Chandigarh, July 25 – Chief Electoral Officer Haryana, Sh. A. Sreenivas said that the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the State has been completed 100 per cent. The draft electoral roll will be published on July 31 and will be made available on the official website as well as at all designated publication centres.

The CEO was addressing a press conference at the Haryana Civil Secretariat, Sector-17, Chandigarh. Additional Chief Electoral Officers Ms Ritu and Sh Apurv and Joint Chief Electoral Officer,  Sh. Raj Kumar Lohan was also present.

Thanking the officers and officials for their cooperation during the Special Intensive Revision, Sh. A. Sreenivas said that 20,629 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) distributed enumeration forms to more than 2 crore 6 lakh 55 thousand electors, out of which 1 crore 72 lakh 71 thousand 361 enumeration forms have been digitised. However, the names of 33 lakh 84 thousand 568 electors could not be recorded. Of these, 13 lakh 75 thousand 278 had permanently shifted, 7 lakh 66 thousand 205 were found to be deceased, 2 lakh 4 thousand 916 were already registered as electors, 9 lakh 36 thousand 646 electors were found absent, while 1 lakh 1 thousand 523 electors did not submit their enumeration forms due to other reasons.

He said that claims and objections may be filed from July 31 to August 30. If the name of any elector does not appear in the draft electoral roll to be published on July 31, he or she may submit Form 6 to get the name included again. The name will be included in the final electoral roll.

He made it clear that the name of any elector will not be deleted without giving an opportunity of hearing. If an elector is aggrieved by the decision of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), an appeal may be filed before the District Magistrate within 15 days. If the grievance still persists, a further appeal may be filed before the Chief Electoral Officer within 30 days.

The final electoral roll will be published on October 3. Along with the period for filing claims and objections, the notice phase and disposal of objections will continue up to September 28. During the notice phase, BLOs will issue notices to those electors whose particulars could not be matched with the electoral roll prepared during the previous Special Intensive Revision or where any discrepancy has been found in mapping.

He said that eligible persons may apply for inclusion of their names in the electoral roll through Form 6. Young citizens who attained 18 years of age on or before July 1, 2026, have also been provided the facility to enrol themselves as electors by submitting Form 6. Those whose names have been left out of the electoral roll or who could not submit their enumeration forms may also submit Form 6.

He said that electors whose names are already included in the electoral roll may submit Form 7 for deletion of their names. Form 8 may be used by electors to make corrections in their Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) or to rectify any error in the electoral roll. This facility will also be available online.

Sh. A. Sreenivas said that for the successful conduct of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and District Election Officers (DEOs) are carrying out the exercise across all Assembly Constituencies in the State. In the next phase, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) will also be associated with the exercise.

He further said that 37,055 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by various political parties are also assisting in the process. These include 19,051 appointed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), 15,818 by the Indian National Congress, 1,476 by the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), 54 by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), 314 by the Communist Party of India (CPI) and 342 by the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP).

Chandigarh, July 25

The atmosphere at the main gate of the residence of Haryana Transport Minister Sh.Anil Vij in Shastri Colony, Ambala Cantonment, changed when the minister himself went among the hundreds of protesting Haryana Roadways employees to receive their memorandum. During the interaction, Vij assured the employees that a meeting would be convened within the next 15 days regarding their demands so that they could be discussed.

Members of the Haryana Roadways karmchari sanjha morcha, who had come from across the state, were protesting at the minister’s residence over their demands. As soon as he reached them, Transport Minister Anil Vij personally went among the employees to receive their memorandum. He took the memorandum from employee leaders and said that he was listening to them.

He said that he did not know how many unions the employees had, but he had earlier called all the unions and heard everyone’s concerns. In the same way, he would now also hear the concerns of the employees who were protesting today. Vij assured the employees that a meeting would be called within the next 15 days regarding their demands so that they could be discussed.

Following the minister’s assurance, the protesting employees ended their protest.

It is worth noting that Cabinet Minister Anil Vij, known for his outspoken style, has also earlier gone among protesting employees and personally received their memorandums.

Chandigarh, July 25: Chandigarh MP and former Union Minister Shri Manish Tewari dedicated a newly installed open-air gym at Leisure Valley, Sector 10, to the public. The facility was developed with a grant of approximately ₹5 lakh from his Members of Parliament Local Area Development fund.

Addressing the gathering, Tewari said he remains committed to promoting better health and a healthier lifestyle among citizens. He noted that the open-air gym would benefit people of all age groups, emphasizing that a healthy individual is better able to fulfill responsibilities towards both family and society. He also added that several other development projects are currently underway across the city.

