The sister of Manjinder Singh, who was among the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/39-indians-missing-in-iraq-dead-sushma-swaraj-36459">39 Indians killed by the Islamic State</a> in Iraq, said today that the that no information was given to their family about the deaths by the government and they first heard the news when external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj made the announcement in Parliament.

Gurpinder Kaur also said that the external affairs ministry had been telling her that the Indians were alive for the last four years.

&quot;For past four years, the External Affairs Ministry was telling me that they were alive, don&#39;t know what to believe anymore.I am waiting to speak with her, no information was given to us,we heard her statement she made in Parliament,&quot; Gurpinder Kaur, sister of Manjinder Singh, told ANI.&nbsp;

The brother of an Indian national who was killed in Iraq said that his DNA test was conducted two times but no information was provided.

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We had got information that that my brother was abducted by terrorists, after that nothing was know about his whereabouts. My DNA test was done twice, but we received no information: Brother of an Indian national who was killed in Iraq&#39;s Mosul <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalandhar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jalandhar</a> <a href="https://t.co/rouCGmxInt">pic.twitter.com/rouCGmxInt</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975998709992390657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The wife of another slain worker said that the government had always told them that the Indian nationals were alive. 
&nbsp;

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My husband went to Iraq in 2011&amp;I spoke to him last on 15 June&#39;14. We were always told us that they were alive. We don&#39;t demand anything from the government: Manjeet Kaur wife of Davinder Singh, who was among 39 Indians killed in Iraq&#39;s Mosul <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalandhar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jalandhar</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vq983kCkSb">pic.twitter.com/Vq983kCkSb</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976009807051321345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said that the news should have been announced earlier since the government must have known about the deaths since earlier.

&quot;We had expected this, it should have been announced earlier, it was known since much earlier,&quot; the Punjab chief minister said.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also questioned the reason for the delay in the announcement of the news. He said the government should not have given &quot;high hopes&quot; to the families of the Indians.

&quot;This is saddening for every Indian, rest I would ask why was this information delayed by the government, they should tell how it happened, when they died. Also, the way govt gave high hopes to the families was not right,&quot; Shashi Tharoor said. &nbsp;

Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh, however, said that the opposition was taking things the wrong way. He said seeing the situation in Iraq, the chances of the Indians being alive seemed bleak.

&quot;It is the job of the opposition to take things the wrong way. I do not want to say anything about it,&quot; VK Singh said, adding that legal procedures were undeway and might take eight to 10 days.

&quot;There was hope, but then seeing the situation there chances of them being alive seemed slim. Legal procedures are underway there and might take eight to 10 days, we are waiting for them to complete.&quot;

General VK Singh also said that &quot;different news was coming from different angles&quot; which is why an effort was made to verify facts before going there and consequently DNA matching was done. He said that the external affairs minister had stated earlier that until there was strong proof of the deaths, she would not inform the house.

&quot;Different news came from different angles, hence an effort was made to verify facts by going there, then DNA matching was done. External Affairs Minister had earlier stated that until there is strong proof of their death she will not inform the house: MoS MEA, VK Singh on death of 39 Indians in Mosul 
&nbsp;

Gurpinder Kaur said her family first heard the news when external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj made the announcement in Parliament.

The sister of Manjinder Singh, who was among the 39 Indians killed by the Islamic State in Iraq, said today that the that no information was given to their family about the deaths by the government and they first heard the news when external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj made the announcement in Parliament. Gurpinder Kaur also said that the external affairs ministry had been telling her that the Indians were alive for the last four years. "For past four years, the External Affairs Ministry was telling me that they were alive, don't know what to believe anymore.I am waiting to speak with her, no information was given to us,we heard her statement she made in Parliament," Gurpinder Kaur, sister of Manjinder Singh, told ANI. The brother of an Indian national who was killed in Iraq said that his DNA test was conducted two times but no information was provided. We had got information that that my brother was abducted by terrorists, after that nothing was know about his whereabouts. My DNA test was done twice, but we received no information: Brother of an Indian national who was killed in Iraq's Mosul #Jalandhar pic.twitter.com/rouCGmxInt — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × The wife of another slain worker said that the government had always told them that the Indian nationals were alive. My husband went to Iraq in 2011&I spoke to him last on 15 June'14. We were always told us that they were alive. We don't demand anything from the government: Manjeet Kaur wife of Davinder Singh, who was among 39 Indians killed in Iraq's Mosul #Jalandhar pic.twitter.com/Vq983kCkSb — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said that the news should have been announced earlier since the government must have known about the deaths since earlier. "We had expected this, it should have been announced earlier, it was known since much earlier," the Punjab chief minister said. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also questioned the reason for the delay in the announcement of the news. He said the government should not have given "high hopes" to the families of the Indians. "This is saddening for every Indian, rest I would ask why was this information delayed by the government, they should tell how it happened, when they died. Also, the way govt gave high hopes to the families was not right," Shashi Tharoor said. Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh, however, said that the opposition was taking things the wrong way. He said seeing the situation in Iraq, the chances of the Indians being alive seemed bleak. "It is the job of the opposition to take things the wrong way. I do not want to say anything about it," VK Singh said, adding that legal procedures were undeway and might take eight to 10 days. "There was hope, but then seeing the situation there chances of them being alive seemed slim. Legal procedures are underway there and might take eight to 10 days, we are waiting for them to complete." General VK Singh also said that "different news was coming from different angles" which is why an effort was made to verify facts before going there and consequently DNA matching was done. He said that the external affairs minister had stated earlier that until there was strong proof of the deaths, she would not inform the house. "Different news came from different angles, hence an effort was made to verify facts by going there, then DNA matching was done. External Affairs Minister had earlier stated that until there is strong proof of their death she will not inform the house: MoS MEA, VK Singh on death of 39 Indians in Mosul

We were not told, only heard from Sushma speech in Parliament: Families of Indians killed in Iraq

Punjab government has decided to impose a permanent ban on hookah bars in the state. The government has decided not to issue temporary orders against hookah serving bars every two months.

Punjab cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, approved an amendment to the Cigarette &amp; Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, for prevention &amp; control of diseases caused by the use of tobacco products.

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Punjab government has decided to impose a permanent ban on Hookah bars in the state instead of issuing temporary orders against them every two months.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975693985187553283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The move is aimed at curbing tobacco use among youngsters.&nbsp;

The amendment would be proposed in the Vidhan Sabha and later forwarded for the President&#39;s assent if passed by the House.&nbsp;

The move is aimed at curbing tobacco use among youngsters

Punjab government has decided to impose a permanent ban on hookah bars in the state. The government has decided not to issue temporary orders against hookah serving bars every two months. Punjab cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, approved an amendment to the Cigarette & Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, for prevention & control of diseases caused by the use of tobacco products. Punjab government has decided to impose a permanent ban on Hookah bars in the state instead of issuing temporary orders against them every two months. — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × The move is aimed at curbing tobacco use among youngsters. The amendment would be proposed in the Vidhan Sabha and later forwarded for the President's assent if passed by the House.

Punjab government to impose permanent ban on hookah

The CBI has registered a case against Simbhaoli Sugars Limited, its Chairman Gurmit Singh Mann, Deputy Managing Director Gurpal Singh and others in connection with an alleged bank loan fraud of Rs 97.85 crore.

Simbhaoli Sugars Limited is one of the largest sugar mills in the country.

The company&#39;s Chief Executive Officer G S C Rao, CFO Sanjay Tapriya, Executive Director Gursimran Kaur Mann and five non-executive directors have also been booked by the agency.

Gurpal Singh is the son-in-law of Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh.

The CBI today carried out searches at eight premises including residences of the directors, factory, corporate office and registered office of the company in Delhi, Hapur and Noida, CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said.

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<h5>Deputy Managing Director Gurpal Singh is the son-in-law of Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh</h5>
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The probe focuses on two loans -- Rs 97.85 crore which was declared fraud in 2015 and another corporate loan of Rs 110 crore which was used to repay the previous loan.

The second loan was declared NPA on November 29, 2016, nearly 20 days after scrapping of Rs 1,000 and old Rs 500 notes was announced, according to the CBI FIR.

The bank was allegedly cheated to the tune of Rs 97.85 crore, but the loss incurred by the bank is Rs 109.08 crore, the FIR read.

The lender, Oriental Bank of Commerce, complained to the CBI on November 17, 2017, but the agency registered a case of criminal conspiracy and cheating under the Prevention of Corruption Act on February 22.

According to the FIR, OBC sanctioned a loan of Rs 148.60 crore to the company in 2011.

The loan was sanctioned for financing 5,762 sugarcane farmers based on a tie-up agreement under an RBI scheme for supplying sugar produce to the company from January 25, 2012 to March 13, 2012.

The loan money was &quot;dishonestly and fraudulently diverted by the company for its own needs&quot;, Dayal said.

According to an MoU, out of the price to be paid by Simbhaoli Sugars Limited to the farmers, loan liabilities were to be adjusted and the remaining amount was to be paid by the company to the growers, according to the FIR.

The account turned NPA on March 31, 2015 and was declared alleged fraud by the bank to RBI on May 13, 2015 for an amount of Rs 97.85 crore.

OBC alleged that in addition to the existing NPA, the bank, under multiple banking arrangements, sanctioned another corporate loan of Rs 110 crore to the company on January 28, 2015 to pay its outstanding loan of Rs 97.85 crore.

The bank adjusted the total liability of Rs 112.94 crore towards the company by way of deposit of the new corporate loan.?

