LUDHIANA, May 29: The Congress today put up a strong and united show ahead of the party candidate from Ludhiana West Bharat Bhushan Ashu’s filing of his nomination papers.
A galaxy of leaders including general secretary in charge Punjab Bhupesh Baghel, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, the PCC president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma, Amritsar MP Gurjit Singh Aujla, Rana Gurjit, Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa, MP Gurjit Singh Aujla, MLA Rana Gurjit, MLA Pragat Singh, MLA Sukhbinder Singh Sukh Sarkaria and others joining the party programme ahead of the filing of the nomination papers.
Speaking on the occasion, Baghel expressed confidence that given the overwhelming response of thousands of party workers, the writing was on the wall that the Congress will win this seat with a record margin.
Addressing the gathering, PCC president Warring congratulated Ashu and expressed confidence that he will win the seat and mark the new beginning for the party in the state.
Warring appealed to the rank and file of the party to work wholeheartedly like they were fighting their personal election. “Each one of you is going to be the MLA”, he exhorted them, adding, “it will be the victory of each and every party worker”.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashu expressed his gratitude to the party leadership, both the central and the state for reposing faith in him and supporting him. Taking a dig at opposition parties, he remarked, “our president is standing with us, now let the AAP and the BJP tell us, where are their state presidents?”
The presence of the entire senior leadership ahead of the filing of the nomination papers has boosted the rank and file of the party, who are feeling confident of winning back this seat, the party lost in 2022.
Ms Mamta Ashu filed papers as a covering candidate for Ashu.
Among those present on the occasion included MLA Rana Indra Pratap Singh, MLA Aruna Chaudhary, Former Ministers Vijay Indra Singla, Sham Sunder Arora, Malkeet Singh Dakha, Former MLA Raj Kumar Verka, Rakesh Pandey, Surinder Dawer, Balwinder Singh Bains, Simarjit Singh Bains, Lakhbir Singh Lakha, Kuldeep Vaid, Rajindra Berry, Former Youth Congress President Raminder Singh Awla, Ishwarjot Cheemba and others.

Bathinda, May 29:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said that the new Land Pooling scheme of the state is aimed at providing a sustainable source of income to the farmers as agriculture is no longer a profitable venture.

Interacting with the farmers here today, the Chief Minister said that the land pooling is aimed at creating a perennial source of income for the farmers and making them an active partner in growth and progress of the state. He said that no forcible acquisition of land will be done in the state and only those farmers who will agree under the policy will give their land. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as per the policy the farmers will get commercial and residential plots in the scheme apart from the compensation.

The Chief Minister said that the commercial property in the planned colonies to be carved out in this land pooling scheme will be a permanent asset for the farmers for their income. He said that the state government’s new Land Pooling Policy is aimed at giving impetus to the overall growth of the state adding that this scheme will benefit every common man by giving a major fillip to the overall development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured everyone that no land will be forcibly taken and that all development on acquired land will proceed in a legal and transparent manner.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that Punjab has the highest number of illegal colonies in the country—an issue he blamed on previous governments. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these colonies do not have any basic civic amenities due to which people have to suffer. He said that to check this haphazard growth land pooling scheme has been introduced in which it will be totally prerogative of the land owner to adopt this or not adding that the land acquired by state with consent of people will be used for constructing Urban Estates thereby giving push to planned development. 

The Chief Minister said that contrary to earlier times when the leaders of the state used to jeopardize the interests of Punjab, the state government today is focusing on overall growth and prosperity of the state. He said that the earlier leaders were afraid of meeting the people whereas the state government today is interacting with the people and seeking their feedback. Bhagwant Singh Mann every effort will be made to safeguard the interests of the state and its people by making them an active partner in social economic development of the state.

