Nabha (Patiala), May 25:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday called upon the people to come forward and join the crusade against drugs and corruption to make it a mass movement.

Addressing the gathering, during a function organized by Aggarwal Sabha here today, the Chief Minister said that the state government has embarked a war against the menace of drugs and corruption adding that this drive can be successful only with the proactive support and cooperation of the people. He said that this is the fight for coming generations and cannot be won without the support of the common man. Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted the people to extend wholehearted support for this noble cause so that Punjab can be made a progressive and frontrunner state in the country.

The Chief Minister said that war against drugs has to be transformed into a mass movement for which people should work hard. He said that it is pivotal to make Punjab a drug free state adding that it is the fight for the coming generations and it is the moral duty of everyone to support it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this fight will continue till the curse of drugs is not wiped out.

The Chief Minister said that the bulldozer drive to demolish the properties of the drug smugglers will be continued till logical conclusion. He said that the action is being taken as per the law of land and it is aimed at ensuring that drug trade is dealt a fatal blow. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this action will be further intensified so as to ensure that the drug is completely wiped out from the state.

Soliciting fulsome support and cooperation of people in the war against drugs, the Chief Minister said that the scourge of drugs was a blot on the face of state and it took more than two years for the state government to chalk out a strategy for wiping out this curse. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that subsequently the supply line of drugs was snapped, big fishes involved in these heinous crimes were put behind the bars, rehabilitation of the drug victims was ensured and even the property of the drug smugglers was confiscated and destroyed. He said that now the state government has launched a war against drugs in the form of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh the aim of which is to clean the state.

The Chief Minister said that people of the state have given a thumping majority to the Aam Aadmi Party and it is the high time that people of the state are paid back by progressive policies. He said that though politicians have always tried to divide the people on sectarian lines but the people of state have always thwarted such attempts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is already providing ample of opportunities to every section of society to excel in their respective field.

The Chief Minister said that he will continue to fight for safeguarding the interests of Punjab and Punjabis till his last breath. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had vehemently raised the issues Of Water, Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL), high handedness of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Chandigarh and others before the Prime Minister in meeting of Niti Aayog held at New Delhi on Saturday. He said that as custodian of the interests of three crore Punjabis it is his moral duty and he will always do that.

The Chief Minister said that though the forces inimical to the state are trying hard to create rift amongst the society but they will never be successful in this evil designs. He said that the social bonding in the state is so strong that any seed could grow on the fertile land of Punjab but the seed of hatred will never germinate here at any cost. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is a sacred land of great Gurus, saints and seers who have shown us the path of mutual love and tolerance.

The Chief Minister said that there are two types of people in the society one are the grass-rooters and others are parachuters. He said that grass rooters are those who arise from the ground to conquer the entire world adding that for these hard-workers only the sky is limit. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on the other hand the parachuters come directly from sky and are doomed to fall on ground later or sooner.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter 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, san any corruption or nepotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is making the youth an active partner in socio economic development of Punjab.

Meanwhile, in his address the National Convener of AAP said that the previous regimes not only patronized the drug dealers but they themselves carried out the business in their government vehicles. However, he said that the Bhagwant Singh Mann led state government is acting strictly against drug menace and it will not allow its youth to fall prey to this menace. Arvind Kejriwal said that now villagers are getting drug free as an anti-drug campaign has been embarked in the state and every village is being covered under the ambitious program.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that it is elated to learn that the backbone of the drug has been broken for which Punjab Police needs a pat. He said that the manner in which this anti-drug campaign has been launched finds no parallel in contemporary Indian history. Arvind Kejriwal said that the properties constructed from the drug money have been razed to dust by the bulldozers.

The National Convener of AAP said that those who had ruined the future of generations will get the punishment for their sins. He said that these leaders who had patronized the drug trade will be put behind bars and no stone will be left unturned for this cause. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government is committed for this task to give succor to the common man and every effort will be made for this.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that there is no dearth of funds for the progress of the state and Rangla Punjab will be a reality soon. He said that today students are getting quality education, people are getting quality healthcare facilities, 90% households are getting free power and others. Arvind Kejriwal said that the day is not far when Punjab will emerge as a leader in every field and people will be immensely benefited from it. 

Chandigarh, May 25:

          The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced by-elections for 64-Ludhiana West assembly seat in Punjab.

          Divulging the details, Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C stated that, as per the program issued for by-elections, the notification will be issued on 26 May.  The last date for filing nominations is 2 June and the scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on 3 Jun, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is 5 June, 2025.

          Sibin C informed that voting will take place on 19 June, and the counting of votes and announcement of results will be done on 23 June, 2025.

          He further said that nomination paper can be submit all days from May 26 to June 2 except Sunday, June 1, 2025. Poll time would be 7 am to 6 pm on dated 19.6.2025.

