While the political battle plays out in Islamabad lawmakers of the provincial state of Punjab will be voting for the new chief minister later today following the resignation of Usman Buzdar.

Pakistan: Punjab assembly to elect new CM today

Imran Khan led government removes Punjab Governor Mohammad Sarwar on the day of CM vote. Omar Sarfaraz Cheema takes oath as new governor.

Imran Khan led government removes Punjab Governor on the day of CM vote

Two days after taking oath as Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann is set to get his first Council of Ministers, all first-timers, on Saturday. 
 
Former Leader of the Opposition and a prominent Dalit face Harpal Singh Cheema may be inducted as the deputy chief minister. Cheema retained his Dirba seat. 
 
The other probables in the Cabinet are Aman Arora, Kultar Sandhwan, Harjot Bains, Sarvjit Kaur Manuke, Baljinder Kaur, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Neena Mittal and Kunwar Vijay Pratap.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-state-elections-2022-bhagwant-mann-is-aaps-cm-candidate-for-punjab-445647">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-assembly-polls-even-before-eci-formal-announcement-aap-celebrates-a-revolutionary-win-in-punjab-460914">Punjab Election Results 2022: Even before ECI formal announcement, AAP celebrates a 'revolutionary' win</a> 
 
It is learnt the party leadership is keen to induct six to seven ministers in the Council of Ministers that has space for 17 ministerial posts, excluding the Chief Minister's. 
 
The remaining ministers will be inducted after a few months, a senior party leader told IANS. 
 
Sunam MLA Aman Arora is a prominent Hindu face of the party and is known for his proximity with Mann. In 2018, when Mann had resigned from the post of the state president after Arvind Kejriwal apologised to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia on allegations of drug trade, Arora too had quit AAP. Both of them later rejoined the party. 
 
Arora defeated Congress'&nbsp;Jaswinder Singh Dhiman by a record margin of 75,277 votes, state's highest. 
 
First-timer Jivan Jyot Kaur, who emerged as the 'giant slayer'&nbsp;by showing the door to two political heavyweights -- Navjot Singh Sidhu of the Congress and Majithia, who were busy in mudslinging against each other, is likely to inducted a minister.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2022-punjab-election-results-who-is-ajit-pal-singh-kohli-the-man-who-trumped-maharaja-of-patiala-460972">&nbsp;2022 Punjab election results: Who is Ajit Pal Singh Kohli, the man who trumped ex-CM?</a> 
 
Another first-time Kunwar Vijay Prartap, who once served as the Amritsar SSP, is AAP's big face who registered a victory in Amritsar North by defeating his closest rival and SAD`s Anil Joshi by a margin of 28,313 votes. 
 
Party's state co-in-charge Raghav Chadha has already clarified that the induction of the Council of Ministers in government is the prerogative of Bhagwant Mann, seting aside speculations that Arvind Kejriwal will be taking the final call from Delhi. 
 
The party is trying to maintain a balance in the Cabinet from the state's Malwa, Majha and Doaba regions. 
 
The Malwa belt can get more ministers as the party owns 66 out of the 69 seats in the region. In Doaba, AAP won 10 out of 23 seats, while in Majha, it won 16 out of 25. 
 
Also, this time AAP sent eight women legislators, five doctors, the richest legislator -- Kulwant Singh with assets of Rs 238 crore and won from Mohali -- and the youngest -- Narinder Kaur Bharaj, 27, to the Assembly. 
 
The AAP recorded a thumping win by claiming 92 of the Assembly's 117 seats. The ruling Congress won 18, down from 77 in 2017.

Watch | Gravitas: Big takeaways from India's state election results

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Two days after taking oath as Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann is set to get his first Council of Ministers, all first-timers, on Saturday. Former Leader of the Opposition and a prominent Dalit face Harpal Singh Cheema may be inducted as the deputy chief minister.

Two days after taking oath as Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann is set to get his first Council of Ministers, all first-timers, on Saturday. Former Leader of the Opposition and a prominent Dalit face Harpal Singh Cheema may be inducted as the deputy chief minister. Cheema retained his Dirba seat. The other probables in the Cabinet are Aman Arora, Kultar Sandhwan, Harjot Bains, Sarvjit Kaur Manuke, Baljinder Kaur, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Neena Mittal and Kunwar Vijay Pratap. Also read | Punjab Election Results 2022: Even before ECI formal announcement, AAP celebrates a 'revolutionary' win It is learnt the party leadership is keen to induct six to seven ministers in the Council of Ministers that has space for 17 ministerial posts, excluding the Chief Minister's. The remaining ministers will be inducted after a few months, a senior party leader told IANS. Sunam MLA Aman Arora is a prominent Hindu face of the party and is known for his proximity with Mann. In 2018, when Mann had resigned from the post of the state president after Arvind Kejriwal apologised to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia on allegations of drug trade, Arora too had quit AAP. Both of them later rejoined the party. Arora defeated Congress' Jaswinder Singh Dhiman by a record margin of 75,277 votes, state's highest. First-timer Jivan Jyot Kaur, who emerged as the 'giant slayer' by showing the door to two political heavyweights -- Navjot Singh Sidhu of the Congress and Majithia, who were busy in mudslinging against each other, is likely to inducted a minister. Also read | 2022 Punjab election results: Who is Ajit Pal Singh Kohli, the man who trumped ex-CM? Another first-time Kunwar Vijay Prartap, who once served as the Amritsar SSP, is AAP's big face who registered a victory in Amritsar North by defeating his closest rival and SAD`s Anil Joshi by a margin of 28,313 votes. Party's state co-in-charge Raghav Chadha has already clarified that the induction of the Council of Ministers in government is the prerogative of Bhagwant Mann, seting aside speculations that Arvind Kejriwal will be taking the final call from Delhi. The party is trying to maintain a balance in the Cabinet from the state's Malwa, Majha and Doaba regions. The Malwa belt can get more ministers as the party owns 66 out of the 69 seats in the region. In Doaba, AAP won 10 out of 23 seats, while in Majha, it won 16 out of 25. Also, this time AAP sent eight women legislators, five doctors, the richest legislator -- Kulwant Singh with assets of Rs 238 crore and won from Mohali -- and the youngest -- Narinder Kaur Bharaj, 27, to the Assembly. The AAP recorded a thumping win by claiming 92 of the Assembly's 117 seats. The ruling Congress won 18, down from 77 in 2017. Watch | Gravitas: Big takeaways from India's state election results

Bhagwant Mann to get first Council of Ministers on March 19

International kabbadi player Sandeep Singh from Nangal Ambiyan village was shot dead by assailants during a match at Malian village in Jalandhar district on Monday.

At least 20 bullets were pumped into his head and chest. The disturbing video of the crime went viral.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-to-change-name-to-honour-his-mother-carmen-larbalestier-462276">Formula One star Lewis Hamilton to change his name to honour his mother Carmen Larbalestier</a> 
 
A former captain of the Indian kabaddi team, Sandeep hailed from Nangal Ambian village in Shahkot. He is survived by his wife and two sons, who are currently in England, where he was settled.

International kabbadi player Sandeep Singh from Nangal Ambiyan village was shot dead by assailants during a match at Malian village in Jalandhar district on Monday.

International kabbadi player Sandeep Singh from Nangal Ambiyan village was shot dead by assailants during a match at Malian village in Jalandhar district on Monday. At least 20 bullets were pumped into his head and chest. The disturbing video of the crime went viral. ALSO READ: Formula One star Lewis Hamilton to change his name to honour his mother Carmen Larbalestier A former captain of the Indian kabaddi team, Sandeep hailed from Nangal Ambian village in Shahkot. He is survived by his wife and two sons, who are currently in England, where he was settled.

International Kabaddi player Sandeep Singh Nangal shot dead in Punjab

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is winning state elections one by one, but if the results of the recently finished polls are an indication, it's the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which has emerged as the true winner.

For a party that was born out of a civil movement in Delhi, all eyes will be on AAP and its leaders who are likely to replace India's grand old party, Congress, as the primary opponent in national politics.

Led by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the 10-year-old party is already bringing significant change, and later this year, it would be interesting to keep an eye on their vote share in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The main challenger for the BJP is now AAP.

In the political sky of India, a new star has appeared.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that the BJP's Hindutva ideology was a crucial factor in Modi's rise to national prominence, his developmental achievements and constant electoral victories as Gujarat's chief minister benefited him in establishing himself as a national figure.&nbsp;

Political divisions can carry a party to a certain point, but the voters' trust in the party helps to turn any party into a national force.

Victory in the state of Punjab is AAP's first foray outside the Indian capital, and they have begun to erase the party's reputation as a Delhi-centric party.

During the Congress's most recent term in Punjab, the party's most well-known figure, former chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, resigned in the face of unprecedented farmer protests.

The resulting chaos has given the AAP the opportunity to contend for power for the first time, nine years after its victory in Delhi.

Despite its claims to be the "aam aadmi," or "common man's" party, the AAP's Punjab story is also about how the hopes of its volunteers—many of whom donated time and money to the party because they believed in its stated agenda of self-governance, transparency, and democracy—were sacrificed on the altar of politics.

Voters, based on recent trends, demand a change in the face of opposition.

This tendency indicates that the AAP would be an appropriate replacement for the Congress Party in national politics.

What worked for AAP

Indian voters have made it plain that they expect their politicians to be accountable, and they are unlikely to be misled by the plethora of freebies announced by each political party.

AAP tapped into the frustrations of millions of ordinary Punjabis who are unable to obtain work, gain access to public education and health care, or earn a living via agriculture.

That is why the AAP has gained a large number of seats in the 2022 assembly election, despite the fact that it has never held power in Punjab and is exhibiting its governance record in the national capital Delhi.

A case study

For decades to come, the Congress' poor performance in Punjab's Assembly election 2022 and the astonishing growth of the AAP would serve as a case study for students of Indian politics due to two important milestones.

One, for the first time in Punjab's history, a non-Shriromani Akali Dal, non-Congress government will be in power.

Two, by 2022, Congress had honed its skills at orchestrating and planning its own demise. Congress not only snatched loss from the mouths of triumph, but also a humiliating rout from a sure victory.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is winning state elections one by one, but if the results of the recently finished polls are an indication, it's the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which has emerged as the true winner.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is winning state elections one by one, but if the results of the recently finished polls are an indication, it's the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which has emerged as the true winner. For a party that was born out of a civil movement in Delhi, all eyes will be on AAP and its leaders who are likely to replace India's grand old party, Congress, as the primary opponent in national politics. Led by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the 10-year-old party is already bringing significant change, and later this year, it would be interesting to keep an eye on their vote share in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The main challenger for the BJP is now AAP. In the political sky of India, a new star has appeared. Despite the fact that the BJP's Hindutva ideology was a crucial factor in Modi's rise to national prominence, his developmental achievements and constant electoral victories as Gujarat's chief minister benefited him in establishing himself as a national figure. Political divisions can carry a party to a certain point, but the voters' trust in the party helps to turn any party into a national force. Victory in the state of Punjab is AAP's first foray outside the Indian capital, and they have begun to erase the party's reputation as a Delhi-centric party. During the Congress's most recent term in Punjab, the party's most well-known figure, former chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, resigned in the face of unprecedented farmer protests. The resulting chaos has given the AAP the opportunity to contend for power for the first time, nine years after its victory in Delhi. Despite its claims to be the "aam aadmi," or "common man's" party, the AAP's Punjab story is also about how the hopes of its volunteers—many of whom donated time and money to the party because they believed in its stated agenda of self-governance, transparency, and democracy—were sacrificed on the altar of politics. Voters, based on recent trends, demand a change in the face of opposition. This tendency indicates that the AAP would be an appropriate replacement for the Congress Party in national politics. What worked for AAP Indian voters have made it plain that they expect their politicians to be accountable, and they are unlikely to be misled by the plethora of freebies announced by each political party. AAP tapped into the frustrations of millions of ordinary Punjabis who are unable to obtain work, gain access to public education and health care, or earn a living via agriculture. That is why the AAP has gained a large number of seats in the 2022 assembly election, despite the fact that it has never held power in Punjab and is exhibiting its governance record in the national capital Delhi. A case study For decades to come, the Congress' poor performance in Punjab's Assembly election 2022 and the astonishing growth of the AAP would serve as a case study for students of Indian politics due to two important milestones. One, for the first time in Punjab's history, a non-Shriromani Akali Dal, non-Congress government will be in power. Two, by 2022, Congress had honed its skills at orchestrating and planning its own demise. Congress not only snatched loss from the mouths of triumph, but also a humiliating rout from a sure victory.

