Chandigarh, October 31 — Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij, said that Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a man of great sacrifice, whose philosophy was to place the nation first, the party second and himself last. It was this ideology that led Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to give up the opportunity to become India’s first Prime Minister with a smile.

He explained that in 1946, elections were held for the Congress Working Committee, and it was decided that whoever was elected president would become the country’s first Prime Minister. At that time, there were 15 Provincial Congress Committees that took part in the election. Of these, 12 voted in favor of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and 3 for others. Jawaharlal Nehru did not receive a single vote. However, Mahatma Gandhi expressed his wish that Nehru should be made Prime Minister and asked Patel to withdraw his claim. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, respecting Gandhi’s request, smiled and gave up the post.

Speaking as the chief guest at the district-level “Run for Unity” program organized at War Heroes Memorial Stadium, Ambala Cantonment, on Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, Sh. Vij paid floral tribute to the Iron Man’s portrait and saluted him. On this occasion, the minister was also honored with a memento.

He said that “We have all gathered here today to participate in the Unity March on the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the Iron Man of India. The united India we see today exists because of him. After independence, India was divided into about 562 princely states. In the first government, Sardar Patel was made Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, and he successfully integrated all these states into India without the use of force. Only Jammu and Kashmir faced complications, which Nehru handled, and we all know what challenges followed after that.”

“Had Sardar Patel been the first Prime Minister instead of Nehru, the country would have been in a much better position today,” – Vij

Energy Minister Anil Vij said that “Analysts say that if Sardar Patel had become the first Prime Minister instead of Nehru, India’s condition today would have been very different and the country would have achieved much greater heights. But Patel was loyal to the party and accepted its decision. The concept of All India Services like IAS and IPS also came from Patel’s vision to ensure efficient governance. He was not only a great administrator but also a true patriot. His economic policies were aimed at strengthening the nation. Despite his immense contributions, the Congress did not give him due respect — he was awarded the Bharat Ratna only after 41 years, while many Prime Ministers had already awarded it to themselves.”

“Prime Minister Modi built a statue of Sardar Patel taller than the Statue of Liberty because we know how to honor our heroes,” -Vij

Anil Vij said that “In Delhi, there are grand memorials for many leaders, but not even an inch of land was allotted for Sardar Patel’s memorial. It was the BJP government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who built in Kevadia, Gujarat, a statue of Sardar Patel taller than America’s Statue of Liberty — because our party knows how to show respect. Earlier, the Prime Ministers’ Museum in Delhi showcased only one leader’s legacy, but after our government came, all Prime Ministers were given equal representation. For us, the nation matters most, and we have given due respect to all. Patel’s Delhi residence was neglected for decades, but our government preserved it as a memorial so that people could visit and pay tribute to him. Sardar Patel’s contribution to the nation is immense.”

“Prime Minister Modi will make India a developed nation by 2047, and governments are working towards that goal,” – Vij

He said that “Prime Minister Modi, following the path shown by Sardar Patel, is strengthening the nation today. Patel believed that unity gives strength and that strength makes a nation powerful. Based on this principle, Modi is determined to make India a developed nation by 2047. He has earned global respect for India — even the U.S. President has called him a great leader. Modi abrogated Article 370, ended triple talaq, and built the long-awaited Ram Temple — thus, when he says India will be developed by 2047, the nation believes him. NDA governments are working towards this goal, and Haryana’s Chief Minister Nayab Saini too is working tirelessly to fulfill this dream by improving the state’s infrastructure and basic amenities,” said Vij.

Energy Minister flags off the march and joins it carrying the tricolor. Thousands of schoolchildren, BJP workers, and citizens participated in the “Run for Unity” march. Minister Vij flagged off the event and personally joined the march carrying the national flag. Before this, he administered the pledge of national unity to the attendees. During the program, Head Constable Gurdev Singh sang a patriotic song “Mere Desh Premiyon – Aapas Mein Prem Karo”, which Minister Vij highly appreciated and patted the soldier’s back in praise.