&quot;The corporate loan, too, turned NPA on November 29, 2016,&quot; Dayal said.&nbsp;

Simbhaoli Sugars is one of the country's largest sugar mills

The CBI has registered a case against Simbhaoli Sugars Limited, its Chairman Gurmit Singh Mann, Deputy Managing Director Gurpal Singh and others in connection with an alleged bank loan fraud of Rs 97.85 crore. Simbhaoli Sugars Limited is one of the largest sugar mills in the country. The company's Chief Executive Officer G S C Rao, CFO Sanjay Tapriya, Executive Director Gursimran Kaur Mann and five non-executive directors have also been booked by the agency. Gurpal Singh is the son-in-law of Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh. The CBI today carried out searches at eight premises including residences of the directors, factory, corporate office and registered office of the company in Delhi, Hapur and Noida, CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said. Deputy Managing Director Gurpal Singh is the son-in-law of Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh × The probe focuses on two loans -- Rs 97.85 crore which was declared fraud in 2015 and another corporate loan of Rs 110 crore which was used to repay the previous loan. The second loan was declared NPA on November 29, 2016, nearly 20 days after scrapping of Rs 1,000 and old Rs 500 notes was announced, according to the CBI FIR. The bank was allegedly cheated to the tune of Rs 97.85 crore, but the loss incurred by the bank is Rs 109.08 crore, the FIR read. The lender, Oriental Bank of Commerce, complained to the CBI on November 17, 2017, but the agency registered a case of criminal conspiracy and cheating under the Prevention of Corruption Act on February 22. According to the FIR, OBC sanctioned a loan of Rs 148.60 crore to the company in 2011. The loan was sanctioned for financing 5,762 sugarcane farmers based on a tie-up agreement under an RBI scheme for supplying sugar produce to the company from January 25, 2012 to March 13, 2012. The loan money was "dishonestly and fraudulently diverted by the company for its own needs", Dayal said. According to an MoU, out of the price to be paid by Simbhaoli Sugars Limited to the farmers, loan liabilities were to be adjusted and the remaining amount was to be paid by the company to the growers, according to the FIR. The account turned NPA on March 31, 2015 and was declared alleged fraud by the bank to RBI on May 13, 2015 for an amount of Rs 97.85 crore. OBC alleged that in addition to the existing NPA, the bank, under multiple banking arrangements, sanctioned another corporate loan of Rs 110 crore to the company on January 28, 2015 to pay its outstanding loan of Rs 97.85 crore. The bank adjusted the total liability of Rs 112.94 crore towards the company by way of deposit of the new corporate loan.? "The corporate loan, too, turned NPA on November 29, 2016," Dayal said.

Punjab CM's son-in-law, others booked in Rs 97-cr bank loan fraud case against Simbhaoli Sugars Ltd

Ending long-standing uncertainty and speculation, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said on Monday that he would discuss business as well as people to people ties with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Amritsar on February 21, officials said.

The chief minister tweeted:

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Look forward to meeting Canadian Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinTrudeau</a> in Amritsar on Wednesday. I&rsquo;m hopeful that this meeting will help strengthen the close Indo-Canadian business ties as well as the deep-rooted people-to-people relations between our two countries.
&mdash; Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder/status/965558624037851136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The development came following uncertainty over whether the Canadian premier would hold a meeting with Amarinder Singh during his short visit to Amritsar on February 21.

Officials said that the chief minister would hold a meeting with the Canadian prime minister at a hotel in Amritsar after Trudeau pays obeisance at the Golden Temple.

Significantly, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh had refused to meet Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan during the latter&#39;s visit to Punjab last year. Amarinder Singh had even accused Sajjan of being a &quot;Khalistani sympathiser&quot;.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/canada-seems-to-think-india-is-snubbing-trudeau-govt-says-no-33354">Canada seems to think India is snubbing Trudeau, govt says no</a>

In 2016, when Amarinder Singh was the Punjab Congress chief, he had written a strongly-worded letter to the Canadian prime minister, lodging a protest on being denied permission for interaction with Punjabi NRIs in Canada in the run-up to the Punjab Assembly polls.

Amarinder Singh had called it a &quot;gag order&quot;.

However, Amarinder Singh has now directed the state administration to roll out the red carpet for Trudeau.

While trade and business will be the key focus areas at the meeting, the two leaders are also expected to discuss steps to intensify the close relations between the people of the two countries, according to a spokesperson of the chief minister&#39;s office (CMO).

&quot;Punjab has deep roots with Canada, where a large Punjabi community is settled, and has always striven to strengthen the connect,&quot; said Amarinder Singh.

He also referred to Trudeau&#39;s apology, two years ago, in the Canadian parliament over the 1914 Komagata Maru incident, in which hundreds of Sikh, Muslim and Hindu passengers in a ship were denied entry in to Canada and forced to return to India, where they met a violent fate.

At an AICC briefing in New Delhi, Congress leader Manish Tewari, however, pointed out that there was sensitive issues involved.

&quot;There are sensitivities involved in Punjab. Some of those responsible for terror in Punjab are still finding solace in the country, which Trudeau heads,&quot; he told reporters.

Meanwhile, the opposition SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal is expected to welcome the Canadian prime minister at the Golden Temple.

&quot;Sukhbir Badal will welcome the Canadian PM at the Golden Temple. He will honour Trudeau as party president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD),&quot; said SAD spokesman and former minister Daljit Singh Cheema.

The Canadian premier is on a week-long visit to India accompanied by wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and three children -- Ella-Grace, Xavier and Hadrien.

On February 21, Trudeau will pay obeisance at the Golden Temple, the holiest of Sikh shrines and is also expected to visit the partition museum, officials said.

Amritsar Deputy Commissioner and a senior district police officer will receive Trudeau at the airport on February 21, officials said.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has planned a special event in the honour of Trudeau when he visits the Golden Temple.

SGPC, an apex religious body of the Sikhs, will honour Trudeau by presenting him a Siropa (robe of honour), replica of the Golden Temple and a sword, an SGPC official said.&nbsp;

The Punjab chief minister said that he would discuss business as well as people to people ties with the Canadian prime minister

Ending long-standing uncertainty and speculation, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said on Monday that he would discuss business as well as people to people ties with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Amritsar on February 21, officials said. The chief minister tweeted: Look forward to meeting Canadian Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau in Amritsar on Wednesday. I’m hopeful that this meeting will help strengthen the close Indo-Canadian business ties as well as the deep-rooted people-to-people relations between our two countries. — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) February 19, 2018 × The development came following uncertainty over whether the Canadian premier would hold a meeting with Amarinder Singh during his short visit to Amritsar on February 21. Officials said that the chief minister would hold a meeting with the Canadian prime minister at a hotel in Amritsar after Trudeau pays obeisance at the Golden Temple. Significantly, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh had refused to meet Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan during the latter's visit to Punjab last year. Amarinder Singh had even accused Sajjan of being a "Khalistani sympathiser". Also read: Canada seems to think India is snubbing Trudeau, govt says no In 2016, when Amarinder Singh was the Punjab Congress chief, he had written a strongly-worded letter to the Canadian prime minister, lodging a protest on being denied permission for interaction with Punjabi NRIs in Canada in the run-up to the Punjab Assembly polls. Amarinder Singh had called it a "gag order". However, Amarinder Singh has now directed the state administration to roll out the red carpet for Trudeau. While trade and business will be the key focus areas at the meeting, the two leaders are also expected to discuss steps to intensify the close relations between the people of the two countries, according to a spokesperson of the chief minister's office (CMO). "Punjab has deep roots with Canada, where a large Punjabi community is settled, and has always striven to strengthen the connect," said Amarinder Singh. He also referred to Trudeau's apology, two years ago, in the Canadian parliament over the 1914 Komagata Maru incident, in which hundreds of Sikh, Muslim and Hindu passengers in a ship were denied entry in to Canada and forced to return to India, where they met a violent fate. At an AICC briefing in New Delhi, Congress leader Manish Tewari, however, pointed out that there was sensitive issues involved. "There are sensitivities involved in Punjab. Some of those responsible for terror in Punjab are still finding solace in the country, which Trudeau heads," he told reporters. Meanwhile, the opposition SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal is expected to welcome the Canadian prime minister at the Golden Temple. "Sukhbir Badal will welcome the Canadian PM at the Golden Temple. He will honour Trudeau as party president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)," said SAD spokesman and former minister Daljit Singh Cheema. The Canadian premier is on a week-long visit to India accompanied by wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and three children -- Ella-Grace, Xavier and Hadrien. On February 21, Trudeau will pay obeisance at the Golden Temple, the holiest of Sikh shrines and is also expected to visit the partition museum, officials said. Amritsar Deputy Commissioner and a senior district police officer will receive Trudeau at the airport on February 21, officials said. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has planned a special event in the honour of Trudeau when he visits the Golden Temple. SGPC, an apex religious body of the Sikhs, will honour Trudeau by presenting him a Siropa (robe of honour), replica of the Golden Temple and a sword, an SGPC official said.

Amarinder Singh to meet Justin Trudeau in Amritsar on Wednesday

The stubble burning in Punjab is being considered as a major reason for pollution in northern India, including New Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to Captain Amarinder Singh about this, but the Punjab CM has expressed helplessness in the matter.

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Am writing letters to CMs of Punjab and Haryana requesting them for a meeting to find solns to crop burning
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/928100888639451136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Situation is serious but Punjab helpless as problem is widespread &amp; state has no money to compensate farmers for stubble management (1/2).
&mdash; Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder/status/928251991230267393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Now, Pakistan&rsquo;s Punjab government too has urged Captain Amarinder Singh to tackle stubble burning. In a tweet posted on Wednesday, @GovtOfPunjab has&nbsp;suggested a slew of measures to the Punjab government.

