CONGRESS DRUBBING AT HANDS OF SAD-BJP IS A WRITING ON THE WALL – SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL

Chandigarh 11 May: -The SAD President and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today categorically said that the Congress would face a crushing defeat by the SAD-BJP alliance in the State and would certainly set in motion the formation of National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) Government at Centre thereby showing a door to the Congress led UPA Government.
In support of his claim, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal added that the teeming crowd in Ludhiana’s NDA rally on Sunday was the biggest ever show of strength in the history of Punjab politics that had belied the tall claims of the Congress.
Coming down heavily on the UPA Government for meting out a step motherly treatment to the Punjab’s peasantry, Mr. Badal falsified the fake claims of the Congress for having taken unprecedented welfare measures for the farming community . He said sheer exploitation of Punjab’s farmer was a classic example of apathetic attitude of successive Congress governments during its long tenure of more than four decades at Centre. He lamented that that Congress party had no political agenda to face the electorate during the elections except criticizing SAD-BJP alliance on one count or another. "We are committed for the development of Punjab and the welfare of its people because we are in the government due to their mandate and confident that the people of Punjab would once again give SAD-BJP a clear mandate for the installation of NDA Government at the Centre to cherish their aspirations”, said Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal. He categorically said it was mandatory to have like minded governments at Centre to ensure overall development and progress of the state and the formation of NDA under the stewardship of Mr. LK Advani would soon take off Punjab to in a high orbit of development.
He lambasted at the Centre for claiming that it was the UPA government that had considerably hiked the MSP of Wheat and Paddy during its tenure, SAD Supremo reacted: “It is paradoxical that for the first time in the history of agriculture economy that the Centre had fixed the MSP of Paddy below the recommendations of Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP). The Centre’s apathy against farmers was evident from the fact when it fixed Rs.850 per quintal as MSP for paddy, which was even much below Rs.1000/- per quintal recommended by CACP. He said that the story of exploitation of our peasantry did not seem to end here because UPA was solely responsible for formulating economic policies with regard to agriculture by fixing the MSP and even the prices of diesel, fertilizers and pesticides are also determined by it. “In nutshell our government is merely mute spectator to the Centre’s discriminatory attitude towards the farming community”, asserted Mr. Badal.
Blaming Congress led UPA government for retarding the economic development of the state, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal pointed out that UPA leadership grossly ignored the interests of the state due to their vested interests. He said that UPA government never bothered to take any initiative for the development of the state. "What is the fun of achieving high growth rate of 8-9% as claimed by Congress party when you cannot provide the basic amenities to our citizens in terms of drinking water, sewerage, housing, healthcare facilities and education, asked Mr. Badal. He said, “ UPA claming to be the Messiah of the common man ( Aam Adami) is totally a misnomer and sham as it had always used this hapless section of the society as its vote bank.”
Reiterating his firm resolve to form the NDA government at the Centre, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said it was the development and the performance of SAD-BJP alliance that has paid rich dividends to us and we would certainly give a drubbing to the Congress party in the elections. He said it was writing on the wall that all the 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state would be captured by the SAD-BJP alliance and the people of Punjab would ultimately give their verdict in the favour of NDA to oust UPA government who’s pro-people and development oriented policies came a cropper.

All Set for fair and free poll

Chandigarh, May 11:

Punjab is all set for Polls of the second phase of 9 Parliamentary Constituencies of the State on May 13. All arrangements for smooth, fair and free conduct of poll have been completed in the State. 139 candidates are in the fray in these constituencies.
There are 11682784 voters in these Constituencies including 49101 service voters. The postal ballot papers to all the service voters had already been dispatched to enable them to exercise their right of franchise. 13152 polling stations have been made to facilitate the public and the hours of poll will be from 7.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. All poll material has been supplied to the respective Returning Officers. About 52000 civil employees will be on duty for polling. Election Commission had appointed 27 Observers to ensure a free and fair poll. Three rounds of training to the poll staff have already been completed. The polling staffs have been asked to perform their duties efficiently and impartially to ensure that the poll is fair and free. The polling parties would be dispatched to their respective duty places well before time. The Returning Officers have been asked to attach video teams with observers/duty magistrate so as to enable them to record any untoward incident during poll at the very sensitive polling stations. Orders have already been issued for prohibition of sale of the liquor w.e.f. 5.00 P.M. of 11.05.2009 to 5 PM of 13.05.2009.
Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab further said that about 14480 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were being used in all these nine Parliamentary Constituencies. Training regarding EVMs has already been given to all the poll officials. Hand Book and some other publicity material relating to EVMs have also been supplied to the all concerned quarters for purpose of Public Awareness. About 530 additional/alternative EVMs have also been made available to the Returning Officers of each constituency, she added.
To ensure peaceful polling in the State, 174 companies of the para military forces will be deployed during both day and night at polling stations in addition to the Punjab forces. All the 139 candidates in the fray have also been provided security. The main roads of the State have been secured by deployment of mobile patrols round the clock and cities/towns were being specially guarded by adequate preventive measures. Preventive arrests of anti social elements were being made in the State. Patrolling has also been intensified and patrolling parties had been equipped with wireless sets for quick means of communication to handle all possible situations. Night patrolling has been ordered and Arms surrender is being ensured.
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OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, PUNJAB