India state election results: BJP wins, but watch rise of AAP outside Delhi

Two-time Chief Minister of India's northern state of Punjab, Capt Amarinder Singh, faced a humiliating defeat in the Assembly elections as the nation on Thursday (March 10) closely watches results in five states - Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur.&nbsp;

Sing lost lo Aam Aadmi Party's Ajit Pal Kohli from his stronghold Patiala (Urban), the seat that he has won for four consecutive terms since 2002 when he first contested.&nbsp;

His loss has come as a major embarrassment for Congress rebel leader Capt Amarinder Singh, who left the Congress party just ahead of the polls after the Congress unceremoniously removed him from the helm.&nbsp;

LIVE |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-india-assembly-election-result-2022-aap-surge-sweeps-punjab-bjp-leads-in-4-states-460719">India Assembly Election Result 2022: AAP surge sweeps Punjab; BJP leads in 4 states</a>

Amarinder Singh was confident and expected the people of Punjab to favour his party Punjab Lok Congress and the alliance partners, including the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiromani Akali Dal-Samyukt.&nbsp;

However, the Aam Aadmi Party, which also rules the capital of New Delhi, is all set to form the government landslide win in Punjab - in a major blow to the Gandhi dynasty's once-mighty party.&nbsp;

Accepting the results, Capt Amarinder Singh said, " I accept the verdict of the people with all humility. Punjabis have shown true spirit of Punjabiyat by rising and voting above sectarian and caste lines."

In 2017, Capt Amarinder Singh, now 80, polled 72,217 votes against nearest rival Balbir Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party, who got just 19,852. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate and former Army chief Gen J.J. Singh (retd) got just 11,613 votes. Gen Singh is now with the BJP.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I accept the verdict of the people with all humility. Democracy has triumphed. Punjabis have shown true spirit of Punjabiyat by rising and voting above sectarian and caste lines. 
Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/AAPPunjab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AAPPunjab</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BhagwantMann?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhagwantMann</a>.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder/status/1501829790122209280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Two-time Chief Minister of India's northern state of Punjab, Capt Amarinder Singh, faced a humiliating defeat in the Assembly elections as the nation on Thursday (March 10) closely watches results in five states - Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur.

Two-time Chief Minister of India's northern state of Punjab, Capt Amarinder Singh, faced a humiliating defeat in the Assembly elections as the nation on Thursday (March 10) closely watches results in five states - Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur. Sing lost lo Aam Aadmi Party's Ajit Pal Kohli from his stronghold Patiala (Urban), the seat that he has won for four consecutive terms since 2002 when he first contested. His loss has come as a major embarrassment for Congress rebel leader Capt Amarinder Singh, who left the Congress party just ahead of the polls after the Congress unceremoniously removed him from the helm. LIVE | India Assembly Election Result 2022: AAP surge sweeps Punjab; BJP leads in 4 states Amarinder Singh was confident and expected the people of Punjab to favour his party Punjab Lok Congress and the alliance partners, including the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiromani Akali Dal-Samyukt. However, the Aam Aadmi Party, which also rules the capital of New Delhi, is all set to form the government landslide win in Punjab - in a major blow to the Gandhi dynasty's once-mighty party. Accepting the results, Capt Amarinder Singh said, " I accept the verdict of the people with all humility. Punjabis have shown true spirit of Punjabiyat by rising and voting above sectarian and caste lines." In 2017, Capt Amarinder Singh, now 80, polled 72,217 votes against nearest rival Balbir Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party, who got just 19,852. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate and former Army chief Gen J.J. Singh (retd) got just 11,613 votes. Gen Singh is now with the BJP. I accept the verdict of the people with all humility. Democracy has triumphed. Punjabis have shown true spirit of Punjabiyat by rising and voting above sectarian and caste lines. Congratulations to @AAPPunjab and @BhagwantMann. — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) March 10, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

India's Assembly Poll results: Major embarrassment as Capt Amarinder Singh loses Patiala seat

Over 63 per cent polling was recorded till 5 pm in the assembly elections in Punjab, while in the third of the seven phase polls in Uttar Pradesh, it was more than 60 per cent, according to official data. Polling was held in these states from 8 am to 6 pm, but both have released voting data only till 5 pm.&nbsp;

The average voter turnout for the single-phase election to the 117-member assembly in Punjab was 63.44 per cent, according to the state chief electoral office, while in Uttar Pradesh, where 59 constituencies went to polls in phase three, it was 60.63 per cent.&nbsp;

The 5 pm voting percentage data for Uttar Pradesh was updated at 10 pm by the Election Commission's Voter Turnout App. Results for the assembly elections of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh will be declared on March 10 along with that of Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand.&nbsp;

While in Uttar Pradesh, as many as 627 candidates were in the fray in the third phase of the polls to the 403-member assembly, in Punjab, 1,304 candidates contested the elections.&nbsp;

Data for Punjab showed that the Gidderbaha assembly segment recorded the highest turnout of 77.80 per cent while Amritsar South recorded the lowest turnout at 48.06 per cent.&nbsp;

Mansa district recorded a maximum voter turnout of 73.34 per cent while Mohali recorded the lowest at 53.10 per cent, it stated.

The Voter Turnout App showed that in Uttar Pradesh, highest voting was recorded at 69.05 per cent in Lalitpur district and lowest at 57.71 per cent in Jhansi district.&nbsp;

The districts where polling was held were Hathras, Firozabad, Etah, Kasganj, Mainpuri, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Etawah, Auraiya, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Hamirpur and Mahoba.&nbsp;

In the 2017 assembly polls, the turnout was 77.4 per cent in Punjab and the figure for the 59 seats in that year in Uttar Pradesh was 62.21 per cent. 
 
Punjab witnessed a multi-cornered contest among the Congress, AAP, SAD-BSP, BJP-PLC-SAD (Sanyukt) and the Sanyukt Samaj Morcha (SSM), a political front of various farmer bodies.&nbsp;

While the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) contested the polls in alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the BJP fought the elections in alliance with Amarinder Singh-led Punjab Lok Congress and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa-led SAD (Sanyukt).&nbsp;

The SSM contested the polls with Haryana Bharatiya Kisan Union (Chaduni) leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni-led Sanyukt Sangharsh Party. Amritsar-based famous conjoined twins Sohan Singh and Mohan Singh, fondly known as Sohna-Mohna, cast their separate votes. Sohna-Mohna had recently been handed over two separate electoral photo identity cards by Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer S Karuna Raju.&nbsp;

Both had turned 18 last year and voted for the first time. The Election Commission (EC) restrained actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood from visiting polling booths in Moga in Punjab following complaints that he was trying to influence voters.&nbsp;

His vehicle was also impounded by police, said officials. However, Sood, who denied the charges, alleged that other candidates were trying to buy votes. His sister Malvika Sood Sachar is a Congress candidate from Moga. In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav contested from the Karhal assembly seat in the third phase. He was up against BJP leader and Union Minister S P Singh Baghel.&nbsp;

In this phase, the SP chief's uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav contested from his traditional Jaswantnagar seat. Among the other prominent faces in the fray were BJP's Satish Mahana (Maharajpur in Kanpur) and Ramvir Upadhaya (Sadabad in Hathras), and Louise Khurshid, who is contesting on the Congress ticket from Farrukhabad Sadar.&nbsp;

Louise Khurshid is the wife of senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid. Meanwhile, Kanpur Mayor Pramila Pandey and former BJP office-bearer Nawab Singh have landed in trouble for posting videos in which they are seen casting their vote inside polling booths. The EC has banned the use of mobile phones inside polling stations.&nbsp;

Pandey took her mobile phone inside the polling booth at Hudson School and clicked a selfie while voting, following which an FIR was lodged against her, a senior official said. The mayor has shared a video that has gone viral on social media platforms. District Magistrate Neha Sharma said the Kanpur mayor has violated the rules of the EC by revealing the name of the party she voted for.&nbsp;

Former city president of BJP's Yuva Morcha, Singh, was also allegedly caught while violating rules. He took a mobile inside a booth and shot a video while casting vote. In Firozabad district, the Samajwadi Party has alleged that one of its agents was beaten up by a BJP worker in Shikohabad in the presence of police. The party tweeted from its official Twitter handle, "SP's election agent is being beaten up by BJP people in presence of police at booth number 158 of Shikohabad Vidhan Sabha of Firozabad district." The SP has asked the EC to cognisance of the matter.

Over 63 per cent polling was recorded till 5 pm in the assembly elections in Punjab, while in the third of the seven phase polls in Uttar Pradesh, it was more than 60 per cent, according to official data.

Over 63 per cent polling was recorded till 5 pm in the assembly elections in Punjab, while in the third of the seven phase polls in Uttar Pradesh, it was more than 60 per cent, according to official data. Polling was held in these states from 8 am to 6 pm, but both have released voting data only till 5 pm. The average voter turnout for the single-phase election to the 117-member assembly in Punjab was 63.44 per cent, according to the state chief electoral office, while in Uttar Pradesh, where 59 constituencies went to polls in phase three, it was 60.63 per cent. The 5 pm voting percentage data for Uttar Pradesh was updated at 10 pm by the Election Commission's Voter Turnout App. Results for the assembly elections of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh will be declared on March 10 along with that of Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand. While in Uttar Pradesh, as many as 627 candidates were in the fray in the third phase of the polls to the 403-member assembly, in Punjab, 1,304 candidates contested the elections. Data for Punjab showed that the Gidderbaha assembly segment recorded the highest turnout of 77.80 per cent while Amritsar South recorded the lowest turnout at 48.06 per cent. Mansa district recorded a maximum voter turnout of 73.34 per cent while Mohali recorded the lowest at 53.10 per cent, it stated. The Voter Turnout App showed that in Uttar Pradesh, highest voting was recorded at 69.05 per cent in Lalitpur district and lowest at 57.71 per cent in Jhansi district. The districts where polling was held were Hathras, Firozabad, Etah, Kasganj, Mainpuri, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Etawah, Auraiya, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Hamirpur and Mahoba. In the 2017 assembly polls, the turnout was 77.4 per cent in Punjab and the figure for the 59 seats in that year in Uttar Pradesh was 62.21 per cent. Punjab witnessed a multi-cornered contest among the Congress, AAP, SAD-BSP, BJP-PLC-SAD (Sanyukt) and the Sanyukt Samaj Morcha (SSM), a political front of various farmer bodies. While the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) contested the polls in alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the BJP fought the elections in alliance with Amarinder Singh-led Punjab Lok Congress and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa-led SAD (Sanyukt). The SSM contested the polls with Haryana Bharatiya Kisan Union (Chaduni) leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni-led Sanyukt Sangharsh Party. Amritsar-based famous conjoined twins Sohan Singh and Mohan Singh, fondly known as Sohna-Mohna, cast their separate votes. Sohna-Mohna had recently been handed over two separate electoral photo identity cards by Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer S Karuna Raju. Both had turned 18 last year and voted for the first time. The Election Commission (EC) restrained actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood from visiting polling booths in Moga in Punjab following complaints that he was trying to influence voters. His vehicle was also impounded by police, said officials. However, Sood, who denied the charges, alleged that other candidates were trying to buy votes. His sister Malvika Sood Sachar is a Congress candidate from Moga. In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav contested from the Karhal assembly seat in the third phase. He was up against BJP leader and Union Minister S P Singh Baghel. In this phase, the SP chief's uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav contested from his traditional Jaswantnagar seat. Among the other prominent faces in the fray were BJP's Satish Mahana (Maharajpur in Kanpur) and Ramvir Upadhaya (Sadabad in Hathras), and Louise Khurshid, who is contesting on the Congress ticket from Farrukhabad Sadar. Louise Khurshid is the wife of senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid. Meanwhile, Kanpur Mayor Pramila Pandey and former BJP office-bearer Nawab Singh have landed in trouble for posting videos in which they are seen casting their vote inside polling booths. The EC has banned the use of mobile phones inside polling stations. Pandey took her mobile phone inside the polling booth at Hudson School and clicked a selfie while voting, following which an FIR was lodged against her, a senior official said. The mayor has shared a video that has gone viral on social media platforms. District Magistrate Neha Sharma said the Kanpur mayor has violated the rules of the EC by revealing the name of the party she voted for. Former city president of BJP's Yuva Morcha, Singh, was also allegedly caught while violating rules. He took a mobile inside a booth and shot a video while casting vote. In Firozabad district, the Samajwadi Party has alleged that one of its agents was beaten up by a BJP worker in Shikohabad in the presence of police. The party tweeted from its official Twitter handle, "SP's election agent is being beaten up by BJP people in presence of police at booth number 158 of Shikohabad Vidhan Sabha of Firozabad district." The SP has asked the EC to cognisance of the matter.