&quot;We have imposed a ban on stubble burning in Punjab (Pakistan) &amp; hope <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder">@capt_amarinder</a> takes similar measures,&rdquo; the tweet says, quoting Kejriwal&rsquo;s tweet.

&quot;Environmental hazards threaten our people and habitat. Let us act fast to counter it,&rdquo; the Punjab province government further added in the tweet.

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We have imposed a ban on stubble burning in Punjab (Pakistan) &amp; hope <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@capt_amarinder</a> takes similar measures. Some of our medium/long term action plan to combat SMOG are: <a href="https://t.co/xmA4fP3lz8">https://t.co/xmA4fP3lz8</a> 
Environmental hazards threaten our people and habitat. Let us act fast to counter it. <a href="https://t.co/QMEnhH89ZS">https://t.co/QMEnhH89ZS</a>
&mdash; Govt Of The Punjab (@GovtOfPunjab) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovtOfPunjab/status/928321089889013768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Punjab province&rsquo;s&nbsp;environment minister Zakia Shah Nawaz Khan had earlier termed smog &#39;a regional issue&rsquo; and urged&nbsp;both India and Pakistan to collaborate to find a sustainable solution.

&quot;The only proper forum to do that at the moment is through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The nature of this emergency is such that let&#39;s say Pakistan effectively tackles smog and India is still struggling, we will, regardless of our efforts, still be affected by air pollution. Hence, it has to be a joint effort,&quot; she said in a statement on Thursday.

&quot;Smog is pollution, plain and simple, and it is harmful to us. No one wants it to linger any longer. We have to clean our air. Now to do that, we need to have a three-pronged strategy - a long-term solution, a medium one and a short-term solution. Punjab is already implementing some urgent, short- term measures,&quot; Khan said.

Khan said to nip this evil in the bud.

(With inputs from PTI)

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had written to Captain Amarinder Singh about stubble burning in Punjab

The stubble burning in Punjab is being considered as a major reason for pollution in northern India, including New Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to Captain Amarinder Singh about this, but the Punjab CM has expressed helplessness in the matter. Am writing letters to CMs of Punjab and Haryana requesting them for a meeting to find solns to crop burning — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 8, 2017 × Situation is serious but Punjab helpless as problem is widespread & state has no money to compensate farmers for stubble management (1/2). — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) November 8, 2017 × Now, Pakistan’s Punjab government too has urged Captain Amarinder Singh to tackle stubble burning. In a tweet posted on Wednesday, @GovtOfPunjab has suggested a slew of measures to the Punjab government. "We have imposed a ban on stubble burning in Punjab (Pakistan) & hope @capt_amarinder takes similar measures,” the tweet says, quoting Kejriwal’s tweet. "Environmental hazards threaten our people and habitat. Let us act fast to counter it,” the Punjab province government further added in the tweet. We have imposed a ban on stubble burning in Punjab (Pakistan) & hope @capt_amarinder takes similar measures. Some of our medium/long term action plan to combat SMOG are: https://t.co/xmA4fP3lz8 Environmental hazards threaten our people and habitat. Let us act fast to counter it. https://t.co/QMEnhH89ZS — Govt Of The Punjab (@GovtOfPunjab) November 8, 2017 × Punjab province’s environment minister Zakia Shah Nawaz Khan had earlier termed smog 'a regional issue’ and urged both India and Pakistan to collaborate to find a sustainable solution. "The only proper forum to do that at the moment is through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The nature of this emergency is such that let's say Pakistan effectively tackles smog and India is still struggling, we will, regardless of our efforts, still be affected by air pollution. Hence, it has to be a joint effort," she said in a statement on Thursday. "Smog is pollution, plain and simple, and it is harmful to us. No one wants it to linger any longer. We have to clean our air. Now to do that, we need to have a three-pronged strategy - a long-term solution, a medium one and a short-term solution. Punjab is already implementing some urgent, short- term measures," Khan said. Khan said to nip this evil in the bud. (With inputs from PTI)

Smog: Pakistan gives India tips on how to deal with the problem

Security has been beefed up in Punjab ahead of pronouncement of quantum of sentence in the rape case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim Singh on Monday, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said today.

He said no loss of life was reported in any of the minor incidents reported in some parts of Punjab after the Dera chief was convicted by a CBI court at Panchkula in Haryana.

Following the conviction of the sect head yesterday, at least 30 people were killed and 250 injured in the widespread violence, arson and police firing in Haryana. 
Curfew has been lifted in three districts of Punjab and relaxed in the other areas, Amarinder said, but made it clear there would be no let-up in security in the state till after the pronouncement of quantum of sentence in the case.

He said his government would not allow anyone to spread bad blood in Punjab and if needed, curfew would be reinforced in sensitive areas of the state on Monday. 
Asserting that he would personally ensure peace in the state as long as he is in charge, the chief minister said it has been decided that ban on mobile data services would be extended till Tuesday.

Amarinder said police officials had visited all 98 &#39;Naam Charcha Ghars&#39; (congregation centres) of the Dera in the state and recovered lathis, pipes, rods, axes and petrol bombs.

Nineteen potential trouble-makers have been taken into preventive custody and the crackdown would continue ahead of the sentencing, he told reporters here, adding that many main leaders of the sect, who may instigate the followers, are being arrested.

Informing the media about the law and order situation in the state in the wake of yesterday&#39;s violence at Panchkula after Ram Rahim was convicted of rape by a CBI court, the Punjab chief minister said there had been no trouble anywhere since last night.

According to an official spokesperson security has been beefed up at central and state government offices, railways, other important buildings and public properties for Monday.

Patrolling in sensitive areas has been intensified, more checkpoints have been put in place and round-the-clock checking is in progress, the spokesperson said, adding flag marches were being conducted by paramilitary and police personnel in many areas.

&quot;Dera followers would not be allowed to gather at &#39;Naam Characha Ghars&#39;. Additional security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas with large number of Dera supporters and patrolling has been strengthened,&quot; the spokesperson said.

The Punjab Chief Minister expressed grief on the death of seven persons from Punjab in Panchkula violence, but made it clear that there was no loss of life in any of the minor incidents reported in some parts of the state yesterday.

Citing the data received from Haryana so far, Amarinder said 45 of the people injured in that violence were from Punjab and preparations have been made for cremation of the seven killed in the violence.

The DCs have been authorised to take decisions on enforcement of curfew in their respective districts, keeping in mind the situation on the ground, he said. 
The chief minister, who earlier held a review meeting with top administrative and police officials to assess the law and order situation, said that 39 criminal cases have been registered against perpetrators of violence in the state.

Around 52 minor incidents had been reported from parts of the state, with no loss of life or extensive damage anywhere, he said.

Responding to a question, Amarinder said he had directed the officials concerned to make a list of the property damaged in yesterday&#39;s violence and his government would submit the same to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which has directed that the cost of any such damage be recovered from the Dera.

The Chief Minister, who was planning to visit some of the affected areas of Punjab tomorrow, said Haryana&#39;s main fault was its failure to prevent gathering of such a large crowd in Panchkula and condemned attacks on the media during the violence in Panchkula yesterday.

Reacting to Haryana&#39;s reported allegation that Punjab did not stop vehicles carrying Dera followers from reaching Panchkula, Amarinder said the Haryana government, at no point in time, approached the Punjab on this issue.

He said there had been no contact between him and Haryana Chief Minister Manihar Lal Khattar although the Punjab DGP had been in regular touch with his counterpart there.

All intelligence inputs received by the Punjab police had been shared with Haryana, the chief minister said.

Amarinder said he had spoken and written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and his government had also taken up the issue of additional safety for Punjab on August 13, giving everyone ample time to ensure fool-proof security.

About political patronage to such Deras, the chief minister said political parties have to take a decision about it at the national level and opined that it did not seem likely that political parties would support the Deras in the future.

To a question on restoration of trains and bus services in the state, he said it would depend on how soon Haryana is able to control the situation since the transportation had to pass through that state.

Punjab had no objection to restoration of bus and train services, Amarinder said.&nbsp;

He said no loss of life was reported in any of the minor incidents reported in some parts of Punjab