Chandigarh Congress Committee President H.S. Lucky thanked MP Manish Tewari for fulfilling the long-pending demand of the residents of Sector 10. He said that good health is the right of every citizen and that the Congress Party has always stood for protecting the rights and welfare of the people.

Among those present on the occasion were included, S. Amarjit Singh Kahlon, Sandeep Varmani, Rajinder Kashyap, and a large number of local residents.

CHANDIGARH, July 25:

          In a major breakthrough against transnational organised crime amidst the ongoing Gangstran Te Vaar campaign launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab, in coordination with Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) Punjab and Central Agencies, successfully secured the deportation of fugitive gangster Jobanjit Singh alias Joban Billa from Jakarta in Indonesia, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          The accused Joban Billa was detained in Indonesia on on July 20, 2026 and subsequently deported to India. He was taken into custody by the Punjab Police from Mumbai Airport and is being brought to Punjab for further investigation.

          “The operation marks the successful culmination of Operation Nomad Hunt—a six-month-long intelligence-led international manhunt involving sustained surveillance, strategic intelligence gathering and close coordination with national and international agencies,” said DGP Gaurav Yadav.

          The DGP said that accused Joban Billa has been wanted in multiple heinous criminal cases, including murder, attempt to murder, NDPS Act and Arms Act offences.

          As per the information, accused Joban Billa fled abroad on January 9, 2025, using a passport prepared on fake particulars of Gorakhpur resident. The passport was issued from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, on March 8, 2024.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that accused Joban Billa was evading arrest by operating across multiple countries. Joban was earlier hiding in United Arab Emirates (UAE) from where he travelled to Georgia and further from Georgia, he travelled to Indonesia.

          “Punjab Police had issued Red Corner Notice against accused Joban Billa and inputs regarding his fake passport and whereabouts were shared with central agencies at different intervals. In addition, five INTERPOL references were also issued,” he said, while adding that sustained and persistent efforts led to detention of accused in Indonesia.

           Pertinently, Operation Nomad Hunt has been executed under the close supervison of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban and led by Superintendent of Police (SP) AGTF/OFTEC Bikramjit Singh Brar.

          ADGP Promod Ban said that accused Joban Billa is wanted in four murder cases registered in Punjab including murder of Jarnail Singh at Village Sathiala Amritsar in May 2023, murder of Deepu Ajnala in January 2024, murder of 12-years-old boy Gursewak Singh in March 2025 and murder of Vicky Chugh in March 2025.

          Meanwhile, on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has established OFTEC, headed by Inspector General of Police (IGP)  Ashish Choudhary, to reach out the criminals sitting abroad and expedite their extradition process to bring them back to Punjab to face legal action.

Chandigarh, July 25, 2026: Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon today hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decisive initiatives to restore public confidence in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and strengthen the integrity of competitive examinations across the country. Tandon said, “The 

PM’s bold reforms to restore faith in competitive examinations is a welcome step.”

“The decision to establish fast-track courts for cases related to examination fraud sends a powerful message that there will be zero tolerance for those attempting to play with the future of our students. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again demonstrated that the interests of India’s youth remain at the heart of his governance,” Tandon said.He added that fast-track courts will ensure speedy prosecution of those involved in examination malpractices, this coupled with comprehensive reforms in the NTA, reflects the Prime Minister’s resolve to protect the future of India’s youth.

Tandon observed that honest students deserve an examination system that rewards merit alone.  “Every deserving candidate must compete on a level playing field without fear that dishonest elements will compromise the examination process. The reforms initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi are aimed precisely at creating such a robust, transparent and foolproof system,” he said.

Tandon urged students to remain focused on their preparations, assuring them that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to ensuring that merit, transparency and justice remain the guiding principles of every national-level examination.
Tandon noted that the Centre has acted with determination by initiating structural reforms, strengthening security protocols, improving accountability within the NTA and ensuring that those responsible for compromising examinations face swift legal consequences.

He further said that the government’s ongoing reforms including enhanced security mechanisms, institutional restructuring of the NTA, deployment of technology to improve transparency and measures to modernise the conduct of examinations will significantly strengthen the credibility of NEET-UG and all other national examinations conducted by the agency.

Chandigarh, July 25, 2026: Senior BJP leader and member of the party’s National Council Sanjay Tandon  reacting to the Education Minister’s resignation on the NEET issue said, “The Education Minister’s decision to resign shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to accountability, transparency and dignity of youth.” 
Tandon hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decisive initiatives to restore public confidence in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and strengthen the integrity of competitive examinations across the country. Tandon said, “The PM’s bold reforms to restore faith in competitive examinations is a welcome step.” 