          CEO Punjab Sibin C assured that the by-election will be conducted as per the Acts, Rules and Guidelines of Election Commission of India (ECI) in a transparent way.

Patiala, May 25:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday paid obeisance at Sri Kali Mata Mandir and prayed for the peace, progress and prosperity of the state.

Interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP announced a complete facelift of the temple by pumping in resources. They said that the sarovar of the temple that had dried up from the last 30 years will be rejuvenated by pumping fresh water. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that the sarovar of the temple will be fully renovated, including desilting, waterproofing, stonework along the banks and improved pathways.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that this would preserve its sanctity and make it more accessible and aesthetically aligned with heritage architecture. They said that the back gate which serves as a primary access point during high traffic periods is proposed to be reopened and renovated. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that simultaneously all temple entrances will be aesthetically restored to maintain architectural symmetry and improve crowd circulation.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that keeping with Sikh and Hindu traditions of community service, daily langar service for devotees particularly those visiting from remote or economically weaker backgrounds will be started. They said that a comprehensive Master Plan with future construction, heritage preservation, pilgrim services, sanitation, parking and traffic flow in consultation with urban and religious planning experts is being prepared. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that the Devotees Hall will be upgraded with fully air- conditioned AC hall to provide comfort to senior citizens, women with children and differently abled devotees, especially during extreme weather conditions.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that the temple’s significance is reflected from the fact that approx. 25,000 devotees visit daily, around one lakh on Saturdays whereas during Navratri festivals, the number rises to 1.5 lakh. They said that it is a proud privilege for them to have got the chance to pay obeisance at this respected place adding that Shri Kali Mata Mandir, located in the cultural capital of Punjab, Patiala, is one of the most venerated and historic temples in northern India. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that this temple stands as a testament to Punjab’s rich spiritual heritage and royal patronage.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that the temple houses a six-foot idol of Maa Kali and the sacred Paawan Jyot from Bengal adding that in addition to the primary sanctum of Maa Kali, the temple complex also houses an older shrine of Shri Raj Rajeshwari Ji, an embodiment of Shakti. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that this dual reverence makes the complex unique both spiritually and architecturally, blending centuries old devotional practices with modern era infrastructure. They said that it is the paramount duty of the government to preserve the cultural heritage of the state to keep our youngsters abreast with our glorious past.

CHANDIGARH/ FEROZEPUR, May 25:

          In a significant breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab, in a joint operation with Ferozepur Police, has arrested three associates of the Ashish Chopra Gang involved in the sensational double murder of Rishabh and Shalu due to gang rivalry between the Nata Gang and Ashish Chopra Gang, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Sunday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Manpreet Singh alias Mannu and Ramandeep Singh, both residents of Ferozepur and Sonu, a resident of Faridkot. Police teams have also recovered thee pistols along with seven live cartridges and four shells from their possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the arrest of these accused persons has also led to the cracking of another murder case, in which a person identified as Yotham was killed, with Manpreet Mannu being the main shooter. Further investigation is underway to identify other associates of this gang and establish backward and forward linkages, he added.

          Sharing details of the operation, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that acting on specific intelligence, police teams from AGTF led by DSP Rajan Parminder along with Ferozepur Police raided the hideout of Ramandeep Singh and Sonu in village Gulabe Wala in Sri Muktsar Sahib.

          The accused attempted to flee and opened fire at the police party but were apprehended after a chase, he said, while adding that a criminal case FIR no. 89 dated 24/5/2025 under sections 109, 132 and 22 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act has been registered at Police Station Sadar Sri Muktsar Sahib.

          The ADGP said that in a separate operation, accused Manpreet Mannu was intercepted in Ferozepur, where he opened fire at the police team in a bid to escape. In retaliatory fire, the accused sustained a bullet injury and was arrested, he said, while adding that Police teams have also impounded his Hero HF Deluxe Motorcycle, which he was riding.

          In this regard, a separate case under section 109 of the BNS and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act has been registered at Police Station City Ferozepur.

          Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ferozepur Bhupinder Sigh said that the arrested accused have a criminal background and were involved in multiple heinous crimes, including the recent double murder case. Further investigations are ongoing and more arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

CHANDIGARH, May 24:

In a momentous occasion marking a new milestone for Punjab and its global diaspora, the students of Andhra Pradesh Government Schools will learn basics of Punjabi language under a 5-day exchange program to promote cultural exchange, linguistic diversity and foster national unity, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.

 S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that Punjab and Andhra Pradesh have been paired under the program as per directives from the Union Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy. As part of the exchange, students from classes VI to X in Punjab government schools will learn the basics of Telugu, while Andhra Pradesh government schools will reciprocate by teaching Punjabi to their students.

