A life-size sculpture of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who ruled over Punjab for four decades, is slated to be unveiled in Lahore on Thursday on the eve of his 180th death anniversary.&nbsp;

The statue of the Sikh leader is located outside the Sikh Gallary at famous Lahore Fort.

"This sculpture is a tribute and homage to the son of the soil," Tribune quoted Museum Director Faqir Saifuddin, as saying."

The sculpture is beautiful and very realistic with all characteristics of Maharaja Ranjit Singh," the creator of the sculpture said. Meanwhile, around 465 Indian Sikh pilgrims are expected to come to Lahore at Gurudawara Dera Sahib where Ranjit was cremated.

A life-size sculpture of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who ruled over Punjab for four decades, is slated to be unveiled in Lahore on Thursday on the eve of his 180th death anniversary.

A life-size sculpture of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who ruled over Punjab for four decades, is slated to be unveiled in Lahore on Thursday on the eve of his 180th death anniversary. The statue of the Sikh leader is located outside the Sikh Gallary at famous Lahore Fort. "This sculpture is a tribute and homage to the son of the soil," Tribune quoted Museum Director Faqir Saifuddin, as saying." The sculpture is beautiful and very realistic with all characteristics of Maharaja Ranjit Singh," the creator of the sculpture said. Meanwhile, around 465 Indian Sikh pilgrims are expected to come to Lahore at Gurudawara Dera Sahib where Ranjit was cremated.

Pakistan to unveil Maharaja Ranjit Singh statue

In Preet Nagar, an atmospheric enclave on the suburbs of Amritsar in Punjab, Meraj and Johan spend a weekend at what was once a creative commune where artists, musicians, and intellectuals co-habited. Meraj learns how to make pickle and pinnis while Johan learns how to fly a kite.

WION Traveller: S2, Episode 26- In Preet Nagar, an atmospheric enclave on the suburbs of Amritsar

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday tweeted out the revised list of portfolios of the Cabinet members after a minor reshuffle.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sharing the revised list of portfolios of my Cabinet colleagues after a minor reshuffle. Wish them all the best of luck as they take up their new assignments. I am confident that each decision they take will be in service to the people of Punjab. <a href="https://t.co/D21PfTbtsA">pic.twitter.com/D21PfTbtsA</a>
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder/status/1136628558598529024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu has been&nbsp;stripped off his urban development department.

Amarinder Singh previously said that he was unhappy with&nbsp;Sidhu's performance in urban areas in the Lok Sabha polls.

Sidhu was the Minister of Local Government, Tourism, Cultural Affairs, and Museums of the State of Punjab. After the reshuffle, he has now been given&nbsp;the Department of Power, New and Renewable Energy sources.

Earlier today Navjot Singh Sidhu skipped the first cabinet meeting after the elections and asserted he could not be "taken for granted".

"I cannot be taken for granted. I have been a performer throughout in 40 years of my life be it international cricket, or world-class commentary with Geoffrey Boycott, TV shows or motivational talks," Sidhu told reporters.

"My department is being singled out publicly. I always regard him as my elder I always listen to him. But it hurts and now where is the collective responsibility? He (Amarinder) could have called me and said anything he wanted to say," Sidhu added.

In the recently held general election, Congress won eight out of the 13 seats in Punjab.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday tweeted out the revised list of portfolios of the Cabinet members after a minor reshuffle. Sharing the revised list of portfolios of my Cabinet colleagues after a minor reshuffle.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday tweeted out the revised list of portfolios of the Cabinet members after a minor reshuffle. Sharing the revised list of portfolios of my Cabinet colleagues after a minor reshuffle. Wish them all the best of luck as they take up their new assignments. I am confident that each decision they take will be in service to the people of Punjab. pic.twitter.com/D21PfTbtsA — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) June 6, 2019 × Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu has been stripped off his urban development department. Amarinder Singh previously said that he was unhappy with Sidhu's performance in urban areas in the Lok Sabha polls. Sidhu was the Minister of Local Government, Tourism, Cultural Affairs, and Museums of the State of Punjab. After the reshuffle, he has now been given the Department of Power, New and Renewable Energy sources. Earlier today Navjot Singh Sidhu skipped the first cabinet meeting after the elections and asserted he could not be "taken for granted". "I cannot be taken for granted. I have been a performer throughout in 40 years of my life be it international cricket, or world-class commentary with Geoffrey Boycott, TV shows or motivational talks," Sidhu told reporters. "My department is being singled out publicly. I always regard him as my elder I always listen to him. But it hurts and now where is the collective responsibility? He (Amarinder) could have called me and said anything he wanted to say," Sidhu added. In the recently held general election, Congress won eight out of the 13 seats in Punjab.

Navjot Singh Sidhu given Power Ministry after Punjab CM Amarinder Singh's cabinet reshuffle

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar has resigned on Monday after he lost the Gurdaspur seat to Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) actor-turned-politician Sunny Deol.

In his resignation letter, Jakhar took moral responsibility for losing his seat and also party's poor performance in the state.

Jakhar said that he was unable to retain his seat despite the support from the Congress President, General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

Earlier today, the president of Assam unit of the Congress party, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/assam-congress-committee-president-resigns-post-humiliating-defeat-in-lok-sabha-polls-221861">Ripun Bora, also submitted his resignation</a> to party president Rahul Gandhi.

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar, party's Odisha unit chief Niranjan Patnaik and Karnataka state unit president HK Patil have already sent their resignations to Gandhi.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president

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Delhi Congress president Shiela Dikshit has also sent her resignation to the party chief.

The Congress is going through a crisis after its humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, where the voters gave a decisive mandate to BJP-led NDA to govern the country for the next five years.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi has himself offered to resign as party president, though the proposal was rejected during the party's working committee meeting.

(With inputs from agencies)

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar has resigned on Monday after he lost the Gurdaspur seat to Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) actor-turned-politician Sunny Deol. In his resignation letter, Jakhar took moral responsibility for losing his seat and also party's poor performance in the state.

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar has resigned on Monday after he lost the Gurdaspur seat to Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) actor-turned-politician Sunny Deol. In his resignation letter, Jakhar took moral responsibility for losing his seat and also party's poor performance in the state. Jakhar said that he was unable to retain his seat despite the support from the Congress President, General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. Earlier today, the president of Assam unit of the Congress party, Ripun Bora, also submitted his resignation to party president Rahul Gandhi. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar, party's Odisha unit chief Niranjan Patnaik and Karnataka state unit president HK Patil have already sent their resignations to Gandhi. Watch: Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president Delhi Congress president Shiela Dikshit has also sent her resignation to the party chief. The Congress is going through a crisis after its humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, where the voters gave a decisive mandate to BJP-led NDA to govern the country for the next five years. Rahul Gandhi has himself offered to resign as party president, though the proposal was rejected during the party's working committee meeting. (With inputs from agencies)

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar resigns after defeat

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Thursday said he intended to change the portfolio of cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for his "inept" handling of local bodies department.

Singh said he would approach the Congress high command over Sidhu's remarks on the sacrilege issue during sacrilege. A day before polling, Sidhu had raised questions on the probe into the desecration of religious texts in 2015.