India Assembly Elections 2022: Over 63% polling in Punjab till 5 pm, more than 60% in UP

Punjab recorded a voter turnout of 17.77 per cent at 11 am on Sunday in the ongoing Assembly elections.

According to the Election Commission of India, Sri Muktsar Sahib witnessed the highest voter turnout of 23.34 per cent followed by Fazilka (22.55 per cent) and Malerkotla (22.07 per cent) till 11 am.Pathankot recorded the lowest percentage of voter turnout of 12.44 per cent.&nbsp;

Further, while Sahibjada Ajit Singh Nagar saw 13.15 per cent voter turnout.Jalandhar reported 14.30 per cent voter turnout, Ludhiana recorded 15.58 per cent while Moga registered 16.29 per cent polling.Meanwhile, Hoshiarpur recorded 18.88 per cent while Kapurthala recorded 16.03 per cent. Mansa recorded 19.75 per cent. Moga recorded 16.29 per cent.Assembly polls for electing 117 assembly seats in Punjab will be held on February 20.

The results will be declared on March 10.In the 2017 Assembly polls in the state, the Congress had won an absolute majority by winning 77 seats, ousting the SAD-BJP government, which had been in power for 10 years.&nbsp;

Punjab recorded a voter turnout of 17.77 per cent at 11 am on Sunday in the ongoing Assembly elections. According to the Election Commission of India, Sri Muktsar Sahib witnessed the highest voter turnout of 23.

Punjab recorded a voter turnout of 17.77 per cent at 11 am on Sunday in the ongoing Assembly elections. According to the Election Commission of India, Sri Muktsar Sahib witnessed the highest voter turnout of 23.34 per cent followed by Fazilka (22.55 per cent) and Malerkotla (22.07 per cent) till 11 am.Pathankot recorded the lowest percentage of voter turnout of 12.44 per cent. Further, while Sahibjada Ajit Singh Nagar saw 13.15 per cent voter turnout.Jalandhar reported 14.30 per cent voter turnout, Ludhiana recorded 15.58 per cent while Moga registered 16.29 per cent polling.Meanwhile, Hoshiarpur recorded 18.88 per cent while Kapurthala recorded 16.03 per cent. Mansa recorded 19.75 per cent. Moga recorded 16.29 per cent.Assembly polls for electing 117 assembly seats in Punjab will be held on February 20. The results will be declared on March 10.In the 2017 Assembly polls in the state, the Congress had won an absolute majority by winning 77 seats, ousting the SAD-BJP government, which had been in power for 10 years.

Punjab reports 17.77 pc voter turnout till 11 am

Polling on all Assembly seats in Punjab and 59 constituencies for the third phase of Uttar Pradesh elections began&nbsp;at 7 am on Sunday.&nbsp;

In Punjab, over 2.14 crore voters will decide the fate of 1304 candidates in the fray from 117 constituencies. The state is witnessing a multi-corner contest this time with Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance, and the coalition of Bharatiya Janata Party-former chief minister Amarinder Singh`s Punjab Lok Congress party as key players.

CM Charanjit Singh Channi, who is the Congress`s chief ministerial face, is contesting from two seats Chamkaur Sahib and Bhadaur. Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu is facing SAD`s Bikram Singh Majithia, AAP`s Jeevanjyot Kaur and BJP`s Jagmohan Singh Raju in Amritsar (East).

AAP Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur and party`s CM face Bhagwant Mann is contesting from Dhuri seat. Punjab Lok Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh is seeking re-election from the Patiala constituency.Five-time Chief Minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal is in the fray from the Lambi seat while SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal is in the electoral contest from Jalalabad.&nbsp;

The BJP has pitted its Punjab unit chief Ashwani Kumar Sharma from the Pathankot constituency.In the third phase of Uttar Pradesh polls, 59 assembly seats across 16 districts are going to the polls on Sunday. As many as 627 candidates are in the fray. Over 2.16 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise at 25,794 polling places and 15,557 polling stations in the third phase of Assembly elections.Among the key constituencies where polling began today include Karhal where former chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is contesting his maiden Assembly election.&nbsp;

The BJP has pitted Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice Satya Pal Singh Baghel against Akhilesh Yadav.Akhilesh`s uncle and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) supremo Shivpal Singh Yadav is contesting from Jaswantnagar seat.Elections in Uttar Pradesh are being held in seven phases and will conclude on March 7. Besides UP, polling for assembly elections in Goa and Uttarakhand has recently concluded. Manipur will go to the polls in two phases- on February 28 and March 5. The counting of votes in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur will take place on March 10.

Polling on all Assembly seats in Punjab and 59 constituencies for the third phase of Uttar Pradesh elections began at 7 am on Sunday. In Punjab, over 2.14 crore voters will decide the fate of 1304 candidates in the fray from 117 constituencies.

Polling on all Assembly seats in Punjab and 59 constituencies for the third phase of Uttar Pradesh elections began at 7 am on Sunday. In Punjab, over 2.14 crore voters will decide the fate of 1304 candidates in the fray from 117 constituencies. The state is witnessing a multi-corner contest this time with Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance, and the coalition of Bharatiya Janata Party-former chief minister Amarinder Singh`s Punjab Lok Congress party as key players. CM Charanjit Singh Channi, who is the Congress`s chief ministerial face, is contesting from two seats Chamkaur Sahib and Bhadaur. Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu is facing SAD`s Bikram Singh Majithia, AAP`s Jeevanjyot Kaur and BJP`s Jagmohan Singh Raju in Amritsar (East). AAP Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur and party`s CM face Bhagwant Mann is contesting from Dhuri seat. Punjab Lok Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh is seeking re-election from the Patiala constituency.Five-time Chief Minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal is in the fray from the Lambi seat while SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal is in the electoral contest from Jalalabad. The BJP has pitted its Punjab unit chief Ashwani Kumar Sharma from the Pathankot constituency.In the third phase of Uttar Pradesh polls, 59 assembly seats across 16 districts are going to the polls on Sunday. As many as 627 candidates are in the fray. Over 2.16 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise at 25,794 polling places and 15,557 polling stations in the third phase of Assembly elections.Among the key constituencies where polling began today include Karhal where former chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is contesting his maiden Assembly election. The BJP has pitted Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice Satya Pal Singh Baghel against Akhilesh Yadav.Akhilesh`s uncle and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) supremo Shivpal Singh Yadav is contesting from Jaswantnagar seat.Elections in Uttar Pradesh are being held in seven phases and will conclude on March 7. Besides UP, polling for assembly elections in Goa and Uttarakhand has recently concluded. Manipur will go to the polls in two phases- on February 28 and March 5. The counting of votes in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur will take place on March 10.

Assembly elections 2022: Polling begins in Punjab, 59 UP seats

The residents of the Indian state of Punjab is voting for the next government. The political parties AAP and Congress seems to be the main rivals.

Elections in the Indian state of Punjab: 63.44% voter turnout recorded till 5 PM

Residents of the Indian state of Punjab vote for the next government

Uttar Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of 35.88 per cent, while Punjab reported 34.10 per cent till 1 pm on Sunday in the ongoing phase of the Assembly elections.According to the Election Commission of India, in Uttar Pradesh, Etah witnessed the highest voter turnout of 42.24 per cent followed by Lalitpur (42.12 per cent) and Manpuri (41.14 per cent) till 1 pm.

Kanpur Nagar recorded the lowest percentage of voter turnout of 28.50 per cent. Further, Jhansi saw 32.83 per cent voter turnout.Meanwhile, Fazilka in Punjab reported 40.59 per cent voter turnout which is the highest. While Sahibjada Ajit Singh Nagar reported 27.22 per cent voter turnout which is the lowest in Punjab.

Polling in 59 constituencies for the third phase of the Uttar Pradesh elections is underway.In the third phase of the Uttar Pradesh polls, 59 assembly seats across 16 districts are going to the polls on Sunday.&nbsp;

As many as 627 candidates are in the fray. Over 2.16 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise at 25,794 polling places and 15,557 polling stations in the third phase of Assembly elections.

Among the key constituencies where polling began today include Karhal where former chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is contesting his maiden Assembly election.Akhilesh`s uncle and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) supremo Shivpal Singh Yadav is contesting from Jaswantnagar seat.

Voting for 117 constituencies in Punjab is underway amid tight security.In Punjab, over 2.14 crore voters will decide the fate of 1304 candidates who are in the fray from 117 constituencies.

There are 2,14,99,804 voters in Punjab who are eligible to exercise their franchise on Sunday. He said that there are 1304 candidates--1209 male, 93 women and two transgenders are in the fray in 117 constituencies spread across 23 districts of the state.The state is witnessing a multi-corner contest this time with Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance, and the coalition of Bharatiya Janata Party-former chief minister Amarinder Singh`s Punjab Lok Congress party as key players.The counting of votes will be done on March 10.

Uttar Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of 35.88 per cent, while Punjab reported 34.10 per cent till 1 pm on Sunday in the ongoing phase of the Assembly elections.

Uttar Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of 35.88 per cent, while Punjab reported 34.10 per cent till 1 pm on Sunday in the ongoing phase of the Assembly elections.According to the Election Commission of India, in Uttar Pradesh, Etah witnessed the highest voter turnout of 42.24 per cent followed by Lalitpur (42.12 per cent) and Manpuri (41.14 per cent) till 1 pm. Kanpur Nagar recorded the lowest percentage of voter turnout of 28.50 per cent. Further, Jhansi saw 32.83 per cent voter turnout.Meanwhile, Fazilka in Punjab reported 40.59 per cent voter turnout which is the highest. While Sahibjada Ajit Singh Nagar reported 27.22 per cent voter turnout which is the lowest in Punjab. Polling in 59 constituencies for the third phase of the Uttar Pradesh elections is underway.In the third phase of the Uttar Pradesh polls, 59 assembly seats across 16 districts are going to the polls on Sunday. As many as 627 candidates are in the fray. Over 2.16 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise at 25,794 polling places and 15,557 polling stations in the third phase of Assembly elections. Among the key constituencies where polling began today include Karhal where former chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is contesting his maiden Assembly election.Akhilesh`s uncle and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) supremo Shivpal Singh Yadav is contesting from Jaswantnagar seat. Voting for 117 constituencies in Punjab is underway amid tight security.In Punjab, over 2.14 crore voters will decide the fate of 1304 candidates who are in the fray from 117 constituencies. There are 2,14,99,804 voters in Punjab who are eligible to exercise their franchise on Sunday. He said that there are 1304 candidates--1209 male, 93 women and two transgenders are in the fray in 117 constituencies spread across 23 districts of the state.The state is witnessing a multi-corner contest this time with Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance, and the coalition of Bharatiya Janata Party-former chief minister Amarinder Singh`s Punjab Lok Congress party as key players.The counting of votes will be done on March 10.