PRESS NOTE

Chandigarh May 11:-

With the filling of nomination papers of Mr. Lekh Raj of BSP today for the Bye–election of 36-Nurmahal Assembly Constituency, number of total candidates are now seven.
As per the information available with the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab; Mrs Rajwinder Kaur and Hardeep Kaur SAD candidates while Mr. Gurbinder Singh Atwal and Mr. Rajinder Singh as (INC) candidates. Mr. Hans Raj has filed his nomination papers as a CPI(ML)(New Democracy) candidate. Mr. Harbans Singh filled his papers as a CPM candidate. Elections to this constituency will be held on 28-05-09.
As many as 1362 complaints of different nature have been received at the office of CEO, Punjab. Out of which 966 have been disposed off and 396 are under action.

CONGRESS DRUBBING AT HANDS OF SAD-BJP IS A WRITING
ON THE WALL – SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL

Chandigarh 11 May: -The SAD President and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today categorically said that the Congress would face a crushing defeat by the SAD-BJP alliance in the State and would certainly set in motion the formation of National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) Government at Centre thereby showing a door to the Congress led UPA Government.
In support of his claim, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal added that the teeming crowd in Ludhiana’s NDA rally on Sunday was the biggest ever show of strength in the history of Punjab politics that had belied the tall claims of the Congress.
Coming down heavily on the UPA Government for meting out a step motherly treatment to the Punjab’s peasantry, Mr. Badal falsified the fake claims of the Congress for having taken unprecedented welfare measures for the farming community . He said sheer exploitation of Punjab’s farmer was a classic example of apathetic attitude of successive Congress governments during its long tenure of more than four decades at Centre. He lamented that that Congress party had no political agenda to face the electorate during the elections except criticizing SAD-BJP alliance on one count or another. "We are committed for the development of Punjab and the welfare of its people because we are in the government due to their mandate and confident that the people of Punjab would once again give SAD-BJP a clear mandate for the installation of NDA Government at the Centre to cherish their aspirations”, said Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal. He categorically said it was mandatory to have like minded governments at Centre to ensure overall development and progress of the state and the formation of NDA under the stewardship of Mr. LK Advani would soon take off Punjab to in a high orbit of development.
He lambasted at the Centre for claiming that it was the UPA government that had considerably hiked the MSP of Wheat and Paddy during its tenure, SAD Supremo reacted: “It is paradoxical that for the first time in the history of agriculture economy that the Centre had fixed the MSP of Paddy below the recommendations of Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP). The Centre’s apathy against farmers was evident from the fact when it fixed Rs.850 per quintal as MSP for paddy, which was even much below Rs.1000/- per quintal recommended by CACP. He said that the story of exploitation of our peasantry did not seem to end here because UPA was solely responsible for formulating economic policies with regard to agriculture by fixing the MSP and even the prices of diesel, fertilizers and pesticides are also determined by it. “In nutshell our government is merely mute spectator to the Centre’s discriminatory attitude towards the farming community”, asserted Mr. Badal.
Blaming Congress led UPA government for retarding the economic development of the state, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal pointed out that UPA leadership grossly ignored the interests of the state due to their vested interests. He said that UPA government never bothered to take any initiative for the development of the state. "What is the fun of achieving high growth rate of 8-9% as claimed by Congress party when you cannot provide the basic amenities to our citizens in terms of drinking water, sewerage, housing, healthcare facilities and education, asked Mr. Badal. He said, “ UPA claming to be the Messiah of the common man ( Aam Adami) is totally a misnomer and sham as it had always used this hapless section of the society as its vote bank.”
Reiterating his firm resolve to form the NDA government at the Centre, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said it was the development and the performance of SAD-BJP alliance that has paid rich dividends to us and we would certainly give a drubbing to the Congress party in the elections. He said it was writing on the wall that all the 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state would be captured by the SAD-BJP alliance and the people of Punjab would ultimately give their verdict in the favour of NDA to oust UPA government who’s pro-people and development oriented policies came a cropper.