Singh claimed that the remarks "might have affected the party's performance in Bathinda".

He said the urban vote bank had been the backbone of the party in the state but Sidhu's failure to do any development work had impacted the Congress, which had performed well this time in rural areas.

"I intend to change Sidhu's portfolio for the inept handling of his department," the chief minister said in a statement here.

Singh said it was wrong on his part to make the controversial remarks and the minister evidently did not understand that a special investigation team (SIT) had been set up to probe the sacrilege issue.

Asked if the party high command would agree to change Sidhu's portfolio, Singh said he had raised the issue with them some months ago and it was agreed that any decision in the matter would be taken after the Lok Sabha elections.

The chief minister said he was confident that not just party president Rahul Gandhi but even Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was believed to have a soft corner for Sidhu, would agree in the interest of the state and for strengthening the party.

Singh said Sidhu, who was the minister for local government, had not been able to handle his department and the Congress had performed poorly in urban areas in Punjab.

The chief minister said he intended to take up the issue with the party high command once things settled down, after the election results.&nbsp;

The chief minister said Sidhu's "yari and jhappi" (friendship and hugs) with the Pakistani army chief would not be tolerated, especially by Army personnel, who were being killed by the ISI-backed terrorists.

He also said the performance of the state ministers would be reviewed in the backdrop of the Lok Sabha results.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Thursday said he intended to change the portfolio of cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for his "inept" handling of local bodies department.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Thursday said he intended to change the portfolio of cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for his "inept" handling of local bodies department. Singh said he would approach the Congress high command over Sidhu's remarks on the sacrilege issue during sacrilege. A day before polling, Sidhu had raised questions on the probe into the desecration of religious texts in 2015. Singh claimed that the remarks "might have affected the party's performance in Bathinda". He said the urban vote bank had been the backbone of the party in the state but Sidhu's failure to do any development work had impacted the Congress, which had performed well this time in rural areas. "I intend to change Sidhu's portfolio for the inept handling of his department," the chief minister said in a statement here. Singh said it was wrong on his part to make the controversial remarks and the minister evidently did not understand that a special investigation team (SIT) had been set up to probe the sacrilege issue. Asked if the party high command would agree to change Sidhu's portfolio, Singh said he had raised the issue with them some months ago and it was agreed that any decision in the matter would be taken after the Lok Sabha elections. The chief minister said he was confident that not just party president Rahul Gandhi but even Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was believed to have a soft corner for Sidhu, would agree in the interest of the state and for strengthening the party. Singh said Sidhu, who was the minister for local government, had not been able to handle his department and the Congress had performed poorly in urban areas in Punjab. The chief minister said he intended to take up the issue with the party high command once things settled down, after the election results. The chief minister said Sidhu's "yari and jhappi" (friendship and hugs) with the Pakistani army chief would not be tolerated, especially by Army personnel, who were being killed by the ISI-backed terrorists. He also said the performance of the state ministers would be reviewed in the backdrop of the Lok Sabha results.

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh intends to change Sidhu's portfolio

Polling is being held in all 13 seats in Punjab and 13 in Uttar Pradesh, nine in West Bengal, eight seats each in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, four in Himachal Pradesh, three in Jharkhand and the lone seat in Chandigarh. Watch this video to know more.

India Votes: 13 seats in Punjab go to polls

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday said that he will "accept responsibility and resign" if the Congress party does not perform well in the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab.

"I would take responsibility and would quit if the Congress was wiped out in the state in these Lok Sabha elections. All ministers and MLAs have been made responsible for the Congress party`s performance in the state," the Chief Minister said in a statement.

"The party high command had decided to hold the ministers and legislators accountable for the victory/defeat of the Congress candidates. I am ready to take the same responsibility for the state but I am confident that Congress will sweep all Lok Sabha seats in Punjab," Amarinder said.

Amarinder Singh returned as chief minister of Punjab in 2017 after a decade rule of Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Congress had won 77 out of the 117 seats in assembly elections with a vote share 38.5 per cent. Singh`s first term as the chief minister of the state from 2002 to 2007.

Punjab will witness polling for its Lok Sabha seats on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday said that he will "accept responsibility and resign" if the Congress party does not perform well in the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday said that he will "accept responsibility and resign" if the Congress party does not perform well in the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab. "I would take responsibility and would quit if the Congress was wiped out in the state in these Lok Sabha elections. All ministers and MLAs have been made responsible for the Congress party`s performance in the state," the Chief Minister said in a statement. "The party high command had decided to hold the ministers and legislators accountable for the victory/defeat of the Congress candidates. I am ready to take the same responsibility for the state but I am confident that Congress will sweep all Lok Sabha seats in Punjab," Amarinder said. Amarinder Singh returned as chief minister of Punjab in 2017 after a decade rule of Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress had won 77 out of the 117 seats in assembly elections with a vote share 38.5 per cent. Singh`s first term as the chief minister of the state from 2002 to 2007. Punjab will witness polling for its Lok Sabha seats on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Will resign if Congress gets wiped out from Punjab: Amarinder Singh

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know Which are the Key Battles in Phase 7 in Lok Sabha Polls 2019. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Key Battles In Phase 7

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know What is The Battle For Punjab in Lok Sabha Polls 2019. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: The Battle For Punjab

The Election Commission of India (ECI), on Tuesday, announced a holiday on May 19, in view of the Parliamentary Constituency election in Punjab to facilitate voters to exercise their franchise to vote.

Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab, S Karuna Raju, said that the employees of the industrial establishment and commercial establishments were entitled to take a paid holiday on the polling day.

"As per the provisions of Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and instructions issued by the ECI, the employees of industrial establishments, commercial establishments, shops and establishments can have a paid holiday on the date of polling in Punjab on May 19," Raju told reporters here.

The Punjab Government also issued directions to ensure strict compliance of the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI) concerning observance of the 'Dry Day' period on the polling day of the Parliamentary Constituency poll in the state.

"As per the guidelines of the ECI, the sale of liquor will be prohibited in the state of Punjab 48 hours prior to the polling day and ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll i.e. 6 pm on May 19.

"Similarly, the prohibition on the sale of liquor in 3 kilometres of adjoining areas of neighbouring states will also be ensured through concerned departments of those states. These steps are aimed to stop any clandestine movement of liquor from those areas," he added.

These directions have been issued to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Financial Commissioners/Principal Secretaries, Administrative Secretaries, Director General of Police, Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Magistrates.

 
Punjab will see polling for all 13 Lok Sabha seats on May 19 in the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.

The Election Commission of India (ECI), on Tuesday, announced a holiday on May 19, in view of the Parliamentary Constituency election in Punjab to facilitate voters to exercise their franchise to vote.