The Chief Minister said that it is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction that more than 54000 jobs have been provided to the youth of the state. He said that all the jobs have been given completely on the basis of merit, without any corruption or nepotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is making the youth an active partner in socio economic development of Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched an ambitious project of Easy Registration of land which has been introduced in Mohali and will be introduced in the state from August 1. He said that it is a part of state government’s commitment to further streamline the functioning of government offices adding that people now have the freedom to visit any Sub Registrar Office within the district to get their property registered without hassle. As part of the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, Bhagwant Singh Mann said this initiative will play a key role in eliminating corruption in Tehsil offices.

The Chief Minister highlighted how canal water had been neglected by previous governments due to which the state has suffered adversely. He said that excessive reliance on tube wells had resulted in the alarming depletion of groundwater which proved very fatal for the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to revive the traditional Water Courses, 700 km of pipeline has already been installed across the state to bring water back to dried-up areas even at tail end villages.

Chandigarh, May 29:

Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government will make no compromises regarding the smooth operation of sanitation arrangements in various cities across the state and if any officer or employee is found negligent in their duties, strict departmental action will be taken against them, sternly warned Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today while he was presided over meeting at the Municipal Bhawan here with MLAs Kuljit Singh Randhawa, Dinesh Chadha and Lakhvir Singh Rai, Additional Deputy Commissioners and Executive Officers of Municipal Councils and Municipal Panchayats of Mandi Gobindgarh, Sirhind, Fatehgarh Sahib, Bassi Pathana, Nangal, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Ropar, Morinda, Sri Chamkaur Sahib, Rajpura, Nabha, Samana, Patran, Zirakpur, Dera Bassi, Lalru, Kharar, Kurali, Naya Gaon, Banur, Khamano and Kiratpur Sahib. He gathered detailed information about various ongoing projects, water supply and sewerage arrangements in the concerned cities.

The Cabinet Minister stressed for making Punjab’s cities garbage-free and stated that making cities clean and equipped with modern facilities is a top priority of the State Government, making it crystal clear that negligence in sanitation work will absolutely not be tolerated. While reviewing the development work of urban bodies and other important projects, the Cabinet Minister said that if all employees and officers perform their duties efficiently, every problem can be resolved in a timely manner.

Dr. Ravjot Singh instructed that with the monsoon season approaching, advance cleaning of sewerage lines is extremely important to prevent the problem of dirty water accumulating on roads and streets, directing officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements in this regard. He stated that the government has no shortage of funds for development work, hence regional officers should prepare and submit complete proposals regarding development projects to headquarters.

The Mann government is committed to public welfare and special efforts are being made at the grassroots level to provide facilities to people in every sector, he added.

Chandigarh, May 29:

Acting swiftly on the directions of Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, the Municipal Council, Zirakpur has immediately razed the temporary structure of an illegal wine shop in the Peer Muchhalla area under the jurisdiction of MC Zirakpur.

Confirming the details, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said that upon receiving a complaint of illegal encroachment on MC land in Peer Muchhalla, Dr. Ravjot Singh ordered the removal of the wine shop structure.

She said that the Local Government Minister was apprised of the action taken against the illegal encroachment.

MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa, while welcoming the prompt action, said that the wine shop was operating in an illegally encroached area belonging to the MC and the issue was brought to the attention of Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh during his morning visit to MC Zirakpur.

Taking strict notice of this matter, the Cabinet Minister sought a report from the MC officials. In response to the report, the authorities immediately demolished the structure.

The Local Government Minister also appealed to the general public to refrain from construction on any encroached upon land to avoid any demolition action in future.

Chandigarh, May 29:

Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh announced the upgrade of Municipal Council Zirakpur to Corporation status soon during his early morning visit to Zirakpur on Thursday.

Highlighting the need for stronger governance due to rapid urban expansion, Dr. Ravjot Singh stressed that a larger and more empowered local body is essential to effectively manage civic amenities such as drinking water supply, sewage treatment and cleanliness. He urged MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa to submit a formal proposal through the Municipal Council to the Department of Local Government so the process can begin promptly. The Minister confirmed that the transition will be implemented from the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections in Zirakpur.