UP reports 35.88 pc voter turnout, Punjab records 34.10 pc till 1 pm

Next month, elections will be held in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state and a vital battleground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The election in the northern state, which is currently dominated by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, is viewed as a harbinger of national elections in 2024.

In the next few months, elections will be held in the northern provinces of Punjab and Uttarakhand, as well as in the tourist mecca of Goa and the northeastern state of Manipur.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-crucial-states-of-india-including-punjab-uttar-pradesh-gear-up-for-bellwether-local-polls-438801">Also read | Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls</a>

Elections would be held for 403 assembly seats in UP, 117 in Punjab, 70 in Uttarakhand, 60 in Manipur and 40 in Goa.&nbsp;

In this massive election, an estimated 184 million voters, including 85.5 million women, are anticipated to vote.

2.49 million of them are first-time voters.&nbsp; 
 
Assembly Elections Schedule: Counting day March 10

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 738px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 108px;">States</td>
			<td style="width: 113px;">Voting begins</td>
			<td style="width: 105px;">Voting Ends</td>
			<td style="width: 99px;">Voting Days</td>
			<td style="width: 108px;">Incumbent&nbsp;Party</td>
			<td style="width: 171px;">Total number of seats </td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 108px;">Uttar Pradesh</td>
			<td style="width: 113px;">February 10</td>
			<td style="width: 105px;">March 7</td>
			<td style="width: 99px;">7</td>
			<td style="width: 108px;">BJP</td>
			<td style="width: 171px;">403</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 108px;">Punjab</td>
			<td style="width: 113px;">February 20</td>
			<td style="width: 105px;">February 20</td>
			<td style="width: 99px;">1</td>
			<td style="width: 108px;">INC</td>
			<td style="width: 171px;">117</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 108px;">Uttarakhand</td>
			<td style="width: 113px;">February&nbsp;14</td>
			<td style="width: 105px;">February 14</td>
			<td style="width: 99px;">1</td>
			<td style="width: 108px;">BJP</td>
			<td style="width: 171px;">70</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 108px;">Manipur</td>
			<td style="width: 113px;">February 27</td>
			<td style="width: 105px;">March 3</td>
			<td style="width: 99px;">2</td>
			<td style="width: 108px;">BJP</td>
			<td style="width: 171px;">60</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 108px;">Goa</td>
			<td style="width: 113px;">February 14</td>
			<td style="width: 105px;">February 14</td>
			<td style="width: 99px;">1</td>
			<td style="width: 108px;">BJP</td>
			<td style="width: 171px;">40</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

The EC has capped the number of voters per booth at 1,250, resulting in an increase in the number of polling stations to 30,334 as the average number of voters per polling booth has decreased.

At least one booth in each Assembly constituency will be managed exclusively by women.

Candidates with criminal background

A petition has been filed with the Supreme Court, asking the court to order the Election Commission to ensure that all political parties display information on candidate criminal charges, as well as the reasons for their selection, on the home page of their official website.

Aside from the website, the petition also asks the Election Commission of India (ECI) to direct the ECI to guarantee that every politician publishes their details in electronic, print, and social media, and to bring a contempt case against the party's president if they don't.&nbsp;

In light of the forthcoming assembly elections, barrister Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay filed a petition asking the ECI to issue a directive requiring every political party to explain why it chose a candidate with criminal history over one without.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Next month, elections will be held in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state and a vital battleground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The election in the northern state, which is currently dominated by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, is viewed as a harbinger of national elections in 2024.

Next month, elections will be held in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state and a vital battleground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The election in the northern state, which is currently dominated by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, is viewed as a harbinger of national elections in 2024. In the next few months, elections will be held in the northern provinces of Punjab and Uttarakhand, as well as in the tourist mecca of Goa and the northeastern state of Manipur. Also read | Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls Elections would be held for 403 assembly seats in UP, 117 in Punjab, 70 in Uttarakhand, 60 in Manipur and 40 in Goa. In this massive election, an estimated 184 million voters, including 85.5 million women, are anticipated to vote. 2.49 million of them are first-time voters. Assembly Elections Schedule: Counting day March 10 States Voting begins Voting Ends Voting Days Incumbent Party Total number of seats Uttar Pradesh February 10 March 7 7 BJP 403 Punjab February 20 February 20 1 INC 117 Uttarakhand February 14 February 14 1 BJP 70 Manipur February 27 March 3 2 BJP 60 Goa February 14 February 14 1 BJP 40 The EC has capped the number of voters per booth at 1,250, resulting in an increase in the number of polling stations to 30,334 as the average number of voters per polling booth has decreased. At least one booth in each Assembly constituency will be managed exclusively by women. Candidates with criminal background A petition has been filed with the Supreme Court, asking the court to order the Election Commission to ensure that all political parties display information on candidate criminal charges, as well as the reasons for their selection, on the home page of their official website. Aside from the website, the petition also asks the Election Commission of India (ECI) to direct the ECI to guarantee that every politician publishes their details in electronic, print, and social media, and to bring a contempt case against the party's president if they don't. In light of the forthcoming assembly elections, barrister Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay filed a petition asking the ECI to issue a directive requiring every political party to explain why it chose a candidate with criminal history over one without. (With inputs from agencies)

India's mammoth state elections: Five states to vote from Feb 10, counting on March 10

The Indian Election Commission convened a news conference at 12 p.m. on Thursday in response to calls to postpone the vote due to the Omicron danger.

"Representatives of all political parties met us and told us that elections should be conducted on time, following all COVID-19 rules," said Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra.

He explained, "The UP Assembly's term ends on May 14th. We met with members of political parties, all district magistrates and district police superintendents, as well as other senior personnel. We also met with officials from the GST, ED, and IT departments.We want to ensure that elections are free of corruption.These organisations have issued specific directives to ensure that this happens."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-crucial-states-of-india-including-punjab-uttar-pradesh-gear-up-for-bellwether-local-polls-438801">Also read | Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls</a>

He also stated that the final voter list would be made public on January 5, 2022.

The Election Commission will come to the doorsteps of those over the age of 80, people with impairments, and COVID-19 impacted people who are unable to vote in a polling booth.

Additionally, VVPATs will be installed in every voting booth.

To guarantee openness in the election process, he said that live webcasting facilities would be accessible in about 1 lakh voting booths.&nbsp;

A reporter present at the meeting asked the ECE for its thoughts on the big poll rallies being organised before the elections amid the rising COVID-19 Delta and Omicron cases.&nbsp;

Chandra said, "Big rallies are under our attention. Following the implementation of the MCC, detailed guidelines on how to structure large rallies will be issued.

"We have discussed this issue with the health secretary here. When elections are announced, we will issue directions specifically on this issue after looking at the situation then, " he added.

Meanwhile, all political parties in the election-bound states have begun flexing their muscles.&nbsp;

The Legislative Assembly elections in India are held every 5 years in which the Indian electorate chooses the members of the Vidhan Sabha (or Legislative/State Assembly).

In March 2022, the Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand will finish their tenures.

The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly's term is set to end in May.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Election Commission convened a news conference at 12 p.m. on Thursday in response to calls to postpone the vote due to the Omicron danger. "Representatives of all political parties met us and told us that elections should be conducted on time, following all COVID-19 rules," said Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra.

The Indian Election Commission convened a news conference at 12 p.m. on Thursday in response to calls to postpone the vote due to the Omicron danger. "Representatives of all political parties met us and told us that elections should be conducted on time, following all COVID-19 rules," said Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra. He explained, "The UP Assembly's term ends on May 14th. We met with members of political parties, all district magistrates and district police superintendents, as well as other senior personnel. We also met with officials from the GST, ED, and IT departments.We want to ensure that elections are free of corruption.These organisations have issued specific directives to ensure that this happens." Also read | Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls He also stated that the final voter list would be made public on January 5, 2022. The Election Commission will come to the doorsteps of those over the age of 80, people with impairments, and COVID-19 impacted people who are unable to vote in a polling booth. Additionally, VVPATs will be installed in every voting booth. To guarantee openness in the election process, he said that live webcasting facilities would be accessible in about 1 lakh voting booths. A reporter present at the meeting asked the ECE for its thoughts on the big poll rallies being organised before the elections amid the rising COVID-19 Delta and Omicron cases. Chandra said, "Big rallies are under our attention. Following the implementation of the MCC, detailed guidelines on how to structure large rallies will be issued. "We have discussed this issue with the health secretary here. When elections are announced, we will issue directions specifically on this issue after looking at the situation then, " he added. Meanwhile, all political parties in the election-bound states have begun flexing their muscles. The Legislative Assembly elections in India are held every 5 years in which the Indian electorate chooses the members of the Vidhan Sabha (or Legislative/State Assembly). In March 2022, the Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand will finish their tenures. The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly's term is set to end in May. (With inputs from agencies)

No shifting of India Assembly election 2022? Poll body says parties want vote held on time

In Germany today, the alleged mastermind behind the blast at a district court in India's Punjab was nabbed. The accused is a top member of "Sikhs for Justice" - a banned pro-Khalistani group. Reports say he was in touch with Pakistan's ISI.

Alleged mastermind behind the blast at a district court in India's Punjab nabbed

In Germany today, the alleged mastermind behind the blast at a district court in India's Punjab was nabbed. The accused is a top member of "Sikhs for Justice" - a banned pro-Khalistani group. Reports say he was in touch with Pakistan's ISI. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Khalistani terrorists behind court blast in India's Punjab?

In India's five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa, and Punjab, the stage is set for local elections (Legislative Assembly elections).

The Bharatiya Janata Party governs the first four, while the Congress governs the fifth.

Despite the fact that the dates have yet to be set, all political parties in the election-bound states have begun flexing their muscles.&nbsp;

The Legislative Assembly elections in India are held every 5 years in which the Indian electorate chooses the members of the Vidhan Sabha (or Legislative/State Assembly).

In March 2022, the Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand will finish their tenures.

The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly's term is set to end in May.&nbsp;

Detail of terms of the Houses of upcoming election States

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>HOUSE/STATE</td>
			<td>FROM</td>
			<td>TO</td>
			<td>SEAT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GOA</td>
			<td>16.03.2017</td>
			<td>15.03.2022</td>
			<td>40</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MANIPUR</td>
			<td>20.03.2017</td>
			<td>19.03.2022</td>
			<td>60</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>UTTARAKHAND</td>
			<td>24.03.2017</td>
			<td>23.03.2022</td>
			<td>70</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PUNJAB</td>
			<td>28.03.2017</td>
			<td>27.03.2022</td>
			<td>117</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>UTTAR PRADESH</td>
			<td>15.05.2017</td>
			<td>14.05.2022</td>
			<td>403</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
The present partywise status of all five state assemblies in (based on 2017 results): 
 
UTTAR PRADESH: Total seats 403 |&nbsp;202 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Results</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>312</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SP</td>
			<td>47</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BSP</td>
			<td>19</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AD</td>
			<td>9</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>7</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Others</td>
			<td>9</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
PUNJAB: Total 117 seats | 59 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Result</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>77</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AAP</td>
			<td>20</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SAD</td>
			<td>15</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Others</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
UTTARAKHAND: Total 70 seats | 36 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Results</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>57</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>11</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IND</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
GOA: Total 40 seats | 21 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Results</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>17</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>13</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IND</td>
			<td>3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GFP</td>
			<td>3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Others</td>
			<td>4</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
Manipur: Total 60 seats | 31 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Results</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>28</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>21</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TMC</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Others</td>
			<td>10</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

These assembly elections will be crucial not only for national parties like the BJP and the Congress, but also for regional parties.&nbsp;

In India's five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa, and Punjab, the stage is set for local elections (Legislative Assembly elections). The Bharatiya Janata Party governs the first four, while the Congress governs the fifth.