The Election Commission of India (ECI), on Tuesday, announced a holiday on May 19, in view of the Parliamentary Constituency election in Punjab to facilitate voters to exercise their franchise to vote. Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab, S Karuna Raju, said that the employees of the industrial establishment and commercial establishments were entitled to take a paid holiday on the polling day. "As per the provisions of Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and instructions issued by the ECI, the employees of industrial establishments, commercial establishments, shops and establishments can have a paid holiday on the date of polling in Punjab on May 19," Raju told reporters here. The Punjab Government also issued directions to ensure strict compliance of the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI) concerning observance of the 'Dry Day' period on the polling day of the Parliamentary Constituency poll in the state. "As per the guidelines of the ECI, the sale of liquor will be prohibited in the state of Punjab 48 hours prior to the polling day and ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll i.e. 6 pm on May 19. "Similarly, the prohibition on the sale of liquor in 3 kilometres of adjoining areas of neighbouring states will also be ensured through concerned departments of those states. These steps are aimed to stop any clandestine movement of liquor from those areas," he added. These directions have been issued to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Financial Commissioners/Principal Secretaries, Administrative Secretaries, Director General of Police, Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Magistrates. Punjab will see polling for all 13 Lok Sabha seats on May 19 in the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission announces holiday in Punjab on May 19

Even as the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital and adjoining areas continues to deteriorate, the farmers in the agriculture belt of India continue to burn stubble in their farms.

Once such case came to the fore on Saturday after smoke emanating from stubble burning choked the commuters on the National Highway 5 near Shambhu barrier here.

In the fire, the wheat crop spread over hundreds of acres of land was reduced to ashes.

The threat of air pollution looms large over the national capital region as the harvest season has kicked in. As per the latest AQI data, the air quality of Delhi's Lodhi Road area showed levels of prominent pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 at 57 and 203, respectively.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

Following the directions of the Supreme Court last year, the Centre had approved a large sum of money for modern tools and technology to combat the problem of stubble burning.

A report issued by Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) in October last year, however, said poor farmers continue to practice stubble burning despite a ban as they have no other alternative, owing to shortage and high-prices of Happy Seeder Machines, a tractor-mounted machine that cuts and lifts stubble and straw.&nbsp;

Even as the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital and adjoining areas continues to deteriorate, the farmers in the agriculture belt of India continue to burn stubble in their farms.

Even as the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital and adjoining areas continues to deteriorate, the farmers in the agriculture belt of India continue to burn stubble in their farms. Once such case came to the fore on Saturday after smoke emanating from stubble burning choked the commuters on the National Highway 5 near Shambhu barrier here. In the fire, the wheat crop spread over hundreds of acres of land was reduced to ashes. The threat of air pollution looms large over the national capital region as the harvest season has kicked in. As per the latest AQI data, the air quality of Delhi's Lodhi Road area showed levels of prominent pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 at 57 and 203, respectively. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". Following the directions of the Supreme Court last year, the Centre had approved a large sum of money for modern tools and technology to combat the problem of stubble burning. A report issued by Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) in October last year, however, said poor farmers continue to practice stubble burning despite a ban as they have no other alternative, owing to shortage and high-prices of Happy Seeder Machines, a tractor-mounted machine that cuts and lifts stubble and straw.

Despite ban, farmers continue to burn stubble in Punjab

Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal Thursday dared Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to advise Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to fight Lok Sabha polls on issues like farm debt waiver, employment to youth and other "false" promises he made to people of the state.

Badal, the Akali candidate from the Bathinda parliamentary seat, threw an open challenge at Priyanka Gandhi a day after the Congress leader had challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fight the last two phases of the Lok Sabha election on the issue of the "false promises" he made to people.

"A daughter of Punjab is throwing an open challenge to you (Priyanka). You advise Amarinder Singh to fight polls in Punjab on the issue of the genocide of Sikhs and false promises like farm debt waiver, employment to youth, unemployment allowance and smartphones. There should be no double standards," She tweeted.&nbsp;

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has been accusing the Amarinder Singh-led government of reneging on its promises made during the 2017 assembly elections.

On Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi had held a roadshow in Delhi and said people of the city were tired of Modi's "purposeless talk".

"Being a Delhi girl, I challenge you to fight the last two phases of the Lok Sabha elections on the issues of demonetisation, GST, women's security and the false promises made to people of the country," Priyanka Gandhi had said during the roadshow.

Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal Thursday dared Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to advise Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to fight Lok Sabha polls on issues like farm debt waiver, employment to youth and other "false" promises he made to people of the state.

Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal Thursday dared Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to advise Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to fight Lok Sabha polls on issues like farm debt waiver, employment to youth and other "false" promises he made to people of the state. Badal, the Akali candidate from the Bathinda parliamentary seat, threw an open challenge at Priyanka Gandhi a day after the Congress leader had challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fight the last two phases of the Lok Sabha election on the issue of the "false promises" he made to people. "A daughter of Punjab is throwing an open challenge to you (Priyanka). You advise Amarinder Singh to fight polls in Punjab on the issue of the genocide of Sikhs and false promises like farm debt waiver, employment to youth, unemployment allowance and smartphones. There should be no double standards," She tweeted. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has been accusing the Amarinder Singh-led government of reneging on its promises made during the 2017 assembly elections. On Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi had held a roadshow in Delhi and said people of the city were tired of Modi's "purposeless talk". "Being a Delhi girl, I challenge you to fight the last two phases of the Lok Sabha elections on the issues of demonetisation, GST, women's security and the false promises made to people of the country," Priyanka Gandhi had said during the roadshow.

Ask Punjab CM to fight Lok Sabha polls on 'false' promises made to people: Harsimrat Kaur Badal to Priyanka Gandhi

Bollywood actor and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate,<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/sunny-deol-offers-prayers-at-dera-baba-nanak-gurdwara-215436&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLotuFoIniAhXM6nMBHUU-ApQQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1pwcZJ7G2R33581kze8z0o"> Sunny Deol</a> says he is focused on the task ahead and is not affected by his opponents dubbing him an "outsider". 
The BJP has pitted the 62-year-old actor against sitting MP and Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar from<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/sunny-deol-offers-prayers-at-dera-baba-nanak-gurdwara-215436&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjj3IunoIniAhVE6nMBHf7vAHIQFjADegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2disWGKQq2_p9_RVoOYkL4"> Gurdaspur.</a>

"People keep asking me this question (on rivals dubbing him an outsider) and I say, I am not here to reply to what all is being said.'' I have come here to work and serve the people, I have come here to do my job. My job is to understand my people, my constituency'', Deol said during his campaign trail here.

The son of veteran actor and former MP Dharmendra, Deol has been accused by the opposition of having no understanding about Punjab and has been termed an "outsider" and a "parachute" candidate. Waving at crowds from the sunroof of a Range Rover or from atop a mini-truck, Deol has been attracting a large number of people at his roadshows. He is being accompanied by leaders of the BJP and its ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

He said, if elected, he will never let the people down, and "never betray their trust. ''The love they have shown towards me is just overwhelming. I am that kind of person who likes to take peoples' sorrows and make them happy, this is my nature,''&nbsp;said Deol, who is famous for his hit films like 'Border', 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha', 'Ghayal' and 'Damini'.

"I am a newcomer, but I am 'Ziddi' (stubborn) and I will go on to achieve what I set out for,&nbsp;said the actor.' Ziddi' was one of his popular movies. I speak dialogues in films when I play a character in films, that is what I have been doing. In real life, I am what every person should be, which is truthful, hardworking and sincere in what one is doing.'' Rest, it is up to 'Waheguru', Deol said.