The Cabinet Minister, who was there in the early hours to inspect cleanliness and other civic amenities, expressed dissatisfaction over the uncleanliness and ordered to set the house in order by enhancing the number of sanitary workers.

Expressing concern over the choked Sukhna Choe, which also carries liquid waste from the Chandigarh side, Dr. Ravjot Singh directed the Municipal Council to take immediate measures to clean it with the help of the Drainage Department before the rains. He also urged the residents not to dump waste in the choe that will cause floods by blocking the flow. He also inspected the Furniture Market area of Baltana.

The Cabinet Minister announced that a high-level bridge on Sukhna Choe at Baltana at a cost of Rs.5.96 crore is upcoming soon to ease out the locals from overflow during monsoon seasons when the choe swells.

The Minister inspected, Old Kalka Road, Dhakauli and reviewed the cleanliness operations, instructing local body officials to hire extra manpower for complete cleaning of the city. He said that the unsightly appearance of the roads and streets is not a good and healthy sign for the community.

Responding to another query on upcoming Sewage Treatment Plants, the Cabinet Minister said that two STPs, one of 47 MLD and another of 37 MLD (Million Litres per day) are being installed soon. The site for 47 MLD has been identified at Sanauli and handed over to the Water Supply and Sewerage Board, while for the other 37 MLD plant, site selection is underway and will be finalized shortly.

When the issue of storm sewer coming from Panchkula causing trouble in the Peer Muchhalla Area was raised by MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa, Dr. Ravjot Singh directed the state heads of the local government department to take up the matter with the concerned authorities of the neighbouring state to resolve it at the earliest.

Interacting with media persons, Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, while reaffirming his commitment to provide required civic amenities to the urban population of Punjab, said that as per the directions of Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the State Government is keen to address the problems being faced by residents and the responsibility of local officers would be fixed in case of any laxity. He said that officers are duty-bound towards the locals and they must spend a few hours from their daily duty to take stock of ground realities. The Minister also assured to introduce reforms to reduce traffic congestion in the town.

He was accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary Tejvir Singh and Director Gurpreet Singh Khaira of the Local Government Department besides Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, Executive Officer Jagjeet Singh Judge and officers from the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

Chandigarh, May 29:

Punjab’s Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today informed that the Punjab Government has released ₹37.50 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme during the current financial year 2025-26 to benefit 7352 Scheduled Caste applicants.

Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that applications under the Ashirwad Scheme were received through the Ashirwad Portal this year from 19 districts, including Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Mansa, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, Pathankot, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Sangrur, Malerkotla, and Tarn Taran. Financial assistance amounting to ₹37.50 crore has been sanctioned to cover 7352 beneficiaries from these districts.

The Minister informed that the disbursed amount covers 313 beneficiaries in Barnala, 826 in Bathinda, 166 in Faridkot, 178 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 360 in Fazilka, 104 in Gurdaspur, 731 in Hoshiarpur, 837 in Jalandhar, 69 in Kapurthala, 310 in Mansa, 360 in Moga, 502 in Sri Muktsar Sahib, 630 in Patiala, 112 in Pathankot, 158 in Rupnagar, 159 in SAS Nagar, 797 in Sangrur, 80 in Malerkotla, and 660 in Tarn Taran.

Highlighting the objectives of the scheme, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government, under the Ashirwad Scheme, provides financial assistance of ₹51,000 for the marriage of girls belonging to low-income families in the state.

She added that to avail of the benefit under this scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belong to a Scheduled Caste, Backward Class, or Economically Weaker Section family, and have an annual family income not exceeding ₹32,790. Eligible families can avail of this financial assistance for the marriage of up to two daughters.

