. He said that Parliament elections of 2014 were not far away and Congress takes the challenge to decimate SAD to place where does it belong. He reminded Mr.Sukhbir Badal that not far away in 1989 Lok Sabha poll people had decimated to SAD when it got only 2.5 percent votes against the its opponent Mr.Simranjit Singh Mann.

He said that after looting people of Punjab Mr.Sukhbir Badal thinks he was doing yeoman’s service. He said that unfortunately nobody in the SAD was of that stature that is bold enough to show the actual mirror to Mr.Sukhbir Badal. The Congress will ensure that real face of Mr.Sukhbir Badal reflects for the people to see themselves. He promised to instill fear of God in Mr.Sukhbir Badal.

Mr.Bajwa said that SAD had not fulfilled even single promises made in the election manifesto of 2012. Mr.Bajwa told Mr.Badal, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time”. He said that Congress would expose the SAD game plan. He asked Mr.Sukhbir Badal to forget about decimating the Congress and prepare for his face saving in the Parliament elections. He said that people of Punjab were waiting for an appropriate opportunity to teach a lesson to both him and his party.

Congress takes challenge to decimate SAD in Lok Sabha poll in 2014: Bajwa

Promises to instill fear of God in Sukhbir Badal

Chandigarh, May 19, 2013

Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today said that the Shiromani Akal Dal (SAD) President and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was living in great illusion that he was a popular leader and the fact remains he has no respect for democratic values and no concern for plight of the people of Punjab.

Rebutting a statement by Mr.Sukhbir Badal to decimate Congress party in Punjab, Mr.Bajwa said that Congress was a 125 year old national party and it has obtained 40.09 percent votes in the last assembly elections whereas SAD got only 34.7 percent votes. He reminded Mr.Badal that 60 percent of people of state voted against SAD. He said that SAD had manipulated the victory by undemocratic means and was surviving with the support of BJP. He said that it was shameful for Mr.Sukhbir Badal if he claims victory in Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections by rigging the entire poll process.

Mr.Bajwa said that Mr.Sukhbir Badal was most disliked person among people of Punjab and. He said that Mr.Sukhbir Badal was doing disservice to Punjab by suppressing voters, capturing booths, using money and muscle power as is evident to whole of the world in Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections. He said that in a bid to grab democratic institutions, Mr.Sukhbir Badal was snatching the right of self governance from the people of Punjab granted to them by 73rd and 74th amendment in the constitution of India.

He said that Mr.Sukhbir Badal was competing only with Taliban and trying to replicate their model of governing people by terror and diminishing democratic institutions.

Mr.Bajwa challenged Mr. Sukhbir Badal to ensure free and fare election of any democratic institution and face the verdict of people. He said that Parliament elections of 2014 were not far away and Congress takes the challenge to decimate SAD to place where does it belong. He reminded Mr.Sukhbir Badal that not far away in 1989 Lok Sabha poll people had decimated to SAD when it got only 2.5 percent votes against the its opponent Mr.Simranjit Singh Mann.

He said that after looting people of Punjab Mr.Sukhbir Badal thinks he was doing yeoman’s service. He said that unfortunately nobody in the SAD was of that stature that is bold enough to show the actual mirror to Mr.Sukhbir Badal. The Congress will ensure that real face of Mr.Sukhbir Badal reflects for the people to see themselves. He promised to instill fear of God in Mr.Sukhbir Badal.

Mr.Bajwa said that SAD had not fulfilled even single promises made in the election manifesto of 2012. Mr.Bajwa told Mr.Badal, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time”. He said that Congress would expose the SAD game plan. He asked Mr.Sukhbir Badal to forget about decimating the Congress and prepare for his face saving in the Parliament elections. He said that people of Punjab were waiting for an appropriate opportunity to teach a lesson to both him and his party.

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Bajwa demands President’s Rule in Punjab, says political violence by SAD threat to peace in border state

Chandigarh, May 16, 2013

Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today expressed grave concern over ‘political violence’ against Congress candidates and workers during block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections and demanded to impose President’s rule in the border state.

