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Voters to have the last word
We
will put Amarinder behind bars
Lambi
(Muktsar), February 11
SAD chief Parkash Singh Badal and Congress candidate Mahesh
Inder Singh Badal, both cousins, concluded their poll campaign
on a confident note here today. |
Wipe
out SAD-BJP alliance
Ferozepore/Guru
Harsahai, February 11
The Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, today gave a clarion
call to the electorate to “wipe out the SAD-BJP alliance”
and cautioned them to beware of “political stunts” of the
Badal family. |
 ‘Rani’
holds fort in Patiala
Patiala,
February 11
The mascara on Ms Rishma Kaur’s eyes is as crisp as the mood on the
final day of campaigning. She has everything in place - the make-up, the
finery and the charm. “Let me show you the places I covered,” she
says, flanked by other women of the family, who’ve been camping at
Moti Bagh Palace for a month.
MP Preneet Kaur with the
‘Rani’ of Nalagarh
Price rise due to corruption: Malhotra
Chandigarh, February 11
The Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Mr V.K. Malhotra,
today said the rise in prices of essential commodities was related to
“corruption”. The UPA government had allowed speculators a free run
while trading in foodgrains on the commodities exchange.
Mr Vijay Kumar Malhotra, MP and
Chief Whip, BJP Parliamentary Group, during a press conference at the
Chandigarh Press Club on Sunday. — A Tribune photograph
CM most arrogant: Advani
Fazilka, February 11
Calling Capt Amarinder Singh the most arrogant Chief Minister, Mr Lal
Krishan Advani, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, drew a parallel
between his regime and the Emergency imposed by late Indira Gandhi.
BJP leader L.K. Advani at a rally in Fazilka on Sunday. — A Tribune
photograph
Touch
and go in Gurdaspur
Gurdaspur, February 11
With the campaigning for the Assembly elections coming to an end today,
the stage is set for a tough contest on most seats in the district.
Sham
Chaurasi MLA claims 80 cr spent on development
Chandigarh, February 11
The Sham Chaurasi election agent for the Congress candidate has claimed
that the MLA had spent approximately Rs 80 crore on rural development in
the constituency over the past five years. The election agent has also
claimed that the population of the township is much larger than reported
in these news columns.
Tarn
Taran: Deras may affect outcome
Tarn Taran, February 11
It’s a fight between the untried politicians and the experienced
leaders in the border district of Tarn Taran.
Promises
defy ground realities
Chandigarh, February 11
Punjab’s future in agriculture is a big issue in the elections and
parties have been claiming to be pro-farmers. However, election promises
by main parties, aimed at the welfare of farmers, are contrary to ground
realities.
|
COUNTING
ON STAR POWER
|
 |
 |
| BJP
MP Hema Malini campaigns for the SAD-BJP alliance in Patiala;
and right Bollywood actor and Congress MP Govinda at an election
campaign in Tarsikka village, near Amritsar, on Sunday. —
Tribune photo/PTI |
Dealers
turn power brokers
Kharar/Morinda, February 11
Whatever may be the outcome of the Assembly elections in Kharar and
Morinda, property dealers have already been “voted” to power here.
With farmers getting unprecedented rates for their land in the past
three years, the local property dealers are their “gods”, who, in
turn, are using their hold on villagers to the utmost in the elections.
Rampura
Phul charged
Rampura Phul (Bathinda), February 11
Former minister in the Akali government Sikander Singh Maluka is engaged
in a fierce poll battle with SAD-rebel-turned-Congman Gurpreet Singh
Kangar in this constituency.
Names
deleted, allege Bagrian voters
Sangrur, February 11
In a representation submitted to the Returning Officer of the Dhuri
Assembly constituency, Mr Dilawar Singh, son of noted historian and Sikh
scholar Bhai Ashok Singh Bagrian and resident of Bagrian village in the
Dhuri constituency, has complained that six votes of their family
members, including Bhai Ashok Singh Bagrian, have been deleted by the
authorities concerned from the voters’ list though their names were in
the list in 2003.
Vote
for third front: Sarna
Amritsar, January 11
Mr Parmjit Singh Sarna, president, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management
Committee (DSGMC), claimed that the third front would play a pivotal
role in forming government in the state.
‘Jaago’
voter
Amritsar, February 11
Don't mistake it for a wedding if you come across girls taking out
“jaago” through lanes and bazars. With campaigning coming to an end,
parties have started using unique ways to bolster their poll campaigns.
Three
Independents back Capt
Patiala, February 11
Three Independent candidates for the Patiala City Assembly segment
announced their support to Capt Amarinder Singh here today.
District
status key issue
Anandpur Sahib, February11
It’s going to be a tough fight between SAD patron Sant Ajit Singh and
two-time winner Congress MLA Ramesh Dutt Sharma at Anandpur Sahib. What
could bother the Congress here is the presence of the Congress rebel who
has entered the fray as an Independent while for the SAD, denial of
ticket to former minister Tara Singh Ladal could cost it dear.
Vote
for development, says minister
Pathankot, February 11
Union Minister Ashwani Kumar addressed a number of rallies in favour of
Congress candidate Ashok Sharma here today. The Union Minister said in
the next Five Year Plan, a sufficient fund would be allocated for
Gurdaspur district.
Official
suspended over code
Amritsar, February 11
A senior official of the Ajnala Cooperative Sugar Mill, Mr Jaswant
Singh, has been suspended on the recommendation of Poll Observer M.P.
Singh for campaigning in favour of Mr Sukhjinder Raj Singh Lalli,
Congress candidate for the Majitha constituency.