Security has been beefed up in Punjab ahead of pronouncement of quantum of sentence in the rape case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim Singh on Monday, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said today. He said no loss of life was reported in any of the minor incidents reported in some parts of Punjab after the Dera chief was convicted by a CBI court at Panchkula in Haryana. Following the conviction of the sect head yesterday, at least 30 people were killed and 250 injured in the widespread violence, arson and police firing in Haryana. Curfew has been lifted in three districts of Punjab and relaxed in the other areas, Amarinder said, but made it clear there would be no let-up in security in the state till after the pronouncement of quantum of sentence in the case. He said his government would not allow anyone to spread bad blood in Punjab and if needed, curfew would be reinforced in sensitive areas of the state on Monday. Asserting that he would personally ensure peace in the state as long as he is in charge, the chief minister said it has been decided that ban on mobile data services would be extended till Tuesday. Amarinder said police officials had visited all 98 'Naam Charcha Ghars' (congregation centres) of the Dera in the state and recovered lathis, pipes, rods, axes and petrol bombs. Nineteen potential trouble-makers have been taken into preventive custody and the crackdown would continue ahead of the sentencing, he told reporters here, adding that many main leaders of the sect, who may instigate the followers, are being arrested. Informing the media about the law and order situation in the state in the wake of yesterday's violence at Panchkula after Ram Rahim was convicted of rape by a CBI court, the Punjab chief minister said there had been no trouble anywhere since last night. According to an official spokesperson security has been beefed up at central and state government offices, railways, other important buildings and public properties for Monday. Patrolling in sensitive areas has been intensified, more checkpoints have been put in place and round-the-clock checking is in progress, the spokesperson said, adding flag marches were being conducted by paramilitary and police personnel in many areas. "Dera followers would not be allowed to gather at 'Naam Characha Ghars'. Additional security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas with large number of Dera supporters and patrolling has been strengthened," the spokesperson said. The Punjab Chief Minister expressed grief on the death of seven persons from Punjab in Panchkula violence, but made it clear that there was no loss of life in any of the minor incidents reported in some parts of the state yesterday. Citing the data received from Haryana so far, Amarinder said 45 of the people injured in that violence were from Punjab and preparations have been made for cremation of the seven killed in the violence. The DCs have been authorised to take decisions on enforcement of curfew in their respective districts, keeping in mind the situation on the ground, he said. The chief minister, who earlier held a review meeting with top administrative and police officials to assess the law and order situation, said that 39 criminal cases have been registered against perpetrators of violence in the state. Around 52 minor incidents had been reported from parts of the state, with no loss of life or extensive damage anywhere, he said. Responding to a question, Amarinder said he had directed the officials concerned to make a list of the property damaged in yesterday's violence and his government would submit the same to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which has directed that the cost of any such damage be recovered from the Dera. The Chief Minister, who was planning to visit some of the affected areas of Punjab tomorrow, said Haryana's main fault was its failure to prevent gathering of such a large crowd in Panchkula and condemned attacks on the media during the violence in Panchkula yesterday. Reacting to Haryana's reported allegation that Punjab did not stop vehicles carrying Dera followers from reaching Panchkula, Amarinder said the Haryana government, at no point in time, approached the Punjab on this issue. He said there had been no contact between him and Haryana Chief Minister Manihar Lal Khattar although the Punjab DGP had been in regular touch with his counterpart there. All intelligence inputs received by the Punjab police had been shared with Haryana, the chief minister said. Amarinder said he had spoken and written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and his government had also taken up the issue of additional safety for Punjab on August 13, giving everyone ample time to ensure fool-proof security. About political patronage to such Deras, the chief minister said political parties have to take a decision about it at the national level and opined that it did not seem likely that political parties would support the Deras in the future. To a question on restoration of trains and bus services in the state, he said it would depend on how soon Haryana is able to control the situation since the transportation had to pass through that state. Punjab had no objection to restoration of bus and train services, Amarinder said.

Security stepped up ahead of sentencing of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh: Punjab CM

Harsimrat Kaur, Minister in charge of Food Processing, spoke to WION on the eve of NDA completing three years in power at the Centre. Apart from speaking about her ministry&#39;s work, she also spoke freely on the issue of Kashmir and the Punjab debacle. 
 
Harsimrat Kaur admitted that country has not been able to integrate Kashmiris as a part of India and the issue needs to be addressed. &ldquo;Terrorism in Punjab ended because people said enough is enough. But interference of Pakistan in the state of Kashmir is tremendous,&rdquo; she added.&nbsp;

When asked about the Punjab debacle, she said that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal&#39;s pro-Khalistani campaign shifted urban voters away from them to the Congress Party. &quot;They felt afraid as they felt that Punjab was going back in time,&quot; she said. The Minister also directly attacked Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Punjab chief minister Captain Amrinder Singh on the issue of negative campaigning. &quot;When we were in power, the supply was uninterrupted but now the chief minister wants to sell power to Pakistan and people know why he has not lost love for Pakistan. When WION enquired further, she said,&quot; Pakistani friends live with Chief Minister Amrinder Singh at the cost of Punjab&rsquo;s exchequer. They are welcomed by him.&rdquo; Harsimrat Kaur also charged Amarinder for not meeting the Canadian defence minister when he came to Punjab. &quot;Sajjan has made us proud by becoming the defence minister of Canada and Amarinder refused to meet him, but in Canada he goes and attends Khalistani sammelans (gatherings)&quot;.

She admitted that the Shiromani Akali Dal could not wipe off the drug-centered campaign of the Congress Party. &quot;Punjab was projected as a drug haven. Rahul Gandhi&#39;s campaign impinged on our work. But my question to Amarinder is as to what has happened to his anti-drug campaign,&rdquo; she said.

Defending the move to close illegal abattoirs, she said that the government has only implemented the Supreme Court&rsquo;s verdict which previous governments weren&rsquo;t doing out of vote bank politics.&nbsp;

&quot;The issue of abattoir is environmental and should not be mixed with community politics,&quot; said Harsimrat Kaur.&nbsp;

She added by saying that she is opposed to vigilantism but till now she has not received any complaint from the meat processing industry in this context.

On the issue of governance, she said that three years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been reform oriented. &quot;We need to reduce food wastage and our attempt to build food processing clusters through the country is aimed at reducing wastage at the time of harvest and distribution,&rdquo; she said. It is for this end the ministry is also organising a World Food Summit in 2017 which intends to create world class infrastructure of food processing and storage in India. &ldquo;Our food processing policy will reduce inflationary pressure and our government is committed to it,&quot; she said.

(WION) 
&nbsp;

Harsimrat Kaur said the chief minister wants to sell power to Pakistan

Harsimrat Kaur, Minister in charge of Food Processing, spoke to WION on the eve of NDA completing three years in power at the Centre. Apart from speaking about her ministry's work, she also spoke freely on the issue of Kashmir and the Punjab debacle. Harsimrat Kaur admitted that country has not been able to integrate Kashmiris as a part of India and the issue needs to be addressed. “Terrorism in Punjab ended because people said enough is enough. But interference of Pakistan in the state of Kashmir is tremendous,” she added. When asked about the Punjab debacle, she said that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's pro-Khalistani campaign shifted urban voters away from them to the Congress Party. "They felt afraid as they felt that Punjab was going back in time," she said. The Minister also directly attacked Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Punjab chief minister Captain Amrinder Singh on the issue of negative campaigning. "When we were in power, the supply was uninterrupted but now the chief minister wants to sell power to Pakistan and people know why he has not lost love for Pakistan. When WION enquired further, she said," Pakistani friends live with Chief Minister Amrinder Singh at the cost of Punjab’s exchequer. They are welcomed by him.” Harsimrat Kaur also charged Amarinder for not meeting the Canadian defence minister when he came to Punjab. "Sajjan has made us proud by becoming the defence minister of Canada and Amarinder refused to meet him, but in Canada he goes and attends Khalistani sammelans (gatherings)". She admitted that the Shiromani Akali Dal could not wipe off the drug-centered campaign of the Congress Party. "Punjab was projected as a drug haven. Rahul Gandhi's campaign impinged on our work. But my question to Amarinder is as to what has happened to his anti-drug campaign,” she said. Defending the move to close illegal abattoirs, she said that the government has only implemented the Supreme Court’s verdict which previous governments weren’t doing out of vote bank politics. "The issue of abattoir is environmental and should not be mixed with community politics," said Harsimrat Kaur. She added by saying that she is opposed to vigilantism but till now she has not received any complaint from the meat processing industry in this context. On the issue of governance, she said that three years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been reform oriented. "We need to reduce food wastage and our attempt to build food processing clusters through the country is aimed at reducing wastage at the time of harvest and distribution,” she said. It is for this end the ministry is also organising a World Food Summit in 2017 which intends to create world class infrastructure of food processing and storage in India. “Our food processing policy will reduce inflationary pressure and our government is committed to it," she said. (WION)

WION Exclusive: Amarinder?s Pakistani friends are living off Punjab's exchequer, says Harsimrat Kaur

The new Congress president should be appointed through consensus and not election as it helps to bind the party and Rahul Gandhi is certainly up to it, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said today.

He also said that it was up to Sonia Gandhi whether she will continue as party chief for another term and the party will be happy if she decides so.

Amarinder, however, favoured projection of regional leaders in Congress and making them the party&#39;s face in each state ahead of assembly elections.

&quot;Elections are always bitter and consensus keeps the party together. There should be a consensus on the party president.

&quot;You don&#39;t have any bad blood. It is all happening in a happy way,&quot; he told PTI in an interview. The organisational election process within the Congress party is underway and the new party chief has to be elected by October 15.

On Sonia Gandhi, he said it will be entirely her call on whether to continue for another term till 2019.

&quot;She has worked very hard. If she wants to stay, I think the party will be too happy. If she wants to go, I think Rahul is in a position to take over... . As party Vice President, I have been dealing with him for 2-3 years, I find that he is certainly up to it,&quot; he said.

He, however, said his impression is that she feels she has done enough.

She has not had time off for the last 20 years, which is a long time, ever since she took over as party chief in 1997, Amarinder said.

Asked whether he prefers someone other that a member of the Gandhi family to lead the party, he said traditionally the Congress has been headed by a member of the Nehru Gandhi family.

From Motilal Nehru to Jawaharlal Nehru and then Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, except for some leaders in between, he said.

&quot;I am going to vote for Rahul. Who else do we have,&quot; he said.

Asked what is holding Rahul back from taking over, the Punjab leader said he is already going through the process.

&quot;I think one must not write off Rahul. People are trying to write him off. They are trying to fob him off, calling him childish names. That is unnecessary. I think he is very perceptive and very decisive,&quot; he said.

On promoting regional talent within the party, Amarinder said every state has regional leaders unlike in the past and the Congress has to project them ahead of elections, as people these days vote for a face.

He said all states have regional parties and regional leaders and everyone knows if they win, who will be the chief minister. This was not the case earlier when it was Jan Sangh or Congress.

