Chandigarh

Aam Aadmi Party National Media Incharge Anurag Dhanda reacted strongly to the ongoing petrol and diesel shortage in Haryana. He stated that the images emerging from various districts across the state and country are deeply concerning and clearly expose the failure of the BJP government. Long queues are visible at petrol pumps, many stations have run dry, and people are returning empty-handed after waiting for hours—all while the government repeatedly claims there is no shortage.

He questioned that if there is truly no shortage, then why is there such widespread chaos? This situation indicates that the government is either unaware of the ground reality or is intentionally misleading the public. The central BJP government and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini have proven to be complete failures, as the situation on the ground appears out of control and the administration seems utterly helpless.

Anurag Dhanda highlighted that this crisis is most severely impacting the common man, farmers, and small traders. With the farming season underway, farmers urgently need diesel but are forced to stand in long queues. Small shopkeepers and those in the transport sector are also badly affected, yet the government has no concrete solution and is busy only with rhetoric.

He further stated that this is not merely a supply issue but a result of government negligence and mismanagement. Had there been proper planning and monitoring in time, the public would not be facing such hardships today. A government’s priority should be public convenience, but the current situation shows the BJP government does not care for the people.

Anurag Dhanda demanded that petrol and diesel supplies be streamlined immediately across all districts. He called for emergency measures at pumps where stock has run out and insisted on fixing accountability and taking action against negligent officials. Furthermore, he urged the government to place the truth before the public and work with transparency instead of spreading confusion.

Anurag Dhanda concluded by saying that the people of Haryana are watching and understand how the government is failing them in times of crisis. The Aam Aadmi Party stands with the public and will continue to raise their voice strongly.

CHANDIGARH, March 27:

          Following the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make Punjab a gangster-free state, the “Gangstran Te Vaar” campaign has achieved significant milestones through the Anti-Gangster Helpline 93946-93946, which has seen an overwhelming response from the general public since its launch on January 21, 2026.

          Sharing the success of the initiative, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Gurmeet Singh Chauhan today informed that a total of 590 inputs have been received on the dedicated helpline. Out of these, 83 were related to drugs, 35 to extortion, 43 regarding gangsters, 86 concerning illegal weapons, 74 related to personal enmity, 13 for robbery/theft, 11 regarding Proclaimed Offenders (POs)/Absconders, and two related to immigration fraud, while 97 were categorised as others.

          “The proactive participation of the citizens has been instrumental. These tips led to the registration of 63 FIRs and the arrest of 26 individuals, including 21 preventive detentions,” said DIG Gurmeet Chauhan, while citing successful instances where public cooperation helped apprehend criminals involved in heinous crimes.

          Urging the public to make maximum use of the helpline, the DIG asked citizens to act as the “eyes and ears” of the police. “Not only extortions, but people can report any suspicious gangster, criminal, or anti-social activities using this number. I want to assure the public that complete confidentiality will be maintained,” he added.

          DIG Gurmeet Chauhan also sounded a note of caution against anti-social elements sitting abroad who lure innocent youth with meagre amounts of money to commit crimes. He strictly advised the public against facilitating financial transactions via UPI or other digital sources for unknown persons. Furthermore, he warned against picking or dropping packages from unidentified locations, noting that criminals abroad are using “dead letter boxes” to deliver weapon consignments for illegal activities.

          Highlighting the crackdown on the digital ecosystem of crime, the DIG revealed that the AGTF is launching a special campaign to monitor mischievous activities on social media. “We have already got 643 pages blocked across various social media platforms for glorifying weapons or criminal activities. I appeal to parents to remain vigilant about their children’s activities to ensure they are not misled,” he said.

          It is pertinent to mention that the Punjab Police has already identified 61 foreign-based gangsters operating from abroad. To expedite their extradition, an Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) has been established to ensure these criminals are brought back to face the law.

          The Anti-Gangster Helpline number, 93946-93946, remains operational for citizens to anonymously share information about wanted criminals and provide vital leads to curb crime in the state.

          Sharing the achievements of AGTF, DIG Gurmeet Chauhan said that Punjab Police has busted 1,111 gangsters/criminals modules and arrested 2,868 gangsters across the state since April 2022, and recovered 2273 weapons, 656 vehicles used in criminal activities from their possession. Notably, Punjab government had formed the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) headed by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Promod Ban to effectively combat gangster culture from the state.

