Tewari comes to
rescue of dyeing units
Ludhiana. 29.Nov.2008
Secretary All India Congress Committee and spokesman Manish Tewari
today criticised the Punjab Pollution Control Board for ordering
closure of several dyeing units in Ludhiana. He expressed shock
as how the PCB could take such a harsh decision making it appear
as if these dyeing units were responsible for the entire pollution
in the city.
The senior Congress leader expressed his support to the aggrieved
dyeing unit holders and assured all sort of assistance including
legal and otherwise to them to counter the problem. Tewari said,
he had been told that the dyeing units were not the only polluting
agents in Ludhiana. In fact most of the pollution was caused from
the waste disposal of the municipal corporation.
Tewari said, while saving and safeguarding the environment was
the paramount responsibility of the state and the individuals,
but closing down the units was no solution. He pointed out, it
would lead to several other problems as it will also effect other
industries. The best course would be to set up a large treatment
plant. Moreover, he said, he had learnt that the industrialists
had voluntarily decided to regulate the disposals and ensure that
only treated wastes were let out into the drains.
The AICC secretary expressed surprise as what was the BJP doing.
He said, while the Akalis' hostility towards the industry was
understandable, the BJP would always proclaim itself to be the
champion of the rights of the industry and trade. He said, the
BJP having failed to safeguard the interests of the dyeing units
should ask its legislators to resign.
Tewari clarified, he did not want to defend any erring unit.
But at the same time the law of justice demands that everyone
must be given the chance to be heard. Taking arbitrary decision
only smacks of a dictatorial mindset that only betrays hostility
towards industry. (eom)
Bhattal
addresses election rally's in delhi
Delhi November 24, 2008
Onkar Saini
Though Assembly elections are being held in Delhi and other
states of India, politicians of all hues from Punjab will be playing
a dominating role in these elections directly or indirectly. The
Leader of opposition in Punjab Bibi Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, has
already jumped into the election arena of Delhi. People came out
in impressive numbers today to attend rallies addressed by Bibi
Rajinder Kaur Bhattal.
Addressing election rally's Today at Moti Nagar,Hari Nagar,
Tilak Nagar and Rajouri Garden assembly seats Bhattal said that
BJP in Delhi in past and NDA in centre has failed on all fronts.
There are thousands of Development projects in Delhi were launched
and completed by Congress Government during past 10 years. BJP
has misled people on all fronts. Voters of Delhi and other states
will once again elect congress party back to power. Bhattal advised
the BJP and Alkali dal president, to shun the politics of opportunism
and cautioned them against be fooling innocent people by stirring
up sentimental issues. Bhattal further said that Congress was
the only secular party which stood for fighting the fundamentalist
and fissiparous forces.
She said his party was committed to providing good governance,
proper development and employment in country. Appealing to the
party workers and leaders to work hard and rise above any sort
of factionalism, she said the sole aim of all of them should be
to work for the victory of the party in the Assembly election
and forthcoming parliamentary elections. The Congress was all
set to form the government at the centre once again and the party
would sweep the elections in Delhi and other states, she claimed.
Thousands of Congress supporters, a large number of them youth
braved the heat to be present at the rally, which was attended
by Bibi Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Smt Anjali Rai MLA ( Moti Nagar
), Shri Ramesh MLA ( Hari Nagar ) , Smt Anita Babar MC ( Tilak
Nagar ) , Shri A. Dayanand Chandela and many other Congress Leaders
and social Organizations.
Onkar Saini SEC PPCC said after Delhi Bibi Rajinder Kaur Bhattal
is heading towards Rajasthan for election campaigns.
Tewari
flays govt for mortgaging prime land
Ludhiana, November 21, 2008
Pawan Dewan
Secretary and spokesman of the All India Congress Committee Manish
Tewari today flayed the state government for mortgaging the prime
properties of the city for procuring funds for the development
in the city and suburbs.
Reacting to the reports of the government to mortgage various
properties and land to generate funds, Tewari pointed out, the
state government had failed to generate enough funds for development.
He said, the SAD-BJP government was pushing the state towards
the bankruptcy which was evident the way it (the government) was
selling or mortgaging the properties.
The AICC secretary pointed out, this land was the property of
the general public and the future generations. "We need this
much of space for our future generations", he remarked, while
adding, for the future development programmes this government
seems to be hardly bothered about leaving any space.
The senior Congress leader said, the SAD-BJP government cannot
unilaterally go ahead with such major decisions where in it has
been putting at stake the future of the state. HE said, the government
should focus on comprehensive policy measures that would generate
revenue without compromising the state interest. "IN case
the SAD-BJP government is allowed to run the way it is selling
off everything we will not be having any space for parks, tube-wells
and other public utilities", he pointed out, while urging
the Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal not to suffocate the cities
for populist measures.