3
die as bus with supporters hits jeep
Faridkot, February 11
Three persons were killed and one was injured when a bus of Akali
supporters rammed into a jeep on the Sadiq road, near here, this
afternoon.
Congress
harps on Akalis’ poor progress report
 Kharar,
February 11
“Please do not leave in the rain. There is arrangement for everyone to
be dropped in cars and buses. Mr Balbir Singh Sidhu has wished that no
one should get drenched while travelling back,” announced a supporter
of the Congress candidate from Kharar. Obviously not taking any chances
with the fickle voters, Mr Sidhu today made a last-ditch effort to
garner support from Kharar residents.
Congress candidate from Kharar
Balbir Singh Sidhu and Union Minister of State for Finance Pawan Kumar
Bansal at a rally in Kharar on Sunday. Tribune photo: Vicky Gharu
Weather
plays spoilsport on last day of campaigning
Patiala, February 11
Inclement weather conditions dashed the hopes of candidates of all
political parties to take their campaign to a feverish pitch to garner
maximum support on the last day of electioneering today.
Jasjit
makes last bid
Mohali, February 11
SAD-BJP combine candidate Jasjit Singh campaigned in villages on the
last day of campaigning whereas his wife Sanjit Kaur and father Capt.
Kanwaljit Singh, who is also the general secretary of SAD, campaigned in
the city.
Cong
symbolic of growth: Hooda
‘Badal minted crores and invested abroad’
Mohali, February 11
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda addressed an election rally
late last evening at Naya Gaon in the periphery of Chandigarh in favour
of the Congress candidate from Morinda Assembly constituency Jagmohan
Singh Kang.
Last-ditch
wooing efforts
Dera Bassi, February 11
Even as the election din for the February 13 Punjab elections ended
today, the security forces organised a flag march to instill a sense of
security among the electorate of the Banur Assembly segment.
Intense
canvassing witnessed
Ropar, February 11
Intense canvassing was witnessed on the last day of campaigning in three
Assembly constituency here today in spite of incessant rain.
Five
vehicles impounded for code violation
Rajpura, February 11
The local police today impounded five vehicles of Mr Karnail Singh
Panjouli, an Independent candidate from the Rajpura segment, for
violation of model code of conduct.
Vajpayee
calls for change
Amritsar,
February 10
The inclement weather notwithstanding, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee today addressed a gathering, which listened, with rapt
attention, to his brief speech calling for “change of weather” in
Punjab.
Sonia
Gandhi’s second leg rained away
 Sirhind/Rampura
Phul, February 10
As weather played spoilsport, the
Congress president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, could not keep her date with party
workers and supporters on the second leg of her election campaign in
Punjab.
A family huddles under an umbrella at Sirhind where the inclement
weather forced Congress president Sonia Gandhi to cancel her rally on
Saturday. — Tribune photo by Manoj Mahajan
Kanwaljit
sails on ‘winds of change’
 Lalru,
February 10
A confident Capt Kanwaljit Singh arrives in his office at his residence
in Chandigarh's Sector 9 around 8 am. Inclement weather fails to dampen
his spirits as he warmly greets his supporters.
SAD workers hand over election
fund to Capt Kanwaljit Singh in a Lalru village. — A Tribune
photograph
Ashwani banks on development
Admits Behl was his choice
Pathankot, February 10
Union Minister of State for Industrial Policy and Promotion Ashwani
Kumar, spoke with The Tribune at his residence in Gurdaspur, two days
ahead of the Punjab poll. The following are the excerpts.
Q You have been campaigning in Punjab for the last two weeks. What is
your assessment of the Congress prospects in the Assembly elections ?
3 Brars in fierce battles
Muktsar, February 10
The Muktsar-Faridkot belt is keenly watching three heavyweight Brars -
former Chief Minister Harcharan Brar's son Kanwarjeet Singh Brar, senior
Congress leader Jagmeet Brar's brother Ripjeet Brar and former Congress
minister Avtar Singh Brar, battle it out with their rivals in hotly
contested elections from the Muktsar, Kotkapura and Faridkot Assembly
seats, respectively.
Senior Congress leader Jagmeet
Brar campaigns for his brother Ripjeet Brar, who is contesting from the
Kotkapura seat. — Tribune photo by Kulbir Beera
SAD
happy in Sham Chaurasi
Sham Chaurasi (Hoshiarpur), February 10
The rural constituency of Sham Chaurasi comprises 170-odd villages, each
one making no bones about its displeasure with the Congress for ignoring
it during the past five years.
Foreign hand for help
Chandigarh, February 10
Mr Beant Singh Dhaliwal is a diehard Akali and president of the Youth
Akali Dal, Canada, an affiliate of the SAD. Over 20 years after he
immigrated from Raikot in Ludhiana to Canada, he and 14 others have
returned home to campaign for the SAD.
Beant Singh Dhaliwal
Police
remand for Rajan
Baba Bakala, February 10
Ms Jaswinder Kaur Shimar, Subdivisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) today
sent Harpinder Singh Gill (Rajan), a brother of Congress MLA and
candidate for Assembly elections from the Beas constituency and Balkar
Singh, chairman Block Samithi Rayya, to two days’ police remand.
Bhinder
surrenders
Amritsar, February 10
Mr Varinder Singh alias Vickey Bhinder who also was booked for the clash
between Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal workers, resulting in the
killing of Akali activist Dilbag Singh, today surrendered before, Mr
Manmonder Singh, SP who heads the Special Investigation Team (SIT), at
Beas.
Police
told to be vigilant
Chandigarh, February 10
With the arrest of two more persons, including Vicky Bhinder, the police
is narrowing down on the remaining suspects in the Beas shooting case in
which one Akali worker was killed on January 29.