*BOX: ACTION BY AGTF (APRIL 6, 2022 TO MARCH 26, 2026)*

MODULES BUSTED: 1111

GANGSTERS/CRIMINALS ARRESTED: 2868

WEAPONS RECOVERED: 2273

VEHICLES RECOVERED: 656

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, March 27:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busts a cross-border illegal arms smuggling module with the arrest of two accused persons and recovered 10 foreign-made sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Resham Singh, a resident of Khusupura in Amritsar and Manpreet Singh, a resident of Khwaspur in Tarn Taran. The recovered pistols include one Turkey made Zigana Pistol, one Austria made Glock Pistol, two USA made Bretta Pistols, five PX5 Pistols and one China made Norinco Pistol along with magazines. Police teams have also impounded their black colored Platina Motorcycle (PB63D3668) being used for transporting the consignments.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were working at the behest of a foreign-based gangster in coordination with Pakistan-based smugglers, facilitating the smuggling of illegal arms into India. The consignment was intended for further distribution among criminal elements across Punjab, he said.

          Sharing operational details, he said that CI Amritsar had received a specific information that foreign based gangster is active in the smuggling of illegal arms/ammunition from Pakistan into India using drones with the help of his Punjab-based associates.

          The information further revealed that the their Punjab-based associate Resham Singh has collected the weapon consignment and following the Pakistani smugglers’ instructions and is expected to deliver it to suspect Manpreet Singh near village Kohali near canal bridge on the Amritsar to Chogawan road, said the DGP, while adding that acting swiftly, police teams laid Naka and arrested both the accused persons after recovering weapon consignment their possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to dismantle the entire smuggling network.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 20 dated 27-03-2026 has been registered under sections 25, 25(1) A and 25(1) B of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.

CHANDIGARH, March 27:

Punjab, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, has set a benchmark in large-scale public healthcare delivery under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, emerging as a leading model nationally with over 30.51 lakh families enrolled and ₹292 crore worth of free treatment approved within three months of its launch on January 8, 2026. Highlighting the scale and pace of implementation, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday said the scheme has rapidly translated into real financial relief and healthcare access for lakhs of families across Punjab.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh stated, “The scheme has so far registered 30,51,325 beneficiaries and issued 1,77,097 free authorisations for treatment. The total approved value of treatment stands at ₹292 crore, of which ₹267 crore has already been approved. We have settled 71,000 claims and disbursed ₹60 crore to empanelled hospitals.”

Calling the achievement historic, the Health Minister emphasised that Punjab has outperformed all other states on every key parameter. “This is a historic day for Punjab. By any parameter, registrations, families covered or patients treated, Punjab is number one,” he said.

Assuring hospitals on timely payments, Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the Bhagwant Mann Government has put in place a robust mechanism to clear dues. “All pending dues up to March 31 will be cleared by April 15. No hospital will have a single rupee pending from our side,” he asserted.

He further outlined the new payment framework coming into effect from April 1. “Claims up to ₹1 lakh will be settled within 15 days, while bills above ₹1 lakh will be cleared within a week of submission. In case of disputes or verification requirements, the process will be completed within a month,” he said.

Highlighting the real impact of the scheme, Minister Dr Balbir Singh said it has already transformed lives across age groups. “Beneficiaries range from a one-year-old infant to a 99-year-old grandmother who received cancer treatment. We have covered complex cardiac procedures, including over 100 heart-related diseases. In one case, a patient with a ruptured sinus was successfully treated at Patiala Medical College under the scheme,” he noted.

“When the government spends ₹292 crore on treatment, it means that money stays in the pockets of the common man,” Dr Balbir Singh added, stating that the State Health Agency, in coordination with United India Insurance, is ensuring seamless delivery of universal healthcare coverage across Punjab.

CHANDIGARH, March 27:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 66th day, Punjab Police on Friday conducted 531 raids at the at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.

          As per the information, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab has been conducting special operations across the state.

          On Day 66, Police teams arrested 167 individuals, taking the total arrests to 17,172 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 62 persons, whereas, 353 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested six proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.

          People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 391st day with 137 drug smugglers arrested on Friday and recovered 2.9 kg heroin, 1.5 kg opium, 77 kg poppy husk, 11,412 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 22,980 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 55,682 in just 391 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 94 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, March 27

Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon on Friday complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a bold and timely decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel, thereby protecting citizens from the burden of rising fuel prices amid global turmoil.

In a statement, Tandon said that at a time when the world is under immense pressure due to escalating tensions in West Asia and a sharp surge in global crude oil prices, India has demonstrated its commitment to prioritising the welfare of its people.

He noted that while many countries have passed on the burden of rising fuel costs to consumers, the Modi government has chosen to absorb the impact to shield citizens from inflationary pressures.