In India's five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa, and Punjab, the stage is set for local elections (Legislative Assembly elections). The Bharatiya Janata Party governs the first four, while the Congress governs the fifth. Despite the fact that the dates have yet to be set, all political parties in the election-bound states have begun flexing their muscles. The Legislative Assembly elections in India are held every 5 years in which the Indian electorate chooses the members of the Vidhan Sabha (or Legislative/State Assembly). In March 2022, the Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand will finish their tenures. The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly's term is set to end in May. Detail of terms of the Houses of upcoming election States HOUSE/STATE FROM TO SEAT GOA 16.03.2017 15.03.2022 40 MANIPUR 20.03.2017 19.03.2022 60 UTTARAKHAND 24.03.2017 23.03.2022 70 PUNJAB 28.03.2017 27.03.2022 117 UTTAR PRADESH 15.05.2017 14.05.2022 403 The present partywise status of all five state assemblies in (based on 2017 results): UTTAR PRADESH: Total seats 403 | 202 seats needed for a majority Party Results BJP 312 SP 47 BSP 19 AD 9 INC 7 Others 9 PUNJAB: Total 117 seats | 59 seats needed for a majority Party Result INC 77 AAP 20 SAD 15 BJP 3 Others 2 UTTARAKHAND: Total 70 seats | 36 seats needed for a majority Party Results BJP 57 INC 11 IND 2 GOA: Total 40 seats | 21 seats needed for a majority Party Results INC 17 BJP 13 IND 3 GFP 3 Others 4 Manipur: Total 60 seats | 31 seats needed for a majority Party Results INC 28 BJP 21 TMC 1 Others 10 These assembly elections will be crucial not only for national parties like the BJP and the Congress, but also for regional parties.

Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls

UK MP Preet Kaur Gill has posted&nbsp;a new tweet on the alleged sacrilege incident at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Punjab,&nbsp;even as the Indian mission in London&nbsp; expressed concern over her previous tweet on the incident.

In her initial tweet, she characterised the incident as "Hindu terrorist prevented from an act of violence at Sikh Holy Shrine of Harmandir Sahib, against Sikh". Her tweet got furious responses and has since been deleted.

The Indian high commission said in a statement, "it is constrained to unequivocally repudiate the public comment by a Member of the British Parliament regarding a crime that occurred in India even before the Indian law enforcement authority could investigate or comment or declare their finding."

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) under Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Law and Order had been constituted to investigate the incident.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-beaten-to-death-after-alleged-sacrilege-attempt-at-golden-temple-in-india-438144">Man beaten to death after alleged 'sacrilege' attempt at Golden Temple in India</a>

The Indian mission said that it is "concerned at the effect that such commentary by a foreign MP may have on inter-communal harmony and peace in the British Indian community." Remember British Indians constitute the largest ethnic group in the UK and have played a key role in British society.&nbsp;

The MP later deleted the previous tweet and condemned both the sacrilege and lynching of the man who was responsible for it. She said in a tweet, "Beadbi incidents are unacceptable but the lynching of another person is also unacceptable and no one should take matters into their own hands. We need a full enquiry into these matters. @SGPCAmritsar @PMOIndia"

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Beadbi incidents are unacceptable but the lynching of another person is also unacceptable and no one should take matters into their own hands. We need a full enquiry into these matters. <a href="https://twitter.com/SGPCAmritsar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SGPCAmritsar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a>
— Preet Kaur Gill MP (@PreetKGillMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/PreetKGillMP/status/1472893409610407948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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UK MP Preet Kaur Gill has posted a new tweet on the alleged sacrilege incident at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Punjab, even as the Indian mission in London expressed concern over her previous tweet on the incident.

UK MP Preet Kaur Gill has posted a new tweet on the alleged sacrilege incident at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Punjab, even as the Indian mission in London expressed concern over her previous tweet on the incident. In her initial tweet, she characterised the incident as "Hindu terrorist prevented from an act of violence at Sikh Holy Shrine of Harmandir Sahib, against Sikh". Her tweet got furious responses and has since been deleted. The Indian high commission said in a statement, "it is constrained to unequivocally repudiate the public comment by a Member of the British Parliament regarding a crime that occurred in India even before the Indian law enforcement authority could investigate or comment or declare their finding." A Special Investigation Team (SIT) under Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Law and Order had been constituted to investigate the incident. ALSO READ | Man beaten to death after alleged 'sacrilege' attempt at Golden Temple in India The Indian mission said that it is "concerned at the effect that such commentary by a foreign MP may have on inter-communal harmony and peace in the British Indian community." Remember British Indians constitute the largest ethnic group in the UK and have played a key role in British society. The MP later deleted the previous tweet and condemned both the sacrilege and lynching of the man who was responsible for it. She said in a tweet, "Beadbi incidents are unacceptable but the lynching of another person is also unacceptable and no one should take matters into their own hands. We need a full enquiry into these matters. @SGPCAmritsar @PMOIndia" Beadbi incidents are unacceptable but the lynching of another person is also unacceptable and no one should take matters into their own hands. We need a full enquiry into these matters. @SGPCAmritsar @PMOIndia — Preet Kaur Gill MP (@PreetKGillMP) December 20, 2021 ×

Punjab sacrilege incident: UK MP puts new tweet after Indian mission expresses concern

At least eight people were killed, including four policemen, and over 250 were injured in clashes between supporters of a radical Islamist party and the police in Pakistan’s Punjab state, prompting the Imran Khan government to deploy paramilitary forces for two months to control the situation.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar tweeted that the four police personnel were killed due to firing by the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) workers, adding that 253 others had been injured in the violence.&nbsp;

A Punjab police spokesman told Reuters that the TLP workers used SMG, AK 47 and pistols to target police officials as a result of which several officials were killed.

The TLP claimed that several of their activists had also been killed or wounded, according to&nbsp;Reuters.

Police said the clashes were triggered after they tried to block the TLP supporters’ march towards Islamabad.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-wake-of-violent-protests-france-recalls-15-diplomats-from-pakistan-378705">In wake of violent protests, France recalls 15 diplomats from Pakistan</a>

The clashes between the Islamists and police started at Sadhoke, some 50 kms from Lahore, when thousands of the TLP protesters who had been camping between Muridke and Gujranwala along the GT Road for the last three days started the march towards Islamabad after getting a go-ahead from their leadership.

Watch

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The TLP had given a two-day deadline on Sunday to the government to meet its demands to release the party chief Saad Rizvi and expel the French envoy or face a sit-in in the capital.

The proscribed group has been protesting against the blasphemous caricatures of Islam’s Prophet published in France and its demand that the French ambassador be sent back and import of goods from that country be banned.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad warned the protesters to return home. "The TLP has turned into a militant organisation as its members had opened fire on policemen using Kalashnikovs," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-slams-frances-anti-radicalism-bill-warns-of-serious-repercussions-365264">Pakistan slams France's anti-radicalism bill, warns of 'serious repercussions'</a>

"The TLP is banned in Pakistan and now it is feared that it may be banned internationally too," he said, adding that Pakistan won't be able to intervene if such a thing happens.

The minister said that the government tried holding talks with the proscribed organisation and kept its word, but "the TLP broke its promises."

Punjab IG Rao Sardar Ali Khan said that the banned group had repeated its history of damaging state property and harming police officials.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blatant-lies-france-asks-pakistan-to-withdraw-comments-that-compared-macron-to-nazis-344721">'Blatant lies': France asks Pakistan to withdraw comments that compared Macron to Nazis</a>

Addressing a press briefing alongside Punjab government spokesperson Hasaan Khawar, the official said that the group had always challenged the state's writ.

The TLP shot to fame in 2017 when it held a massive protest for three weeks in the busy Faizabad interchange near Islamabad. The party lifted the lockdown of the city after the then government sacked the law minister.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least eight people were killed, including four policemen, and over 250 were injured in clashes between supporters of a radical Islamist party and the police in Pakistan’s Punjab state, prompting the Imran Khan government to deploy paramilitary forces for two months to control the situation.

At least eight people were killed, including four policemen, and over 250 were injured in clashes between supporters of a radical Islamist party and the police in Pakistan’s Punjab state, prompting the Imran Khan government to deploy paramilitary forces for two months to control the situation. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar tweeted that the four police personnel were killed due to firing by the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) workers, adding that 253 others had been injured in the violence. A Punjab police spokesman told Reuters that the TLP workers used SMG, AK 47 and pistols to target police officials as a result of which several officials were killed. The TLP claimed that several of their activists had also been killed or wounded, according to Reuters. Police said the clashes were triggered after they tried to block the TLP supporters’ march towards Islamabad. Also read | In wake of violent protests, France recalls 15 diplomats from Pakistan The clashes between the Islamists and police started at Sadhoke, some 50 kms from Lahore, when thousands of the TLP protesters who had been camping between Muridke and Gujranwala along the GT Road for the last three days started the march towards Islamabad after getting a go-ahead from their leadership. Watch The TLP had given a two-day deadline on Sunday to the government to meet its demands to release the party chief Saad Rizvi and expel the French envoy or face a sit-in in the capital. The proscribed group has been protesting against the blasphemous caricatures of Islam’s Prophet published in France and its demand that the French ambassador be sent back and import of goods from that country be banned. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad warned the protesters to return home. "The TLP has turned into a militant organisation as its members had opened fire on policemen using Kalashnikovs," he said. Also read | Pakistan slams France's anti-radicalism bill, warns of 'serious repercussions' "The TLP is banned in Pakistan and now it is feared that it may be banned internationally too," he said, adding that Pakistan won't be able to intervene if such a thing happens. The minister said that the government tried holding talks with the proscribed organisation and kept its word, but "the TLP broke its promises." Punjab IG Rao Sardar Ali Khan said that the banned group had repeated its history of damaging state property and harming police officials. Also read | 'Blatant lies': France asks Pakistan to withdraw comments that compared Macron to Nazis Addressing a press briefing alongside Punjab government spokesperson Hasaan Khawar, the official said that the group had always challenged the state's writ. The TLP shot to fame in 2017 when it held a massive protest for three weeks in the busy Faizabad interchange near Islamabad. The party lifted the lockdown of the city after the then government sacked the law minister. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: 4 cops among 8 killed, over 250 injured in clashes between proscribed Islamist group and police

Indian football team's goalkeeper Amrinder Singh took to Twitter on Thursday (September 30) to issue a clarification after being confused for the Chief Minister of an Indian state Punjab. Amrinder, who plays for ATK-Mohun Bagan in the Indian Super League (ISL), urged Twitter users and journalists to not tag him in posts related to the ex-Punjab CM -&nbsp;Captain Amarinder Singh.

Captain Amarinder Singh has been garnering headlines recently after resigning as Punjab's Chief Minister on September 18. The senior political leader's exit as the CM and the Indian National Congress party has grabbed headlines in the mainstream media as well as social media.

However, his exit seems to have created problems for someone who is not related to Punjab politics by any means. Goalkeeper Amrinder, who claimed he is being&nbsp;tagged in tweets related to the ex-Punjab CM, urged Twitter users to stop tagging him and confusing him for the ex-Congress leader.

"Dear News Media, Journalists, I am Amrinder Singh, Goalkeeper of Indian Football Team and not the Former Chief Minister of the State Punjab. Please stop tagging me," the India goalkeeper wrote on his Twitter handle.