Ferozepore:
Family vs family
Ferozepore, February 10
The electoral battle here continues to be fought mainly between two
families, with either of them having won the seat nine times between
themselves. Veteran Congress man Bal Mukand Sharma is in the fray
against sitting BJP MLA Sukhpal Singh Nannu. It is an open field so far.
Sahib
Singh pitches in for Tohra
Devigarh (Patiala), February 10
Former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib
Singh Verma gave a fillip to the campaign of the SAD candidate from
Dakala, Mr H.S Tohra, while addressing a gathering at Anaj Mandi in
Devigarh.
BSP
candidate ‘premi’ too
Sangrur, February 10
It is a neck-and-neck contest on the Sangrur Assembly seat between SAD
candidate Parkash Chand Garg and Congress candidate Surinder Pal Singh
Sibia.
Orders
to furnish advt details
Jalandhar, February 10
The Election Commission has urged newspapers to furnish details of
advertisements to the District Election Officer by 6 pm on February 11.
Guru
Harsahai RO removed
Chandigarh, February 10
The Election Commission today ordered the removal of Mr Sanjay Popli,
Returning Officer, Guru Harsahai.
Nayagaon
SHO shifted
Chandigarh, February 10
Taking strict notice of the pending complaints against Nayagaon SHO
Mahesh Kumar, the Election Commission today ordered that he be relieved
with immediate effect and attached to the Police Lines.
Plea
to remove CEC
Patiala, February 10
The Punjab Pardesh Congress Committee (PPCC) today demanded removal of
the Chief Election Commissioner, Mr N. Gopalaswami, stating that he was
“biased in favour of the SAD-BJP combine and was taking decisions
against the Congress.”
Kin
of councillor booked
Fazilka, February 10
On the instructions of the Returning Officer, Fazilka, the police
yesterday registered a case against kin of Mr Davinder Kumar Sachdeva,
Congress councillor, for getting enrolled as voter at more than one
places.
Another
notice to Brahm Mohindra
Patiala, February 10
Congress candidate from the Samana Assembly segment Brahm Mohindra has
been served a notice for violating the Model Code of Conduct.
Studies
can wait: Pupils clear way for booths
Jandu Singha (Adampur), February 10
Students and teachers of Government School, Jandu Singha, on the main
Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur road are working hard to ensure a peaceful
election.
Jeers
for politicians, cheers for farmers
Dera Bassi, February 10
Saturday brought jeers for politicians and cheers for the farmers. With
inclement weather playing the spoilsport, a number of scheduled rallies
by the contesting candidates on the penultimate day of electioneering
today for the Banur Assembly segment were washed out giving a severe
blow to the last-minute efforts of the parties to woo the electorate.
“Milk
will replace liquor”
Mohali, February 10
Milk will be made available for the youth of Kharar constituency instead
of liquor once he wins the Punjab elections.
11
govt employees face action
Participation in political rallies
Mohali, February 10
As many as 11 government employees are likely to face action from the
Election Commission for allegedly being associated with rallies being
held here in connection with the Punjab Assembly elections.
Videography
at sensitive booths
Mohali, February 10
The district administration has made special arrangements for
videography at certain sensitive polling stations in connection with the
Punjab Assembly elections being held in the state on February 13.
Voter
cards row: Officer suspended
Mohali, February 10
A booth-level officer (BLO), put on election duty at Nayagaon, has been
placed under suspension on charge of dereliction of duty.
Power
theft: Case registered
Ropar, February 10
The Ropar police today registered a case of theft against the organisers
of the function held at Gandhi Chowk four days ago to boost Congress
campaign by using ‘kundi’ connections. The SSP, Mr Kapil Dev, said
the case was registered on the report of the Returning Officer.
Dullo
faces tough opponent
Khanna,
February 9
At a time when all candidates in the state are making last-ditch
efforts to win, all eyes are on this high-profile reserved
constituency from where the PPCC chief, Mr Shamsher Singh Dullo,
is locked in a tough contest with Mr Bikramjit Singh Khalsa of
the SAD. |
|
S.S. Dullo
|
B.S. Khalsa
|
|
It’s
getting dirty in Nawanshahr
|
Nawanshahr,
February 9
Even though much canvassing is not visible in in Nawanshahr
constituencies, a lot of activity is taking place in an
inconspicuous way here. From indulging in mud-slinging against
rival candidates to cashing in on the religious sentiments of
voters, nominees from various parties have been making every
effort to win the game.
SAD supporters distribute pamphlets of Guru Ravi Dass during a
march taken out by party nominee Mohan Lal in Banga on Friday.
— Tribune photo: Pawan Sharma
|
 |
SAD
has the edge in Chamkaur Sahib
Chamkaur Sahib, February 8
Considered an Akali citadel, this reserved constituency is witnessing a
triangular contest among four-time winner SAD sitting MLA Satwant Kaur
Sandhu, Congress nominee Manmohan Singh and Congress rebel Charanjit
Singh Channi. The Congress has fielded a new face in Mr Manmohan Singh,
denying the ticket to two former MLAs.
|
It is telling on
them |
Chief Minister of Punjab Amarinder Singh, SAD president Parkash Singh Badal, BJP president Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Virbhadra Singh, president of Bharatiya Janshakti Party Uma Bharati and former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Prem Kumar Dhumal in different gestures during the campaign in Punjab. — PTI |
Dera
move leaves parties jittery
Chandigarh, February 9
Insertion of an advertisement in vernacular newspapers yesterday by the
political wing of Dera Sacha Sauda (Sirsa) asking its followers to vote
for the Congress elections has made the Opposition Shiromani Akali Dal
(SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other parties
“jittery”.