&quot;So you should have to have a face. Congress must come down to this point. If Himachal is tomorrow, then who is the face. This is very important today,&quot; he said and cited his own case.

Singh was named the CM candidate by the party ahead of the Punjab assembly election, in a departure from tradition.

&quot;You must project a leader in advance. Look at me, the whole campaign was focused on me. Projection is important,&quot; he said, adding that the Congress has no dearth of young leaders in every state and cited some names too.

&quot;You cannot write off Congress like this. I am sure other states must be having leaders also,&quot; he said. 
On the current state of affairs in the Congress, which has lost one election after another except Punjab, the state chief minister said he is not worried about the situation as the country moved in a cycle, which will soon reverse.

&quot;Today there may be an upswing for BJP, but who knows two years hence,&quot; he said.

Amarinder said India has so many problems and people are hoping for somebody who does better and if one does not deliver, they choose the other the next time.

He also cited Arvind Kejriwala&#39;s example, whose party was rejected by voters in the civic polls in Delhi.

&quot;You see Mr Kejriwal being pushed out. Because they feel he has not delivered. So delivery is important,&quot; he said.

Having spent around five decades in politics, the Punjab chief minister said he has seen ups and downs including the time when the Congress &quot;won only one state and one seat in the whole of North India of Karan Singh&quot;.

&quot;This was when Indira Gandhi lost, Sanjay Gandhi and I also lost. Then suddenly in two years we bounced back again. I am not worried about this. This is a cycle that happens in this country,&quot; he said, recollecting times when Indira Gandhi was at the helm.

Amarinder, who also holds the post of Punjab Congress chief, has also asked Rahul Gandhi to relieve him from the party post saying he will not be able to do justice to the job.

(PTI)

The Punjab chief minister said the new president of the party should be appointed through consensus and not election

The new Congress president should be appointed through consensus and not election as it helps to bind the party and Rahul Gandhi is certainly up to it, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said today. He also said that it was up to Sonia Gandhi whether she will continue as party chief for another term and the party will be happy if she decides so. Amarinder, however, favoured projection of regional leaders in Congress and making them the party's face in each state ahead of assembly elections. "Elections are always bitter and consensus keeps the party together. There should be a consensus on the party president. "You don't have any bad blood. It is all happening in a happy way," he told PTI in an interview. The organisational election process within the Congress party is underway and the new party chief has to be elected by October 15. On Sonia Gandhi, he said it will be entirely her call on whether to continue for another term till 2019. "She has worked very hard. If she wants to stay, I think the party will be too happy. If she wants to go, I think Rahul is in a position to take over... . As party Vice President, I have been dealing with him for 2-3 years, I find that he is certainly up to it," he said. He, however, said his impression is that she feels she has done enough. She has not had time off for the last 20 years, which is a long time, ever since she took over as party chief in 1997, Amarinder said. Asked whether he prefers someone other that a member of the Gandhi family to lead the party, he said traditionally the Congress has been headed by a member of the Nehru Gandhi family. From Motilal Nehru to Jawaharlal Nehru and then Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, except for some leaders in between, he said. "I am going to vote for Rahul. Who else do we have," he said. Asked what is holding Rahul back from taking over, the Punjab leader said he is already going through the process. "I think one must not write off Rahul. People are trying to write him off. They are trying to fob him off, calling him childish names. That is unnecessary. I think he is very perceptive and very decisive," he said. On promoting regional talent within the party, Amarinder said every state has regional leaders unlike in the past and the Congress has to project them ahead of elections, as people these days vote for a face. He said all states have regional parties and regional leaders and everyone knows if they win, who will be the chief minister. This was not the case earlier when it was Jan Sangh or Congress. "So you should have to have a face. Congress must come down to this point. If Himachal is tomorrow, then who is the face. This is very important today," he said and cited his own case. Singh was named the CM candidate by the party ahead of the Punjab assembly election, in a departure from tradition. "You must project a leader in advance. Look at me, the whole campaign was focused on me. Projection is important," he said, adding that the Congress has no dearth of young leaders in every state and cited some names too. "You cannot write off Congress like this. I am sure other states must be having leaders also," he said. On the current state of affairs in the Congress, which has lost one election after another except Punjab, the state chief minister said he is not worried about the situation as the country moved in a cycle, which will soon reverse. "Today there may be an upswing for BJP, but who knows two years hence," he said. Amarinder said India has so many problems and people are hoping for somebody who does better and if one does not deliver, they choose the other the next time. He also cited Arvind Kejriwala's example, whose party was rejected by voters in the civic polls in Delhi. "You see Mr Kejriwal being pushed out. Because they feel he has not delivered. So delivery is important," he said. Having spent around five decades in politics, the Punjab chief minister said he has seen ups and downs including the time when the Congress "won only one state and one seat in the whole of North India of Karan Singh". "This was when Indira Gandhi lost, Sanjay Gandhi and I also lost. Then suddenly in two years we bounced back again. I am not worried about this. This is a cycle that happens in this country," he said, recollecting times when Indira Gandhi was at the helm. Amarinder, who also holds the post of Punjab Congress chief, has also asked Rahul Gandhi to relieve him from the party post saying he will not be able to do justice to the job. (PTI)

New Congress president should be appointed through consensus: Amarinder Singh

The newly-formed Punjab government faces its first bout of upheaval as two key members of the administration are set on a collision course.

Amarinder Singh, the political head of Punjab, said senior leader Navjyot Singh Sidhu might have to be replaced as the minister of culture if he continues with his television career, NDTV reported.

&quot;If it is possible we have no objection... why will we? In this case, we will have to do only one thing...since he is also Minister of Culture, we have may have to change his portfolio,&quot; Singh said in Delhi.

Singh, known as &quot;Captain&quot;, said he was awaiting&nbsp;Attorney General Atul Nanda&#39;s counsel before any decision is taken.

His comments come&nbsp;after Sidhu categorically stated he had no desire to quit TV despite him being made the culture minister of Punjab.

&quot;If I work four days a month, 7 pm to 6 am, why are people getting a stomach ache?&quot; Sidhu had retorted.

&quot;I have no liquor, sand mining or transport business like former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. I earn a living through TV shows and I will be in Chandigarh from Monday to Thursday and in Amritsar from Friday to Sunday,&quot; Press Trust of India quoted him as saying.

The former cricketer had said that though he respected Captain, he didn&#39;t see why his appearances on TV would be deemed as an office for profit.

The 53-year-old politician has a regular spot on the popular &#39;Kapil Sharma Show&#39;.

Sidhu had left Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s Bharatiya Janata Party to join the Congress months before elections took place in India&#39;s northern state.

(WION)

&nbsp;

CM Amarinder Singh said Navjyot Singh Sidhu may be replaced as the minister of culture if he continues with his television career

The newly-formed Punjab government faces its first bout of upheaval as two key members of the administration are set on a collision course. Amarinder Singh, the political head of Punjab, said senior leader Navjyot Singh Sidhu might have to be replaced as the minister of culture if he continues with his television career, NDTV reported. "If it is possible we have no objection... why will we? In this case, we will have to do only one thing...since he is also Minister of Culture, we have may have to change his portfolio," Singh said in Delhi. Singh, known as "Captain", said he was awaiting Attorney General Atul Nanda's counsel before any decision is taken. His comments come after Sidhu categorically stated he had no desire to quit TV despite him being made the culture minister of Punjab. "If I work four days a month, 7 pm to 6 am, why are people getting a stomach ache?" Sidhu had retorted. "I have no liquor, sand mining or transport business like former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. I earn a living through TV shows and I will be in Chandigarh from Monday to Thursday and in Amritsar from Friday to Sunday," Press Trust of India quoted him as saying. The former cricketer had said that though he respected Captain, he didn't see why his appearances on TV would be deemed as an office for profit. The 53-year-old politician has a regular spot on the popular 'Kapil Sharma Show'. Sidhu had left Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party to join the Congress months before elections took place in India's northern state. (WION)

Sidhu's decision of juggling ministry and TV questioned by Punjab CM

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said Thursday he had no objection to his colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu doing his television show, if that is his main source of income.&nbsp;

Sidhu, who holds the portfolios of Cultural Affairs, Archives and Museums in the newly-formed state government, has been criticised for his appearance in &quot;The Kapil Sharma Show&quot;. He has defended himself by saying that he does TV shows to support his family and run his home.

Amarinder Singh clarified that was waiting for the opinion of the state&#39;s top law officer since he was not aware of the legal aspects of the issue.

Punjab Advocate General Atul Nanda will reportedly deliver his verdict tonight (March 23) to the Chief Minister.

The Punjab chief minister&#39;s personal opinion was that Sidhu be allowed to make his living by continuing with his TV show, an official release on his behalf stated.&nbsp;

&quot;How does one live without adequate income?&quot; the press release said.

It added: Do they (those opposing Sidhu&#39;s appearance on the TV show) want to make ministers corrupt (by stopping them from earning their livelihood)?&quot;

The Chief Minister clarified that he did not personally think there was any conflict of interest, as stated by the Attorney General of India.

Amarinder Singh had earlier said he had no objection on Sidhu continuing with his television shows, but would change his portfolio of culture minister if it was in conflict with his show.