<img alt="India goalkeeper Amrinder Singh clarifies he is not ex-Punjab CM." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b0446fc-bf12-4387-9c25-04a11ff3fc2a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Amrinder%20tweet.png" />

Former Punjab Chief Miister Captain Amarinder Singh, who is reportedly considering starting his own party after leaving Congress, responded to the Indian goalkeeper's tweet and wished him luck for his games ahead.

"I empathise with you, my young friend. Good luck for your games ahead," wrote the former Punjab CM.

<img alt="Captain Amarinder Singh's tweet." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="197d9e5d-7129-4aa1-9a87-19b959e8d4cb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cap%20tweet.png" />

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-reacts-sharply-after-rumours-of-him-complaining-against-virat-kohli-to-the-bcci-go-viral-417047">&nbsp;R Ashwin reacts sharply after rumours of him complaining against Virat Kohli to the BCCI go viral</a>

Who is Amrinder Singh?

Amrinder Singh is a 28-year-old Indian footballer who plays for the Indian national football team and the ATK-Mohun Baga in the ISL. Amrinder hails from Mahilpur, Punjab and has seven appearances to his name for the Blue Tigers. He has also played for Mumbai City in the ISL.

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Indian football team's goalkeeper Amrinder Singh took to Twitter on Thursday (September 30) to issue a clarification after being confused for the Chief Minister of an Indian state Punjab.

Indian football team's goalkeeper Amrinder Singh took to Twitter on Thursday (September 30) to issue a clarification after being confused for the Chief Minister of an Indian state Punjab. Amrinder, who plays for ATK-Mohun Bagan in the Indian Super League (ISL), urged Twitter users and journalists to not tag him in posts related to the ex-Punjab CM - Captain Amarinder Singh. Captain Amarinder Singh has been garnering headlines recently after resigning as Punjab's Chief Minister on September 18. The senior political leader's exit as the CM and the Indian National Congress party has grabbed headlines in the mainstream media as well as social media. However, his exit seems to have created problems for someone who is not related to Punjab politics by any means. Goalkeeper Amrinder, who claimed he is being tagged in tweets related to the ex-Punjab CM, urged Twitter users to stop tagging him and confusing him for the ex-Congress leader. "Dear News Media, Journalists, I am Amrinder Singh, Goalkeeper of Indian Football Team and not the Former Chief Minister of the State Punjab. Please stop tagging me," the India goalkeeper wrote on his Twitter handle. Former Punjab Chief Miister Captain Amarinder Singh, who is reportedly considering starting his own party after leaving Congress, responded to the Indian goalkeeper's tweet and wished him luck for his games ahead. "I empathise with you, my young friend. Good luck for your games ahead," wrote the former Punjab CM. Also Read: R Ashwin reacts sharply after rumours of him complaining against Virat Kohli to the BCCI go viral Who is Amrinder Singh? Amrinder Singh is a 28-year-old Indian footballer who plays for the Indian national football team and the ATK-Mohun Baga in the ISL. Amrinder hails from Mahilpur, Punjab and has seven appearances to his name for the Blue Tigers. He has also played for Mumbai City in the ISL.

'Please stop tagging me': India goalkeeper Amrinder Singh clarifies after being confused for former Punjab CM

Amarinder Singh, who recently resigned from the post of India's Punjab&nbsp;state chief minister, met the country’s home minister Amit Shah at his residence in the national capital Delhi on Wednesday, triggering speculations of him ditching the Congress party and joining the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

According to reports, Singh visited Shah to discuss the prevailing security scenario in the border state of Punjab and the ongoing farmers’ agitation.&nbsp;This is the first meeting between the two leaders after Amarinder resigned from the chief minister's post.&nbsp;

Amarinder had reached Delhi on Tuesday, saying that he was on a personal visit.

“I am here to vacate Kapurthala House (the official residence of Punjab Chief Minister in Delhi). I am not going to meet any politician here,” he told reporters.

His media advisor Raveen Thukral had said that “too much being read into Captain Amarinder’s visit to Delhi”.

Earlier this month, Amarinder stepped down from as the Punjab Chief Minister a year ahead of elections, after a long and bitter feud with detractors, including cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who was elevated by the Gandhis to the post of the party chief.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-punjab-minister-quits-after-navjot-sidhu-resigns-as-state-congress-chief-416667">India's Punjab minister quits after Navjot Sidhu resigns as state Congress chief</a>

While stepping down as chief minister, Amarinder had slammed the party leadership saying he had been let down.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-day-after-bitter-power-tussle-indias-northern-punjab-state-gets-new-cm-414241">A day after bitter power tussle, India's northern Punjab state gets new CM</a>

The former chief minister further said he felt “humiliated”, adding that he had been summoned thrice by the central leadership in the past two months.

However, it was Amarinder who had the last laugh after Sidhu resigned as the Congress’ Punjab unit president.

“I told you so...he is not a stable man and not fit for the border state of Punjab,” Amarinder had said in a tweet.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amarinder Singh, who recently resigned from the post of India's Punjab state chief minister, met the country’s home minister Amit Shah at his residence in the national capital Delhi on Wednesday, triggering speculations of him ditching the Congress party and joining the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Amarinder Singh, who recently resigned from the post of India's Punjab state chief minister, met the country’s home minister Amit Shah at his residence in the national capital Delhi on Wednesday, triggering speculations of him ditching the Congress party and joining the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to reports, Singh visited Shah to discuss the prevailing security scenario in the border state of Punjab and the ongoing farmers’ agitation. This is the first meeting between the two leaders after Amarinder resigned from the chief minister's post. Amarinder had reached Delhi on Tuesday, saying that he was on a personal visit. “I am here to vacate Kapurthala House (the official residence of Punjab Chief Minister in Delhi). I am not going to meet any politician here,” he told reporters. His media advisor Raveen Thukral had said that “too much being read into Captain Amarinder’s visit to Delhi”. Earlier this month, Amarinder stepped down from as the Punjab Chief Minister a year ahead of elections, after a long and bitter feud with detractors, including cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who was elevated by the Gandhis to the post of the party chief. Also read | India's Punjab minister quits after Navjot Sidhu resigns as state Congress chief While stepping down as chief minister, Amarinder had slammed the party leadership saying he had been let down. Also read | A day after bitter power tussle, India's northern Punjab state gets new CM The former chief minister further said he felt “humiliated”, adding that he had been summoned thrice by the central leadership in the past two months. However, it was Amarinder who had the last laugh after Sidhu resigned as the Congress’ Punjab unit president. “I told you so...he is not a stable man and not fit for the border state of Punjab,” Amarinder had said in a tweet. (With inputs from agencies)

Ousted Punjab CM Amarinder Singh meets home minister & BJP leader Shah, sparks defection rumours

Razia Sultana put in her papers as the Punjab Cabinet minister in "solidarity" with Navjot Singh Sidhu, who resigned from the post of the state Congress chief on Tuesday.

Sultana is considered close to Sidhu and her husband Mohd Mustafa, a former IPS officer, is a principal strategic adviser to the Congress leader.

In her resignation letter to Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, the minister said, "I, Razia Sultana, hereby resign as cabinet minister, Punjab, in solidarity with Navjot Singh Sidhu, PPCC president, and millions of Congress workers across the state."

"I will continue to work for the party as a worker in the best interest of Punjab. My heartfelt thanks to Sonia Gandhiji, hon'ble Congress president, and Rahul Gandhiji for their countless blessings on me and my family in our hours of need," she said in her resignation letter.

Mustafa shared the resignation of his wife on his Twitter handle.

"So proud of my wife Razia Sultana for her principled decision to resign in the best interest of Cong and its leadership, in particular Rahul Gandhi our benefactor," tweeted Mustafa.

Both Mustafa and Sultana went to Patiala to meet Sidhu at his residence there.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-appoints-navjot-singh-sidhu-as-chief-of-punjab-congress-398928">&nbsp;Sonia Gandhi appoints Navjot Singh Sidhu as Chief of Punjab Congress</a>

Sidhu on Tuesday resigned as the chief of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, plunging the party into a fresh crisis just months ahead of the assembly elections in the state.

Sidhu quit the post shortly after the allocation of portfolios to members of the new state Cabinet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-chief-minister-amarinder-singh-opposes-challenge-to-gandhi-family-leadership-322589">Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh opposes challenge to Gandhi family leadership</a>

In a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, he said he will continue to serve the party.

Sidhu had taken over as the state party chief in July amid a bitter power tussle with Amarinder Singh, who stepped down as CM 10 days back while accusing the party high command of humiliating him.

The Charanjit Singh Channi-led government in Punjab on Tuesday allotted portfolios to all ministers in the state, two days after 15 ministers were inducted.

Sultana has been allotted departments of water supply and sanitation, social security, women and child development and printing and stationery.

Earlier, she held the charge of the transport department in the Amarinder Singh-led government.

Razia Sultana put in her papers as the Punjab Cabinet minister in "solidarity" with Navjot Singh Sidhu, who resigned from the post of the state Congress chief on Tuesday.

Razia Sultana put in her papers as the Punjab Cabinet minister in "solidarity" with Navjot Singh Sidhu, who resigned from the post of the state Congress chief on Tuesday. Sultana is considered close to Sidhu and her husband Mohd Mustafa, a former IPS officer, is a principal strategic adviser to the Congress leader. In her resignation letter to Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, the minister said, "I, Razia Sultana, hereby resign as cabinet minister, Punjab, in solidarity with Navjot Singh Sidhu, PPCC president, and millions of Congress workers across the state." "I will continue to work for the party as a worker in the best interest of Punjab. My heartfelt thanks to Sonia Gandhiji, hon'ble Congress president, and Rahul Gandhiji for their countless blessings on me and my family in our hours of need," she said in her resignation letter. Mustafa shared the resignation of his wife on his Twitter handle. "So proud of my wife Razia Sultana for her principled decision to resign in the best interest of Cong and its leadership, in particular Rahul Gandhi our benefactor," tweeted Mustafa. Both Mustafa and Sultana went to Patiala to meet Sidhu at his residence there. Also read | Sonia Gandhi appoints Navjot Singh Sidhu as Chief of Punjab Congress Sidhu on Tuesday resigned as the chief of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, plunging the party into a fresh crisis just months ahead of the assembly elections in the state. Sidhu quit the post shortly after the allocation of portfolios to members of the new state Cabinet. Also read | Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh opposes challenge to Gandhi family leadership In a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, he said he will continue to serve the party. Sidhu had taken over as the state party chief in July amid a bitter power tussle with Amarinder Singh, who stepped down as CM 10 days back while accusing the party high command of humiliating him. The Charanjit Singh Channi-led government in Punjab on Tuesday allotted portfolios to all ministers in the state, two days after 15 ministers were inducted. Sultana has been allotted departments of water supply and sanitation, social security, women and child development and printing and stationery. Earlier, she held the charge of the transport department in the Amarinder Singh-led government.

Minister in India's Punjab quits after Navjot Sidhu resigns as state Congress chief

India's Congress party on Sunday picked Charanjit Singh Channi as the next chief minister of northern Punjab state, making him the first lower-caste Dalit&nbsp;to hold the post in the state, a day after Amarinder Singh resigned following a bitter power tussle in the party.

Channi, 49, will take oath at 11 am on Monday.

AICC general secretary Harish Rawat said in a tweet, "It gives me immense pleasure to announce that Sh. #CharanjitSinghChanni has been unanimously elected as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party of Punjab."

Channi's elevation, barely five months before Assembly polls, assumes significance as Punjab has nearly 32 per cent Dalit population.

The BJP had earlier announced that if voted to power in Punjab, it will make a Dalit the chief minister, while the SAD, which is fighting the coming polls in alliance with the BSP, had said that its

Deputy Chief Minister would be from the Dalit community.

Channi, who is believed to have got strong backing from state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, Sunday evening met Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and staked claim to form government.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the governor, Channi said he was elected the CLP leader unanimously.

"The oath-taking ceremony will take place at 11 am on Monday,? said Channi, flanked by Sidhu and other leaders.

Channi is a three-time legislator from Chamkaur Sahib assembly constituency in Rupnagar district.