In a hard hitting statement Mr.Bajwa condemned the murderous attack on Malkiat Singh Congress candidate from Bhai Roopa Zone in Bathinda district at Adampur village in which he was seriously injured. His brother Jaspreet Singh was killed and son Rajwinder Singh Raju and another local leader Lakha Sidhana were seriously injured. He blamed a senior Akali Minister behind the attack.

He said that beside attacks on Congress workers, the spate of killings, robberies, rapes, kidnapping and thefts has witnessed steep rise. The people of Punjab are living in state of terror and nobody is safe.

Mr. Bajwa said that he would soon meet the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and request him to seek report from Governor of Punjab on deteriorating law and order situation in the state. He also demanded from Union Home Minister Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde to send high level team from center to take stock of law and order situation in Punjab.

He said that he had submitted memorandum to the Governor of Punjab Mr.Shiv Raj Patil and State Election Commissioner (SEC) Mr.S.S.Brar about threat to Congress candidates during block samiti and Zila Parishad elections. He reiterated his demand to deploy central para-military forces to conduct Panchayati Raj elections. He said that SAD-BJP government has forced number of Congress candidates to withdraw from contest and issuing threats to the contesting candidates.

Taking a dig at the State Election Commissioner Mr.S.S.Brar, the PPCC President said that Mr.Brar proved to be a spineless person. He is holding the constitutional post and played a mute spectator to the rigging of election process and attacks on Congress workers. Mr. Bajwa said Mr.Brar had sold his conscience to the SAD-BJP government and fully responsible for the murder of democracy. He has no right to continue in his post and it will be better for him to step down gracefully to save the prestige of State Election Commissioner’s post. Mr.Bajwa said that State Election Commissioner didn’t even reply to the demands to video graph the voting at booths and deposit arms before beginning of election process.

He described the law and order situation in Punjab turbulent and out of control. He said that Punjab was a sensitive state and present situation is grave danger to the hard earned pace in the state. He stated that violence against Congress workers was politically motivated and organized. Mr. Bajwa said that Punjab Police was hand in glove with the SAD-BJP government and shielding the criminals involved in violent incidents.

Pradesh Congress President blamed Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for abetting ‘political terrorism’ in the state. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal(SAD) workers were directly involved in the murder of youth Congress leader Mr.Sukhraj Singh Bhagupur and Congress candidate of block samiti from Patti. The SAD men earlier attacked Congress MLA from Guru Harsahai Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi and no FIR was lodged by police.

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Bajwa questions SAD-BJP govt on false promises made in assembly elections

Setting up of Corporation to sell surplus power is big joke

Mohali, May 15, 2013

Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today appealed to people of Punjab to make of false promises made to them by SAD-BJP government in the last assembly poll before casting their vote in the Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections.

Addressing series of election meetings during his whirlwind tour of Nawanshahr, Ropar and Mohali districts, Mr. Bajwa asked voters not to be lured by catchy statements and false promises being made by SAD-BJP government. He said that for the last six years, SAD-BJP government was surviving on press statements and repeating same set of promises every six months.

Mr. Bajwa said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal were working on the premise of Joseph Goebbels propaganda minister of Adolf Hitler who said,” if you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it”.

Mr.Bajwa said that the SAD-NJP government had cheated the youth on the promise of paying unemployment allowance. He said that besides an unemployment allowance of Rs.1000 per month, the SAD promised free education to poor and weaker sections, laptops to students of up to class 12th class. Now the state government has added a condition that unemployment allowance will be paid to those who are registered in the employment exchanges for more than three years. He said that all employment exchanges in the state are defunct. He asked Mr. Badal had his government launched any drive to register unemployed youth.

He said that instead of giving free education to poor and weaker sections, the Badal government has withdrawn the facility of free education available to girls studying in 11th and 12th classes.