Among those present were Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomar, Superintendent of Police Ajit Singh Shekhawat, SDM Ambala Cantonment Vinesh Kumar, Municipal Council Chairperson Swarnjeet Kaur, Vice-Chairman Lalta Prasad, Sports Officer Ram Swaroop, RTA Sushil Kumar, GM Roadways Ashwani Dogra, DSP Ramesh Kumar, BJP leaders Ravi Buddhiraja, Harsh Bindra, Vikas Bahgal, Bijendra Chauhan, Rajeev Dimpal, Kiran Pal Chauhan, Vipin Khanna, Sanjeev Soni, Madan Lal Sharma, B.S. Bindra, Balvinder Singh Shahpur, Balit Nagpal, Pravesh Sharma, Iqbal Dhanda, Shyam Sunder Arora, Aarti Sehgal, Narendra Rana, Prem Rana, Dr. Naveen Gulati, Arun Kant Sharma, Dr. Pooja, and several other distinguished guests.

Chandigarh, October 31 — Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh held an important meeting in Gurugram on Friday regarding the under-construction toll plaza at Pachgaon Chowk. He said NHAI officials should ensure smooth movement for local villagers and maintain their direct connectivity to major routes while relocating the toll plaza near Pachgaon. During the meeting, he also reviewed the site map marked by the district administration and NHAI for the toll plaza.

He informed that the identified area between Sehrawan and Pachgaon falls under a sensitive zone linked to national security, regarding which some objections have been raised by the concerned authorities. The Minister directed NHAI to address these objections and explore the possibility of an alternative site if required. He instructed the concerned officers to prepare a detailed plan on the matter and present it to his office at the earliest, so that a coordination meeting can be organized at the central level.

During the meeting, Sh. Rao Inderjit Singh said before commencing the construction of the proposed elevated flyover at Manesar, the district administration and NHAI must ensure the arrangement of an alternative route for smooth vehicular movement. He suggested that the construction process for the flyover should begin only after the completion of the Gurugram–Pataudi–Rewari National Highway (352D). This, he said, would help reduce traffic pressure on National Highway-48 and provide relief to the public from inconvenience.

Rao Inderjit Singh emphasized that the objective of any development project is truly achieved only when its benefits directly reach the local citizens. He said that projects should not be limited to construction or infrastructure alone, but must also include provisions for public convenience and regional security. He directed officials to carefully assess the needs of villagers, ease of traffic movement, and the impact on future industrial expansion of the area before taking any decision on such projects.

Chandigarh, October 31 – A 35-member delegation from the Danish Farmers Abroad Association of Denmark met Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini at his residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, today. The delegation included representatives from 20 different companies. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana was also present on the occasion.

During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on potential cooperation in animal husbandry, agriculture, dairy development, and related sectors. The Danish delegation expressed a strong interest in investing in Haryana in these areas.

Welcoming the delegation, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana Government is already collaborating with Denmark on several projects focused on technological advancement and enhancing productivity in the state’s agriculture and animal husbandry sectors.

He informed that a delegation of progressive farmers from Haryana, led by Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, had earlier visited several African countries to study their technologies, agricultural systems, and best practices. He said that investors from Denmark and African nations can collaborate with Haryana’s farmers to promote growth in animal husbandry, agriculture, and dairy development.

The Chief Minister said that the state government provides a conducive environment for investors, ensuring ease of doing business through transparent policies and an industry-friendly approach. This has made Haryana a preferred destination for investment.

He further stated that Haryana is encouraging business-to-business partnerships with Denmark and African countries to promote the exchange of innovative technologies, expertise, and resources thereby giving new direction to the state’s industrial and agricultural growth. He reiterated that the Haryana Government is adopting a ‘Go Global’ approach and actively encouraging foreign investors to explore opportunities in the state.

Inviting the delegation to take advantage of Haryana’s investment-friendly ecosystem, the Chief Minister assured them of the government’s full support and cooperation.

During the meeting, the delegation informed the Chief Minister that it had visited various sites across Haryana to study local agricultural and animal husbandry practices.

Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, Commissioner and Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department Vijay Dahiya, Advisor Department of Foreign Cooperation Pawan Chaudhary, Director General of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department Dr. Prem and other senior officials were also present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, October 31 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the State Government will use Decomposer Wettable Powder for the management of crop residue and other agricultural waste. This initiative will not only eliminate the need for burning residue but also help enhance soil fertility. Today, in a meeting of the High-Powered Purchase Committee, approval was granted for the purchase of 75,000 packets of Pusa Decomposer Wettable Powder.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, and other senior officials. Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda joined the meeting through video conferencing.

After the meeting, Sh. Rana informed that approval has been given to purchase 75,000 packets of Pusa Decomposer Wettable Powder. These packets will be provided to farmers free of cost. Based on one packet per acre, the first phase will help manage crop residue in 75,000 acres of paddy fields across the state.

Sh. Rana said that this initiative will significantly reduce stubble-burning incidents and enhance soil fertility, thereby increasing farmers’ income. He stated that the technology is currently being used for demonstration purposes, and its wider implementation will be decided based on the assessment of the results next year.

He explained that Decomposer Wettable Powder decomposes stubble, vegetable residues, and other agricultural waste within a few days, converting them into high-quality compost. It improves soil fertility and increases the organic carbon content in the soil.

The Agriculture Minister further said this powder also acts as a plant protection agent that helps control fungal diseases and pests present in the soil. It reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, thereby lowering the cost of cultivation.

Chandigarh, October 31:

          Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Friday said that the CM Flying Squad, constituted by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure the best quality of roads being repaired & upgraded by Punjab Mandi Board & PWD, has been rigorously monitoring the ongoing upgradation and repair work of rural link roads across the state.

          This monitoring is part of the state government’s massive project to upgrade and repair 19,491 kilometres of link roads at a cost of Rs 4150 crore.

          Affirming that the finest quality of material is being used to lay, upgrade & repair the roads, the Agriculture Minister issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against any contractor found compromising with the quality of material.

          S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that the CM Flying Squad teams are actively on the ground and have already covered seven districts, including Faridkot, SBS Nagar, Tarn Taran, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Jalandhar, Patiala and Gurdaspur.

          S. Khudian said that there are total 30,237 Link Roads in Punjab with a total length of 64,878 kilometres adding that 33492 kilometres are under Punjab Mandi Board and 31, 386 kilometres are under the Public Works Department (PWD). He said that the Punjab Government is now starting a project to repair and upgrade 7,373 link roads with a total length of 19,491.56 kilometers.

          He said that the project will cost Rs 4,150.42 crore, which includes five years of maintenance adding that Rs 3,424.67 crore will be spent for repair and upgradation whereas Rs 725.75 crore will be spent for five year maintenance. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) survey conducted for these roads resulted in savings of Rs 383.53 crore, he added.

          The Agriculture Minister said that to ensure public safety during foggy or dark conditions, a special road safety project is being implemented on the repaired and upgraded link roads at a cost Rs 91.83 crore. A three inch wide white strip will be painted on both sides of the link roads to make travel safer during fog or darkness, he added.

CHANDIGARH/BATHINDA, October 31:

          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 Bathinda, in a joint operation with Bathinda Police, apprehended three operatives of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) for writing pro-Khalistan slogans on the walls of schools in villages Bhissiana and Mananwala, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          New York-based SFJ— backed by mastermind Gurpatwant Singh Pannun— is designated as an Unlawful association by the Indian Government.

          Those arrested have been identified as Navjot Singh alias Jota (24) and Gurpreet Singh (26), both residents of village Kaliaewala in Ferozepur; and Harjinder Singh, a resident of Mananwala in Bathinda.  The Police teams have also recovered four mobile phones, one dongle device from their possession.

          As per the information, Pro-Khalistani slogans were found written on the walls of two schools— including a School at village Mananwala on the intervening night of October 19 and 20, 2025 and PM Kendri Vidyalaya at village Bhissiana on the intervening night of October 26 and 27, 2025.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused painted inflammatory slogans aimed at inciting public unrest and promoting anti-national sentiments. Evidence indicates they were receiving foreign funding for these unlawful activities, he said.

          The police teams acted swiftly and ensured that no anti-national activity goes unchecked, said the DGP, while adding that the Counter Intelligence Bathinda and Bathinda Police jointly carried out the investigation in a professional and scientific manner to bring the culprits to justice.

          Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bathinda Amneet Kondal said that following technical leads, Police teams had managed to apprehend two accused persons— Navjot alias Jota and Gurpreet Singh—, who are main accused in writing slogan at the PM Kendri Vidyalaya at village Bhissiana.

          She said that following the further investigations, police teams of Counter Intelligence Bathinda have also arrested accused Harjinder Singh, who wrote slogans at wall of a School at village Mananwala.

          The SSP said that during questioning, arrested accused persons has revealed that they had written the slogans on the walls following the directions of foreign-based individual identified as Pawanpreet Singh alias Deep Chahal, who is close aide of Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, in lieu of money.

          Sharing more details, AIG CI Bathinda Avneet Kaur Sidhu said that arrested accused Harjinder has revealed that accused Navjot had introduced him to Pawanpreet Singh alias Deep Chahal, who directed him to write the slogan for which he was paid Rs 2000.

          In this regard, two separate cases— FIR no 197 dated 23/10/25 under section 197 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement Property Ordinance Act at Police Station Rama in Bathinda and FIR no. 242 dated 27/10/25 under sections 197 (1) and 3 (5) if the BNS and section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement Property Ordinance Act at Police Station Nehian Wala in Bathinda— have been registered.

Chandigarh, October 31, 2025:

Defence Services Welfare Shri Mohinder Bhagat has directed officers to expedite the ongoing development works of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum in Ludhiana. He issued these directions while chairing a departmental review meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat.

The Minister instructed the concerned officers to ensure the early completion of the museum’s development projects so that this historic site can further inspire visitors with the glorious legacy of the great warrior Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

He emphasized that the museum should be aesthetically enhanced and meticulously maintained to educate future generations about the state’s rich military history.

Shri Bhagat stated that the Punjab Government is formulating special plans for the preservation and restoration of heritage sites. He assured that adequate budgetary provisions would be made to ensure timely completion of these projects.

Chandigarh, October 31:

          In a significant move to conserve and promote the state’s aquatic biodiversity, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian declared Rohu (Labeo Rohita) as the State Fish of Punjab, today here at his office.

          Highlighting the state’s rich aquatic resources, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that Punjab’s aquatic sector is thriving, with 43,683 acres dedicated to fish farming, yielding 200,000 metric tonnes of fish annually. Rohu is a significant contributor, accounting for 42,353 metric tonnes (21.18% of total production) and fetching Rs 160-200 per kg. This prized fish can grow up to 45 kg in natural habitats, distinguished by its fusiform body and large cycloid scales.

          He further highlighted that Rohu fish is a nutritional marvel, rich in proteins, vitamins A, B & D, and Omega-3 fatty acids, making it a sought-after delicacy not only in Punjab but also across other states.

          S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian congratulated the Fisheries Department and stakeholders on declaring Rohu as the State Fish, acknowledging their role in the sector’s growth, while highlighting the importance of Indian Major Carps (IMCs)- Rohu, Catla and Mrigal.

          Principal Secretary Mr. Rahul Bhandari said that designating Rohu as the State Fish will enable targeted policy formulation to augment its population in water bodies and scale up aquaculture production, thereby bolstering the state’s economy. He further informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has provided self-employment opportunities to 637 beneficiaries in fish farming, with a subsidy of Rs 30.63 crores,  promoting large-scale fish farming under PMMSY scheme. This initiative aims to supplement agriculture and boost the state’s economy. Director Fisheries Mr. Gurpreet Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present in the occasion.

Chandigarh, October 31

Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, who also serves as the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to resolve employee issues, today held extensive meetings with 15 different employee organizations, including seven from the Education Department, as well as unions from the Water Supply and Health Departments, and joint organizations representing the common interests of employees, including the Theka Mulazam Sangharsh Morcha and the Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee.

The deliberations, which lasted for nearly five hours, were conducted to thoroughly discuss their demands and issues to find appropriate solutions.The concerns of unions related to the Education Department mainly revolved around anomalies in pay and seniority, the regularization of services, and the timely conduct of the Punjab State Teachers Eligibility Test (PSTET).