He was holding the portfolio of Technical Education, Industrial Training, Employment Generation, Tourism and Cultural Affairs in the outgoing Amarinder Singh-led cabinet.

Amarinder Singh said he hopes that Channi is able to keep "the border state of Punjab safe".

"My best wishes to Charanjit Singh Channi. I hope he's able to keep the border state of Punjab safe and protect our people from the growing security threat from across the border," he said.

Channi and three other ministers -- Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria -- had joined the Sidhu camp amid an internal rift in the state unit and targeted Amarinder Singh over unfulfilled poll promises.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated Channi and said, "We must continue to fulfil the promises made to the people of Punjab. Their trust is of paramount importance."

Earlier, senior Congress leader Randhawa was said to be the frontrunner for the post.

However, after Channi's name was announced, Randhawa said, "I welcome the decision of the party high command."

Another senior leader, Brahm Mohindra, too welcomed the election of Channi, who is considered close to state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu.

The name of former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar was also doing the rounds as next CLP leader.

Central leaders Harish Rawat, Ajay Maken and Harish Chaudhary who have been camping at a hotel here held discussions with the MLAs and took their feedback before the CLP leader was picked.

The 79-year-old Amarinder Singh, one of the Congress' powerful regional satraps, had put in his papers after speaking to the Congress president and shortly before a crucial meeting of the CLP here on Saturday evening.

He had later launched a no-holds-barred attack against Sidhu, describing his bete noire, a cricketer-turned-politician, as a "total disaster".

India's Congress party on Sunday picked Charanjit Singh Channi as the next chief minister of northern Punjab state, making him the first lower-caste Dalit to hold the post in the state, a day after Amarinder Singh resigned following a bitter power tussle in the party.

India's Congress party on Sunday picked Charanjit Singh Channi as the next chief minister of northern Punjab state, making him the first lower-caste Dalit to hold the post in the state, a day after Amarinder Singh resigned following a bitter power tussle in the party. Channi, 49, will take oath at 11 am on Monday. AICC general secretary Harish Rawat said in a tweet, "It gives me immense pleasure to announce that Sh. #CharanjitSinghChanni has been unanimously elected as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party of Punjab." Channi's elevation, barely five months before Assembly polls, assumes significance as Punjab has nearly 32 per cent Dalit population. The BJP had earlier announced that if voted to power in Punjab, it will make a Dalit the chief minister, while the SAD, which is fighting the coming polls in alliance with the BSP, had said that its Deputy Chief Minister would be from the Dalit community. Channi, who is believed to have got strong backing from state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, Sunday evening met Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and staked claim to form government. Speaking to reporters after meeting the governor, Channi said he was elected the CLP leader unanimously. "The oath-taking ceremony will take place at 11 am on Monday,? said Channi, flanked by Sidhu and other leaders. Channi is a three-time legislator from Chamkaur Sahib assembly constituency in Rupnagar district. He was holding the portfolio of Technical Education, Industrial Training, Employment Generation, Tourism and Cultural Affairs in the outgoing Amarinder Singh-led cabinet. Amarinder Singh said he hopes that Channi is able to keep "the border state of Punjab safe". "My best wishes to Charanjit Singh Channi. I hope he's able to keep the border state of Punjab safe and protect our people from the growing security threat from across the border," he said. Channi and three other ministers -- Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria -- had joined the Sidhu camp amid an internal rift in the state unit and targeted Amarinder Singh over unfulfilled poll promises. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated Channi and said, "We must continue to fulfil the promises made to the people of Punjab. Their trust is of paramount importance." Earlier, senior Congress leader Randhawa was said to be the frontrunner for the post. However, after Channi's name was announced, Randhawa said, "I welcome the decision of the party high command." Another senior leader, Brahm Mohindra, too welcomed the election of Channi, who is considered close to state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu. The name of former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar was also doing the rounds as next CLP leader. Central leaders Harish Rawat, Ajay Maken and Harish Chaudhary who have been camping at a hotel here held discussions with the MLAs and took their feedback before the CLP leader was picked. The 79-year-old Amarinder Singh, one of the Congress' powerful regional satraps, had put in his papers after speaking to the Congress president and shortly before a crucial meeting of the CLP here on Saturday evening. He had later launched a no-holds-barred attack against Sidhu, describing his bete noire, a cricketer-turned-politician, as a "total disaster".

A day after bitter power tussle, India's northern Punjab state gets new CM

Congress veteran Amarinder Singh on Saturday resigned as chief minister of Punjab, declaring that he feels "humiliated" and said he won't accept state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next CM or the party face in the Assembly polls.

The development has come amid a power tussle that polarised the ruling party in the state headed for elections in just about four months.

Sidhu was made the state Congress chief earlier this year despite opposition by Amarinder Singh.

"I feel humiliated," Amarinder Singh told reporters outside the Punjab Raj Bhawan after submitting his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit.

"I have resigned, let them make anyone (next CM)," he further said.

The Congress leader, however, in another interaction with the media said he won't accept Navjot Singh Sidhu as the Punjab chief minister, describing him as "a total disaster".

The man who could not handle one ministry, can never run entire Punjab, he said.

Replying to a question, he said he will never agree to Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next chief minister.

"He is a total disaster. When he was a minister (in Amarinder cabinet), he could not even run one ministry, now can he run entire Punjab? I know that man has no capability at all," said Amarinder Singh.

If Sidhu is made the face of the Congress for the Punjab polls, Singh said he will oppose him "tooth and nail".

Earlier in the day after submitting his resignation, when asked about his next course of action, Singh told reporters, "There is always an option and I will use that option when time comes."

"I have been in politics for the past 52 years and I have been a chief minister for nine-and-a-half years. I will talk to my colleagues, supporters," he said.

He submitted his resignation along with that of his council of ministers, his media adviser said. The resignation has been accepted by the Governor.

Singh's resignation came hours before a crucial meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday evening, pre-empting what was widely being seen as a move to remove him from the CM's post.

In the meeting, Punjab Congress MLAs authorised party's national president Sonia Gandhi to pick a new CLP leader and in a unanimously passed resolution praised Amarinder's contribution for Punjab and the Congress.

"I spoke to the Congress president in the morning and I told her that I am resigning today," Amarinder Singh told reporters.

"They called the MLAs to Delhi twice and now convened a CLP here in Chandigarh today," he said.

"I think if there is an element of doubt on me that I could not run (the government) or if there was something else, I feel humiliated the way things have happened," he said.

To a question on joining any other party, he said, "Whatever you have to say, you can say. I can only tell you that I have been a chief minister from the Congress. And I am in the Congress and

I will consult my colleagues and then we will decide the future course of politics."

"I have only resigned for myself," he said.

"I hereby tender my resignation as the chief minister, and that of my council of ministers," the one-line resignation letter said.

In another interaction with the media later, Amarinder Singh said he had already told Sonia Gandhi during his meeting with her a few weeks back that he should be relieved of the charge.

"I had told her that you relieve me of this charge because I cannot work in this way where Mr Sidhu is pulling right and I am pulling left. In that meeting, Congress general secretary (Harish) Rawat was also present. Soniaji then said no I want you to carry on,? said Amarinder Singh.

The Congress leader said he performed his duty to the best of his ability.

"I have been in politics for 52 years, so I don't care about these things, I am in politics and I will remain in politics," he said when asked about the circumstances in which he had to resign.

"In politics, options are always there, they are never closed. I can tell you one thing, I am not going to leave it like this," he said. 
Politics is a very fast moving game, he said replying to another question.

Singh was accompanied by his wife and MP Preneet Kaur and son Raninder Singh when he submitted his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit.

MPs Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Ravneet Singh Bittu, AG Atul Nanda and Chief Principal Secretary to CM Suresh Kumar were also present.

"I am proud to accompany my father to Raj Bhawan when he submits his resignation as CM of Punjab and leads us as head of our family into a new beginning," Raninder Singh said in a tweet earlier.&nbsp;

Congress veteran Amarinder Singh on Saturday resigned as chief minister of Punjab, declaring that he feels "humiliated" and said he won't accept state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next CM or the party face in the Assembly polls.

Congress veteran Amarinder Singh on Saturday resigned as chief minister of Punjab, declaring that he feels "humiliated" and said he won't accept state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next CM or the party face in the Assembly polls. The development has come amid a power tussle that polarised the ruling party in the state headed for elections in just about four months. Sidhu was made the state Congress chief earlier this year despite opposition by Amarinder Singh. "I feel humiliated," Amarinder Singh told reporters outside the Punjab Raj Bhawan after submitting his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit. "I have resigned, let them make anyone (next CM)," he further said. The Congress leader, however, in another interaction with the media said he won't accept Navjot Singh Sidhu as the Punjab chief minister, describing him as "a total disaster". The man who could not handle one ministry, can never run entire Punjab, he said. Replying to a question, he said he will never agree to Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next chief minister. "He is a total disaster. When he was a minister (in Amarinder cabinet), he could not even run one ministry, now can he run entire Punjab? I know that man has no capability at all," said Amarinder Singh. If Sidhu is made the face of the Congress for the Punjab polls, Singh said he will oppose him "tooth and nail". Earlier in the day after submitting his resignation, when asked about his next course of action, Singh told reporters, "There is always an option and I will use that option when time comes." "I have been in politics for the past 52 years and I have been a chief minister for nine-and-a-half years. I will talk to my colleagues, supporters," he said. He submitted his resignation along with that of his council of ministers, his media adviser said. The resignation has been accepted by the Governor. Singh's resignation came hours before a crucial meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday evening, pre-empting what was widely being seen as a move to remove him from the CM's post. In the meeting, Punjab Congress MLAs authorised party's national president Sonia Gandhi to pick a new CLP leader and in a unanimously passed resolution praised Amarinder's contribution for Punjab and the Congress. "I spoke to the Congress president in the morning and I told her that I am resigning today," Amarinder Singh told reporters. "They called the MLAs to Delhi twice and now convened a CLP here in Chandigarh today," he said. "I think if there is an element of doubt on me that I could not run (the government) or if there was something else, I feel humiliated the way things have happened," he said. To a question on joining any other party, he said, "Whatever you have to say, you can say. I can only tell you that I have been a chief minister from the Congress. And I am in the Congress and I will consult my colleagues and then we will decide the future course of politics." "I have only resigned for myself," he said. "I hereby tender my resignation as the chief minister, and that of my council of ministers," the one-line resignation letter said. In another interaction with the media later, Amarinder Singh said he had already told Sonia Gandhi during his meeting with her a few weeks back that he should be relieved of the charge. "I had told her that you relieve me of this charge because I cannot work in this way where Mr Sidhu is pulling right and I am pulling left. In that meeting, Congress general secretary (Harish) Rawat was also present. Soniaji then said no I want you to carry on,? said Amarinder Singh. The Congress leader said he performed his duty to the best of his ability. "I have been in politics for 52 years, so I don't care about these things, I am in politics and I will remain in politics," he said when asked about the circumstances in which he had to resign. "In politics, options are always there, they are never closed. I can tell you one thing, I am not going to leave it like this," he said. Politics is a very fast moving game, he said replying to another question. Singh was accompanied by his wife and MP Preneet Kaur and son Raninder Singh when he submitted his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit. MPs Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Ravneet Singh Bittu, AG Atul Nanda and Chief Principal Secretary to CM Suresh Kumar were also present. "I am proud to accompany my father to Raj Bhawan when he submits his resignation as CM of Punjab and leads us as head of our family into a new beginning," Raninder Singh said in a tweet earlier.

India's Punjab state chief minister resigns, says 'feel humiliated'

A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft crashed on Friday during routine training exercise near Attock area of Punjab province.

"Both pilots have ejected successfully. No loss of life or property has been reported so far on ground," the PAF said in a statement.

It said a Board of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident.

