Senior Retd. Officer join PPP

 Wed 4/27/2011

 Chandigarh: A group of retired Senior officers of different department of the Punjab government, who have served under various Congress and Akali-BJP Government, her collectively joined the People’s Party of Punjab.  Those who met S. Manpreet Singh Badal were H.S. Randhawa, Gurdev Singh Brar, Iqbal Singh, B.S. Sidhu, Manjit Singh Gill, Gurmail Singh and P.S. Chhatwal.  All of them retired as Chief Engineer/ Supertending Engineer from the Punjab Irrigation Department.    S. Manjeet Singh Gill, who have retired as Director from Shahpur Kandi Project, is a Punjabi Poet, who presented his Punjabi Book ‘Virasat’ to Manpreet Badal.

 On this occasion Manpreet Badal told the officers that they could not considered themselves as a retired, as they have retired on the from the Government Service and have not retired from the Public Life. He said that even after retirement from Government Service, they can serve the state with their vast experience in the administration and can guide the political class, to give good administration. He highly appreciated initiative taken by the retired officers, to support him in his endevour to give clean, transparent and responsive government to the people of the State for the welfare of the Society and also to improve the economy of the State.  

 All officers ensured Manpreet that they will those in row atleast five thousand members each by 15th of May and they will undertake whose of their respective areas to awaken and enlighten the peoples of these area about the dire necessity of giving a clean and transparent people friendly government, without any political interference, in the day to day working of the officers of all the department of the State Government.

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NRIs becoming victims of crime, racial abuse and religious intolerance are on the rise in many countries.

Wed 4/20/2011

Chandigarh : Cases of Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), especially those from Punjab, becoming victims of crime, racial abuse and religious intolerance are on the rise in many countries.

Businessman Baljit Singh, whose parents live in Moga, being shot dead in Quezon City of Philippines is the latest victim of crime against a person with roots in Punjab.

At least five other individuals, Gurmail Singh, Harveer Singh, Gurdeep Singh, Mohinder Singh and Jaswant Singh, who have roots in Punjab have been shot in Philippines in 2011.

While the state government needs to urgently take up the matter with the Union Government, the External Affairs Ministry needs to impress upon other countries where incidents of crime or abuse against PIO’s are reported to ensure protection to their life and property.

Practice of Indian persons wearing turbans being picked out for checking at International airports being a very humiliating experience and the Union Government needs to take up the matter with countries like Italy that such discriminatory application of law should be stopped with.

The Indian Diaspora contributes much to the country’s economy, not just by way of direct remittances but also as a basis of human capital that the country has been benefitting from in developing better ties with nations where people of Indian origin have made a mark in their life and careers.

The country needs to standby its people to ensure that its citizens as well as those whose origins are in India are not subjected to racial abuse, religious intolerance or become easy targets of organized crime in countries where they are working and living.

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Harassment to my well wishers in Punjab

 Thu 4/7/2011 6:20 AM

Chandigarh : Persecution of my well wishers and supporters hasn't been a new thing. In fact, ever since I have resigned, everyone who dared to associate with me- right from the people who wished to attend my rallies to my enthusiastic support staff members have been targeted for intimidation and harassment. By involving my two former Officers on Special Duty in a peculiarly timed controversy, the ruling government has only confirmed its worst reputation. I am surprised that whereas Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister keep making platitudes about not adhering to vendetta based politics, their conduct is quiet contrary to what they profess. 

 Though I am perturbed at the needless harassment caused to my well wishers, I must tell the government that such petty coercive tactics shall not deter me or PPP to go about its agenda of awakening the people of Punjab. People can easily discern the sheer desperation of the government to check PPP's growing popularity. I am surprised that Honourable Chief Minister with decades of experience behind him and the Deputy Chief Minister who is so wise that CM sahib alleges that I am jealous of him, can't realise this. I still appeal to them, to instruct their officers to not to concoct bogus and fictitious charges against my supporters. 

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Non violent protest against widespread corruption

 Chandigarh 7TH April, 2011 :

Kisan Bapat Baburao Hazare’s non violent protest against widespread corruption has stirred the nation. For me, his movement thankfully blasts the view put forth by some people that corruption is a way of life and we Indians have become inured to graft. I commend Anna’s action and sincerely hope that it will start a much needed cleansing process in administrative set ups at centre and states. As an expression of solidarity with Anna Hazare's protest, the People's Party of Punjab shall be presenting memorandums to all the Deputy Commissioners in Punjab tomorrow, Friday,  April 8. 

 In the recent times, I have been worried at the indifference shown towards corruption, which has become so omnipresent that scandals fail to scandalise us. The stigma attached with corruption has gone. Worse, those who are upright are often ridiculed for being impractical. This is especially true of Punjab, where things have reached such abysmal levels that wherever the common man goes, he  is accosted with this evil. Police stations, estate offices, public health, courts, educational institutions, railway stations, bus stands, taxation, housing boards, PWD... corruption  pervades all departments in our state. The People’s Party of Punjab aspires to provide a clean system. This isn’t the typical political platitude. Unlike other parties, we have already given out a detailed agenda and party constitution and placed it in public domain . This has been done because we believe that sunlight is the best disinfectant i.e. transparency is the best check against degradation. The detailed plan of actions have been mentioned so that public can question us, if we are found wanting on any of these announcements. However, I expect similar actions from other parties. The secrecy with which they hide information suggests that many embarrassing skeletons lie behind their cupboards. Under the Right to Information Act, I had sought some basic information about the expenditures of Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and other members of government but I am yet to get a reply. 