Congress candidate Jakhar has accused Deol of having no understating of Punjab's issues and asked him to share his vision for the Gurdaspur constituency, telling him that "politics is a serious business and not a time pass activity".

I am from Punjab and belong here,&nbsp;Deol said, adding that opponents may keep saying what they feel like but that does not affect him.&nbsp;There are many issues in Gurdaspur, mostly related to farmers and youth, he said and assured "I will look for solutions to these issues.

When asked why he chose the BJP, Deol said: ''I chose this party because I like Narendra Modi quite a lot, he has taken the nation forward during the past five years, our country has progressed."&nbsp;

"India's global prestige has increased under this government. We need a strong leader,&nbsp;he said. My father had connected with (the then prime minister, late Atal Bihari) Vajpayee Ji and now, I got an opportunity to connect with Modi Ji," Deol said.

The 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, including Gurdaspur, will go to polls in the seventh and final phase of polling on May 19. 
Jakhar won the seat in the 2017 bypoll, which was necessitated after the death of actor-turned-politician Vinod Khanna of the BJP in April that year.&nbsp;

Bollywood actor and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate, Sunny Deol says he is focused on the task ahead and is not affected by his opponents dubbing him an "outsider". The BJP has pitted the 62-year-old actor against sitting MP and Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar from Gurdaspur.

Bollywood actor and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate, Sunny Deol says he is focused on the task ahead and is not affected by his opponents dubbing him an "outsider". The BJP has pitted the 62-year-old actor against sitting MP and Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar from Gurdaspur. "People keep asking me this question (on rivals dubbing him an outsider) and I say, I am not here to reply to what all is being said.'' I have come here to work and serve the people, I have come here to do my job. My job is to understand my people, my constituency'', Deol said during his campaign trail here. The son of veteran actor and former MP Dharmendra, Deol has been accused by the opposition of having no understanding about Punjab and has been termed an "outsider" and a "parachute" candidate. Waving at crowds from the sunroof of a Range Rover or from atop a mini-truck, Deol has been attracting a large number of people at his roadshows. He is being accompanied by leaders of the BJP and its ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). He said, if elected, he will never let the people down, and "never betray their trust. ''The love they have shown towards me is just overwhelming. I am that kind of person who likes to take peoples' sorrows and make them happy, this is my nature,'' said Deol, who is famous for his hit films like 'Border', 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha', 'Ghayal' and 'Damini'. "I am a newcomer, but I am 'Ziddi' (stubborn) and I will go on to achieve what I set out for, said the actor.' Ziddi' was one of his popular movies. I speak dialogues in films when I play a character in films, that is what I have been doing. In real life, I am what every person should be, which is truthful, hardworking and sincere in what one is doing.'' Rest, it is up to 'Waheguru', Deol said. Congress candidate Jakhar has accused Deol of having no understating of Punjab's issues and asked him to share his vision for the Gurdaspur constituency, telling him that "politics is a serious business and not a time pass activity". I am from Punjab and belong here, Deol said, adding that opponents may keep saying what they feel like but that does not affect him. There are many issues in Gurdaspur, mostly related to farmers and youth, he said and assured "I will look for solutions to these issues. When asked why he chose the BJP, Deol said: ''I chose this party because I like Narendra Modi quite a lot, he has taken the nation forward during the past five years, our country has progressed." "India's global prestige has increased under this government. We need a strong leader, he said. My father had connected with (the then prime minister, late Atal Bihari) Vajpayee Ji and now, I got an opportunity to connect with Modi Ji," Deol said. The 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, including Gurdaspur, will go to polls in the seventh and final phase of polling on May 19. Jakhar won the seat in the 2017 bypoll, which was necessitated after the death of actor-turned-politician Vinod Khanna of the BJP in April that year.

Not affected by criticism of opponents, focused on task ahead: Sunny Deol

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-ipl-2019-match-52-punjab-vs-kolkata-at-is-bindra-stadium-215712">Kolkata defeated Punjab by seven wickets</a> in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Friday.&nbsp;

With this win, Kolkata has now moved on to the fifth position in the league standings with 12 points whereas Punjab is placed at the seventh position with 10 points.&nbsp;

Chasing a challenging total of 184, Kolkata got off to a good start as their opener Chris Lynn hammered the hosts for regular boundaries. Lynn (46) was at his fluent best but his innings was cut short by his fellow countrymen Andrew Tye.&nbsp;

Kolkata had scored 62 runs for the loss of one wicket after the completion of six overs.&nbsp;

Shubhman Gill and Robin Uthappa did not let the momentum slip away and they continued to pile on the misery on Punjab's bowlers.

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The duo stitched together a partnership of 38 runs but their resistance was cut short by Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin as he dismissed Uthappa (22).&nbsp;

Gill kept on going on his merry way and he brought up his half-century in the 13th over of the innings. He found support in the big-hitting Andre Russell and the duo put up a 50-run stand taking Kolkata closer to victory.&nbsp;

Russell (24) was dismissed by Shami in the 15th over with Kolkata requiring another 34 runs to win.&nbsp;

The skipper Dinesh Karthik came out to bat next for Kolkata and he, along with Gill ensured that the team does not suffer from any more hiccups.

The duo stitched together a partnership of ensuring Kolkata's victory by seven wickets and with 12 balls to spare. Gill and Karthik remained unbeaten on 65 and 21 respectively.&nbsp;

Earlier, Sam Curran's knock of 55 runs off just 24 balls helped Punjab post 183 runs on the board for the loss of six wickets in the allotted twenty overs.&nbsp;

Punjab got off to the worst start possible as they lost both their openers KL Rahul (2) and Chris Gayle (14) inside the first five overs. Sandeep Warrier sent both the batsmen back into the pavilion, reducing Punjab to 22 for two.&nbsp;

Nicholas Pooran came out to bat at number four and he started to play with an aggressive mindset from the very start.

He along with Mayank Agarwal retrieved the innings for Punjab as the duo put on a quickfire 69-run stand, but the partnership was cut short as Nitish Rana dismissed Pooran (48) in the 11th over.&nbsp;

Agarwal (36) was also sent back to the pavilion via a run-out and Punjab was reduced to 115 for four at the end of fourteen overs.&nbsp;

Sam Curran gave Punjab some firepower in the death overs and he hammered the visitors for regular boundaries.&nbsp;

Although Kolkata kept scalping wickets at the other end, they were not able to bog down Curran and he ensured that Punjab posts a challenging total on the board. Curran remained unbeaten on 55 at the end of the innings.&nbsp;

Punjab will next play against Chennai whereas Kolkata will take on Mumbai on May 5.&nbsp;

Kolkata defeated Punjab by seven wickets in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Friday. With this win, Kolkata has now moved on to the fifth position in the league standings with 12 points whereas Punjab is placed at the seventh position with 10 points.