Simultaneous big bytes roll out in Majitha
Majitha, February 9
Two major parties held massive rallies simultaneously here today. The
Congress rally was addressed by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh while the
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) rally was addressed by Mr Arun Jaitley, senior
BJP leader, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, president of the Indian National Lok
Dal (INLD), and Mr Sukhbir Badal, general secretary of the SAD.
 |
 |
| The
Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, addresses a rally; and
(right) BJP leader Arun Jaitley with SAD general secretary Sukhbir
Badal during the election campaign at Majitha, near Amritsar, on
Friday. — Tribune photo/PTI |
Listed dead
Chandigarh, February 9
More than 52, 000 voters of Amritsar West are without electoral photo-identity cards
(EPICs) till
date. These comprise 23 per cent of the total registered voters in the area.
Nabha:
Rebels also in reckoning
Nabha, February 9
Even as all 12 candidates, who are in the fray in this Assembly segment,
have been trying their best to make their presence felt, the main
contest is among four candidates: sitting Congress MLA Mr Randeep Singh,
SAD (B) candidate Raja Narinder Singh and Congress rebels fighting as
Independents Ramesh Singla and Mahant Harwinder Singh.
‘Dream Girl’ attracts young & old alike
Nangal, February 9
Although she reached here six hours behind schedule, the “Dream
Girl” and Rajya Sabha member Hema Malini proved to be a major crowd-
puller at the rally of the SAD-BJP candidate, Mr Madan Mohan Mittal,
this evening.People of all ages, from schoolchildren to the old,
gathered from distant villages here to get a glimpse of the beautiful
actress-cum-politician.
Bollywood actress and MP Hema
Malini at a BJP rally in Janakpuri, Ludhiana, on Friday. — Tribune
photo by Sayeed Ahmed
code
uncode
No
outsiders after February 11: EC
Chandigarh, February 9
The Election Commission has put restrictions on the presence of
political functionaries, party workers, and campaign managers, brought
from outside after the campaign period ends on February 11.
Shatrughan
on a rally spree
Mohali, February 9
Film star and senior BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha said here today
that the Punjab elections were important for the Indian
democracy as people would throw out an autocrat ruler with the
power of vote.
Actor-turned-politician
Shatrughan Sinha campaigns for the SAD-BJP candidate from Kharar,
Mr Jasjit Singh Bunny, in Mohali on Friday. — Tribune photo by
Vicky Gharu |
 |
Jagraon, Kila Raipur Observers called back
Chandigarh, February 9
Mr Ajit Kumar and Mr Bajnath Prashad, Election Observers for the Jagraon constituency and the Kila Raipur segment, respectively, have been asked by the Election Commission to report back to their home state Jharkhand.
8
held with weapons; councillor absconds
Barnala, February 9
The police has arrested eight persons with arms while a local municipal
councillor fled from the spot.
|
ON
THEIR JOB
|
Municipal Corporation
employees remove an election hoarding in Mohali on Friday. — A
Tribune photograph |
Bihar
ministers do their bit
Hoshiarpur, February 9
The Punjab Government, led by Capt Amarinder Singh, has deceived people,
particularly farmers and unemployed youths, by not fulfilling its
election promises. This was stated by Mr Ram Nath Thakur and Mr Narinder
Narain Yadav, both Bihar ministers, here today.
Behl:
It will cost the Congress dear
Pathankot, February 9
Sitting Congress MLA from Gurdaspur Khushal Behl has said the Congress
decision to expel him and his son will cost the party dearly all over
Punjab and Gurdaspur in particular.
Mohali
SSP transferred
Mohali, February 9
The Election Commission today transferred the SSP, Mohali, Mr G.S.
Dhillon, after reports of the Mohali police website carrying a pre-poll
survey were published in a section of the media today.
A former Chief Minister
of Himachal Pradesh and BJP leader, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, in
Jalandhar to campaign for party candidates on Friday. — Photo:
S.S. Chopra |
ADC
recommends action against booth-level officer
Mohali, February 9
Strict action was recommended
against a booth-level officer for dereliction of duty in connection with
the Assembly elections by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Mr
Ajoy Sharma, here today.
Shopkeeper
held with 17 voter I-cards
Nayagaon, February 9
Tempers flared here today as
Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) supporters levelled allegations
against each other after a shopkeeper was “caught red handed” with
17 voter Identity Cards in his possession by the Election Observer.
Haryana
FM campaigns
Ghanaur, February 9
The Haryana Finance Minister, Mr
Birender Singh, today campaigned for Jasjit Singh Randhawa, Congress
candidate from Ghanaur.
LJSP
vice-president supports Sidhu
Mohali, February 9
Mr Balbir Singh Sidhu, Congress
candidate from the Kharar constituency, today claimed that the
vice-president of the Lok Jan Shakti Party (LJSP), Mr Harpal Singh
Neeta, had come to his support.
Kanwaljit
pressurised me, says councillor
Decides to support Balbir Singh
Sidhu
Mohali, February 9
A municipal councillor and former
senior vice-president of the civic body, Ms Amteshwar Kaur, today
alleged that she was humiliated and pressurised by the SAD general
secretary, Capt Kanwaljit Singh, to provide support to his son, who is
contesting the Assembly elections from the Kharar constituency.
Ambika
Soni campaigns for Kang
Kurali, February 9
The Union Tourism and Culture
Minister, Ms Ambika Soni, was here today to campaign for Mr Jagmohan
Singh Kang, Congress candidate from Morinda Constituency.
MC
vice-president joins SAD
Mohali, February 9
Mr Harmanpreet Singh,
vice-president of the Municipal Council, today joined the Shiromani
Akali Dal (SAD) and assured support to Mr Jasjit Singh, who is
contesting the Assembly elections from the Kharar constituency.