  Coming back to Anna Hazare’s protest, I strongly disapprove of the manner in which certain politicians sought to take political mileage. There were rightfully jeered. The fact, that some of them thought that they could score some political points indicates their corrupt mindsets. Also, considering that some of them are facing corruption charges, their attempts to foster association with this campaign reeks of hypocrisy. 

 People’s Party fully endorses the need for a stronger LokPal Bill. I do not understand, government’s hitch in adapting the Jan Lokpal Bill. The fact that it has been drafted by eminent people with impeccable credentials including legal luminaries such as N Santosh Hegde and Prashant Bhushan should ensure that if enacted in its true spirit, the law can go a long way in reducing corruption in India. The government’s draft does not give the LokPal to take complaints from general public. This glaring lacuna shall defeat the entire purpose of Bill and the protestors are justified in disapproving it. PPP feels that Lokpal should not only be allowed to take complaints from public, but he/she should have the power to take suo motto notice and to register FIRs. We appeal that the draft of the JanLokpal be presented in the next session of parliament. Similar Lokpal offices with similar powers should be created at state level too.

 SAD GENERAL-COUNCIL  MEMBER RAGHUVIR SINGH DHINDSA SHAKES HAND WITH MANPREET BADAL

  4/5/2011

Chandigarh : India would have in a different country in case leaders of post-independent era had shown their concern for it as S. Manpreet Singh Badal has shown today. Leaders has given precedence to their individual interests over the national interests with the result that conditions of the poor have gone from bad to worse. S. Raghuvir Singh Dhindsa a member of the General Council of the SAD. who joined P.P.P. of Manpreet Singh Badal made this statement at his residence today.  He was happier that a young man with a clean image has boldly come forward to lead the State.

             Sh. Dhindsa, a close associate of Late. S. Harcharan Singh Longowal, has been a Sarpanch of his village continuously for 26 years.  Besides, he has been a Director of Milk Plant Gurdaspur for 18 years. With clean image and a honest approach, Sh. Dhindsa would strengthen the hand of S. Manpreet Singh Badal.  The newly born P.P.P. needs such personalities to carry out its programmes and policies, S. Manpreet Singh Badal added while well coming Sh. Dhindsa.  On this occasion, S. Varinder Singh Bajwa, Ex-MP, S. Jagbir Singh Brar MLA, S. Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon Ex-MLA and host of other prominent members of P.P.P. were also present.      

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 Sukhbir has achieved nothing of which I  could be jealous : Manpreet Badal

 Chandigarh, 04 April

Honourable Chief Minister's comment that I am jealous of Sukhbir's rise in the politics amuses me. CM sahib has observed me from childhood, but I am surprised that he doesn't seem to realise that envy was never one of my failings. If I was jealous, then I wouldn't have gone out of the way, to fulfill whatever task was given to me by him. This included promotional campaigns during elections for the Deputy CM as well as his better half. I led the campaign in Faridkot and also campaigned ceaselessly during Bathinda MP elections.

 Also, when he alleges that I am jealous of Sukhbir, I request him to substantiate that what am I jealous of? What achievement has Sukhbir notched so far, that should make me envious? Honestly, speaking, I can't find any accomplishment of his that should make me feel uneasy. I am a modest man and I derive strength from the support of my own well wishers and as both my recent meetings- first at Maghi and then at Khatkar Kalan show, there are people who believe in me. It is their opinion and affections that matter to me.

 Also, this is the third time, the Chief Minister has termed me as thankless. He repeatedly makes a mention that I contested from Gidderbaha in 1995 on party's ticket. I only ask him, that did I disappoint the people of Gidderbaha as their MLA? Was I found wanting in my duties? Didn't I serve my constituency to the best of my capabilities? At least, the people of Gidderbaha thought that I did my best, which is why, they voted for Akali Dal for three consecutive terms after the first time and each time my victory margin was bigger than the last one. I will not detail my work because that was a part of my duty, but I think I was able to bring about a significant improvement in the health, education and the overall quality of life of people of my constituency, which increased people's faith in Akali Dal.  I am surprised because what he is now saying is completely opposite to what he used to say after the 1995 elections. He would often praise me for taking the responsibility to fight when a lot of people were afraid to lose in view of the popularity of the Beant Singh government. Post my victory, he mentioned in several times during his public speeches that how the victory in Gidderbaha had revived the Akali Dal.

 Similarly, he says that I was given the plum position of finance minister in my fourth term as legislator. What did he expect me to do, once I was given that position? To turn a blind eye towards the unconscionable expenditures of his ministers and some pampered bureaucrats? To not highlight state's precarious financial position? To not urge increase the tax collections? This is all I did but he  exited me from the party.

 CM sahib has also made reference to me causing a rift between him and his younger brother i.e. my father. Anyone who knows my father, will tell you, that he has always stood for what is right. In past, I have erred which has earned me his stern reprimands. But all along this time, he told me categorically, that I was correct and in fact, his guidance motivated me, to start Jago movement and now the People's Party. I know that if I was wrong, he would never have stood by me. He is a man of principles and unlike others isn't the one who blindly promote their own sons, at the cost of the party and the state. He supported his elder brother for five decades. He never contested elections on his own, despite his immense popularity in Punjab. He has always put state's and party's interest before his and his family's interests.

 CM sahib's latest comment is the latest in a series of statements given by Congress and Akali leaders. On one hand they tell the media that I am inconsequential and on the other hand, they criticise me vehemently. If I am inconsequential, I wonder why do they reserve their strongest disapproval for me? Why do they go out of the way to use foul words against me?I am bothered only about what the common  people of Punjab think of me. If they have faith in me, they will show it and if they don't trust then also, they will exhibit it.

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