The Cabinet Minister further mentioned that the disbursement of financial assistance is made directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure transparency and timely support.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is firmly committed to the welfare of all sections of society, with dedicated initiatives for the Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and economically weaker sections to uplift their standard of living and empower them economically.

Chandigarh, May 29:

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sibin C, held a video conferencing meeting on Thursday with the Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer and the Police Commissioner of Ludhiana to review preparations for the bye-election to the 64-Ludhiana West Assembly Constituency.

During the meeting, the CEO instructed officials to conduct the election process in a peaceful and transparent manner in accordance with the Act, Rules and Guidelines of the Election Commission of India. He directed the District Election Officer to ensure proper arrangements at polling stations, counting halls, and strong rooms. He also emphasized that 100% live webcasting from polling stations must be ensured for real-time monitoring.

To facilitate voters, Sibin C directed that Assured Minimum facilities (AMF) such as drinking water, waiting areas, toilets, and heat protection measures etc at polling stations be ensured. He also called for strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.

Regarding strong room security, he instructed that robust surveillance systems must be implemented. He further emphasized prompt action on any violations of the Model Code of Conduct and swift redressal of related complaints. He instructed officials to maintain close watch on paid news and to ensure adequate food and accommodation arrangements for polling staff. To boost voter participation, he directed to intensify SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) activities.

The CEO instructed the Ludhiana Police Commissioner to enhance vigilance during the last 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to polling and until the conclusion of the election process. Orders were issued to increase security at checkpoints and to monitor the movement of outsiders in the constituency. He called for 24/7 CCTV surveillance to curb illegal transportation of drugs, liquor, cash, and other inducements.

The CEO stressed that any complaints of inducements such as cash or other materials to mislead voters must be dealt with immediately. He also directed the Police Commissioner to ensure robust deployment of security measures at critical polling stations, strong rooms, and counting centers.

The Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer and the Police Commissioner assured the Chief Electoral Officer that all necessary arrangements for the bye-election have been completed and that the election process will be conducted strictly in line with the Election Commission’s directions.

The meeting was also attended by ADGP-cum-State Police Nodal Officer M.F. Farooqui, Additional CEO Harish Nayar, Joint CEO Sakatar Singh Bal, Election Officer Anju Bala, and other officials from the CEO’s office.

Constituency Voter & Polling Booth Data

Sibin C informed that the Ludhiana West constituency has a total of 1,74,437 voters, including 89,602 male voters, 84,825 female voters, and 10 voters identifying as third gender.

A total of 192 polling booths will be set up for the bye-election. These include 10 model polling booths, one all-women managed booth, one green/environment-friendly booth, and one booth managed by PWD staff. Additionally, 13 polling booths have been identified as critical, where additional security measures will be deployed.

Polling will be held on June 19, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the counting of votes will take place on June 23 starting from 8.00am.

Chandigarh, May 29:

A total of four nomination papers were filed today, on the fourth day of the nomination process for the 64-Ludhiana West Assembly constituency bye-election.

Disclosing this, Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C, stated that Sh Bharat Bhushan Ashu, the official candidate of the Indian National Congress, and Smt Mamta Ashu (covering candidate) submitted their nomination papers today. Additionally, Advocate Parupkar Singh Ghumman, the Shiromani Akali Dal candidate, along with Smt Arvinder Kaur Ghumman (covering candidate), also filed their nominations.

Earlier, on May 28, one independent candidate had submitted a nomination paper.

It is noteworthy that the last date for filing nominations is June 2, 2025. Scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on June 3, 2025, while the last date for withdrawal of nominations is June 5, 2025. Nomination papers can also be filed on May 30 and 31.

Bathinda, May 29:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said that the new Land Pooling scheme of the state is aimed at providing a sustainable source of income to the farmers as agriculture is no longer a profitable venture.

Interacting with the farmers here today, the Chief Minister said that the land pooling is aimed at creating a perennial source of income for the farmers and making them an active partner in growth and progress of the state. He said that no forcible acquisition of land will be done in the state and only those farmers who will agree under the policy will give their land. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as per the policy the farmers will get commercial and residential plots in the scheme apart from the compensation.