 
(WION with inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

Sidhu has been defending himself by saying that he does TV shows to support his family and run his home

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said Thursday he had no objection to his colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu doing his television show, if that is his main source of income. Sidhu, who holds the portfolios of Cultural Affairs, Archives and Museums in the newly-formed state government, has been criticised for his appearance in "The Kapil Sharma Show". He has defended himself by saying that he does TV shows to support his family and run his home. Amarinder Singh clarified that was waiting for the opinion of the state's top law officer since he was not aware of the legal aspects of the issue. Punjab Advocate General Atul Nanda will reportedly deliver his verdict tonight (March 23) to the Chief Minister. The Punjab chief minister's personal opinion was that Sidhu be allowed to make his living by continuing with his TV show, an official release on his behalf stated. "How does one live without adequate income?" the press release said. It added: Do they (those opposing Sidhu's appearance on the TV show) want to make ministers corrupt (by stopping them from earning their livelihood)?" The Chief Minister clarified that he did not personally think there was any conflict of interest, as stated by the Attorney General of India. Amarinder Singh had earlier said he had no objection on Sidhu continuing with his television shows, but would change his portfolio of culture minister if it was in conflict with his show. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Amarinder Singh's go-ahead to Sidhu: Can do TV if it's main source of income

Punjab&#39;s newly-elected Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said Wednesday that he may change his colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu&#39;s&nbsp;portfolio if the state&#39;s top law officer so advises.

Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu has often been criticised for his appearance on the popular TV show &quot;Comedy Nights with Kapil (2013&ndash;16) and now on The Kapil Sharma Show (since 2016).

Asked about his cabinet minister&#39;s decision to continue with the TV show, the chief minister said that people could have professions and run their own businesses, the government had asked the state&#39;s top law official for an opinion.

&quot;He is earning his own keep. What objection can we have to someone earning his own money by his own means? People can have professions and run businesses. However, we have asked the Punjab Advocate General Ashok Aggarwal for an opinion and may change Sidhu&#39;s portfolio as Culture and Tourism Minister, if we are advised to,&quot; he said.

Amarinder Singh also said he would ask Congress president Sonia Gandhi to appoint someone else as the state party president since, as the chief minister, he could not handle both posts.

&quot;Let Congress president Sonia Gandhi return. I will request her to choose someone else since I, as the Chief Minister of Punjab, cannot handle both the positions.&quot;

Amarinder Singh is on his first visit to the national capital since taking charge as chief minister.

He is holding a series of meetings with government&#39;s top brass.

He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and asked him to extend the farmers&#39; loan waivers in Uttar Pradesh to Punjab.&nbsp;

&quot;I mentioned the debt waiver issue to the Prime Minister. It was an extension of the demand we made earlier when we had gone to meet the Prime Minister as part of a Congress delegation led by party vice-president Rahul Gandhi. I said the debt loan waiver should be extended to Punjab farmers along the lines of Uttar Pradesh,&quot; Singh said after his meeting.

This was his first meeting with the Prime Minister after becoming the chief minister. 
 
(WION with inputs from ANI)

Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu has often been criticised for his appearance on 'The Kapil Sharma Show'

Punjab's newly-elected Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said Wednesday that he may change his colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu's portfolio if the state's top law officer so advises. Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu has often been criticised for his appearance on the popular TV show "Comedy Nights with Kapil (2013–16) and now on The Kapil Sharma Show (since 2016). Asked about his cabinet minister's decision to continue with the TV show, the chief minister said that people could have professions and run their own businesses, the government had asked the state's top law official for an opinion. "He is earning his own keep. What objection can we have to someone earning his own money by his own means? People can have professions and run businesses. However, we have asked the Punjab Advocate General Ashok Aggarwal for an opinion and may change Sidhu's portfolio as Culture and Tourism Minister, if we are advised to," he said. Amarinder Singh also said he would ask Congress president Sonia Gandhi to appoint someone else as the state party president since, as the chief minister, he could not handle both posts. "Let Congress president Sonia Gandhi return. I will request her to choose someone else since I, as the Chief Minister of Punjab, cannot handle both the positions." Amarinder Singh is on his first visit to the national capital since taking charge as chief minister. He is holding a series of meetings with government's top brass. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and asked him to extend the farmers' loan waivers in Uttar Pradesh to Punjab. "I mentioned the debt waiver issue to the Prime Minister. It was an extension of the demand we made earlier when we had gone to meet the Prime Minister as part of a Congress delegation led by party vice-president Rahul Gandhi. I said the debt loan waiver should be extended to Punjab farmers along the lines of Uttar Pradesh," Singh said after his meeting. This was his first meeting with the Prime Minister after becoming the chief minister. (WION with inputs from ANI)

Sidhu may have to stop TV shows if he wants to retain tourism ministry: Amarinder Singh

Captain Amarinder Singh will take oath as the chief minister of Punjab at a swearing-in ceremony today morning.

The 77-year-old, who has been credited with the Congress&#39;s big win in the recently-concluded state assembly elections, will take oath at 10 am today.

Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore will administer the oath of office to the chief minister-designate and his team of cabinet ministers at the Governor&#39;s House (Punjab Bhawan).

Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who joined the Congress just a month before the elections, is also likely to be given a Cabinet berth. He is reportedly keen on the post of deputy CM. Congress leaders, however, are reportedly against Sidhu&#39;s elevation given that he recently joined the party and that they don&#39;t see a point in both top posts being taken by leaders from the same belt (Malwa).

Other prominent faces from the state who are likely to be inducted include industrialist Rana Gurjit Singh, former Punjab mfinance minister Manpreet Singh Badal, Muslim community leader Razia Sultana and Aruna Chaudhary.

The Congress formally elected Amarinder Singh as the head of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) last Sunday. Amarinder Singh later met the governor and staked his claim to form the next government in the state.

This is the second time that he will helm the Northern Indian state. He was previously chief minister from 2002-2007.

The Congress came back to power winning 77 seats in the 117-member state assembly riding a strong anti-incumbency wave against the ruling SAD-BJP combine which won just 18 seats.&nbsp;

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal&#39;s Aam Aadmi Party, which debuted in Punjab for the first time, picked up just 22 seats.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore will administer the oath of office to the chief minister-designate and his team at 10 am today

Captain Amarinder Singh will take oath as the chief minister of Punjab at a swearing-in ceremony today morning. The 77-year-old, who has been credited with the Congress's big win in the recently-concluded state assembly elections, will take oath at 10 am today. Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore will administer the oath of office to the chief minister-designate and his team of cabinet ministers at the Governor's House (Punjab Bhawan). Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who joined the Congress just a month before the elections, is also likely to be given a Cabinet berth. He is reportedly keen on the post of deputy CM. Congress leaders, however, are reportedly against Sidhu's elevation given that he recently joined the party and that they don't see a point in both top posts being taken by leaders from the same belt (Malwa). Other prominent faces from the state who are likely to be inducted include industrialist Rana Gurjit Singh, former Punjab mfinance minister Manpreet Singh Badal, Muslim community leader Razia Sultana and Aruna Chaudhary. The Congress formally elected Amarinder Singh as the head of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) last Sunday. Amarinder Singh later met the governor and staked his claim to form the next government in the state. This is the second time that he will helm the Northern Indian state. He was previously chief minister from 2002-2007. The Congress came back to power winning 77 seats in the 117-member state assembly riding a strong anti-incumbency wave against the ruling SAD-BJP combine which won just 18 seats. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party, which debuted in Punjab for the first time, picked up just 22 seats. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Captain Amarinder Singh to be sworn in as Punjab chief minister today, Navjot Singh Sidhu likely to get cabinet berth

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today officially announced Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh as the party&#39;s chief ministerial face in the upcoming polls in the state.

&quot;Punjab will be run by its people. I want to tell you that Punjab&#39;s chief minister will be from Punjab and Punjab&#39;s chief minister is sitting here. Amarinder Singh is Punjab&#39;s chief ministerial candidate and he will be Punjab&#39;s chief minister,&quot; Rahul said while addressing a rally in the pocket-borough of Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia.

&quot;Amarinder Singh has given his blood and sweat for Punjab. He has worked day and night for the development of Punjab. He has always worked for the Punjabi and Sardar community. He is going to be our chief minister,&quot; Rahul said.

He also attacked the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and said the state was under the monopoly of the Badal family. He accused the Badals of accusing them of &quot;plunder, corruption&quot; and &quot;exodus&quot; of the industries to other states.

74-year-old Amarinder, who is fighting his last election, will be the next Chief Minister (CM), if the party forms government in Punjab. Captain Amarinder Singh is all set to fight the assembly elections against the SAD chief and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal from Lambi.

Rahul Gandhi said Punjab will not be run by &quot;remote control&quot;, taking a veiled dig at AAP chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of wanting to become the chief minister of Delhi and Punjab at the same time.

The Congress vice-president has also said that if his party comes to power, the government will bring a law to deal with the drug menace in the state.

&quot;I just want to say a few things, we (Congress) will form such laws and a government against drugs in Punjab, that will make everyone shiver at the first thought of drugs,&quot; he said.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Bikram Singh Majithia is seeking re-election for the third time from Majitha constituency. Congress has fielded Sukhjinder Raj Singh against him.

Punjab goes to polls for 117 seats in a single-phase on February 4. Counting will be held on March 1.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lead the election campaign of the Akali-BJP coalition in Punjab today. He addressed a rally in the city of Jalandhar and was accompanied by CM Parkash Singh Badal. Badal slammed the Congress for its &quot;divide and rule&quot; strategy for the upcoming elections. Modi praised the Badals for their governance and said the people of Punjab wanted them back in power.