Badal
case adjourned
Ropar, February 9
The special court, Ropar, judge Mr
G.S Saran, today adjourned the case of corruption against SAD chief
Parkash Singh Badal and others after hearing the arguments by the
defence counsel in connection with framing of charges against the
accused for February 14.
Give
aided college staff salary: EC
Chandigarh,
February 8
Teachers of over 100 private and aided colleges in Punjab will get their
salary. Taking note of the report published yesterday in The Tribune
columns “CEO halts grants; teachers shoot letter to EC”, the
Election authorities summoned senior officers of the Punjab Education
Department and directed them to release their salary.
 Dutybound,
Bibiji goes about her task
Badal
(Muktsar), February 8
Mrs Surinder Kaur Badal (Bibiji) has seen it all. Contended, she
now wants to spend her time reading about religion and doing path.
Mrs Surinder Kaur, wife of former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, at
Chapianwali village on Thursday. — A Tribune photograph
Candidates
must pay for VVIP visits: Panel
Jalandhar, February 8
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's visits
to Punjab may prove dear for Congress candidates. The Election
Commission of India has issued directions to include the money spent on
the Congress leaders visit in the expenditure of Congress candidates
concerned, Kapurthala DC-cum-DRO Raminder Singh told The Tribune here
today.
POLL CHASE
She knows every voter counts
 Leharagaga,
February 8
A seasoned politician, Deputy Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal says
the common man is not getting his due. “I am not satisfied as projects
are not being implemented at the grassroots level. The delay needs to be
checked. Progress has to be made at a faster rate,” she says.
Deputy Chief Minister and Congress
candidate for the Lehragaga constituency Rajinder Kaur Bhattal addresses
a rally at Lehal Kala village. — Tribune photo by Rajesh Sachar
Warrants
against Dimpa, brother
Chandigarh, February 8
The decision to defer polling in the Beas Assembly segment has come as a
rude shock to the top administrative brass of the Punjab Government as
it claims that “law and order situation in the state in general and
Beas in particular has been under complete control”.
Dhillon,
Keetu slug it out in Barnala
Barnala, February 8
For two candidates vying for a predominantly rural constituency, the
campaign styles couldn’t have been more different.
Cong
tottering in Mahilpur
Mahilpur, February 8
The BSP cannot be underestimated in the Mahilpur (Reserved) Assembly
segment where its state supremo Avtar Singh Karimpuri can boast of an
established mass base.
Games
pull in more
Chandigarh, February 8
Elections to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha may be just four days away, but the
games people play continues to pull more crowds than the games
politicians are playing to wrest power in the state.
 Badali
on sympathy wave
Morinda, February 8
Strange, but true. The biggest factor working in favour of the Shiromani
Akali Dal (SAD) candidate from Morinda, Mr Ujagar Singh Badali, is that
he has lost three elections in a row.
Mr Ujagar Singh Badali, SAD
candidate from Morinda, campaigns in his constituency. — A Tribune
photograph
 BSP
can ensure equality: Maya
Amritsar, February 8
Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati has said people have a
misconception that the BSP only supports the people from lower castes,
adding that her party can bring equality in the country.
Bahujan Samaj Party supremo
Mayawati at a rally in Amritsar on Thursday. — A Tribune photograph
Badal
vows to abolish octroi
Ferozepore, February 8
With less than a week to go for the
Punjab polls, SAD president Parkash Singh Badal today promised to
abolish octroi in Ferozepore and Jalandhar cantonments if voted back to
power.
All
in name of the Ghaggar
Sangrur, February 8
For years, politicians have been winning elections by promising to tame
the Ghaggar, a river that has been bringing misfortune to vast areas in
Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa districts. However, the Ghaggar has remained
untamed so far. Again, its streamlining has become an issue in the
Assembly elections.
Claims,
counter-claims by SAD, Cong
Dera Bassi, February 8
With just three days remaining for the election campaign to end for the
Punjab elections on February 13, both the Congress and the SAD-BJP
alliance have intensified their campaigns.
He
is the face of CPI-ML in Mansa
Joga (Mansa), February 8
Remember Bant Singh of Burj Jhabhar village in the Joga Assembly
constituency of Mansa district? A Dalit singer, his pictures of
amputated arms and a leg, had shaken the sensibilities of the nation.
The limbs were cut off by doctors to save his life from injuries
sustained after he was beaten up by an alleged group of landlords,
against whom he was fighting for the rape of his minor daughter.
Bant Singh who is a star attraction
at rallies of the CPI-ML. — A Tribune photograph
Sector
68 residents await voter I-cards
Mohali, February 8
Residents of Sector 68 here are up in arms against the administration
for failing to deliver voter identity cards even as the election to the
Punjab Assembly is only five days away.
2,000
cops to be deployed on poll duty in Mohali
Mohali, February 8
More than 2,000 police personnel will be deployed on election duty in
SAS Nagar district during the Punjab elections being held on February
13.
Ban
on sale of liquor
Mohali, February 8
The District Magistrate of SAS Nagar, Mr Tejveer Singh, has imposed a
ban on the sale of liquor for three days in connection with the Punjab
Assembly elections.
 Tulsi
gets crowds, loses mobile
Amritsar, February 8
Dislodge the ‘arrogant’ government of Capt Amarinder Singh by voting
in favour the SAD-BJP combine, which can only bring peace and
development in the state, said Smriti Irani, famous TV star, during a
road show here today. She lost her mobile during the show.
TV actor Smriti Irani with Ms Laxmi
Kanta Chawla, BJP candidate for the Amritsar Central constituency,
during a road show in Amritsar on Thursday. — A Tribune photograph
Ambala
politicians campaign in Punjab
Ambala, February 8
Politicians of Ambala are busy these days campaigning in Punjab.