INTER-STATE AS WELL AS INTRA-STATE BORDERS OF PUNJAB SEALED FOR PEACEFUL CONDUCT OF POLLS - –ATTRI

205 CHECK POINTS TO STALL MOVEMENT OF ANTI- SOCIAL ELEMENTS

Chandigarh, 11 May:

The Punjab Police has set-up 137 inter-state as well as 72 intra-state nakas for checking the entry of anti-social elements and any cross constituency movements from out side or with in the state in all the 9 remaining Parliamentary Constituencies where the Lok Sabha elections were being held in second phase i.e. May 13. Besides this, the bridges of Satluj and Beas rivers are also being sealed effectively.

Disclosing this here today Mr. K.K. Attri, DGP, Punjab said that more than 53 thousand State police personnel has been mobilized for the second phase besides 165 companies of Para Military Forces (PMF)/state armed police (SAP). He said that in the second phase Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Khadoor Sahib Constituencies have been declared hypersensitive where as Faridkot and Ludhiana have been declared sensitive.

The DGP Informed that 1099 and 2548 polling stations have been identified as hypersensitive and sensitive respectively and the state police have decided to keep a strict vigil on all clusters of critical polling booths declared by election observer and RO and would deploy additional force on these clusters. For the patrolling purpose the polling area of the state had been divided into 1072 route zones and effective communication has been established between the patrolling parties to ensure quick response in case of any emergency.

The DGP revealed that to meet any emergent situation without any delay, 3 Companies have been kept reserved and ready to be sent to places directed by the DGP, one Company each is reserve at the disposal of Zone IsGP, 2 Companies each are kept as reserve at the disposal of Range DIsG, one company each at District Headquarters besides one platoon each for Sub divisional headquarters through out the state.

Mr. Attri said that state police was keeping a strict vigil to check any sale, production and storage of drugs/liquor and other intoxicants and a task force under the command of IGP/IRB has been making concerted efforts in this direction.
Mr. Attri said that the Punjab has a unparalleled record of peaceful elections during last more than 6 decades and expressed confidence that the well informed and good natured Punjabis would keep this unique record intact during these Lok Sabha elections also.

The DGP today also urged the police personnel to perform their duties impartially, efficiently, objectively & transparently to ensure smooth, fair & peaceful elections in the state. The efficient Punjab police under hard working supervisory staff is all geared up and ready to ensure peace and tranquil in even surcharged areas of Punjab during polling on May 13.

107.75 LAC TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, May 11: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 10775618 tonnes of wheat till last evening
Out of total procurement of 10775618 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 10522238 tonnes of wheat (97.6%) till date whereas private traders procured 19211 tonnes (0.2%) of wheat. Till May 10, PUNGRAIN had procured 1641853 tonnes (15.6%) whereas MARKFED procured 2439358 tonnes (23.2%). PUNSUP procured 2274384 tonnes (21.6%) , PSWC procured 1330992 tonnes (12.6%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1149721 tonnes (10.9 %) of wheat.
The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1685930 tonnes (16.0%).
The spokesman added that District Ferozepur with 1331123 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Sangrur with 1027910 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Patiala a 844593 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.
The State Government has set up 1547 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.

Chandigarh, May 11:
The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Kharif Season through Canal water from 16-5-2009 to 23-5-2009. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala feeder, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch and Bist Doab Canal, respectively.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that Ghaggar link and its off taking channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B' being in the first preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available will be utilized in direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' respectively.
The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and distributries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their ident. Balance water supplies available would be utilised in direct distributaries of Group 'A'.
The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Lahore Branch with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies water available would be utilised in Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch Lower, Sabraon Branch with their distributaries respectively.

Chandigarh May 9:-

As many as five candidates have filed their nomination papers today for the Bye-election of 36-Nurmahal Assembly Constituency of Jalandhar District.
As per the information available with the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab; Mrs Rajwinder Kaur and Hardeep Kaur have filed nomination papers as SAD candidates while Mr. Gurbinder Singh Atwal and Mr. Rajinder Singh have filed papers as INC candidates. Mr. Hans Raj has filed his nomination papers as a CPI (ML) (New Democracy) candidate. Mr. Harbans Singh had filed his paper as a CPM candidate yesterday. May 11, 2009 will be the last day for filling of nomination papers for the Bye-election.
As many as 1328 complaints of different nature have been received at the office of CEO, Punjab. Out of which 907 have been disposed off and 421 are under act

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

With Bathinda constituency having witnessed a thumping response of electorates, I take this opportunity to reach to all our party workers, elders, colleagues, members of various organizations and groups including Sant Samaj and Samaj Sewa groups and journalists for extending their cooperation and help.