Tewari also criticized the government for failing the farmers
in providing the tube-well connections under Own Your Tube-well
(OYT) scheme. He said, the government through the Punjab State
Electricity Board had made the farmers to deposit Rs 25,000 each
for this scheme. But months have passed and no connections have
been provided. He said, about one lakh farmers from across the
state had deposited the amount and the board was not providing
the connections. Some farmers had taken loan for getting their
own tube-wells in the hope they might be able to reap a good harvest
and pay back the debts. Tewari expressed surprise as how the government
could treat farmers like this and still claim to be their well
wisher. (eom)
Congress holds rally at
Bhaini in Jagaraon
Ludhiana, November 17, 2008
The Congress held a public rally at village Bhaini in Jagaraon
area today. The rally was addressed among others by the Punjab
Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president, Mohinder Singh Kaypee,
secretary All India Congress Committee (AICC) and spokesman, Manish
Tewari and the local MLA Gurdeep Singh Bhaini.
Addressing the rally the PCC president criticized the all round
failure of the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharitya Janata Party alliance
government in the state. He claimed that by holding so many 'sangat
darshans', the Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal was trying
to divert the public attention from his government's total failures.
He pointed out, the state had almost turned bankrupt so much so
it had not sufficient money to pay the salaries of its employees.
Speaking on the occasion, the AICC spokesman, Manish Tewari highlighted
the various achievements of the Congress government at the centre
under the leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh. He remarked, it was
a matter of pride and honour for all the Indians in general and
the Punjabis in particular that Dr Manmohan Singh had proved to
be such a successful Prime Minister of the country. He said, Dr
Singh was the most popular leader in the country and was like
by everybody alike. Tewari said, the Congress was all set to form
the government at the centre once again and the party would sweep
the elections in Punjab.
Bhaini, while expressing his gratitude to the people of the area
for their overwhelming support to the Congress promised that they
would continue to do so in the future also. He assured Kaypee
and Tewari total commitment of the people of the area towards
the Congress.
At a separate function at the RK Senior Secondary School, Jagaraon
organized in memory of Lala Lajpat Rai, Tewari recalled his (Rai's)
services and sacrifice towards the freedom of the country. Tewari
was accompanied by former MP Gurcharan Singh Galib also.
RS Senior Secondary School was founded by Lala Lajpat Rai in
memory of his fater Ram Kishen Roy. (eom)
Inadequate
functioning of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in Punjab
Chandigarh, Nov. 19, 2008
Surinder Singh
The following is the text of letter sent to Hon'ble Speaker Vidhan
Sabha quoting rule 14-A of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct
of Business of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha requiring a minimum of
3 sessions and 40 sittings in one financial year.
To, 19-11-2008
S. Nirmal Singh Kahlon
Hon'ble Speaker
Vidhan Sabha
Subject: Request to summon Vidhan Sabha as per
Rule 14-A of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the
Punjab Vidhan Sabha by Sukhpal Singh Khaira, MLA Bholath
Dear Sir,
Furtherance to my letter dated 26-09-08 regarding inadequate
functioning of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, I am referring to Rule
14-A of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business. As per
the above rule, the Vidhan Sabha must have at least three sessions
with not less than 40 sittings in one financial year. I had earlier
pointed out that the present 13th Vidhan Sabha has held 5 sessions
since its constitution and has met for 29 sittings, consuming
a total time of 110 hours and 3 minutes or 6603 minutes of the
present Govt.'s tenure. Percentage wise merely 0.8% time has been
consumed of the total duration that the present SAD-BJP Govt.
has been in office. If we further carefully analyze the working
of the Vidhan Sabha in the previous year of 2007, the Vidhan Sabha
has held three sessions with only 15 sittings and the total time
utilized is only 56 hours and 16 minutes, which is only 0.65%
of the time of total governance of the present regime. It is highly
impossible to debate, discuss and deliberate on issues related
to the welfare of the people of Punjab in this meagre time.
Recently the Congress Legislature Party met on the 17th November
2008 and has demanded through a unanimous resolution, an urgent
session of the Vidhan Sabha to discuss vital issues of the people.
As per Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business as quoted above
requiring a minimum of 3 sessions and 40 sittings in any given
year, the demand made by the CLP is justified.
It is also pertinent to mention that we have never debated issues
such as education, health, unemployment, female foeticide, awareness
against drugs, traffic management and presently grave financial
crises being faced by the state. Therefore in order to debate
these issues, I urge and support the demand of the Congress Legislature
Party to summon an emergency session of the Vidhan Sabha. I also
request that in future regular sittings of the Vidhan Sabha be
held in accordance with the rules quoted above. Being the custodian
of the August house, I feel that sentiments of the opposition
would be respected in the interest of our state.