Waiving copy of election manifesto of SAD, Mr. Bajwa blamed Mr.Badal for hoodwinking the poor and dalit people. He stated that SAD-BJP government had not made payment of Shagun Scheme’ to about 80,000 applicants for the last two years. The SAD made another false promise in the 2012 election manifesto that the amount of Shagun Scheme’ would be enhanced from Rs. 15,000 to Rs.31.000.

PPCC President said that SAD promised to double the Rs.250 per month pension given to old age persons, handicaps and the widows but ironically they were not paid even Rs.250 for the last 14 months. The Atta Dal scheme started for economical weaker sections has proved a farce.

He said that in 2007 Mr. Sukhbir Badal had announced that Punjab would be a power surplus state within three years. Six years have passed and there is no in sight to power cuts. He laughed at announcement by Mr. Badal for setting up power trading Corporation for selling surplus electricity and said that it was big joke. He said that what to talk of surplus power, the government is supplying four hours power on alternative days to farming sector. The Chairman of POWERCOM has admitted publically that unprecedented power cuts are expected this year, he added.

Mr. Bajwa said that Badal government has miserably failed to lift Wheat stocks and make payment to the farmers. He said that state governments of Haryana and Rajasthan have announced bonus of Rs.100 and Rs.150 per quintal on Wheat and let Mr.Badal announce the bonus on same lines.

Mr.Bajwa said that Mr.Badal and his son Mr.Sukhbir Badal seems suffering from ‘People-Pleasing Syndrome’ a disease which force a person to use "niceness" and "people-pleasing" as self-defense camouflage against public anger. He said that promises made by Badals had no moral and social commitment. S. Partap Singh Bajwa was accompanied by S. Ravneet Singh Bittu MP Anandpur Sahib, S. Balbir Singh Sidhu MLA Mohali, Rana Rajinder Singh President DCC Mohali at the rally.

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Ensure free and fair Panchayat elections, Bajwa pleads before State Election Commission

Chandigarh, May 14-

Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa President of PPCC today met the State Election Commissioner (SEC) Mr.S.S.Brar for the second time in month’s time and reiterated his demand for ensuring free and fair Panchayati Raj elections.

Mr.Bajwa submitted a memorandum to Mr. Brar and told him that despite repeated objections raised by Congress party, the SAD-BJP alliance is adamant to vitiate the democratic process. He said that SEC had a greater responsibility to uphold the sanctity of constitution and ensure free and fair Panchayat elections.

PPCC President said that SAD-BJP government was blatantly misusing the local administration and Police across the state to coerce and intimidate the Congress candidates and further threatening them with registration of criminal cases against them in case they do not withdraw from the contest.

Mr.Bajwa said that he had met the SEC along with senior party leaders on April 24 last and demanded to prevent SAD-BJP government from hijacking the election process. He said that names of Congress supporters were struck off from voter lists and arbitrary changes were made in the area of Block Samiti and Zila Parishad Zones to benefit the ruling party candidates.

Mr.Bajwa in memorandum stated, “"The PPCC is constrained to submit this memorandum to ensure, that an atmosphere is created for the state electorate to participate in these grass root level elections without fear, fervor and intimidation", the memorandum read. It further stated, "These elections will completely shatter the democratic fabric in the state and throw the Panchayati Raj institutions before power grabbers through illegitimate and illegal manner".

Mr.Bajwa demanded deployment of Central Para Military Forces at all the Polling Stations, to avoid any kind of booth capturing, intimidation by the SAD-BJP supporters. He cited the case of West Bengal SEC which had approached the Kolkata High Court that the rural elections in West Bengal should be held in 3 phases and under the Central Para Military forces, which has been upheld by the High Court.

Mr.Bajwa also brought to the notice of SEC about failure of Punjab Police in depositing the arms from SAD supporters. He said that only 50 percent arms were deposited. This is one major reason of killing of Punjab Youth Congress leader of Patti Mr.Sukhraj Singh Bhagupur and attack on Congress MLA from Guru Harsahai Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi.

It also demanded that no officer either on contractual duty or re-employed be given any important election duty, such as Returning Officer, Presiding Officer or assisting any electoral duty, as they are neither accountable nor answerable to any process of law.