This mammoth and peaceful exercise was impossible without all of you standing by me, lending a rock kind of support. The rigorous election campaign has proved to be a practical tool to study problem of masses at grass root level, who themselves have suggested solution for these problems
We have to come together in similar way to fight against social evils.

Our project – Nanhi Chhaan – has been launched with an aim to initiate social reforms. To bring an awakening in society on importance of girl child and make people rise from slumber of ignorance on environmental issues.

Our fight is not against individuals, but against the vices like dowry system and drugs that have eaten into very roots of our society. The very social fabric now hangs tattered by these vices. We have to re-weave this fabric into a strong loom that reflects state’s health of mind and heart.

Let’s come together and pledge ourselves to be a warrior at every level, a warrior of different kind, who fights tirelessly against these vices, and make this community a better place to live.

Regards,
Harsimrat Kaur Badal

GENERAL RODRIGUES CALLS FOR BRINGING MAXIMUM COMMITTED PEOPLE TO THE FOLD OF RED CROSS MOVEMENT
CHANDIGARH, MAY 8: The State Level World Red Cross Day Celebrations marked with flag hoisting, presentation of sewing machines and tri-cycles to the needy and giving away awards and mementoes to philanthropists concluded here at Tagore Theatre with a clarion call by the Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, General Dr. S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM (Retd.) for making Red Cross a mass movement by enlarging the boundaries of concern and compassion to serve the needy & disadvantaged and to empower them to be productive members of society.
Accompanied by Mrs. Jean Rodrigues, the Governor met the Red Cross Volunteers including young and old and hoisted the Indian Red Cross Flag which is a symbol of selfless service for alleviating human suffering. This year the World Red Cross Day Celebrations has a special relevance which is dedicated to the theme “Climate Change and its humanitarian consequences serving as a Solferino of Today” attracting the worldwide attention of the people and motivating them to contribute for combating the challenges faced by the humanity, these days. The global campaign “Our World - Your Move” launched worldwide by the Red Cross, today will also encourage people to participate in humanitarian endeavours.
Addressing the gathering, General Rodrigues said that we have inherited a proud legacy of social service, spirit of compassion and kindness, the basic doctrine of Red Cross Movement. We have a huge talent, potential and resources and the need is to ensure their application through serious and sustained efforts for the benefit of society. We have to change our mindset and attitudes and work with commitment and dedication for creating a strong network of selfless service for the poor and needy.
Expressing serious concern over the alarming increase in drug addiction in the State,General Rodrigues said that this is posing a serious threat to our social system. He emphasized the need of collective action by the community as a whole, to check drug abuse, by adopting multi-prolonged supportive strategies at different levels, including education, preventive and therapeutic treatment, training and the rehabilitation of drug addicts. Suitable programmes must be adopted by combining all these components to get results. He said that besides generating awareness and counseling of drug addicts, there is a need of bringing them into the main stream, by giving them vocational training and rehabilitation in productive ventures. He called upon the participants to genuinely involve themselves in various programmes and to work with devotion and dedication to fight against this societal problem by educating public opinion and contributing according to their capacities and capabilities. This is indeed a challenge for all us, which can be only met with commitment and a practical approach.
General Rodrigues said that in Chandigarh we have created various opportunities and people oriented programmes, where committed and dedicated social activists can work as per their convenience by contributing their time, expertise and energy. He referred to the projects of Home-cum-Vocational Center for Street Children and Homes for Disabled, Crippled, Mentally Challenged Children and Slum Rehabilitation etc which need the voluntary support. The Red Cross volunteers must associate with these endeavours, which aim to empower our less fortunate brethren and helping them to stand on their own feet.
General Rodrigues said that we have taken certain initiatives for strengthening the financial status of the Red Cross, through professional management and utilizing the services of financial experts for the generation of revenues and their judicious use in socially relevant projects. He said that the Red Cross is now doing well in harmonizing the social welfare work in the State. He impressed upon the members of the Red Cross to play pro-acative role in the accomplishment of the goals of the humanitarian movement.
Lauding the role of Punjab State Branch of the Red Cross for undertaking various activities for the eradication of social evils like drug addiction & female foeticide besides promotion of blood donation movement through its volunteers, the Governor emphasized the need for bringing maximum committed people to the fold of this movement to contribute effectively in a more practical way. He said that volunteers are the backbone of our work. He said that they symbolize the power of humanity and without them, we would not be able to carry out the day to day objective of protecting human dignity. He added that the efforts of each and every volunteer had a “very real impact” on our community, while the power of their combined efforts enabled the Movement to ”reach beyond all barriers, bringing help wherever it is needed.”
The Governor honoured blood donors, students and social workers for their commitment and meritorious service. He said that these humanitarian heroes, who sometimes risk their lives and often make considerable personal sacrifices in order to help others, deserve recognition for their devotion and tireless efforts.
Dr. V.K. Puri, Secretary, Punjab Red Cross in his welcome address said that the Red Cross Movement has the basis of glorious traditions set by Bhai Ghanaiya Ji in 1704 for selfless service to humanity. He said that the State Red Cross Branch has expanded its activities in the past years and doing yeoman service by undertaking various multifarious welfare programmes.
Mr. Rajan Kashyap, former Chief Secretary Punjab, Mr. M.P. Singh, Secretary to Governor, various academicians, professionals and social activists attended the function.