Thanking you
With Regards,
Sukhpal Singh Khaira, MLA Bholath
Badal blackmail the Sikhs
in order to win elections and gain state power
November 15, 2008
Sukhpal Singh Khaira
MLA Bholath
The Akali's led by S. Prakash Singh Badal have abandoned the
Panthic agenda and important demands related to Sikh community.
This is abundantly clear from the reply that I have received for
my question through Vidhan Sabha. To my question the govt. has
admitted receiving the draft of All India Gurudwara Act from Ministry
of Home Affairs, Govt. of India for comments on 15-09-1999. On
whether the state govt. has sent its suggestions or comments there
is a clear 'No'.
Enactment of an All India Gurudwara has been one of the major
demands of the Akali's. It was incorporated in the Anandpur Sahib
Resolution, it figured in all important dialogues that the Akali's
had with representatives of the Central Govt. This demand has
always been part of all important documents or charter of demands
whenever given to the Govt. of India. But when it comes to clinching
of issues Mr. Badal and his party have never seized opportunities
or probably they never were interested in solving issues. In more
than 50 years of his political career Mr. Badal cannot claim to
have achieved any meaningful demand of the Sikhs or of Punjab.
When it comes to public consumption or playing to the galleries
Mr. Badal and his son never miss an opportunity to criticize the
Congress party for not accepting the demands of the Sikhs. To
remind Mr. Badal he was very much CM in 1999 when the state govt.
received the draft for suggestions for enactment of the All India
Gurudwara Act. The then Govt. of India was headed by Mr. Vajpayee
and the NDA. If the Akali's were genuinely serious about the formation
of an All India Gurudwara Act, why Mr. Badal did not send comments
on the draft during his previous regime? And why the proposal
continues to gather dust even today? The truth is that all agitations
and 'Morcha's' launched by the Akali's were only stepping stones
to power, once in saddle the fate of all demands is the same as
stated above. Issues such as transfer of Chandigarh, left out
Punjabi speaking areas and federal structure or more powers to
states were only issues to emotionally blackmail the Sikhs in
order to win elections and gain state power.
The reason why Capt. Amarinder is popular with Sikh masses is
because he tactfully resolved the SYL issue merely with the stroke
of a pen, for which the Akali's got thousands arrested and many
killed. Lust of power is such in the mind of Mr. Badal that he
opposed the Rajiv- Longowal accord in 1985 primarily because S.
Surjit Singh Barnala was to become the Chief Minister and not
Mr. Badal.
There is complete disillusionment and disenchantment in the
minds of Sikhs about the politicized malfunctioning of the SGPC.
The SGPC is facing rampant corruption, favoritism, nepotism and
extreme political interference. 'Sarbat Da Bhala', the motto of
the SGPC has taken a back seat. 'Dharam Parchar', opening of educational
and health institutions particularly in the rural Punjab are no
more on the agenda of this body. The appointment and removal of
various Jathedar's of Akal Takhat Sahib conducted in the recent
past has cast a shadow of doubt in the minds of Sikhs besides
lowering the image of the Jathedar's. It is in this context that
there is a pressing demand of Haryana Sikhs for creation of a
separate Gurudwara Committee. The Sikhs in Haryana feel completely
disillusioned when it comes to fulfillment of their aspirations
by the SGPC.
There is an urgent need to depoliticize the sacred body of SGPC
which has been achieved through a historic struggle by our elders.
As stated earlier that the Akali's have now abandoned the Sikh
agenda and thus in the process have no moral right to call themselves
the sole representative voice of the Sikhs across the globe. Promoting
singers like Hans Raj Hans on the pedestal of Akali Dal are signs
of shedding its Sikh identity and character. It is well known
that Sh. Hans Raj believes in worship of living God and has got
himself installed as head of 'Lal Badshah' shrine at Nakodar.
Therefore in order to restore the confidence of the Sikhs there
is a dire need to hand over the reigns of the SGPC to renowned
Sikhs from various fields such as Retired Judges, Educationists
and Historians, Retd. Army Generals, Doctors and other eminent
Sikh intellectuals.
November 13, 2008
Sukhpal Singh Khaira
MLA Bholath
The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee takes strong exception
to the misleading, slanderous and malicious campaign launched
by the SAD-BJP govt. at the cost of Public exchequer. Huge govt.
sponsored advertisements appearing in many newspapers today are
yet another bundle of lies to divert the attention of people.
The advertisement issued by Water Supply and Sanitation Dept.
is not only misleading but criticizes the previous Congress govt.
in the following phrase "Congress govt. left you in tears
of despair, we replaced the tears with waters of hope." If
the advertisement had been issued by the SAD from party resources
it was another matter, but having issued such an ad at the cost
of people's money in order to gain political mileage shows how
frustrated and unsure of their performance the Akali's are.