 The Education Minister said that this pan-India initiative has seen diverse state pairings, including J&K and Ladakh with Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh with Kerala, Uttarakhand with Karnataka, Haryana with Telangana, Rajasthan with Assam, Gujarat with Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra with Odisha, Goa with Jharkhand, Delhi with Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh with Manipur & Nagaland, UP with Arunachal Pradesh & Meghalaya and Bihar with Tripura & Mizoram, showcasing the program’s extensive reach and cultural exchange potential.

 This initiative aims to encourage students to learn an additional Indian language, promoting multilingualism and appreciation for regional cultures, the Education Minister said, while emphasising the importance of preserving regional languages and cultures.

 S. Harjot Singh Bains asserted that the importance of Punjabi, as the mother tongue and official language of the state, would not be undermined, while dismissing the objections raised on the Summer Camp as ‘mere politicking’.

 He slammed those who rush to media for headlines without proper understanding of any issue. He reminded them of the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s bold step to counter CBSE’s attempt to marginalise regional languages. Notably, Punjab had taken a pioneering step by making Punjabi a mandatory subject in all schools, regardless of their board affiliation.

 The Education Minister added that the summer camp aims to promote multilingualism and cultural unity by encouraging students to learn an additional Indian language. The program will focus on developing basic conversational skills, exploring linguistic and cultural connections, and fostering a sense of national unity through joyful learning experiences. Students will learn fundamentals such as greetings, expressions, alphabets, numbers, songs, and conversations, as well as aspects of local culture, history and traditions.

Chandigarh:

The department of robotic surgery, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, has successfully performed over 2,600 robot-aided surgeries using the world’s most-advanced 4th generation robot – Da Vinci Xi. To meet the growing demand and ensure greater patient access to minimally invasive procedures, the hospital has now added a second Da Vinci Xi robot to its surgical capabilities.

Doctors from various specialties of the hospital, who have conducted robot-aided surgeries, shared its benefits during a press conference organised here today. The team of doctors, including Dr Atul Joshi, director, general surgery, laparoscopic and oncology surgeon; Dr Swapna Misra, director of obstetrics, gynaecology & robotic surgery; Dr RP Doley, director, general surgery; Dr Rohit Dadhwal, consultant, department of urology, andrology and robotic surgery; and Dr Kuldeep Thakur, consultant, head and neck onco-surgery, discussed how these have been revolutionising the treatment of various complex ailments.

Dr Atul Joshi, said, “Robot-aided surgery has transformed the field of minimal invasive surgery. It provides a 3D view of the operative field via a special camera inserted into the body of the patient.”

Dhuri (Sangrur), May 22-

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said that Lok Milnis in the villages are aimed at accelerating the pace of development along with facilitating the people residing in the rural areas. 

Interacting with the villagers of Bhullarheri, Bhalwan, Dhura, Bhadalwad and Palasaur after dedicating number of projects to the people, the Chief Minister said that the holistic growth of villages was the need of hour to give further impetus to all round development of state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is already making all out efforts for ensuring public welfare and giving impetus to development of villages. He said that this gigantic task could not be possible without active support and cooperation of the general public.

The Chief Minister said that the people should regularly monitor the ongoing development works in the state adding that this will help in quality execution of work. He exhorted people to make sure that concerted efforts of the state government for giving fillip to the development of villages are successful with their assistance and guidance. Bhagwant Singh Mann also asked the officers to undertake frequent field visits to acquaint themselves with the ground realities so that major push can be further given to development of villages.

The Chief Minister said that the majority of the population of the state live in villages so the state government was committed to ensure unprecedented development in them. He said that the state government was committed to provide facilities at par with cities to facilitate people and no stone was being left unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that none of the previous governments bothered to organize such Lok Milnis with the villagers as they were skeptical of meeting those who have elected them to power.

The Chief Minister said that the sole aim of holding such events was to prepare a road map for giving further impetus to ongoing development of the state and especially in the villages. Laying thrust on the comprehensive development of rural areas, he said that the state government has already sanctioned a number of projects for accomplishing this task. Bhagwant Singh Mann solicited the support of the general public in strengthening rural infrastructure to further accelerate the pace of development.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that in Dhuri block, a grant of ₹15.61 crore has been released for a total of 196 development works in five villages of Bhullarheri, Bhalwan, Palasaur, Dhura, and Bhaddalwad. He said that out of these 115 works have been completed at a cost of ₹9.90 crore, while 81 works costing ₹5.71 crore are currently in progress. In addition, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that based on the demand of these five gram panchayats, another grant/sanction of ₹15.65 crore has been released for 24 more development works.

Dhuri (Sangrur), May 22:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday felicitated the cooperative societies of the Dhuri circle, who have set a new benchmark by recovering more than 99% of the loans.  

Addressing the gathering during a function to commemorate the International Year of Cooperation, the Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the societies of the Dhuri circle have set a new benchmark by recovering more than 99% of the loans. He said that due to this a special program has been chalked out to felicitate these societies through this program. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is heartening to see that these societies have done exceptional work when most of the others across the state have failed to recover their outstanding debt.