Kolkata defeated Punjab by seven wickets in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Friday. With this win, Kolkata has now moved on to the fifth position in the league standings with 12 points whereas Punjab is placed at the seventh position with 10 points. Chasing a challenging total of 184, Kolkata got off to a good start as their opener Chris Lynn hammered the hosts for regular boundaries. Lynn (46) was at his fluent best but his innings was cut short by his fellow countrymen Andrew Tye. Kolkata had scored 62 runs for the loss of one wicket after the completion of six overs. Shubhman Gill and Robin Uthappa did not let the momentum slip away and they continued to pile on the misery on Punjab's bowlers. 🤜🤛#KKR pic.twitter.com/yGnu8enbYU — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 3, 2019 × The duo stitched together a partnership of 38 runs but their resistance was cut short by Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin as he dismissed Uthappa (22). Gill kept on going on his merry way and he brought up his half-century in the 13th over of the innings. He found support in the big-hitting Andre Russell and the duo put up a 50-run stand taking Kolkata closer to victory. Russell (24) was dismissed by Shami in the 15th over with Kolkata requiring another 34 runs to win. The skipper Dinesh Karthik came out to bat next for Kolkata and he, along with Gill ensured that the team does not suffer from any more hiccups. The duo stitched together a partnership of ensuring Kolkata's victory by seven wickets and with 12 balls to spare. Gill and Karthik remained unbeaten on 65 and 21 respectively. Earlier, Sam Curran's knock of 55 runs off just 24 balls helped Punjab post 183 runs on the board for the loss of six wickets in the allotted twenty overs. Punjab got off to the worst start possible as they lost both their openers KL Rahul (2) and Chris Gayle (14) inside the first five overs. Sandeep Warrier sent both the batsmen back into the pavilion, reducing Punjab to 22 for two. Nicholas Pooran came out to bat at number four and he started to play with an aggressive mindset from the very start. He along with Mayank Agarwal retrieved the innings for Punjab as the duo put on a quickfire 69-run stand, but the partnership was cut short as Nitish Rana dismissed Pooran (48) in the 11th over. Agarwal (36) was also sent back to the pavilion via a run-out and Punjab was reduced to 115 for four at the end of fourteen overs. Sam Curran gave Punjab some firepower in the death overs and he hammered the visitors for regular boundaries. Although Kolkata kept scalping wickets at the other end, they were not able to bog down Curran and he ensured that Punjab posts a challenging total on the board. Curran remained unbeaten on 55 at the end of the innings. Punjab will next play against Chennai whereas Kolkata will take on Mumbai on May 5.

IPL 2019: Kolkata defeat Punjab by seven wickets

Kings XI Punjab take on Kolkata Knight Riders in a crunch contest of IPL 2019 on May 3. The 2014 runners-up have won just two of their last eight games and are winless in their last three despite their star batsman KL Rahul's stellar campaign in which he has amassed over 500 runs. In an exclusive conversation, the wicket-keeper batsman opens up on that controversial appearance on Koffee With Karan as well his selection to India's World Cup squad.

Exclusive: KXIP's KL Rahul on WION

David Warner will be aiming to finish his splendid campaign on a high even as Hyderabad set to face Punjab at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

IPL 2019: Eying playoff berth, Hyderabad to take on Punjab

IPL 2019: It's Rajasthan vs Mumbai and Delhi vs Punjab

Sikhs tie turbans over the heads of others during 'Turban Day' celebrations in Amritsar, India in an event organized by a local Sikh organization which aims to inspire pride and maintain the distinct identity of their culture throughout the world.

India: Sikhs celebrate Turban Day

During the last four years, the stature of the Congress party has declined drastically. Once a pan India party, the Congress, is now reduced to just five states and one union territory in the country. As of March 2019, the party is in power in Karnataka (in an alliance with the JDS), Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Puducherry (in an alliance with the DMK).

Indian National Congress: The oldest party of India

Thousands of Pakistanis on Friday (April 12) paid tribute to the 50 victims of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-of-pakistanis-form-human-chain-in-image-of-christchurch-mosque-209949&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjHs_SB1szhAhWJsI8KHdKBABMQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1IqjEmkngjTC7FLiPnlMIH">Christchurch</a> mosque attack last month.

Dressed in white, they gathered on a huge green area in the Jhang district in Punjab to form an image of the Al Noor mosque, one of the attack sites, amid chants of "Islam is Peace."

A second group, also dressed in stark white, formed the words "Islam is peace" nearby.

The tribute was organized by the Muslim Institute, an NGO aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Muslim world.

On March 15, a gunman stormed two mosques shooting dead 50 people in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/muslims-return-to-christchurch-mosque-as-new-zealand-works-to-move-on-204991&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjHs_SB1szhAhWJsI8KHdKBABMQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2dJnI0SF_VmHCbHNHGnx5i">New Zealand</a>'s worst mass shooting. Nine were of Pakistani origin. One, Naeem Rashid, was posthumously given an award for bravery by Pakistan after he apparently tried to tackle the gunman before being shot.

Thousands of Pakistanis on Friday (April 12) paid tribute to the 50 victims of the Christchurch mosque attack last month. Dressed in white, they gathered on a huge green area in the Jhang district in Punjab to form an image of the Al Noor mosque, one of the attack sites, amid chants of "Islam is Peace.

Thousands of Pakistanis on Friday (April 12) paid tribute to the 50 victims of the Christchurch mosque attack last month. Dressed in white, they gathered on a huge green area in the Jhang district in Punjab to form an image of the Al Noor mosque, one of the attack sites, amid chants of "Islam is Peace." A second group, also dressed in stark white, formed the words "Islam is peace" nearby. The tribute was organized by the Muslim Institute, an NGO aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Muslim world. On March 15, a gunman stormed two mosques shooting dead 50 people in New Zealand's worst mass shooting. Nine were of Pakistani origin. One, Naeem Rashid, was posthumously given an award for bravery by Pakistan after he apparently tried to tackle the gunman before being shot.

Thousands of Pakistanis gather to pay tribute to Christchurch victims

It has been 100 years of Jallianwala massacre but UK still didn't apologized. UK PM Theresa May only showed regret on this huge massacre.

100 yrs of Jallianwala Massacre, only regret but no apology from UK

Exclusive: Buttler opens up on Mankad controversy

Delhi's captain Shreyas Iyer was left speechless after his side's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/curran-shami-pull-off-an-incredible-win-for-punjab-against-delhi-207303">fourteen-run loss to Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab</a> in an Indian Premier League fixture on Monday.&nbsp;

Shreyas said that his team&nbsp;simply "panicked" and "miscalculated" the target that caused the avoidable loss at Punjab's home turf.&nbsp;

At a point,&nbsp;Delhi&nbsp;were&nbsp;going strong at 144 for 3 in the 17th over, chasing 167 but Sam Curran's hat-trick saw the visitors&nbsp;being&nbsp;bowled out for 152 in 19.2 overs.&nbsp;

During the post-match presentation,&nbsp;Shreyas Iyer said, "I am really speechless. It is a crucial match and losing such matches is not going to benefit us."