LALU- PASWAN REFUSAL TO ATTEND CABINET-
ALLIES HAVE ALREADY CREMATED UPA –SUKHBIR

Chandigarh, May 8
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, President, Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today said that point blank refusal of Lalu and Paswan to attend Cabinet meeting called by Prime Minister, reflects that all major allies of Congress Party in UPA have already cremated it sensing a severe drubbing being faced by Congress Party in first four phases of elections including in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi.
In a statement issued here today, Mr. Badal said that in desperation of being left alone , the Congress Party was virtually issuing matrimonial advertisement through 'matrimonial expert' Rahul Gandhi, seeking suitors for it. He said that Rahul's desperate cry of luring Nitish, Left Front and Jaya was instantly snubbed by all these long term allies of NDA. He said that every constituent of UPA including new found friend Samajwadi Party after being ditched by arrogant Congress Party do not want to be befooled again.
Mr. Badal said that all ex-allies of Congress and UPA were looking for greener pastures elsewhere realizing that Congress may not even reach triple digit mark, clocking the lowest ever tally in its history. He said that Prime Minister wants to set another record in the Guineas Book of Records in his last cabinet meeting of his 'political career' by presiding over a Cabinet meeting without any Cabinet colleague attending it. He said that Cabinet meeting would be reminiscent of pre-emergency era when Indira Gandhi without any cabinet colleague recommended the imposition of emergency and then President was made to sign it while he was in bathroom.
Advising Gandhi family to accept their rejection by the vigilant voters of this country, Mr. Badal urged them to heed for their native place in Italy, as their real face has been unmasked before every Indian.

PUNJAB CM GREETS PUNJABIS ON THE EVE OF BUDDHA PURNIMA

CHANDIGARH MAY 8:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima and exhorted them to follow the path of truth, peace and compassion as shown by Lord Buddha.
In a message the Chief Minister said: ”Lord Buddha’s teachings of non-violence, love and universal brotherhood are of eternal significance in the present time”. He said that this pious day was a reminder to mankind of the ideals of Lord Buddha.
Mr. Badal said that let us imbibe Lord Buddha’s teachings for the enduring welfare of humanity, adding he said: “May this festival reinforce the commitment to unity, harmony and fellow-feeling among people”.

SUKHBIR GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF BUDDHA PURNIMA

Chandigarh, May 8: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today greeted the Punjabis on the eve of Buddha Purnima, saying the festival strengthens the values of non-violence, compassion and brotherhood.
He said that Lord Buddha's teachings inspire us to follow the path of truth, peace and compassion and serve humanity to affirm our faith in the eternal values of non-violence and universal brotherhood,"
Lord Buddha's message has the power to save mankind from ignorance, turmoil and moral decay, he added.
Calling upon people to celebrate this festival collectively, Mr. Badal said let us utilize this day perpetuate the eternal message of Lord Buddha.

SHIROMANI AKALI DAL


Chandigarh May 7 - The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr.Sukhbir SIngh Badal today came down heavily on desperate attempts by the Congress party to spread violence and goondaism in a bid to brow beat the voters. The Deputy CM however complimented the officials, the election commision and the people for successfully thwarting these attempts.
In a stement here, mr. badal said that the Congress goons resorted to totally unprovoked firing in Patiala and Ferozepurt constiuencies. In Patiala, an Akali worker Mr. Moosa Singh was injured when Congress marauders opened fire to demoralise the popular sentiment in favour of the SAD-BJP alliance. Mr. Badal said that the Congress goons, spearheaded by former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, had brought in anti-social elements from the neighbouring states in order to create trouble. These elements especially focussed on bathinda and Patiala consituencies from where the Congress faced certain defeat, said Mr. badal

CEO PUNJAB FELICIATES PUNJABIS

Chandigarh: May 7-

Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab felicitated the people of Punjab in general and citizens of Ferozepur, Bathinda, Sangrur and Patiala Parliamentary Constituencies in particular for a free, fair and peaceful poll in these constituencies. She said that the Punjabis had maintained their age old traditions of peace and communal harmony on such occasions. She appreciated the exemplary cooperation shown by the citizens, voters, officials & officers on poll duty and media making polling in the first phase in Punjab to the 15th Lok Sabha a grand success.
Describing the poll position in these constituencies, she said that no incident of booth capturing, impersonation, interruption, obstruction, violence and breach of law & order related to poll had been reported from any corner of these constituencies during the entire poll except some minor incidents.
As per the information available at the office of the CEO, Punjab, tentative poll percentage is about 65% +. Constituencies wise Poll percentage is as follows: Ferozepur: 70%, Bathinda: 65% +, Sangrur: 65%+, Patiala: 65% +.