Mr. Bajwa was accompanied by Sh. Rakesh Pandey & Sh. Bharat Bhushan Ashu both MLA’s , S. Naseeb Singh Gill Ex Deputy Speaker, Sh. Ram Pal Dhaipi Ex General Secretary PPCC, Adv. Inder Pal Singh Dhanna, Prof. Gurwinder Singh Mamnke and Sh. Gurinder Singh Bali

Bansal quits as railway minister

(21:38)

New Delhi, May 10, 2013: Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal Friday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and submitted his resignation after the Congress leadership decided he should go, informed sources said.

Bansal's resignation came hours after Congress chief Sonia Gandhi met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his official residence in the evening.

He handed over his resignation to the prime minister at his official residence.

Bansal was under a cloud after his nephew was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for accepting a bribe of Rs.90 lakh for getting a plum Railway Board post to a senior official.

Labour Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge is tipped to be the next railway minister, said the sources.

The indication that Bansal's fate was sealed came Friday afternoon when Congress spokesperson Bhakta Charan Das told reporters: "We will not tolerate if anybody is found mired in corruption."

According to informed sources, the Congress had planned an exit for Bansal as well as Law Minister Ashwani Kumar, under fire for interfering in the work of the CBI in a coal block allocation probe, in a minor cabinet reshuffle being planned over the next few days.

Ashwani Kumar may be moved to a less significant ministry, said the sources.

The Congress, which successfully snatched Karnataka from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the anti-corruption plank, did not want to send out a wrong signal by showing it was soft on corruption, the sources said....IANS

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Bajwa demands to deploy central forces for Panchayat elections in Punjab

Flays Badal for ‘martyrs memorial’, asks to set up peace memorial instead

Amritsar, May 10-Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee(PPCC) today demanded from State Election Commission to deploy central forces for peaceful conduct of Panchayat elections otherwise free and fair elections are not possible under given circumstances.

Citing incidents of murder of Youth Congress leader Mr.Sukhraj Singh Bhagupur in Patti and murderous attack on Congress MLA Ran Gurmeet Singh Sodhi in Ferozepur, Mr.Bajwa said that Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was using Punjab Police to terrorize Congress workers. He said that threats were being issued to Congress candidates to withdraw from contest. He said that Congress would face boldly the ‘political terrorism’ spread by SAD-BJP government.

Mr.Bajwa while addressing a press conference here said that after announcement of Panchayat elections, the police asked the Congress workers to deposit their arms whereas arms of Akali workers were not deposited. He said in Taran Taran district alone out of 12,000 fire arms, 6,000 are deposited with the police. He said that SAD supporters are moving freely with the fire arms and posing serious threat to peace.

Mr.Bajwa flayed Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal for playing politics of religion and appeasing the radical elements to meet his narrow political ends. He warned Punjabis against dangerous designs of SAD. He stated that Mr.Badal had given an understanding the Vidhan Sabha before construction of so called martyrs memorial that it would be a simple Gurdwara and no specific references would be linked to it.

He asked Mr.Badal if he wanted to prove his secular credentials he should set up a ‘peace memorial’ in the memory of 33,000 innocent Punjabis who lost lives due to terrorism. He said religious card played by Mr.Badal in the early 80s was responsible for spurt of terrorism in the state. Mr. Bajwa said that after failing on all fronts SAD was now trying to shift from development to panthic agenda.

Mr.Bajwa referred to the statement of BJP MP from Amritsar Mr.Navjot Singh Sidhu in which he has revealed how certain elements in present government sabotaged development projects launched by him. Mr.Bajwa fully symparhised with Mr.Sidhu and said the same treatment was meted out to all opposition MPs. “I had got approved Quadian-Beas rail link but the state governemnt didn’t facilitated acquisition of land” he cited his own case. He said that Mr.Badal yesterday met the Union Minister of water resources and demanded a grant of Rs. 4128 crores for strengthening of canal system. He said that centre government was very liberal in giving grants but state government had failed to utilize grants worth Rs.2471 crores in various departments in the last financial year.