The BJP&#39;s Punjab manifesto focuses on implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), physical infrastructure, poverty elimination, education, and health care.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

The Congress vice-president, PM Modi and chief minister Parkash Singh Badal addressed election rallies in the state today

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today officially announced Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh as the party's chief ministerial face in the upcoming polls in the state. "Punjab will be run by its people. I want to tell you that Punjab's chief minister will be from Punjab and Punjab's chief minister is sitting here. Amarinder Singh is Punjab's chief ministerial candidate and he will be Punjab's chief minister," Rahul said while addressing a rally in the pocket-borough of Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia. "Amarinder Singh has given his blood and sweat for Punjab. He has worked day and night for the development of Punjab. He has always worked for the Punjabi and Sardar community. He is going to be our chief minister," Rahul said. He also attacked the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and said the state was under the monopoly of the Badal family. He accused the Badals of accusing them of "plunder, corruption" and "exodus" of the industries to other states. 74-year-old Amarinder, who is fighting his last election, will be the next Chief Minister (CM), if the party forms government in Punjab. Captain Amarinder Singh is all set to fight the assembly elections against the SAD chief and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal from Lambi. Rahul Gandhi said Punjab will not be run by "remote control", taking a veiled dig at AAP chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of wanting to become the chief minister of Delhi and Punjab at the same time. The Congress vice-president has also said that if his party comes to power, the government will bring a law to deal with the drug menace in the state. "I just want to say a few things, we (Congress) will form such laws and a government against drugs in Punjab, that will make everyone shiver at the first thought of drugs," he said. Punjab Cabinet Minister Bikram Singh Majithia is seeking re-election for the third time from Majitha constituency. Congress has fielded Sukhjinder Raj Singh against him. Punjab goes to polls for 117 seats in a single-phase on February 4. Counting will be held on March 1. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lead the election campaign of the Akali-BJP coalition in Punjab today. He addressed a rally in the city of Jalandhar and was accompanied by CM Parkash Singh Badal. Badal slammed the Congress for its "divide and rule" strategy for the upcoming elections. Modi praised the Badals for their governance and said the people of Punjab wanted them back in power. The BJP's Punjab manifesto focuses on implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), physical infrastructure, poverty elimination, education, and health care. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi names Amarinder Singh as chief ministerial candidate for Punjab polls

Former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh&#39;s daughter Gurkanwal Kaur joined the BJP Saturday ahead of the crucial regional elections in India&#39;s northern Punjab state.

Kaur was a former minister of state for social welfare as well as parliamentary secretary in the Amarinder Singh government from 2002 to 2007.

Kaur said she left Congress because they failed to recognise her work.&nbsp;

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Have worked in Congress, but they never recognised my work &amp; instead ignored me: Gurkanwal Kaur,daughter of Beant Singh <a href="https://t.co/UhvkQ1vz0p">pic.twitter.com/UhvkQ1vz0p</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/820291355033235456">January 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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She said she was &quot;impressed with the policies of the Narendra Modi-led federal BJP government&quot;. 
&nbsp;

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Impressed with the policies of Narendra Modi ji, really happy and thankful at this juncture: Gurkanwal Kaur on joining BJP <a href="https://t.co/3z9mGCaPb9">pic.twitter.com/3z9mGCaPb9</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/820290896298000385">January 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Sidhu defected from the BJP last September and is rumoured to join the Congress soon.

&quot;Sidhu will join Congress in a day or two. He has a big responsibility as he will canvass for the party across the state as a star campaigner,&quot; Sidhu&#39;s wife Navjot Kaur said on Friday.

Meanwhile, former Indian Army chief General Joginder Jaswant Singh also joined the BJP recently and is campaigning for the party in the state.

Punjab is set for a three-way fight between SAD-BJP combine, the Congress and new entrants AAP. The state goes to polls on February 4. 
 
(WION) 
&nbsp;

Gurkanwal Kaur was a former minister of state between 2002 and 2007

Former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh's daughter Gurkanwal Kaur joined the BJP Saturday ahead of the crucial regional elections in India's northern Punjab state. Kaur was a former minister of state for social welfare as well as parliamentary secretary in the Amarinder Singh government from 2002 to 2007. Kaur said she left Congress because they failed to recognise her work. Have worked in Congress, but they never recognised my work & instead ignored me: Gurkanwal Kaur,daughter of Beant Singh pic.twitter.com/UhvkQ1vz0p — ANI (@ANI_news) January 14, 2017 × She said she was "impressed with the policies of the Narendra Modi-led federal BJP government". Impressed with the policies of Narendra Modi ji, really happy and thankful at this juncture: Gurkanwal Kaur on joining BJP pic.twitter.com/3z9mGCaPb9 — ANI (@ANI_news) January 14, 2017 × Meanwhile, cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Sidhu defected from the BJP last September and is rumoured to join the Congress soon. "Sidhu will join Congress in a day or two. He has a big responsibility as he will canvass for the party across the state as a star campaigner," Sidhu's wife Navjot Kaur said on Friday. Meanwhile, former Indian Army chief General Joginder Jaswant Singh also joined the BJP recently and is campaigning for the party in the state. Punjab is set for a three-way fight between SAD-BJP combine, the Congress and new entrants AAP. The state goes to polls on February 4. (WION)

Ex-Punjab chief minister Beant Singh's daughter defects to BJP ahead of polls

Question: Will demonetisation affect elections in Punjab? 
Answer: They will affect Punjab. Absolutely. Villages. 10,700 villages and 7,000 aren&rsquo;t covered by the banking system. You find long queues in the city and villages. Bitterness is growing. Punjab has a short fuse and I can certainly tell you that Punjab will be impacted by the demonetisation. 
&nbsp; 
Question: How will you end the VVIP culture in Punjab? 
Answer: The police is working for 18 hours a day. We are going to make it 8 hours a day. They are red-eyed and exhausted and they don&rsquo;t even get a day off. When I travel. Every 200 yards, a man is standing with a danda (stick). The relics of the terrorist period need to go. I will change it. Over 10,000 policemen are on this change. They need to be deployed in the distict of policing and it needs to happen. 
&nbsp; 
Question: In the past 5 years, two episodes took place. Nabha and Pathankot. How do you see it? 
Answer: In Pathankot, foreign elements were involved and someone didn&rsquo;t do a proper job. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is looking into it. But for Nabha or Fazilka we came to know that a known crook was holding a meeting inside the jail. In Ropar they found 20 TV screens on the walls. The Nabha breakout was engineered by the government itself. DGP Punjab on record has said that 40 odd gangs are operating in Punjab and the breakout involved one of the gangs. And these gangs are used in elections. 
&nbsp; 
Question: Punjab has a very high debt rate and unemployment stands higher than the national average. How do you expect to control it? 
Answer: There is no agriculture or industrial policy. No industry has come up. Our situation is very bad. By time the new government comes up our debt would be lakh an 35 thousand crores. It is a revenue deficit state. We are in an economic mess. 
&nbsp; 
Question: SAD and BJP have spoken about the work they have done for the heritage sites. Is it symbolic or substantive? 
Answer: Working for a religion is a good thing to do. The cultural department handles it. I want Punjabi culture to be enhanced. The beautification of durbar sahib (Golden Temple) is very good. But it doesn&rsquo;t feed empty stomachs. 90 lakh youngsters don&rsquo;t have jobs. I want to give them jobs. I have promised one job per household. We have to revamp the agricultural policy. All are surplus money is going out because people don&rsquo;t have confidence in the government. 
&nbsp; 
Question: Drug is a major issue and how will you address it? 
Answer: Everybody knows that there is a problem. Puppy is the poppy husk. It is opium. One that is doing the damage is chitta. We will break the nexus. We will do it. 
&nbsp; 
Question: How? 
Answer: We know it. Police knows it. Everyone knows it. We will break the nexus. We will catch these fellows and put them behind the bars. 
&nbsp; 
Question: Badal says that BSF isn&rsquo;t doing their job? 
Answer: They are the ones who are involved. It comes from Afghanistan. BSF is responsible as it is the first layer but the second layer is police. What are they doing? 
&nbsp; 
Question: How can you say that the Badals are responsible? 
Answer: I&rsquo;m talking about the Akalis. The Akalis are manufacturers and salesmen. Everything is through them. When I was MP (Member of Parliament) from Amritsar, I know there are mohallas (neighbourhoods) where there are no men left. You only have women and children. 
&nbsp; 
Question: Whom are you fighting against? 
Answer: Let me tell you that Akalis have slid. They don&rsquo;t exist anymore. Akali Dal President got stoned in his constituency. They did well and I didn&rsquo;t expect. They haven&rsquo;t functioned well in Delhi. Delhi is Punjabi city. Everything travels back home. Kejriwal&rsquo;s people are being tried in serious cases. In Punjab, they don&rsquo;t have an organisation. People from other states have been made incharge of the districts and 50,000 outsiders are being brought in to man the booths. Youth had hope in them but know they don&rsquo;t trust them. Our girls are being raped and that&rsquo;s what AAP people are doing who have come from out stations. 
&nbsp; 
Question: You cannot deny the fact that they got four seats during Lok Sabha elections 
Answer: Yes. Where are these MPs now. One has announced him as CM candidate. People have got disillusioned and people have moved away from them. 
&nbsp; 
Question: So you are saying that Kejriwal is not a threat to the Congress Party? 
Answer: I follow social media. There is no positive comment for Kejriwal by Punjabis. They have lost confidence in the chap. 
&nbsp; 
Question: Why did Congress absorb Sidhu? 
Answer: He belongs to the Congress family. He is not a BJP man. His father was in Patiala. When my mother went to Parliament my mother saw to it that his father became the district Congress president. I had watched him play cricket. He is a nice boy. These things happen. He is been through BJP and is disillusioned with them. 
&nbsp; 
Question: So are you saying that he is going to make any difference to the Congress party? 
Answer: When you are in battle you chose everyone. And yes he will contribute. We will use him in other seats as well. 
&nbsp; 
Question: What is your relationship with Rahul Gandhi? 
Answer: I have good relationship with him. We get on very well. 
&nbsp; 
Question: Is it correct that you had to arm twist him to become the face of the Congress in Punjab? 
Answer: That&rsquo;s not the case. You cannot arm twist anyone but then I did say that if you don&rsquo;t have need for me then I will have to find my own place as it is my last elections. I did say this. 
&nbsp; 
Question: Am I speaking to the future chief minister of Punjab? 
Answer: Well please ask Rahul Gandhi. My job is to bring the Congress back and I&#39;m going to ensure that it comes back. 
 