Gandhi family always ‘used’ Mascots-Harsimrat


Chandigarh, May 6

Harsimrat Kaur Badal SAD-BJP candidate from Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency today accused the Gandhi family of repeating the failed experiment of using Sikh mascots to wean away Sikh vote from the Shiromani Akali Dal.
In a statement issued here today, Mrs. Badal said that earlier Gandhi family used Giani Jail Singh as puppet Home Minister and than President and bitterly failed in that experiment, and now remote controlled Prime Minister was being predicted as omni powerful face of the Cabinet.
Retorting the Rahul’s statement, Mrs. Harsimrat said that so called powerful prime minister, who threatened to resign on the issue of nuclear deal, deliberately chose to keep silent on tickets being awarded to Tytler and Sajjan. She said that how much powerful the Prime Minister is, can be gauged from the fact that thoroughly honest Sikh Prime Minister was forced to give clean chit to Ottavio Quattrocchi to save Gandhi family from its flak.
Mrs. Badal said that when Congress organized attack on most sacred temple of Sikhs, Shiri Harmandir Sahib and later thousands of innocent Sikhs were butchered and burnt alive on the streets of national capital of India, the conscience of every right thinking Indian stirred and many senior officers resigned protesting against Congress exercise of ethnic cleansing of Sikhs, the deliberate silence of Dr. Manmohan Singh at those crucial moments was aptly rewarded by the Congress party.
Mrs. Badal said that 25 years after the Sikh carnage, Congress failing to convict even a single leader for the mass murder of 3500 Sikhs, was desperately searching for a Mascot, that it got in Dr. Manmohan Singh. She said that that Prime Minister has no right to govern, who being on the seat of PM, expresses ignorance about allotment of tickets to main architects of 1984 riots.
Accusing Dr. Manmohan Singh for failing to standing up for the cause of Sikhs, Mrs. Badal said that during his 5 years tenure, what to talk of setting up of fast trial courts to convict ’84 riots accused, he became instrumental in ensuring clean chit to Tytler, hurting the psyche of every right thinking Indian.
Describing Dr. Manmohan Singh an academic Prime Minister, detached with realities and difficulties of common masses, Mrs. Badal said that Prime Minister’s main focus was getting Nuclear Deal signed, to get an Appreciation Certificate from Bush, rather than to find the long term solution to farm indebtness resulting in the suicides of thousands of farmers. She said that a Prime Minister, oblivious of rising prices, of essential commodities, has no right to govern.
Attacking Prime Minister for playing vote bank politics, even in the trial of Mumbai Terror Attack accused Kasab, Mrs. Badal blamed that Congress party was deliberately weakening the Kasab's trial and leaving loop-holes in the case to ensure escape route for him. She said that it was matter of great regret that Nation’s security and sovereignty was being compromised with vote bank politics in mind.
Joining the issue with Rahul, Mrs. Badal said that it was matter of great regret that Dr. Manmohan Singh was acting as puppet of Gandhi family and he has made PMO subservient to 10 Janpath, degrading the institution of Prime Ministership.
Giving a call to Punjabis to utilise this opportunity to punish Gandhi family run Congress party, Mrs. Badal said that let the Punjabis show to everyone, that they can not be befooled by puppets and mascots put-up by Congress party.

WHO PAINTED BRAVE AND PATRIOTIC SIKHS AS TRAITORS: BADAL ASKS CONGRESS


Chandigarh May 6 – The Punjab Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal patron Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Congress High Command to explain who painted the brave and patriotic Sikh quom as “a community of traitors and anti-national terrorists”. Mr. Badal ridiculed the Congress for having to fall back on the communal card to fight off the back-lash of its long and ugly history of anti-Sikh an anti-Punjab acts.
Mr. Badal said asked those pretending to issue certificates of bravery to the Sikhs to ponder who subjected thousands of innocent members of this fiercely patriotic community to being torched alive by throwing burning tyres around their necks, butchering even their defenseless children, women folk and elders. The Congress should explain to the Sikhs why the Congress government headed by the late Mrs. Indira Gandhi rolled guns, tanks and armoured vehicles into the holiest of the holy shrines of this brave and patriotic WHOcommunity, Sri Harmandar Sahib.
“It does not lie in the mouth of a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family even to speak about the Sikhs because one of the first official edicts of the Congress government after Independence was to dub the entire Sikh community as a “a habitually criminal race” through a notification of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in 1947. And this was done at a time when millions of innocent Sikhs were going through a painful migration in the wake of partition riots,” said Mr. Badal referring to a statement by a Congress General Secretary yesterday.