“The decision to establish fast-track courts for cases related to examination fraud sends a powerful message that there will be zero tolerance for those attempting to play with the future of our students. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again demonstrated that the interests of India’s youth remain at the heart of his governance,” Tandon said.
He added that fast-track courts will ensure speedy prosecution of those involved in examination malpractices, this coupled with comprehensive reforms in the NTA, reflects the Prime Minister’s resolve to protect the future of India’s youth.
Tandon observed that honest students deserve an examination system that rewards merit alone.  “Every deserving candidate must compete on a level playing field without fear that dishonest elements will compromise the examination process. The reforms initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi are aimed precisely at creating such a robust, transparent and foolproof system,” he said.Tandon urged students to remain focused on their preparations, assuring them that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to ensuring that merit, transparency and justice remain the guiding principles of every national-level examination.
Tandon noted that the Centre has acted with determination by initiating structural reforms, strengthening security protocols, improving accountability within the NTA and ensuring that those responsible for compromising examinations face swift legal consequences.

He further said that the government’s ongoing reforms including enhanced security mechanisms, institutional restructuring of the NTA, deployment of technology to improve transparency and measures to modernise the conduct of examinations will significantly strengthen the credibility of NEET-UG and all other national examinations conducted by the agency.

Chandigarh

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh reacted to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, stating that it marks a historic victory for the peaceful, democratic, and persistent struggle of students across the country. He said that in a democracy, the voice of the people and the rights of students cannot be suppressed indefinitely. The government’s eventual acceptance of accountability is the result of sustained public pressure and the students’ unwavering fight for truth and justice.

Rao Narendra Singh said that the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is only the first step and does not, by itself, resolve the problems faced by students. He demanded that the Central Government conduct an impartial investigation into the irregularities in NEET, CBSE, and other competitive examinations, fix accountability for those responsible, take stringent action against the examination mafia, and ensure justice for all affected students.

He stated that the Congress Party has consistently fought for students’ rights, from the streets to Parliament. Students raised their voices with patience, discipline, and democratic determination, compelling the government to take this decision.

Rao Narendra Singh further said that Congress’ movement is not limited to the resignation of a single minister. The party’s objective is to build an education system that is transparent, credible, and accountable. He emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms in the examination system, effective measures to curb corruption, and the establishment of a robust and transparent mechanism to prevent such incidents in the future. Congress will continue its struggle until every student receives justice and a fair examination system is guaranteed.

Quoting, “Defeat comes only when one accepts it; victory comes when one resolves to achieve it,” Rao Narendra Singh said that this victory is dedicated to the memory of the 21 sons and daughters who are no longer with us. It also belongs to the millions of young people across the country who ignited a new movement for accountability and reform in the education system. He added that this victory also reflects the determination and leadership of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who rose above politics to fight for the future of the nation’s youth through the “Students’ Echo” (Chhatron Ki Goonj) campaign, taking students’ concerns from the streets to Parliament and making them a national issue.

Rao Narendra Singh informed that the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee has instructed all District Congress Committees (DCCs) to replace the previously planned candlelight marches and satyagrahas with “Victory Marches” at district headquarters today. These marches will be dedicated to the students’ struggle, the victory of democracy, and the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, whose persistent efforts compelled the government to become accountable.

He appealed to all District Congress Committees, frontal organisations, departments, cells, and Congress workers to participate in the Victory Marches in large numbers, stating that this is not merely a political programme but a celebration of the nation’s youth, the demand for educational reforms, and the triumph of democratic values.

CHANDIGARH: The 14th Saint Soldier Football Trophy concluded on a thrilling note at Saint Soldier International School, Sector 28-B, Chandigarh, after four days of exhilarating football, outstanding sportsmanship, and spirited competition. The much-awaited championship clash was played between St. John’s High School, Sector 26, and Saint Soldier International School, Sector 28. Both teams displayed exceptional skill, resilience, and determination, keeping the spectators engrossed throughout the match. The winner was eventually decided through a penalty shootout where St. John’s High School converted their first three spot-kicks through Tanish, Daksh, and Aryaveer. Jasgun scored for the host school. 

Chandigarh, 22 July 2026:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan today wrote demi official letter to Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi pertaining to ongoing erratic monsoon crisis in Rajasthan which has led to a severe drought-like situation affecting agriculture, crops and livestock across the state with particular distress reported from the semi-arid regions of Jaisalmer district & surrounding areas. As widely reported, the 2026 monsoon has been significantly delayed, resulting in one of the driest Junes in recent history across a large part of India.