"Really disappointing. With the way we were going, we came to run-a-ball and to lose from there. We didn't play smart cricket and Punjab outplayed us in all the departments.&nbsp;

"We miscalculated the target. I think It was just&nbsp;a panic&nbsp;in between. They got two wickets in succession, (Chris) Morris and (Rishabh) Pant and there we lost the match. Our batsmen did not taking initiative to win the game," the skipper said.&nbsp;

Delhi visited Punjab to with high confidence after defeating Kolkata in a Super Over in their previous match.&nbsp;

"I couldn't figure it out what happened today. It happened in the previous match as well, we were going really good and suddenly ball-to-ball....&nbsp;These are key factors we have to work on," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Our batting has been really dominant right from the start but we need to learn from&nbsp;this small&nbsp;things."&nbsp;

Iyer was also critical of their bowling.&nbsp;

"Also we didn't bowl that great to be honest, we got a bad start but we controlled in between and that is something we need to take forward," the Delhi skipper said.&nbsp;

"Looking at the quality we have, I think we shouldn't be losing such matches."&nbsp;

Iyer said Delhi will have enough time to work on their shortcoming since it happened early in the tournament.&nbsp;

Delhi's captain Shreyas Iyer was left speechless after his side's fourteen-run loss to Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab in an Indian Premier League fixture on Monday.

Delhi's captain Shreyas Iyer was left speechless after his side's fourteen-run loss to Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab in an Indian Premier League fixture on Monday. Shreyas said that his team simply "panicked" and "miscalculated" the target that caused the avoidable loss at Punjab's home turf. At a point, Delhi were going strong at 144 for 3 in the 17th over, chasing 167 but Sam Curran's hat-trick saw the visitors being bowled out for 152 in 19.2 overs. During the post-match presentation, Shreyas Iyer said, "I am really speechless. It is a crucial match and losing such matches is not going to benefit us." "Really disappointing. With the way we were going, we came to run-a-ball and to lose from there. We didn't play smart cricket and Punjab outplayed us in all the departments. "We miscalculated the target. I think It was just a panic in between. They got two wickets in succession, (Chris) Morris and (Rishabh) Pant and there we lost the match. Our batsmen did not taking initiative to win the game," the skipper said. Delhi visited Punjab to with high confidence after defeating Kolkata in a Super Over in their previous match. "I couldn't figure it out what happened today. It happened in the previous match as well, we were going really good and suddenly ball-to-ball.... These are key factors we have to work on," he said. "Our batting has been really dominant right from the start but we need to learn from this small things." Iyer was also critical of their bowling. "Also we didn't bowl that great to be honest, we got a bad start but we controlled in between and that is something we need to take forward," the Delhi skipper said. "Looking at the quality we have, I think we shouldn't be losing such matches." Iyer said Delhi will have enough time to work on their shortcoming since it happened early in the tournament.

I am speechless, we panicked and miscalculated: Delhi captain Shreyas Iyer

Reports: Indian radars detect 4 Pak F-16s close to border in Khemkaran of Punjab

Four Pakistani F-16s were detected flying close to the Punjab border early Monday morning.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI reported that at 3 am Monday morning, Indian radars detected a large-sized UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and four F-16s flying close to the Indian border in Punjab's Khemkaran sector.&nbsp;

ANI added that India scrambled Sukhoi 30MKIs and Mirage jets in response after which the Pakistani jets retreated further into their territory.&nbsp;

Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high ever since the Indian Air Force conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakote in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province on February 26.&nbsp;

A day later, on February 27, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-pilot-abhinandan-varthamans-parents-get-standing-ovation-on-flight-to-delhi-200462">Indian and Pakistani jets engaged in a dogfight</a> after Pakistan dropped bombs on Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir from its side of the Line of Control. India says the bombs were targeting military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

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Sources: At 3 AM today, Indian radars detected a large sized UAV &amp; package of 4 Pakistani F-16s flying close to Indian border in Khemkaran sector in Punjab. India scrambled Su-30MKIs &amp; Mirage jets in response after which the Pakistani jets retreated further into their territory. <a href="https://t.co/ZKTbw8zPZo">pic.twitter.com/ZKTbw8zPZo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1112708039205883906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It was the first time in over 40 years the air forces of the two countries had engaged in combat.&nbsp;Both sides lost a plane each — India a MiG-21 and the Pakistanis an F-16.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Four Pakistani F-16s were detected flying close to the Punjab border early Monday morning. The news agency ANI reported that at 3 am Monday morning, Indian radars detected a large-sized UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and four F-16s flying close to the Indian border in Punjab's Khemkaran sector.

Four Pakistani F-16s were detected flying close to the Punjab border early Monday morning. The news agency ANI reported that at 3 am Monday morning, Indian radars detected a large-sized UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and four F-16s flying close to the Indian border in Punjab's Khemkaran sector. ANI added that India scrambled Sukhoi 30MKIs and Mirage jets in response after which the Pakistani jets retreated further into their territory. Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high ever since the Indian Air Force conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakote in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province on February 26. A day later, on February 27, Indian and Pakistani jets engaged in a dogfight after Pakistan dropped bombs on Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir from its side of the Line of Control. India says the bombs were targeting military installations but that they missed their targets. Sources: At 3 AM today, Indian radars detected a large sized UAV & package of 4 Pakistani F-16s flying close to Indian border in Khemkaran sector in Punjab. India scrambled Su-30MKIs & Mirage jets in response after which the Pakistani jets retreated further into their territory. pic.twitter.com/ZKTbw8zPZo — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019 × It was the first time in over 40 years the air forces of the two countries had engaged in combat. Both sides lost a plane each — India a MiG-21 and the Pakistanis an F-16.

Indian radar catches four Pakistani F-16s flying close to the border in Punjab

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal Friday met members of the party's Punjab unit and asked them to dispel rumours of any alliance with the Congress in the state for the Lok Sabha polls, sources said.

Kejriwal held the meeting at his residence with AAP Punjab chief Bhagwant Mann, eight of the 13 Lok Sabha candidates declared by the party and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Harpal Singh Cheema.

"The meeting was to dispel rumours surrounding an alliance with the Congress in Punjab and to clarify that there would be no such alliance between the AAP and the Congress," party sources said.

During the meeting, the names of the five remaining candidates were discussed along with the campaign strategy, the sources said.

The eight names announced by AAP so far include Justice Zora Singh (retd) from Jalandhar, Baljinder Singh Chaundha from Fatehgarh Sahib and Peter Masih Cheeda from Gurdaspur, Bhagwant Mann from Sangrur, Ravjot Singh from Hoshiarpur, Sadhu Singh from Faridkot, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal from Amritsar and Narinder Singh Shergill from Anandpur Sahib.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership said the candidates for the remaining constituencies, including Bathinda, Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Khadoor Sahib and Patiala, would be announced soon.