“The decision to cut excise duty by ₹10 per litre on petrol and diesel is a clear reflection of the Prime Minister’s sensitivity towards the common man. It has brought significant relief to crores of citizens during a time of global uncertainty,” Tandon said.

Highlighting the broader context, he said the move comes when international crude prices have surged due to geopolitical tensions, posing a serious threat of fuel price hikes. Despite these challenges, the government has ensured that domestic consumers are insulated from the adverse impact.

Tandon further said that the Modi government had the option to pass on the increased costs to the public, as seen in several countries, but instead chose to bear the financial burden itself in the larger interest of the nation. He described the decision as a “pro-people and pro-poor step” that reinforces the government’s commitment to controlling inflation and ensuring economic stability.

“When the world is under stress, India is standing firm with its citizens. This decision once again proves that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the welfare of the people remains the top priority,” he added.

IEP Chandigarh

Chandigarh

The alleged scam of Rs 160 crore in the Panchkula Municipal Corporation has stirred political activity across the state. Haryana Congress President Rao Narender Singh launched a sharp attack on the state government and administrative machinery over the issue.
Rao Narender Singh said that corruption has reached its peak during the tenure of the current government. Before the echoes of one scam fade, another one surfaces. He alleged that this massive scam in the Panchkula Municipal Corporation fully exposes the reality of a corrupt government system. This is not merely a financial irregularity but an “open loot” of public money, carried out in a well-planned manner.
He further stated that this entire episode clearly indicates that accountability within government institutions has nearly collapsed. The scam appears to be a result of a well-orchestrated conspiracy involving officials enjoying political protection. Various charges are being collected from the public, but instead of being used for development works, the money is ending up in the pockets of corrupt politicians and officials. The general public is being continuously misled by this corrupt system.
Rao Narender Singh demanded a high-level and impartial investigation into the entire matter and strict action against those found guilty. He also expressed concern that if a fair investigation is conducted, the total amount involved in the scam could be even higher.
Issuing a warning, he said that until transparency is ensured in this matter, the Congress party will continue its struggle from the streets to the legislature.
Targeting the state government, he said that if the government is honest, it should immediately bring the truth of this matter before the public and take strict action against the responsible officials and concerned individuals.
In conclusion, he stated that the Congress party is fully committed to protecting public interests and will not tolerate corruption at any cost.

Chandigarh, March 26 – Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Sh. Manohar Lal, on Thursday, chaired the meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) in Karnal. He directed the officers to ensure transparency in the implementation of centre and state government welfare schemes and to ensure that their benefits reach the maximum number of people. The Minister reviewed 23 important schemes of 11 departments in the meeting and issued necessary directions to the officers.

He said that instead of merely presenting income and expenditure data in meetings, officers of all departments should work with better planning for effective implementation of schemes. If any problem arises, they should also give suggestions for its solution.

While reviewing the schemes of the Agriculture Department, Union Minister Sh.Manohar Lal directed the District Agriculture Officer (DDA) to ensure 100 percent registration of crops on the “Meri Fasal Mera Byora” portal. Along with mixed crops, details of vacant agricultural land should also be registered by farmers.

He said that at least one ‘Kisan Mela’ should be organised every year in each constituency, and farmers should be made aware of modern agricultural techniques and new varieties of seeds. Feedback from such  mela should also be taken, and good suggestions should be adopted to benefit farmers through schemes.

The Minister said that more and more Vita booths should be set up in the district so that youth can get employment and people can access Vita products near their homes. During the meeting, Union Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal also honored the Sarpanches of those gram panchayats that secured first, second and third positions in Swachata rankings by presenting appreciation certificates and shields. 

Situation in the Country Regarding Petrol and Gas is under control – Manohar Lal 

Union Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal extended greetings to everyone on the occasion of Ram Navami and, responding to media queries regarding petrol and gas, said that the situation in the country is currently normal and there is no shortage of any kind. Some countries are facing war-like situations, but if any issue arises, the Government of India is fully prepared. 

He said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi had called for building an Atmanirbhar Bharat, which means making the country self-reliant. 

Government Chief Whip and MLA from Indri Sh. Ramkumar Kashyap, MLA, Nilokheri Sh. Bhagwandas, MLA, Karnal Sh.Jagmohan Anand, MLA, Assandh Sh. Yoginder Rana, Mayor, Smt. Renu Bala Gupta, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Uttam Singh, Superintendent of Police, Sh. Narendra Bijarnia and officers from various departments were present.