“If the Prime Minster is a brave man, he should show this bravery in fighting for the rights of his state and its people. Unfortunately, no one has ever seen him taking a stand on any issue concerning his state, including even a special package for Punjab farmers as was given to Vidharbha, Karnataka and other regions,” said Mr. Badal in a statement here.

The Chief Minster said that he had the highest regards for Dr. Manmohan Singh as a person but was greatly disappointed that as Prime Minster, he had failed to do anything at all either for the Sikhs or for the people of Punjab. “We are still awaiting the Prime Minster’s response to issues of Sikhs concern like the repression by the Taliban, review of the black lists of Sikh youth, the turban issue in France and several other countries, the restoration of Sikh historical records taken away by during the Operation Blue star from Harmandar Sahib, the Congress attempts to weaken and break up the SGPC in gross violation of the Nehru-Master Tara Singh Pact, to name just a few,” said Mr. Badal. He said that the Prime Minster’s record on issues concerning problems of farmers, traders and industrialists of Punjab is even more pathetic and hardly paints him as a man of courage of his convictions.
The Chief Minster said that he had been amused to read that Dr. Singh took a strong stand in favour of the Nuclear Deal with America and had threatened even to resign if the deal did not go through. “I really wonder why he or any other Sikh Congress leader never showed the same courage in favour of the demands of their community and their state. Can the Prime Minister say that Punjab’s demands and grievances are not justified? If these are justified, will he show similar courage for his own state, leave aside his community?” asked the Chief Minister, adding that the issue in the Lok Sabha was not the personality of the PM but the anti-Punjab and anti-Sikh history of his party.
He said that the tragedy of the Sikh leaders in the Congress had always been that they were always scared of raising any issues of their state or community out of fear that their High Command would dub them as traitors. They opposed the Punjabi Suba. And they still oppose the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab as if Punjab were a foreign territory. Their stand on river waters has always suited the neighboring states because these were ruled by the Congress the crucial years.

RAHUL’s UTTERANCES BETRAY CONGRESS PANIC: SUKHBIR
‘FOR MANMOHAN, BRAVERY MEANS STANDING UP FOR THE GANDHI PARIVAR’


Chandigarh May 6 - The Shiromani Akali Dal president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said here today that the recent statement of the Congress General Secretary Mr. Rahul Gandhi virtually begging support from his party’s principle electoral opponents was a clear evidence of the realization in the ruling party that it was facing its worst ever rout since 1947 in the Parliamentary elections.
“In the face of the Congress defeat, all the bad men have suddenly turned into good angels for the party. The Congress High Command has discovered hidden virtues in Mr. Chandrababu Naidu , Nitish Kumar, Lalu, Amar Singh and even Jayalalitha who was a political untouchable for the Gandhis before the elections began.
Mr. Badal also predicted that the all three candidates fielded by Rahul Gandhi in Punjab would be routed and the margin of Congress defeat on these seats would be bigger than on other seats, except Bathinda where Raninder Singh would not be able t save even his security deposit.
In a statement here, Mr. Badal said that only a few weeks ago, Mr. Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia were ridiculing the Left parties and proudly declaring that the Congress would have no trucks with outfits that did not subscribe to the Congress ideology. They had brazenly dismissed their erstwhile allies like Lalu Prasad Yadav, Amar Singh, Jayalalitha and others. Mr. Badal recalled how the Congress had turned down offers of electoral alliances with these parties and opting for going it alone in poll arena in the hope that the people would prefer them.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the Congress could not name even a single state where it was heading for a majority. “The Congress is set to be wiped out of existence in U.P., Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala, Andhra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Karnatka, Orrisa and Maharashtra. Even in Punjab, where the Congress was day-dreaming about riding the so-called anti-incumbency wave, there is not even one seat including Patiala where it can feel safe. It has already begun talking about winning more seats than last time (just two) whereas it had been boasting of a clean sweep on all thirteen seats just a month ago. That by itself shows that finally the reality has begun to hit the Congress in the face and they have been forced to acknowledge that they would need support from their opponents even to be lay a false a claim to form a government,” said Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.
The SAD president also asked Mr. Rahul Gandhi to explain who he thought was responsible for painting the brave and patriotic Sikh community as anti-national, extremist and terrorist and forcing the Operation Blue Star and November 1984 massacre against the community in the wake of Indira Gandhi’s assassination. “Mr. Rahul Gandhi seems to believe that he would successfully exploit the Sikh sentiments by befooling them on the eve of the elections. But he is grossly mistaken. Even Dr. Manmohan Singh himself has never claimed to addressed any of he issues facing his community and his state. His bravery has been limited standing up for the Gandhi family and the Americans in getting the Nuclear Deal through from an unwilling nation.”