Polling will be held in Punjab in a single phase on May 19 and results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal Friday met members of the party's Punjab unit and asked them to dispel rumours of any alliance with the Congress in the state for the Lok Sabha polls, sources said.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal Friday met members of the party's Punjab unit and asked them to dispel rumours of any alliance with the Congress in the state for the Lok Sabha polls, sources said. Kejriwal held the meeting at his residence with AAP Punjab chief Bhagwant Mann, eight of the 13 Lok Sabha candidates declared by the party and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Harpal Singh Cheema. "The meeting was to dispel rumours surrounding an alliance with the Congress in Punjab and to clarify that there would be no such alliance between the AAP and the Congress," party sources said. During the meeting, the names of the five remaining candidates were discussed along with the campaign strategy, the sources said. The eight names announced by AAP so far include Justice Zora Singh (retd) from Jalandhar, Baljinder Singh Chaundha from Fatehgarh Sahib and Peter Masih Cheeda from Gurdaspur, Bhagwant Mann from Sangrur, Ravjot Singh from Hoshiarpur, Sadhu Singh from Faridkot, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal from Amritsar and Narinder Singh Shergill from Anandpur Sahib. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership said the candidates for the remaining constituencies, including Bathinda, Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Khadoor Sahib and Patiala, would be announced soon. Polling will be held in Punjab in a single phase on May 19 and results will be announced on May 23.

Kejriwal asks Punjab party leaders to dispel rumours of alliance with Congress

Australian batsman Steve Smith will embark on a redemption journey when Rajasthan open their campaign against Punjab in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), here Monday.&nbsp;

Smith was handed a one-year ban along with his then-deputy David Warner exactly a year ago for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. &nbsp;

Smith was last seen in action in a couple of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches late last year before an elbow injury ruled him out of the tournament. The ban was limited to state and international fixtures only and not domestic or club cricket. &nbsp;

The IPL will be the actual start of his long road to redemption and Smith would be looking to make the most of it ahead of the World Cup, starting May 30 in England. &nbsp;

Smith, though, is yet to recover fully from his elbow injury and may take a little time to get into the groove.&nbsp;

With Smith in their ranks, the Rajasthan have one of the best teams this season led by Ajinkya Rahane and they would be eager to capitalise on the home advantage tomorrow. &nbsp;

British all-rounder Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are assets to the team but they will not be available after April 25 as per England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) diktat because of the World Cup, and Rajasthan would be keen to win enough matches by then.&nbsp;

Stokes will once again be the key in both batting and bowling departments, while Punjab team would be expecting their all-rounder Sam Curran to be on the top of his game tomorrow.&nbsp;

Their bowling too have reasonable depth with speedster Jaidev Unadkat eying a slot in Indian team for the World Cup. Varun Aaron, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi and few others give variety and options to Rajasthan for different conditions. &nbsp;

Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab side would rely heavily on their openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul to provide them a fiery start and if swashbuckling West Indian opener happens to be in his elements, Punjab may be able to draw the first blood.&nbsp;

Skipper Ashwin would be desperate to prove that he can still make a difference in this format. With Mohammed Shami, Andrew Tye and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Punjab's bowling looks pretty strong. &nbsp;

Australian batsman Steve Smith will embark on a redemption journey when Rajasthan open their campaign against Punjab in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), here Monday.

Australian batsman Steve Smith will embark on a redemption journey when Rajasthan open their campaign against Punjab in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), here Monday. Smith was handed a one-year ban along with his then-deputy David Warner exactly a year ago for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Smith was last seen in action in a couple of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches late last year before an elbow injury ruled him out of the tournament. The ban was limited to state and international fixtures only and not domestic or club cricket. The IPL will be the actual start of his long road to redemption and Smith would be looking to make the most of it ahead of the World Cup, starting May 30 in England. Smith, though, is yet to recover fully from his elbow injury and may take a little time to get into the groove. With Smith in their ranks, the Rajasthan have one of the best teams this season led by Ajinkya Rahane and they would be eager to capitalise on the home advantage tomorrow. British all-rounder Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are assets to the team but they will not be available after April 25 as per England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) diktat because of the World Cup, and Rajasthan would be keen to win enough matches by then. Stokes will once again be the key in both batting and bowling departments, while Punjab team would be expecting their all-rounder Sam Curran to be on the top of his game tomorrow. Their bowling too have reasonable depth with speedster Jaidev Unadkat eying a slot in Indian team for the World Cup. Varun Aaron, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi and few others give variety and options to Rajasthan for different conditions. Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab side would rely heavily on their openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul to provide them a fiery start and if swashbuckling West Indian opener happens to be in his elements, Punjab may be able to draw the first blood. Skipper Ashwin would be desperate to prove that he can still make a difference in this format. With Mohammed Shami, Andrew Tye and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Punjab's bowling looks pretty strong.

IPL 2019: Focus on Steve Smith as Rajasthan start campaign against Punjab

Many people in Amritsar city claimed to have heard "loud blasts" in the wee hours of Thursday after which social media was abuzz with speculations.

A few people took to social media to write about two very loud sounds, which some said sounded similar to bomb blasts.

However, police said "everything was okay" in the city and not to believe in "rumours" on social media.

Jagjit Singh Walia, ADCP Amritsar, told ANI, "I appeal to the people to not believe in rumours on social media. Everything is okay. As per our information, nothing has happened."

On Twitter, people claimed "heightened air activity" in the city. Soon the hashtag Amritsar surfaced with the conversation perking up about "sonic booms", "low flying jets" &nbsp;or just "loud sounds across the sky".

Most people reported loud sounds around 1 am on Friday.

ADCP Amritsar said it was merely a chatter on social media and added, "We will investigate the matter. If there is something, we will let you know." &nbsp;

Amritsar is situated near the border of India with Pakistan with the Wagah Border only 28 kilometres away from it.

Recently, tensions have been high between India and Pakistan ever since India undertook an anti-terror strike on a JeM terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot.

Many people in Amritsar city claimed to have heard "loud blasts" in the wee hours of Thursday after which social media was abuzz with speculations. A few people took to social media to write about two very loud sounds, which some said sounded similar to bomb blasts.

Many people in Amritsar city claimed to have heard "loud blasts" in the wee hours of Thursday after which social media was abuzz with speculations. A few people took to social media to write about two very loud sounds, which some said sounded similar to bomb blasts. However, police said "everything was okay" in the city and not to believe in "rumours" on social media. Jagjit Singh Walia, ADCP Amritsar, told ANI, "I appeal to the people to not believe in rumours on social media. Everything is okay. As per our information, nothing has happened." On Twitter, people claimed "heightened air activity" in the city. Soon the hashtag Amritsar surfaced with the conversation perking up about "sonic booms", "low flying jets" or just "loud sounds across the sky". Most people reported loud sounds around 1 am on Friday. ADCP Amritsar said it was merely a chatter on social media and added, "We will investigate the matter. If there is something, we will let you know." Amritsar is situated near the border of India with Pakistan with the Wagah Border only 28 kilometres away from it. Recently, tensions have been high between India and Pakistan ever since India undertook an anti-terror strike on a JeM terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot.

Social media abuzz with 'loud blast'' sounds in Amritsar

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The Amarinder Singh-led Punjab government will build a memorial on the occasion of the centenary commemoration of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar with soil from all 13,000 villages of the state.

As per an official note issued by the Chief Minister's office, the Rural Development and Panchayats have been designated as the nodal department to coordinate with the Panchayats of all villages across the state for this cause.