The Chief Minister said that the commercial property in the planned colonies to be carved out in this land pooling scheme will be a permanent asset for the farmers for their income. He said that the state government’s new Land Pooling Policy is aimed at giving impetus to the overall growth of the state adding that this scheme will benefit every common man by giving a major fillip to the overall development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured everyone that no land will be forcibly taken and that all development on acquired land will proceed in a legal and transparent manner.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that Punjab has the highest number of illegal colonies in the country—an issue he blamed on previous governments. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these colonies do not have any basic civic amenities due to which people have to suffer. He said that to check this haphazard growth land pooling scheme has been introduced in which it will be totally prerogative of the land owner to adopt this or not adding that the land acquired by state with consent of people will be used for constructing Urban Estates thereby giving push to planned development. 

The Chief Minister said that contrary to earlier times when the leaders of the state used to jeopardize the interests of Punjab, the state government today is focusing on overall growth and prosperity of the state. He said that the earlier leaders were afraid of meeting the people whereas the state government today is interacting with the people and seeking their feedback. Bhagwant Singh Mann every effort will be made to safeguard the interests of the state and its people by making them an active partner in social economic development of the state.

The Chief Minister said that it is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction that more than 54000 jobs have been provided to the youth of the state. He said that all the jobs have been given completely on the basis of merit, without any corruption or nepotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is making the youth an active partner in socio economic development of Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched an ambitious project of Easy Registration of land which has been introduced in Mohali and will be introduced in the state from August 1. He said that it is a part of state government’s commitment to further streamline the functioning of government offices adding that people now have the freedom to visit any Sub Registrar Office within the district to get their property registered without hassle. As part of the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, Bhagwant Singh Mann said this initiative will play a key role in eliminating corruption in Tehsil offices.

The Chief Minister highlighted how canal water had been neglected by previous governments due to which the state has suffered adversely. He said that excessive reliance on tube wells had resulted in the alarming depletion of groundwater which proved very fatal for the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to revive the traditional Water Courses, 700 km of pipeline has already been installed across the state to bring water back to dried-up areas even at tail end villages.

Bathinda, May 29:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday slammed the Akali leaders and Kisan Unions for misleading the people of the state by spreading canards for securing their vested interests.

Taking the farmers union to cudgels, the Chief Minister said that farmers and unions are different entities as these people have opened their shops in the name of securing the interests of farmers. He said that the office bearers of Kisan unions have acquired huge chunks of properties by minting money illegally and have even put shares in hotels and hospitals in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann dared the Kisan Unions to have live discussions with him on the various issues pertaining to agrarian crisis.

The Chief Minister also questioned the silence of the Kisan Unions over the issue of snatching of water by BBMB and Haryana adding that they have not even issued a single statement in this regard. He said that they were merely running their shops by staging road and rail blockades on frivolous issues but remained mum over this major issue concerning the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann quipped that these leaders are least bothered about the farmers or their interests as they have their own interests in everything adding that the farmer unions take fees from the agriculturalists in the name of securing their rights.

The Chief Minister said that all was not well in the Badal-Majithia family as Akali leaders Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia were not in speaking terms with each other. He said that the dispute has probably arisen due to division of the money plundered by them during their tenure and has created rift in the family now. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that after his revelation the family members may unite now but the fact is that these leaders have harmed the interests of the state for their vested ones.

The Chief Minister said that the Akali leaders have been using the SGPC and Sri Akal Takht Sahib for their vested political interests adding that Akalis misuse religion for their parochial interests. Citing an example, he said that the orders of Sri Akal Takht Sahib are being twisted to suit their political interests and befool the people.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now former MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha will be re-inducted the Akali Dal and even the Faqr-e-Qaum title will be restored to former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.