The ad highlights a World Bank Scheme for a Rural Water Supply
and Sanitation project worth Rs 1280 Crores. Firstly this project
was sanctioned by the previous Congress govt., Secondly the Govt.
of India which is headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh is instrumental
in getting World Bank's help, why then the Akali's are trying
to take undue credit? The govt. talks of reducing the contribution
of General category households from Rs 1500 to Rs 800 and the
S.C category from Rs 1500 to Rs 400. The deceptive part of the
campaign is that it is not the households that have to contribute,
it could be the Gram Panchayats, NRI's, NGO's or individuals that
have to contribute 10% of the cost of Water Works project in general
areas and 5% of the cost in Bet, Kandi, water logged and international
border areas. The negative part of this World Bank Scheme is that
not many Panchayats are willing to contribute their share of 10%
or 5%, if the Gram Panchayat or NRI's cannot contribute how do
you think individual households would? Such propaganda claiming
credit for this Rs 1280 Crore project has been going on by this
govt. for the last one and a half years but there are no taker's
and it has not been implemented in even one Panchayat. Although
a few Panchayats in Punjab have come forward for availing this
Water Works project but none is at any concrete state.
Infact the SAD-BJP govt. has found an easy way to utilize govt.
funds to criticize its political opponents merely because Lok
Sabha elections are around the corner. Aware as the Akali's are
that there is strong resentment in every segment of the society
and that the Congress is heading for a clean sweep in the ensuing
Lok Sabha elections, hence the SAD-BJP govt. is resorting to this
cheap political gimmickry.
Keeping in view such violations by the state govt., I urge the
Election Commission of India to immediately take serious cognizance
of this politically motivated propaganda being unleashed in Punjab
at the cost of Public exchequer. The state govt. must be censured
and taken to task for this factually incorrect and politically
aimed propaganda.
Tewari
alleges nexus between govt, big colonizers at the cost of farmers
Ludhiana, November 13, 2008
Secretary All India Congress Committee (AICC) and party spokesman,
Manish Tewari today alleged that there was a nexus between the
big colonizers and the government at the cost of common farmers.
In a statement issued here today, Tewari said, the Shiromani Akali
Dal-Bhartiya Janata Party government in the state had evolved
a new policy for setting up of the housing colonies for providing
benefit to big colonizers.
He pointed out, now the government had made it mandatory that
no private colony would be less than 100 acres in area. This has
obviously provided undue monopoly to the big colonizers. No small
scale colonizer is now allowed to set up the housing colony.
Tiwari said, this has hit everybody the worst. While the houses
would no longer be available at competitive prices because of
the monopoly of the big colonizers, on the other hand the farmers
will also not be able to sell their land easily. Now they would
be at the mercy of the big colonizers who will arbitrarily decide
the rates for which they buy the land for farmers and sell plots
to people for the housing purposes.
The AICC secretary also pointed out, earlier the Congress government
used to provide NOC to the colonizers at the rate of Rs 3 lakhs
per acre, while now it is 43 lakh per acre. He said, he had reports
that the vested interests were working in connivance with the
government to dupe everybody including the farmers who are forced
to sell land the big colonizers at throw away prices and the common
people who are forced to purchase plots at huge prices.
The Union Minister of State
for Home, Dr Shakeel Ahmad in Ludhiana
Ludhiana, Nov. 11, 2008
The Union Minister of State for Home, Dr Shakeel Ahmad has said,
the country was well prepared to check any sort of terrorism.
While refusing to get into any controversy about any acts of terrorism
including that of Malegaon, Ahmad said, the government was handling
all the issues on the same plane.
Union Minister of State for Home, Dr Shakeel
Ahmed and AICC spokesman being felicitated in Ludhiana on Monday
evening by Pawan Dewan and Yogesh Dewan.
In an informal conversation with a select group of reporters
at the residence of senior party leader Pawan Dewan here last
evening, the Minister pointed out, the law was taking its own
course and no leniency was being shown anywhere. He however, criticized
the attempts of certain communal forces who were trying to glorify
some terrorists. He warned, such things would only encourage terrorism
of different sorts.
Ahmad, who is also the spokesman of the AICC said, the Congress
was all set sweep the elections in different state scheduled in
the months of November and December. He said, the people had been
appreciative of the performance of the Manmohan Singh government.
He said, the party was quite optimistic about improving upon its
previous tally in the parliament and was all set to form the government.
Manish Tewari, who accompanied Ahmad said, in Punjab also the
Congress was set to break all the previous records as the people
were quite fed up with the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bhartiya Janata
Party government. He said, the Congress will win all the 13 seats
in Punjab this year.
Later Ahmad was felicitated by senior party leaders including
Pawan Dewan, Milkiat Singh Birmi, Krishen Kumar Bawa, Yogesh Dewan,
freedom fighter Rajinderpal Syal and youth Congress leader Akshay
Bhanot.