The Chief Minister has also asked Amritsar Deputy Commissioner to identify a strategic spot in the city where the memorial could be erected with soil brought from these villages.

He also directed the Cultural Affairs and Tourism Department to engage with the Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust, which had created the Partition Museum at Town Hall, Amritsar, to conceptualise and plan the memorial.

"The Chief Minister has asked the Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs to coordinate with all the concerned departments to ensure a grand function at Amritsar on April 13, 2019. Captain Amarinder also asked the ACS Home to make elaborate security arrangements to ensure hassle-free access to the people for paying respects to the martyrs at the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial. At the same time, he said, the devotees visiting Sri Darbar Sahib should not be put to any sort of inconvenience caused during the centenary commemorations," the note read.

In addition to erecting the memorial, Amarinder suggested that the Department of School Education should include a chapter in its curriculum on the Jallianwala Bagh carnage to "imbibe the spirit of patriotism and nationalism amongst the students."

He also asked the ACS Higher Education and Secretary School Education to organise seminars, symposiums, declamation contests and panel discussions on the various aspects of the tragedy.

Responding to the suggestion, ACS Higher Education SK Sandhu informed that national seminars, along with symposiums on the theme of Jallianwala Bagh would be organised, in addition to printing and distribution of pamphlets and folders and staging of Nukkad Nataks.

Apprising the Chief Minister about the decisions taken by the State Level Implementation Committee, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said that with a special focus on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Art and Culture Heritage Trust would organise a Heritage Walk in the old Amritsar town, in addition to an exhibition depicting some known and unknown facts about the massacre.

Apart from these, an exhibition would also be held in 10 cities of the state to highlight the saga of the Indian freedom struggle.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on 13 April 1919 when troops of the British Indian Army under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer fired machine guns into a crowd of unarmed protesters, along with Baishakhi pilgrims, who had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab.

The British government had released figures stating 379 dead and 1,200 wounded.

The Amarinder Singh-led Punjab government will build a memorial on the occasion of the centenary commemoration of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar with soil from all 13,000 villages of the state.

The Amarinder Singh-led Punjab government will build a memorial on the occasion of the centenary commemoration of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar with soil from all 13,000 villages of the state. As per an official note issued by the Chief Minister's office, the Rural Development and Panchayats have been designated as the nodal department to coordinate with the Panchayats of all villages across the state for this cause. The Chief Minister has also asked Amritsar Deputy Commissioner to identify a strategic spot in the city where the memorial could be erected with soil brought from these villages. He also directed the Cultural Affairs and Tourism Department to engage with the Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust, which had created the Partition Museum at Town Hall, Amritsar, to conceptualise and plan the memorial. "The Chief Minister has asked the Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs to coordinate with all the concerned departments to ensure a grand function at Amritsar on April 13, 2019. Captain Amarinder also asked the ACS Home to make elaborate security arrangements to ensure hassle-free access to the people for paying respects to the martyrs at the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial. At the same time, he said, the devotees visiting Sri Darbar Sahib should not be put to any sort of inconvenience caused during the centenary commemorations," the note read. In addition to erecting the memorial, Amarinder suggested that the Department of School Education should include a chapter in its curriculum on the Jallianwala Bagh carnage to "imbibe the spirit of patriotism and nationalism amongst the students." He also asked the ACS Higher Education and Secretary School Education to organise seminars, symposiums, declamation contests and panel discussions on the various aspects of the tragedy. Responding to the suggestion, ACS Higher Education SK Sandhu informed that national seminars, along with symposiums on the theme of Jallianwala Bagh would be organised, in addition to printing and distribution of pamphlets and folders and staging of Nukkad Nataks. Apprising the Chief Minister about the decisions taken by the State Level Implementation Committee, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said that with a special focus on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Art and Culture Heritage Trust would organise a Heritage Walk in the old Amritsar town, in addition to an exhibition depicting some known and unknown facts about the massacre. Apart from these, an exhibition would also be held in 10 cities of the state to highlight the saga of the Indian freedom struggle. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on 13 April 1919 when troops of the British Indian Army under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer fired machine guns into a crowd of unarmed protesters, along with Baishakhi pilgrims, who had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab. The British government had released figures stating 379 dead and 1,200 wounded.

Punjab government to build Jallianwala Bagh massacre memorial with soil from 13,000 villages

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday announced ex-gratia of Rs 12 lakh and a government job to the kin of CRPF jawans from the state, who were martyred in Pulwama terror attack.

Among the deceased, four CRPF jawans--Kulwinder Singh, Jaimal Singh, Sukhjinder Singh and Maninder Singhand--were from Punjab.

"Even though we can never compensate the loss of these brave sons of Punjab, my government has announced a compensation of Rs 12 lakh and a job to next of kin of the martyrs belonging to Punjab. I stand by the families of these brave-hearts who made the supreme sacrifice in #Pulwama," the Chief Minister tweeted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-jharkhand-cm-announces-compensation-of-rs-10-lakh-job-to-family-of-deceased-soldier-197695">Pulwama attack: Jharkhand CM announces compensation of Rs 10 lakh, job to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-jharkhand-cm-announces-compensation-of-rs-10-lakh-job-to-family-of-deceased-soldier-197695">family</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-jharkhand-cm-announces-compensation-of-rs-10-lakh-job-to-family-of-deceased-soldier-197695"> of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-jharkhand-cm-announces-compensation-of-rs-10-lakh-job-to-family-of-deceased-soldier-197695">deceased</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-jharkhand-cm-announces-compensation-of-rs-10-lakh-job-to-family-of-deceased-soldier-197695"> soldier</a>

Around 40 CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus carrying them on Thursday.

The bus was extensively damaged in the blast.

The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.

Soon after the attack, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which is based in Pakistan and backed by Islamabad, claimed the responsibility for the attack and said it was carried out by its suicide bomber.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday announced ex-gratia of Rs 12 lakh and a government job to the kin of CRPF jawans from the state, who were martyred in Pulwama terror attack.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday announced ex-gratia of Rs 12 lakh and a government job to the kin of CRPF jawans from the state, who were martyred in Pulwama terror attack. Among the deceased, four CRPF jawans--Kulwinder Singh, Jaimal Singh, Sukhjinder Singh and Maninder Singhand--were from Punjab. "Even though we can never compensate the loss of these brave sons of Punjab, my government has announced a compensation of Rs 12 lakh and a job to next of kin of the martyrs belonging to Punjab. I stand by the families of these brave-hearts who made the supreme sacrifice in #Pulwama," the Chief Minister tweeted. Also read: Pulwama attack: Jharkhand CM announces compensation of Rs 10 lakh, job to family of deceased soldier Around 40 CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus carrying them on Thursday. The bus was extensively damaged in the blast. The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. Soon after the attack, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which is based in Pakistan and backed by Islamabad, claimed the responsibility for the attack and said it was carried out by its suicide bomber.

Pulwama terror attack: Punjab CM announces Rs 12 lakh ex gratia, job to next of kin of slain CRPF jawans

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