Mr. Bajwa said that after the Panchayat elections Congress would mobilize one lakh unemployed youth and take them to the Punjab and Haryana High Court to force SAD-BJP government to pay them unemployment allowance as promised in the election manifesto of SAD.

Meanwhile, Mr.Bajwa addressed a meeting of Block Samiti and Zila Parishad candidates in Patti and told them to stand firmly against SAD goons and promised full support by the PPCC. He had also visited the family of Mr.Sukhraj Singh and convenyed his condolences. He promised all kind of support to the family.

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S. Partap Singh Bajwa, MP, President Punjab Pardesh Congress Committee meeting with ZP and BS candidates at Patti

S. Partap Singh Bajwa, MP & President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee visiting the bereaved family of S. Sukhraj Singh Bhagupur (Youth Congress President Assembly Constituency Patti) at Village Bhagupur Distt. Tarn Taran who was shot by some miscreants on 08.05.2013. S. Bajwa assured to extend full help and co-operation to the bereaved family
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Bajwa blames Badal for shielding criminal elements, killing of Youth Cong leader ‘a political murder’

Chandigarh, May 9-:

Mr.Partap Singh Bajwa President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today blamed Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal for shielding criminal elements and said that Shiromani Akali Dal(SAD) has become a sanctuary for murderers, gangsters, racketeers and land grabbers.

Reacting sharply to murder of Sukhraj Singh Bhugupur, a Youth Congress leader and Congress party candidate in Block Samiti election, in his native village near Patti Mr.Bajwa condemned the incident and described it a political murder. He said SAD leaders and workers have thrown law & order to winds and atmosphere of an anarchy prevailed in the state. He said that SAD leaders were directly involved in murder of Sukhraj Singh and an attack on Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi Congress MLA from Guru Har Sahai.

Mr. Bajwa said that he had updated Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Union Home Minister Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde on murder of Youth Congress leader in Patti and apprised Mr.Rahul Gandhu of ground situation in Punjab. He said that Mr.Shinde has assured to take up the matter seriously.

PPCC president said that reports of attack on Congress candidates in Panchayati Raj elections were coming from all districts of Punjab. He said that Mr.Badal was standing a mute spectator to incidents of violence. He said that Police was working under pressure of ruling party to terrorize the Congress candidates. He said that Mr.Badal was telling white lies that there was no threat to peace in Punjab. He stated the real danger to peace is from ruling SAD-BJP government itself.

Mr. Bajwa said that Sukhraj Singh was a promising Youth Congress leader and great loss to the party. He however said that such acts of cowardice would not demoralize the Congress party. He said the Panchayati Raj has turned a farce.

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Bajwa condemns attack on Congressmen, registration of false cases

Chandigarh, May 8-

PPCC President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa today strongly condemned attacks on Congressmen by goons supported by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

In a statement here today Mr. Bajwa said that it was shameful that Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was trying to prevent Congress candidates from filing nomination papers for Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections. "We will strongly oppose any attempt by ruling party to influence the election process", stated Mr.Bajwa. He appealed to State Election Commission to immediately intervene and take notice of highhandedness of SAD leadership.

Mr. Bajwa said that Congress workers were attacked without any provocation. He added that SAD goons attacked Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi Congress MLA from Guru Harsahai when he was accompanying Congress candidates to file nomination papers. His PA Naseeb Singh Dhillon was injured seriously and admitted in hospital. He said that Mr. Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon former MLA from Kotlapura was also attacked yesterday. A false case has been registered against Congress candidate Amarjit Singh in Sultanpur Lodhi. Mr. Bajwa met Union Home Minister Sh. Sushil Kumar Shinde and Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi today and apprised them of the ground situation in the state.

He said that on one hand Punjab CM Mr.Parkash Singh Badal was claiming that his government will ensure free and fair Panchayat elections and on the other hand they are not allowing Congress candidates to file their nomination papers. He demanded immediate arrest of persons responsible for the attack on Congress men.

 

 

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