(WION)

Amarinder Singh said he would 'ensure that the Congress came back to power' in Punjab

Question: Will demonetisation affect elections in Punjab? Answer: They will affect Punjab. Absolutely. Villages. 10,700 villages and 7,000 aren’t covered by the banking system. You find long queues in the city and villages. Bitterness is growing. Punjab has a short fuse and I can certainly tell you that Punjab will be impacted by the demonetisation. Question: How will you end the VVIP culture in Punjab? Answer: The police is working for 18 hours a day. We are going to make it 8 hours a day. They are red-eyed and exhausted and they don’t even get a day off. When I travel. Every 200 yards, a man is standing with a danda (stick). The relics of the terrorist period need to go. I will change it. Over 10,000 policemen are on this change. They need to be deployed in the distict of policing and it needs to happen. Question: In the past 5 years, two episodes took place. Nabha and Pathankot. How do you see it? Answer: In Pathankot, foreign elements were involved and someone didn’t do a proper job. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is looking into it. But for Nabha or Fazilka we came to know that a known crook was holding a meeting inside the jail. In Ropar they found 20 TV screens on the walls. The Nabha breakout was engineered by the government itself. DGP Punjab on record has said that 40 odd gangs are operating in Punjab and the breakout involved one of the gangs. And these gangs are used in elections. Question: Punjab has a very high debt rate and unemployment stands higher than the national average. How do you expect to control it? Answer: There is no agriculture or industrial policy. No industry has come up. Our situation is very bad. By time the new government comes up our debt would be lakh an 35 thousand crores. It is a revenue deficit state. We are in an economic mess. Question: SAD and BJP have spoken about the work they have done for the heritage sites. Is it symbolic or substantive? Answer: Working for a religion is a good thing to do. The cultural department handles it. I want Punjabi culture to be enhanced. The beautification of durbar sahib (Golden Temple) is very good. But it doesn’t feed empty stomachs. 90 lakh youngsters don’t have jobs. I want to give them jobs. I have promised one job per household. We have to revamp the agricultural policy. All are surplus money is going out because people don’t have confidence in the government. Question: Drug is a major issue and how will you address it? Answer: Everybody knows that there is a problem. Puppy is the poppy husk. It is opium. One that is doing the damage is chitta. We will break the nexus. We will do it. Question: How? Answer: We know it. Police knows it. Everyone knows it. We will break the nexus. We will catch these fellows and put them behind the bars. Question: Badal says that BSF isn’t doing their job? Answer: They are the ones who are involved. It comes from Afghanistan. BSF is responsible as it is the first layer but the second layer is police. What are they doing? Question: How can you say that the Badals are responsible? Answer: I’m talking about the Akalis. The Akalis are manufacturers and salesmen. Everything is through them. When I was MP (Member of Parliament) from Amritsar, I know there are mohallas (neighbourhoods) where there are no men left. You only have women and children. Question: Whom are you fighting against? Answer: Let me tell you that Akalis have slid. They don’t exist anymore. Akali Dal President got stoned in his constituency. They did well and I didn’t expect. They haven’t functioned well in Delhi. Delhi is Punjabi city. Everything travels back home. Kejriwal’s people are being tried in serious cases. In Punjab, they don’t have an organisation. People from other states have been made incharge of the districts and 50,000 outsiders are being brought in to man the booths. Youth had hope in them but know they don’t trust them. Our girls are being raped and that’s what AAP people are doing who have come from out stations. Question: You cannot deny the fact that they got four seats during Lok Sabha elections Answer: Yes. Where are these MPs now. One has announced him as CM candidate. People have got disillusioned and people have moved away from them. Question: So you are saying that Kejriwal is not a threat to the Congress Party? Answer: I follow social media. There is no positive comment for Kejriwal by Punjabis. They have lost confidence in the chap. Question: Why did Congress absorb Sidhu? Answer: He belongs to the Congress family. He is not a BJP man. His father was in Patiala. When my mother went to Parliament my mother saw to it that his father became the district Congress president. I had watched him play cricket. He is a nice boy. These things happen. He is been through BJP and is disillusioned with them. Question: So are you saying that he is going to make any difference to the Congress party? Answer: When you are in battle you chose everyone. And yes he will contribute. We will use him in other seats as well. Question: What is your relationship with Rahul Gandhi? Answer: I have good relationship with him. We get on very well. Question: Is it correct that you had to arm twist him to become the face of the Congress in Punjab? Answer: That’s not the case. You cannot arm twist anyone but then I did say that if you don’t have need for me then I will have to find my own place as it is my last elections. I did say this. Question: Am I speaking to the future chief minister of Punjab? Answer: Well please ask Rahul Gandhi. My job is to bring the Congress back and I'm going to ensure that it comes back. (WION)

WION Exclusive: Former chief minister Amarinder Singh's poll promises ? Will break drug nexus, provide employment to youngsters

Taking a dig at the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bhartiya Janta Party (SAD-BJP) government in the Indian state of Punjab, former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh said that the alliance is responsible for wrecking the state&#39;s economy.&nbsp;

Dr Manmohan Singh &nbsp;released the Congress&#39; manifesto for the upcoming Punjab Assembly polls today.&nbsp;The manifesto promises loan waiver and free power to farmers, wiping out of drug trade within a month, stipend of Rs 2,500 per month to unemployed youth, free smart mobile phones to youth and free textbooks to all children.

The former prime minister expressed confidence that the leadership of the Congress&#39; chief ministerial candidate, Captain Amarinder Singh, will bring a better future for the state.

While lashing out at the state government for mismanaging the state, the Dr Singh told the media that &quot;the people of Punjab need a better tomorrow.&quot;

He further added that &quot;this election manifesto is a visionary document, which promises the people of Punjab that we will undo the damage done to the economy by the previous government in the last years&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;The government has not been able to harness the potential of the state,&quot; Dr Singh, who is the head of the Punjab manifesto committee said.

On the fiscal situation of Punjab&#39;s finances, the former prime minister, who is also an acclaimed economist, said that &quot;the fiscal mismanagement in Punjab under the present government is unprecedented.&quot;

He expressed hope that &quot;Amarinder Singh&#39;s government will undo all this damage and set a new path for a better tomorrow which will see that the people of Punjab will have the highest per capita income, better distribution of income, better employment prospects for the youth and better infrastructure and social structure development.&quot;

Speaking on the occasion, Captain Amarinder Singh&nbsp;promised jobs, a new industrial policy, and complete&nbsp;crackdown on the drug menace in the state

On the contentious issue of Sutlej-Yamuna link canal, he said that the state does&nbsp;not have any water to share and that a law will be passed for not sharing any of state&#39;s water when the new assembly convenes, PTI reported. &nbsp;

The former prime minister&#39;s last big intervention in Rajya Sabha on the issue of demonetisation had generated lot of attention because of its scathing criticism of the policy.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from ANI)

Dr Manmohan Singh, who is also an acclaimed economist, blamed the government for 'fiscal mismanagement'

Taking a dig at the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bhartiya Janta Party (SAD-BJP) government in the Indian state of Punjab, former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh said that the alliance is responsible for wrecking the state's economy. Dr Manmohan Singh released the Congress' manifesto for the upcoming Punjab Assembly polls today. The manifesto promises loan waiver and free power to farmers, wiping out of drug trade within a month, stipend of Rs 2,500 per month to unemployed youth, free smart mobile phones to youth and free textbooks to all children. The former prime minister expressed confidence that the leadership of the Congress' chief ministerial candidate, Captain Amarinder Singh, will bring a better future for the state. While lashing out at the state government for mismanaging the state, the Dr Singh told the media that "the people of Punjab need a better tomorrow." He further added that "this election manifesto is a visionary document, which promises the people of Punjab that we will undo the damage done to the economy by the previous government in the last years". "The government has not been able to harness the potential of the state," Dr Singh, who is the head of the Punjab manifesto committee said. On the fiscal situation of Punjab's finances, the former prime minister, who is also an acclaimed economist, said that "the fiscal mismanagement in Punjab under the present government is unprecedented." He expressed hope that "Amarinder Singh's government will undo all this damage and set a new path for a better tomorrow which will see that the people of Punjab will have the highest per capita income, better distribution of income, better employment prospects for the youth and better infrastructure and social structure development." Speaking on the occasion, Captain Amarinder Singh promised jobs, a new industrial policy, and complete crackdown on the drug menace in the state On the contentious issue of Sutlej-Yamuna link canal, he said that the state does not have any water to share and that a law will be passed for not sharing any of state's water when the new assembly convenes, PTI reported. The former prime minister's last big intervention in Rajya Sabha on the issue of demonetisation had generated lot of attention because of its scathing criticism of the policy. (WION with inputs from ANI)

India: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh hits out at ruling SAD-BJP govt, releases Punjab poll manifesto

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