The Chief Minister said that the cooperative sector needs to be strengthened as it will ensure the benefit of the farmers and other stakeholders. He urged the farmers and others to open their accounts in the cooperative banks which offer 3% less interest on loans than the other banks. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there are several misnomers about the Cooperative banks and the farmers should not fall prey to it.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government is roping in experts from banking sectors to further enhance the efficiency of these banks. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the need of the hour is that the farmers should open their accounts in these banks so as to give further fillip to economic activity in the banks. Expressing concern over big fat weddings in the state, he said that they are putting a huge burden on the pockets of the common farmers.

The Chief Minister, while batting for simple weddings, said that it is the need of the hour so that farmers can be pulled out of the vicious circle of debt. He said that the lavish weddings should be avoided as they put the farmers of the state under huge debt thereby leading to serious repercussions in the coming times. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the farmers should come out of the mad race of competing with each other on spending the money lavishly just as their neighbours or relatives had been doing so.

The Chief Minister also called upon the farmers to adopt the technique of using the farm equipment on custom hiring basis from the Cooperative societies as it will help them in curtailing the heavy cost expenditure meted out on farming. He said that the state government was already giving huge subsidies to the cooperative societies for purchasing such equipment.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these resources should be utilized judiciously to make agriculture a profitable venture by cutting the expenditure meted out on it.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is already laying major thrust to strengthen the cooperative sector in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann unequivocally said that Cooperative sector is the lifeline of the country, which has played a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the country in the post-independence era. He said that the Cooperative movement in India has immensely benefited all the sections of society particularly the farming community, who had played a crucial role in making the country self-reliant in food production.

The Chief Minister said the girls have once again outshined the boys in the result adding that it is the outcome of the concerted efforts being made by the state government to spread the light of quality education in every nook and corner of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the massive efforts being done by the state government has immensely benefited the girls thereby paving way for their empowerment by excelling in the field of education.  Congratulating these meritorious students who have cleared this exam with flying colors, he extended best wishes to them for their future.

The Chief Minister said that these girls had been able to shine through their hard work and dedication adding that students, their parents and teachers deserve accolades for this achievement. He envisioned that these students will become role models for other students and inspire them to excel in the arena of education by pursuing higher education. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed to providing the best environment of school education for the students, especially the girls, so that they can succeed in their lives.

The Chief Minister categorically said that Punjabis have proved that if the state can protect the borders of the country they can aptly save the waters of state too. He said that Punjab has a glorious history of making supreme sacrifices to protect the 532 kilometres long border with Pakistan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this time also Punjabis were at the forefront giving a befitting reply to the Pakistani Army and on the other hand they saved the share of their water too.

The Chief Minister said that for around 20 days the hard working and vigilant people of the state didn’t allow Haryana and centre to steal even a single drop of water from Punjab. He said that for years, Punjab’s water has been diverted to other states through the BBMB adding that hands of Congress, Akalis and BJP were drenched with blood of Punjabis as these parties have backstabbed them by ignoring the water rights of the state for vested interests. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the earlier leaders of Punjab had backstabbed the people on several issues by giving importance to their own interests over that of state.

On the occasion Registrar Cooperative Societies Vimal Setia and others were present.

CHANDIGARH/FARIDKOT, May 21:

          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, Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab in a joint operation with Faridkot Police has arrested two associates of foreign-based Gangster Arsh Dala, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Vishal Singh, a resident of Sri Muktsar Sahib and Onkar Singh, a resident of village Gamewala in Ferozepur. Police teams have also recovered two .30 bore pistols along with six live cartridges from their possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation revealed that the accused Vishal Singh, who came out on bail recently, was actively planning to eliminate his rival gang member. The accused was continuously in touch with his foreign based handlers and waiting for the directions to execute sensational crime in Punjab, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to identify other associates and establish backward and forward linkages in this case.

          Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that the teams of the AGTF led by DSP Rajan Parminder based human and intel-inputs located the accused persons in the jurisdiction of Faridkot, and in a joint operation with Faridkot Police has arrested both the accused from near Dana Mandi chownk in Sadiq and recovered weapons from their possession.

          Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Pragya Jain said that both the arrested persons have a criminal background with cases pertaining to attempt to murder, cheating, under Arms Act, etc. have been registered against them.

          A case FIR no. 52 dated 21/5/2025 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Sadiq in Faridkot.

CHANDIGARH, May 21:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 81st day, Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested 150 drug smugglers and recovered 7.2 kg heroin, 297 kg poppy husk and Rs 2.41 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 12,496 in just 81 days.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 89 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 471 locations across the state leading to the registration of 104 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 504 suspicious persons during the day long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 90 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.