Surjewala
campaigns for Randhawa
Ghanaur, February 8
Alarmed at the presence of the rebel candidates, the Congress and the
SAD-BJP alliance candidates are relying on the Haryana bigwigs in the
battle of votes, scheduled for February 13, in Chief Minister Capt
Amarinder Singh’s home district.
Rebel
trouble for Cong’s Jain
Moga, February 8
The Congress campaign to woo the electorate here has been marred by
disgruntled party leaders, who are now either secretly supporting rival
candidates or have openly boycotted the campaign and instead levelled
serious charges against the official candidate.
Jaitley,
Sidhu visit dera
Chandigarh, February 8
The BJP leader, Mr Arun Jaitley, accompanied by Mr Navjot Singh Sidhu,
today visited Dera Sacha Sauda at Sirsa in Haryana. Both leaders met the
dera chief, Sant Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh.
Cong
expels Behl, son for six years
Gurdaspur, February 8
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today expelled Gurdaspur MLA Khushal Behl
and his son Raman Behl, president of the Gurdaspur Municipal Council,
from the primary membership of the party for a period of six years.
Mann:
Police terrorising farmers
Sangrur, February 8
Mr Simranjit Singh Mann, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (A),
alleged today that the police had been terrorising the residents of
Fatehgarh Chhanna village (Barnala) against holding a protest tomorrow
in connection with the "forcible" acquisition of their land.
Under such a police terror free and fair elections in the segment were
not possible, he alleged.
EC
shifts SSP of Faridkot
Chandigarh, February 8
The Election Commission tonight transferred the SSP of Moga, Mr Gautam
Cheema, with immediate effect. The SSP, Faridkot, Mr Arun Pal Singh,
will hold the additional charge till a fresh appointment is made.
Police
station gheraoed
Amritsar, February 8
Communist activists and the Nasha Virodhi Front seized two trucks and a
car, carrying liquor allegedly meant for voters, at Karampura here
today.
MANIFESTO
Wheat
MSP should be Rs 900: CPI
Chandigarh,
February 7
The Communist Party of India (CPI) today slammed the Congress government
in Punjab for “agrarian distress, failure of industry and burgeoning
unemployment”. It criticised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying
“he was spreading the bogey of revival of terrorism in Punjab to
create fear in the minds of Hindus”.
PM
remarks on terror uncalled for: Advani
 Ropar,
February 7
Claiming that there was a strong anti-incumbency factor in the state, a
senior BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister, Mr L.K. Advani,
remained mostly confined to national issues while addressing rallies at
Ropar and Nangal here today.
The BJP leader and former Deputy
Prime Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, at a rally in Ropar on Wednesday. — A
Tribune photograph
Congress playing caste politics: Rajnath
Sujanpur (Gurdaspur), February 7
The BJP president, Mr Rajnath Singh, today accused the Congress of
trying to play caste and religion politics, stating that it was trying
to divide the country once again by proposing reservation in jobs for
Muslims despite the fact that reservation on the basis of religion was
against the spirit of the Constitution.
President of the BJP Rajnath
Singh is welcomed at Pathankot. — A Tribune photograph
Securitymen hold a flag march
in Ferozepore on Wednesday. — A Tribune photograph |
BJP
a poor photocopy of Congress: Uma
Jalandhar, February 7
Dubbing the BJP as a "poor photocopy of the Congress",
Bharatiya Janashakti Party chief Uma Bharti has asserted that
"nobody will be allowed to build a mosque in India in the name of a
foreign invader like Babar".
Warrants
against Dimpa’s brother
Amritsar, February7
The ruling Congress received a major setback today when the Special
Investigation team issued warrants of arrest against Mr Harpinder Singh,
alias Rajan ,younger brother of Mr Jasbir Singh Dimpa, Congress nominee
for the Beas Assembly constituency.
Didn’t campaign, says Bhajji
Jalandhar, February 7
“Neither did I ever campaign for Congress candidate from Jalandhar
(Central) Tejinder Bittu, nor I went door to door seeking votes for
him”. This is the reply of cricketer Harbhajan Singh to the Election
Commission. Meanwhile, the commission has deputed Mr Sukhwinder Pal
Singh Marar, Additional Deputy Commissioner, to inquire into the
controversy.
Jaitley
targets Manmohan, Amarinder
Abohar, February 7
The BJP secretary and in charge of party campaign in Punjab, Mr Arun
Jaitley, has said that empty chairs and non-responsive audience at the
election rally of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Patiala yesterday
were indicative of the election trends in Punjab.
SAD-BJP
upbeat in Garhdiwala
Garhdiwala, February 7
The Garhdiwala (SC) Assembly segment that was keeping candidates
guessing about their prospects has begun to throw up clearer indicators.
Arhtiyas
back Kanwaljit
Dera Bassi, February 7
The anti-industry and anti-trader policies of the Congress have forced
the industry to migrate from Punjab. This was stated by Capt Kanwaljit
Singh, SAD candidate from Banur, at a public rally at Lalru Mandi today.
Support
for SAD-BJP combine
Patiala, February 7
An emergency meeting of the All-India Bahawalpur Ekta Samaj was held
here today under the chairmanship of Mr Prem Mehta, which was attended
by Mr Madan Lal, Mr Mahesh Nagpal and other representatives from Rajpura,
Samana and Dakala.
Mill
misery for SAD-BJP
Mansa/Budhlada, February 7
Two closed mills in Mansa district may spin out misery for the SAD-BJP
candidates in the four Assembly constituencies.