Finance Minister Cheema directed the Education Department to refer issues concerning pay and seniority anomalies to the dedicated Anomaly Committee. Furthermore, he instructed them to coordinate with the Advocate General’s office, the Department of Personnel, and the Finance Department to resolve matters related to the regularization of services and other service-related issues as soon as possible. He also issued clear instructions to conduct the PSTET at the earliest.

During the meetings with organizations such as the Theka Mulazam Sangharsh Morcha, Gram Panchayat Jal Supply Pump Operators Association, Contract Multipurpose Health Worker Female Union, United Nurses Association of Punjab, and the the Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee, the Finance Minister listened to the issues raised in detail. He immediately directed the senior officials of the concerned departments to resolve the issues that could be addressed at the departmental level. Regarding matters with financial implications, the Finance Minister assured the union leaders that many of their demands are already being considered sympathetically by the government.

Union representatives Balihar Singh, Hakam Singh, Jaspreet Singh from Theka Mulazam Union; Jasvir Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Vikramjeet Singh from Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee; Kuldeep Singh, Parveen Kumar and Jagmohan Singh from Sarv Samagra Sikhya Abhian (Mid Day Meal) Daftri Karamchari Union; Rahul Kamboj, Jaswinder Singh and Harjeet Kaur from PSTET Union, Ranjit Singh, Rajesh Kumar and Onkar Singh from ETT Adhiyapak Union; Gurpreet Singh, Surinder Pal Singh, Parampal Singh from Punjab Sikhya Vibhag Manisterial Staff Association; Samarjeet Singh, Sukhdeep Singh, Harmal Singh from TET Pass Kachhe Adhiyapak Union; Tajinder Kaur, Tajinder Kaur, Rajwinder Kaur, Kirandeep Kaur from AIE Kachhe Adhiyapak Union; Beant Singh, Bohar Singh, Mehar Singh from Gram Panchayat Jal Supply Pump Operators Association; Sarabjit Kaur, Amrik Singh from Contract Multipurpose Health Worker Female Union; Arati Bali, Harwinder Singh, Baljeet Singh from United Nurses Association of Punjab and their colleagues presented their demands and issues during the meetings.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, October 31:

          In a major intelligence-led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling module linked to Pakistan based-smugglers with the arrest of its seven operatives including a juvenile and recovered 15 sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Shamsher Singh alias Sima (30) and Amandeep Singh alias Bobby (23), both residents of Fakir Singh Colony in Amritsar; Balwinder Singh alias Kaka (26), Gurdev Singh (40), Karanpreet Singh (19) and Harman Singh (19), all residents of village Kakkar in Amritsar Rural; and one 17-years-old juvenile. The recovered weapons include nine 9MM Glock Pistols and six .30 bore Pistols.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were in contact with a Pak-based handler through social media and were actively involved in procuring and supplying illegal weapons across Punjab.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to expose and dismantle the entire network, including its backward and forward linkages.

          Sharing more details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that a juvenile, who was in contact with Pakistan-based handlers and was picking up consignments due to his village’s close proximity to the international border to further deliver within Punjab, was first arrested with two pistols.

          Based on the juvenile’s interrogation, Shamsher Singh and Amandeep Singh were arrested with three pistols including one glock, he said, while adding that the duo were assisting the juvenile in delivering weapons. Following technical and forensic leads, accused Balwinder Singh was arrested with two Glock pistols and one .30 bore pistol

          The CP said that during technical analysis of the juvenile’s mobile phone, the role of Gurdev Singh also surfaced with both found to be in each other’s contacts and connected to a common Pakistan-based handler through various social media platforms. On the handler’s directions, they distributed weapons through their local associates, he said.

          He said that during the subsequent investigation, the main operative of this node, Gurdev Singh, was arrested along with Karanpreet Singh and Harman Singh and a total of six Glock pistols and one .30 bore pistol were recovered from Gurdev’s possession. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days as further investigation is being carried out, he said.

          In this regard, two separate cases— FIR No. 224 dated 23.10.2025 and FIR No. 228 dated 28.10.2025— have been registered under section 25(6,7,8) of the Arms Act at Police Station Cantonment in Amritsar.