ELABORATE SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS IN ORDER
FOR LOK SABHA ELECTIONS: DGP

1.20 LAC WEAPONS DEPOSITED AGAINST 21000 DURING LAST POLLS

Chandigarh, May 5:
The Punjab Police has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure free and fair elections in a peaceful manner to the Lok Sabha being held in two phases on May 7 and 13 respectively.
Disclosing this here today Mr. K.K. Attri, DGP, Punjab said that more than 62 thousand State police has been mobilized for the elections. 46 companies of Para Military Forces (PMF)/state armed police (SAP) would be deployed for first phase of election to be held on May 7. For second phase 170 companies of PMF/SAP would be deployed for the elections.
The DGP Informed that on May 7, elections would be held in 4 Lok Sabha constituencies where as on May 13 elections in remaining 9 constituencies would be held. He further informed that out of the total 11978 polling locations in the state 1606 and 3937 have been identified as hypersensitive and sensitive respectively. It has been decided that polling locations with single/double polling stations would be provided 3 & 4 men security led by a HC. While Polling locations having triple, quad, penta, hexa & above booths would be provided 5, 6, 7 & 9 police personnel security led by a Non-Gazetted officer. Besides this, each sensitive Polling Station would be provided with an additional force of one HC and one constable besides hyper sensitive Polling Station would be provided with an additional force of one head Constable & 2 Constables and hyper sensitive polling stations would be covered through intensive patrolling. Since PMF/SAP was available, most of the hyper sensitive polling stations would be covered by them.
He said that Patiala, Bathinda, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Khadoor Sahib constituencies have been declared hyper sensitive where as Sangrur, Ferozepur, Faridkot and Ludhiana have been declared sensitive.
Mr. Attri said that besides intensive patrolling on the day of election the Punjab Police would seal 137 inter state entry points to check the entry of anti-social elements in the state. He said that since the election was being held in two phases, it was important to curtail the inter state as well as intra state movement of anti social elements that could disturb the peaceful conduct of polls. He said that effectively seal the first phase and second phase constituencies all intra state bridges on Satluj would be fully sealed besides intensifying day and night patrolling and stationery policing of all the link roads of Khanna, Jagraon and Ludhiana area. For the patrolling purpose the state had been divided into 1491 route zones and effective communication has been established between the patrolling parties.
The DGP said that Punjab police would keep a strict vigil on all clusters of critical polling booths, declared by election observer and RO and would deploy additional force on these clusters.
The DGP said that the state police had already taken preventive measures and over 6200 persons have been bound down under section 107/116 of Cr.P.C to maintain peace and order and state police has executed 6403 non bailable warrants. Mr. Attri said that important aspect of this election is that against 21 thousand weapons got deposited during the last election, 1.20 lac weapons have been deposited during current Lok Sabha election. He said that it is because of these preventive measures, no incident of violence has been reported so far in the state.
Mr. Attri said that state police was keeping a strict check on sale, production and storage of drugs and other intoxicants and for the first time a task force under the command of IGP/IRB has been assigned this task.
While giving the details of security provided to the candidates, the DGP said that the Candidates of recognized parties have been provided 1-4 resident guards, 2 NGO/HC as PSOs and 1-3 security personnel for escort vehicle, while candidates of unrecognized Party/Independents have been provided 2 gunmen each.
The DGP revealed that to meet any emergent situation without any delay, 3 Companies have been kept reserved and ready to be sent to places directed by the DGP, one Company each is reserve at the disposal Zone IGsP, 2 Companies each are kept as reserve at the disposal of Range DIsG, one company each at District Headquarters besides one platoon each for Sub divisional headquarters through out the state.
Mr. Attri said that the people of Punjab have been maintaining the glorious tradition of ensuring peaceful elections during last 62 years and he was confident that they would maintain this tradition during this Lok Sabha election.
The DGP today also exhorted the police personnel to perform their duties impartially, efficiently, objectively & transparently to ensure smooth, fair & peaceful elections in the state. He said that they should be proud of the fact that the state has given them an opportunity to organize the most sacrosanct function of the democracy and they should live up to this challenge.