He stated that Rajasthan, particularly the arid districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer have been hit disproportionately hard. Scanty rainfall over the past two years has led to acute fodder and water scarcity, threatening the survival of millions of livestock that depend on agriculture and animal husbandry for livelihoods. Jaisalmer normally sows across nearly 7,00,000 hectares during the kharif season, which reportedly fell to 1,00,000 hectares due to the sluggish progress of the monsoon. Livestock numbers are staggering in both districts, with many cattle already dying and villagers forced to abandon animals because they can not feed them. Pastoral communities and farmers are facing immense hardship due to the monsoon crisis.

He stressed that In desperation, Rajasthan’s farmers are approaching Punjab’s farmers to shelter their livestock temporarily for grazing and feeding. Historical precedents indicate that such migrations often occur during droughts. But now, such inter-state cattle movement may be misinterpreted as “cattle smuggling”, potentially exposing them to violent vigilantism or so called “mob lynching” incidents. This concern has gained national attention in recent years. This fear is paralysing humanitarian action. Farmers who want to help are holding back and livestock owners are trapped in a no-win situation- stay and watch their animals starve or leave them behind. Their cattle are not merely assets, they are central to identity, economy and survival in the desert.

The Central Government’s commendable initiatives for cow protection and conservation including schemes like the “Rashtriya Gokal Mission” and support for gaushalas have played a vital role in promoting indigenous cattle breeds and animal welfare across the country. Therefore, the Central Government must ensure the effective implementation of such schemes in coordination with the Rajasthan Government and the neighbouring state of Punjab. This will facilitate the timely delivery of relief and prevent any misinterpretation of livestock movement/migration as an illegal activity, thereby safeguarding livestock that form the backbone of the rural economy, he added.

Speaker Sandhwan requested the Central Government for personal attention to this urgent matter and look forward to immediate directives to the concerned ministers and administrations. A swift central intervention is crucial to prevent escalation of the crisis, protect vulnerable farming communities and maintain harmony.

Panchkula/Chandigarh.

In protest against the brutal and repressive action taken against peaceful demonstrators supporting the legitimate demands of students across the country, as well as the lathi-charge on protesters opposing examination paper leaks, the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee on Wednesday laid siege to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State Headquarters in Panchkula. The protest was also against the action taken against Indian National Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi, Congress General Secretary Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress MPs, party leaders, and students.

The protest was held under the guidance of Shri Sanjay Dutt, AICC In-charge for Haryana, and led by Rao Narendra Singh, President of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee. A large number of Congress leaders and workers participated in the demonstration. Raising slogans against the BJP government, the protesters condemned the injustice faced by students and the suppression of democratic rights. During the protest, the administration detained Congress leaders and workers and took them to the Moghi Nand Police Lines. The Congress leaders continued raising slogans inside the police premises.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Sanjay Dutt said that instead of answering serious questions concerning the future of students, the Central Government has chosen the path of repression and arrests. He said that the lathi-charge on a peaceful movement is a direct assault on democratic values, which the Congress Party will never accept.

He demanded that:

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign immediately.

Parliament should immediately hold a discussion on the issue of paper leaks and examination irregularities.

All FIRs and criminal cases registered against students and protesters should be withdrawn without delay.

He asserted that Congress will continue its struggle for justice for students, a transparent examination system, and the protection of democratic rights.

HPCC President Rao Narendra Singh said that the BJP government is under the illusion that students’ voices can be silenced through lathi-charges, arrests, and repression. In reality, he said, the spark of this movement is set to grow into a nationwide wave of public anger.

He stated that the BJP will inevitably face the political consequences of its anti-people policies and actions. Public resentment among youth, students, and ordinary citizens is steadily increasing, and this democratic awakening will defeat the politics of arrogance and authoritarianism.

Rao Narendra Singh further said that the Congress Party will continue its struggle—from the streets to Parliament—to safeguard students’ rights, ensure a fair and transparent examination system, and protect democracy. He added that every repressive action by the BJP government would be met through democratic means.

Among those present during the protest were Chander Mohan, Aftab Ahmed, Bharat Bhushan Batra, Geeta Bhukkal, Parmveer Singh, Indu Raj Narwal, Chander Prakash, Balram Dangi, Jassi Petwad, Devender Hans, Gokul Setia, all MLAs, former MLAs Pradeep Chaudhary, Arjun Singh and Lahri Singh, Panchkula DCC President Sanjay Chauhan, Ambala Rural President Dushyant Chauhan, Ambala Urban President Pawan Aggarwal, Ambala Cantonment President Parvinder Pari, Yamunanagar Rural President Narpal Singh, Yamunanagar Urban President Devender Singh, Jind President Rishipal, Ravinder Rawal, office-bearers of frontal organisations and departments, and hundreds of Congress workers.