Cong
violating law on poll expenses: BJP
New Delhi, February 7
The Bharatiya Janata Party today drew the Election Commission's
attention to violation of Section 77 of the People’s Representation
Act by the Congress and asked the commission to initiate action against
the party.
It’s
between Congress and BJP in Nangal
Nangal, February 7
It’s a direct contest between Chief Minister’s confidant and sitting
Congress MLA K.P.S Rana and BJP stalwart Maddan Mohan Mittal in this
Assembly segment of Ropar district. Flags of both parties fluttering on
rooftops of houses and shops suggest a keen contest between the two
parties.
Virbhadra
campaigns in border seats
Gurdaspur, February 7
The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr Virbhadra Singh, today
rallied in favour of Congress candidates in border constituencies of the
district.
Preneet
Kaur warns Congress rebel
Rajpura, February 7
Ms Preneet Kaur, wife of Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has
warned Mr Madan Lal, a Congress worker who is contending election from
Ghanaur Assembly constituency as a rebel, that necessary action would be
taken against him at the party level.
Mehraj can’t forget Raja’s meharbani
Mehraj (Bathinda), February 7
Delighted over the performance of the son of their soil on the
development front, residents of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh’s
ancestral village of Mehraj are praying for his return to power.
Mehraj, ancestral village of
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, has seen unprecedented development in
the last five years. — Tribune photo by Kulbir Beera
Congress
candidate’s son booked
Mansa, February 7
The Mansa police today booked Mr Vikram Singh Mofar, son of Congress
candidate Ajit Singh Mofar, from the Sardulgarh Assembly constituency,
his gunman Balbir Singh and Mr Rajesh Garg, vice-chairman, Market
Committee, here, for their involvement in a firing incident at Jhuneer
village late last night.
Vote
against capitalist parties: Pandhi
Amritsar, February 7
The Politburo member of the CPI (M), Mr M.K. Pandhi, today said the
ruling Congress and the SAD both are trying to woo votes on false
promises. He said if the Congress government wanted to provide
subsidised foodgrain why did it not do so in the last five years.
Cong,
SAD have failed to check corruption: MP
 Rajpura,
February 7
Mr Mohammad Salim, MP and member of the Central committee of the CPM,
said the SAD-BJP alliance and the Congress had failed to control
unemployment and corruption in the state.
The CPM candidate, Mr Inderjit
Singh Bhagrana, and Mr Mohammed Salim, MP and member, central committee,
and Mr Balwant Singh, state president, CPM, at an election rally in
Rajpura on Wednesday. Photo: J.S. Virdi
BSP could be decisive factor
Guru Har Sahai (Ferozepore), February 7
Mr Mohan Singh Phallianwallan goes about his campaign with a smile on
his face. There is no cavalcade of vehicles accompanying him. On
reaching a village or a hamlet, he alights from his vehicle and walks
through dusty bylanes meeting people and patting cattle on his way. Men
folk of all ages hug him while women fold their hands in respect.
Mohan Singh Phallianwallan
Wide
open in Dhuri
Dhuri (Sangrur), February 7
The contest here is wide open. Anybody could be the winner. The SAD and
Congress are both talking of development, which seems to be the key
issue here.
Respite
to voters sans photo cards
Chandigarh, February 7
The Election Commission today clarified that all voters who had been
issued electoral pictoral identity cards (EPICs) would have to produce
these to exercise franchise in the Assembly elections as well as the
bye-election for the Amritsar parliamentary constituency.
Purvanchalis
count in 4 dists
Jalandhar, February 7
Come elections, parties start wooing over 15 lakh migrant labourers from
Uttar Pradesh. A majority of them live in the districts of Ludhiana,
Jalandhar, Amritsar and Patiala.
Ex-Sarpanch’s
death due to liquor at poll rally?
Mohali, February 7
A former Sarpanch of Bhagomajra village, near Kharar, died last night
allegedly after consuming liquor at an election rally even though the
police and the hospital authorities have denied allegations attributing
his death to the consumption of liquor.
Authorities
tighten noose
Put up nakas to curb liquor smuggling
Mohali, February 7
Reacting to the allegations by candidates contesting the Punjab Assembly
elections that liquor was being served at poll rallies, the district
administration has taken stringent measures.
Coins make way for ladoos
Chandigarh, February 7
Coins are passe. Voters and supporters of candidates are now latching on
to newer options while showcasing their support to their leaders. So out
go good-old coins and in come “ladoos”, other sweets and, strange
but true, blood.
A candidate of the SAD (1920) is
weighed against ladoos at Daomajra village near Kharar on Wednesday. —
A Tribune photograph
poll
bytes
Bigwigs in big
battles
  Bathinda,
February 6
Big shots like Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Deputy Chief Minister
Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and son
of former Chief Minister Harcharan Singh Brar Harkanwarjit Singh Brar
(Sunny Brar) are facing the toughest challenge in their respective
segments.
Masol makes
light of poll
Masol, February 6
A mere 10 km from Chandigarh on the
Punjab and Haryana border exists a village where there is no water, no
electricity. “We don’t want a change in government. We want to
change our state,” is the refrain of every single household in Masol
village, where time seems to have come to a standstill. No politician
till date has bothered to get a road constructed to link this village to
the outside world.
Tota Singh
finds opponent tough
Moga, February 6
Both the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Congress have intensified
campaigning in this Assembly constituency. Akali stalwart and sitting
MLA Tota Singh is finding himself battling against a tough contender, Mr
Joginder Pal Jain, Congress candidate who has the backing of Radhaswamis.
Though there is no anti-incumbency factor against Mr Tota Singh, a
strong faction of the Congress is making the going tough for him.
Chautala’s
call to oust Cong
Mohali, February 6
Mr Om Prakash Chautala, former Chief Minister of Haryana, today called
upon the people to give a crushing defeat to the Congress and vote for
SAD-BJP combine which he said, would usher in a new era of peace,
prosperity and happiness in the state.
Jakhar wants
train to Pak
Abohar (Ferozepore), February 6
Being the son of a famous father is not enough to survive in politics.
It is sheer hard work, says Sunil Jakhar as he sips tea and puts forth
his idea that can change the economic scenario of the area. “The rail
link between Abohar-Hindumalkot in India and Samasatta-Fort Abbas in
Pakistan should be reopened as this will be the shortest possible route
to the port city of Karachi."
Be wary of
SAD-BJP opportunism: Uma
Gurdaspur, February 6
The president of the Bharatiya Janshakti Party, Ms Uma Bharti, today
termed the SAD-BJP combine an alliance of opportunism. Addressing a
press conference at Pathankot, Ms Bharti said the Ram Temple was the
main agenda of the BJP, but questioned whether the SAD would ever
support the BJP on this issue.
Bharatiya Janshakti Party chief Uma Bharti addresses a rally in
Pathankot on Tuesday. — A Tribune photograph
Bollywood star Om Puri and Congress candidate for the Dakala
constituency Lal Singh (extreme left) at a rally at Sanour, 6km
from Patiala, on Tuesday. — Tribune photo by Rajesh Sachar |
BSP extends
support to Cong: Sidhu
Mohali, February 6
Mr Balbir Singh Sidhu, Congress candidate contesting the Punjab
elections from the Kharar constituency, today claimed that the senior
leaders from the Mohali district unit of the BSP had extended their full
support to him.
Code
uncode
CEO
halts grants; teachers shoot letter to EC
Chandigarh, February 6
Members of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union (PCCTU) have
alleged that the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab has violated the code
of conduct in “stopping” the release of salary grant to over a 100
private aided colleges in the state.
EC team
arrives today
Chandigarh, February 6
Close on the heels of the Election Commission (EC) summoning the Punjab
Chief Secretary, Mr K.R. Lakhanpal, and the Director-General of Police,
Mr R.S. Gill, to New Delhi for a review of the overall situation in
Punjab, it is now the turn of Deputy Election Commissioner R.
Bhattacharya to arrive on a two-day visit to Chandigarh tomorrow.
DFOs: Govt
‘misleading’ EC
Chandigarh, February 6
Violating the Election Commission guidelines with impunity, the Punjab
government continues to post a large number of forest officials in their
home districts or at stations where they have already served for over
three years.
Transfers:
Govt misleading poll panel
Chandigarh, February 6
Violating the Election Commission guidelines with impunity, the Punjab
government continues to post a large number of forest officials in their
home districts or at stations where they have already served for over
three years.
Give us a
chance, Mayawati asks electorate
Dera Bassi, February 6
BSP’s fight is against the oppressive "Manuvadi" system and
not against any particular section of society, BSP supremo Mayawati said
here today.
YOUTH SPEAK
Height
of ignorance: Survey bares Generation X
For them, Bir Devinder
in fray, Sidhu to be MLA!
Chandigarh,
February 6
They know the names of all 12 stars in “Salaam-e-Ishq”. They know
the names of players in the Indian cricket team. However, the Generation
X of Punjab is certainly not interested in politics. For some Capt
Kanwaljit Singh is standing for election from Kharar and for some Navjot
Singh Sidhu is going to be the next MLA from Amritsar!
Ex-servicemen
to support SAD-BJP
Chandigarh, February 6
Retired senior defence officers today pledged their support to the
SAD-BJP alliance candidates from Banur, Kharar and Morinda
constituencies.
 Raj
Babbar talks UP in Punjab
Jalandhar, February 6
Actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar's Jan Morcha is not averse to joining
hands with the Congress for ousting Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav's government
in the forthcoming UP Assembly elections.
Actor-turned-politician Raj
Babbar at a press conference in Jalandhar on Tuesday. — Tribune photo
by Pawan Sharma
Dayal: Vote
for candidates, not parties
Amritsar, February 6
National executive member of the CPI Joginder Dayal has urged the voters
to defeat the candidates of the Congress and the SAD-BJP combine and
elect true representatives close to people.
I don't lie
for votes: Kang
Morinda, February 6
Congress candidate from Morinda Assembly constituency Jagmohan Singh
Kang stated today that unlike other politicians he didn’t believe in
lies to seek votes. Mr Kang today undertook a tour of Salamatpur,
Dhodamajra, Bharojian, Rasulpur, Sainimajra, Jhampur, Manana, Thaska,
Bhelolpur, Raipur and Daun villages, where he addressed meetings.
Karat: SAD,
BJP promoting privatisation
Hoshiarpur, February 6
The big houses and anti-people policies of the UPA government are
responsible for the skyrocketing prices of the essential commodities.
This was stated by Mr Parkash Karat, secretary of the CPM, while talking
to mediapersons at Garhshankar, about 40 km from here, today.
Notice to
Harbhajan Singh
Jalandhar, February 6
The Election Commission is still waiting for cricket star Harbhajan
Singh’s response to a notice served on him last night for
“canvassing” in favour of a Congress candidate. He had allegedly
canvassed for the Congress candidate from Jalandhar (Central), Mr
Tejinder Bittu, despite the fact he being an employee of Indian
Airlines, a public sector undertaking.
Poll
bytes
Support
for Cong rebel
GIDDERBAHA: Rebel
Congress candidate Sant Singh Brar on Tuesday got a shot in the arm with
party leader Shivkanwar Singh Sandhu declaring to support him.
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