This is the third such crash reported by the PAF in the last 18 months. Last year in September, a PAF aircraft crashed near Attock in Punjab province during training drills.

Similarly in February the same year, a Mirage jet crashed near Shorkot in Punjab.

A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft crashed on Friday during routine training exercise near Attock area of Punjab province. "Both pilots have ejected successfully.

A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft crashed on Friday during routine training exercise near Attock area of Punjab province. "Both pilots have ejected successfully. No loss of life or property has been reported so far on ground," the PAF said in a statement. It said a Board of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident. This is the third such crash reported by the PAF in the last 18 months. Last year in September, a PAF aircraft crashed near Attock in Punjab province during training drills. Similarly in February the same year, a Mirage jet crashed near Shorkot in Punjab.

Pakistan air force aircraft crashes during training exercise in Punjab, no loss of life

A senior fighter pilot Squadron Leader Abhinav Choudhary of the Indian Air Force died on Friday after a MiG-21 Bison fighter jet crashed near Moga in Punjab in the wee hours. 
 
The aircraft was on a routine training sortie when the accident happened, IAF officials said.

"There was an aircraft accident last night involving a Bison aircraft of the IAF in the western sector. The pilot, Sqn Ldr Abhinav Choudhary, sustained fatal injuries. IAF condoles the tragic loss and stands firmly with the bereaved family," the Indian Air Forces said on Twitter.

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There was an aircraft accident last night involving a Bison aircraft of IAF in the western sector. The pilot, Sqn Ldr Abhinav Choudhary, sustained fatal injuries. IAF condoles the tragic loss and stands firmly with the bereaved family.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1395568810480992257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This is the third crash of a MiG-21 aircraft in 2021. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.

(With inputs from agencies)

A senior fighter pilot Squadron Leader Abhinav Choudhary of the Indian Air Force died on Friday after a MiG-21 Bison fighter jet crashed near Moga in Punjab in the wee hours.

A senior fighter pilot Squadron Leader Abhinav Choudhary of the Indian Air Force died on Friday after a MiG-21 Bison fighter jet crashed near Moga in Punjab in the wee hours. The aircraft was on a routine training sortie when the accident happened, IAF officials said. "There was an aircraft accident last night involving a Bison aircraft of the IAF in the western sector. The pilot, Sqn Ldr Abhinav Choudhary, sustained fatal injuries. IAF condoles the tragic loss and stands firmly with the bereaved family," the Indian Air Forces said on Twitter. There was an aircraft accident last night involving a Bison aircraft of IAF in the western sector. The pilot, Sqn Ldr Abhinav Choudhary, sustained fatal injuries. IAF condoles the tragic loss and stands firmly with the bereaved family. — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 21, 2021 × This is the third crash of a MiG-21 aircraft in 2021. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. (With inputs from agencies)

Fighter pilot dies in MiG 21 crash in Punjab's Moga

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country, the Punjab government on Sunday issued that no one will be allowed to enter the state without a negative COVID-19 test result or a vaccine certificate.&nbsp;

In a set of new guidelines to curb the spread of the virus, the state government further said that all non-essential shops would be closed till May 15.&nbsp;

"Nobody to enter the state whether by air, rail or road without either a COVID negative report or vaccination certificate. In addition, all non-essential shops will continue to remain closed till May 15," the order said.&nbsp;

It added, "The daily night curfew from 6 pm to 5 am and a weekend curfew from 6 pm on Friday till 5 am on Monday will continue. RT-PCR testing of road and streetwise vendors to be carried out."&nbsp;

In the last 24 hours, Punjab reported 7,327 fresh COVID-19 cases, 5,244 discharges, and 157 deaths, the state health department informed. There are currently 60,108 active cases. The total number of discharges stands at 3,15,845 while the death toll is at 9,317.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country, the Punjab government on Sunday issued that no one will be allowed to enter the state without a negative COVID-19 test result or a vaccine certificate.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country, the Punjab government on Sunday issued that no one will be allowed to enter the state without a negative COVID-19 test result or a vaccine certificate. In a set of new guidelines to curb the spread of the virus, the state government further said that all non-essential shops would be closed till May 15. "Nobody to enter the state whether by air, rail or road without either a COVID negative report or vaccination certificate. In addition, all non-essential shops will continue to remain closed till May 15," the order said. It added, "The daily night curfew from 6 pm to 5 am and a weekend curfew from 6 pm on Friday till 5 am on Monday will continue. RT-PCR testing of road and streetwise vendors to be carried out." In the last 24 hours, Punjab reported 7,327 fresh COVID-19 cases, 5,244 discharges, and 157 deaths, the state health department informed. There are currently 60,108 active cases. The total number of discharges stands at 3,15,845 while the death toll is at 9,317.

No entry in Punjab without negative COVID-19 test or vaccination certificate

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday announced that all accredited and yellow card journalists in the state will be included in the list of frontline warriors in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. 
 
All power corporation employees in the state have also been brought under the ambit of frontline workers. 
 
These employees, along with the journalists, will now be eligible for all the benefits that the frontline workers are entitled to, including priority vaccination, the Chief Minister said at a high-level Covid review meeting. 
 
Journalists have been taking grave risks in covering the pandemic from the ground and helping to spread awareness about the virus for the past more than a year, the Chief Minister said. 
 
They need to be protected, he said, adding that though many states had raised the demand for their inclusion in the frontline workers category, the government of India has not responded so far. 
 
The Punjab government, therefore, has decided to provide frontline protection to the journalists and also power corporation employees, who too are endangering their lives while maintaining critical power services in hospitals and other vital institutions. 
&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday announced that all accredited and yellow card journalists in the state will be included in the list of frontline warriors in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday announced that all accredited and yellow card journalists in the state will be included in the list of frontline warriors in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. All power corporation employees in the state have also been brought under the ambit of frontline workers. These employees, along with the journalists, will now be eligible for all the benefits that the frontline workers are entitled to, including priority vaccination, the Chief Minister said at a high-level Covid review meeting. Journalists have been taking grave risks in covering the pandemic from the ground and helping to spread awareness about the virus for the past more than a year, the Chief Minister said. They need to be protected, he said, adding that though many states had raised the demand for their inclusion in the frontline workers category, the government of India has not responded so far. The Punjab government, therefore, has decided to provide frontline protection to the journalists and also power corporation employees, who too are endangering their lives while maintaining critical power services in hospitals and other vital institutions.

Journalists declared frontline warriors in Punjab

It’s one of those experiences you can’t Not have when visiting Amritsar. Even if you haven’t heard of the Beating-the-Retreat ceremony (and I suppose most foreigners haven’t) you will definitely wonder what the fuss is about because every tuk-tuk driver on the streets of the city will offer to take you to Wagah—a drive of half-an-hour from Amritsar at the India-Pakistan border—and bring you back, for varying sums of money.

The ceremony that involves lowering of flags and a spirited display by soldiers of India and Pakistan, was instituted in 1959, and takes place before sunset every day. It’s quite the highlight for visitors to Amritsar and was certainly on my itinerary.

I left the Golden Temple filled with a sense of peace…a strange calm, not sure how to articulate it. I think a kind of quiet confidence comes close to describing how I felt.

<img alt="Alyson Le Grange Wion foreign anchor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc8f523c-2c47-4031-b97a-0a01aead2828" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/alyson%20le%20grange.JPG" />

Hubris creeps up on you when you aren’t careful, and then, something happens that brings you back to mother Earth…my thoughts were interrupted by yet another gentleman offering to take me to the border. He seemed quite expensive but I was too exhausted to scout for a better deal and I felt that I really wanted to travel in comfort especially after the tough time I had been having and after being on my feet for hours at the Golden Temple—this was during the north-Indian summer with the mercury soaring well over 40 degrees Celsius—I decided to give myself a break. The prospect of having an entire ‘air-conditioned car’ to myself, seemed too good to resist.

Not only that, but the man also kindly threw in a visit to a temple and a lunch at a famous ‘dhaba’—roadside eatery—in the package before dropping me back to the hotel.

This sounded good.&nbsp;

I felt like I had managed to arrange another wonderful experience, I felt like things were flowing, like maybe I must have tapped into something during my Golden Temple experience.

A friend of mine once remarked that I have very ‘strange luck’, and, now that I think about it, I think that she meant that the big picture, when it reveals itself to me, finally helps me make sense of events that did not seem particularly fun when they occurred. I suppose that's the same for most of us. On this occasion, things were going well enough until Ash, my driver, who'd asked me to wait while he pulled the car out, disappeared. My Hindi was basic at that point and Ash’s English, well, was worse than my Hindi. I was waiting for a while and just when I began wondering if I had, in fact, been conned, that a vehicle came sputtering along in my direction.

Now, this wasn’t exactly the fancy ride I’d been expecting; it was a jeep all right but looked a bit like the original article—the very first jeep ever produced. Just when I was hoping this wasn’t my ride Ash leaned out of the window and gestured that I should hop in. At this point, I had serious reservations, but Ash looked so eager and excited that I didn’t want to pour cold water on his plans. So it was, in an ancient jalopy, which looked like it might fall apart any minute and in fact the cubby hole fell off and landed on my leg, that the two of us began our journey to the Wagah border.

Our first stop was at a temple in a place called Mahindra Colony. Beautifully ornate, and decorated with stone carvings of deities, it was a great start and had me feeling somewhat mollified with the way things were going.

But I was hungry; it was already late afternoon and I’m not ashamed to admit that I get notoriously grumpy on an empty stomach.

Ash noticed my impatience and indicated that our next stop was for lunch, which was a relief. Just when I was thinking about the delicious Punjabi food I’d order when, exactly what I’d been afraid of happened: our venerable ride, decided it had had enough, sputtered, wheezed, and died.

I looked over at Ash as he guided the freewheeling vehicle to a stop by the curb; he looked somewhat bewildered, as if confused about what had just happened. I couldn’t understand what he was trying to explain to me (in Hindi, or Punjabi I’m not sure) but I was quite certain that the argument had no merit. This was not good.

We looked at each other blankly for a while before he motioned for me to disembark from the car and led me to a room-sized metal box on the roadside masquerading as a shop. &nbsp;

There were boxes of sweets, packets of cigarettes, and a tiny fridge stocked with fizzy drinks. The proprietor was lounging a little way away; Ash roused him and asked, presumably, if I could use the solitary chair facing a small fan to wait.

So, here I was, A South African girl, with little knowledge of India, no communication skills in the native tongue, sitting on a chair, in a small shop that was located on the side of the highway pretty much in the middle of nowhere in the hinterland of Punjab. For a moment I nearly gave in to panic but something kept me together. Maybe it was the epiphany I’d had at the Golden Temple, the inner peace I felt had not left me and I began to consider my situation rationally. I reached for my phone to call for help and realised, to my despair, that it had zero connectivity. I looked over at Ash, who pulled out his phone (that appeared to be the same vintage as our jeep) and shrugged—his phone was of no use either.

This was the point that the edifice started crumbling. In spite of my best efforts, panic began to set in. I began walking up and down, holding my phone in the air as high as I could to get some signal.&nbsp;I could no longer see my driver; Ash had disappeared, presumably to get help, he hadn’t said a word to me and as I sat on that little chair, I felt at a complete loss. Unsure of what to do next, unsure of what lay in store.

It was at this moment that the universe took pity on me. From the corner of my eye I noticed curious little faces peering at me from around the corner of a wall. &nbsp;These children, obviously fascinated by this unexpected visitor slowly overcame their fear and inched closer to me. I suppose they must have been between five-to-twelve years old, and they looked so sweet and inquisitive that I momentarily forgot my predicament and gave them a big smile.&nbsp;I could imagine how strange I must have looked to them: a white woman, wearing traditional Indian wear, headscarf and big glasses, blonde hair sticking out from beneath the scarf. Encouraged by my smile, they grew brave, came right over, and said hello.

<img alt="Alyson Le Grange Wion foreign anchor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca24ed77-e5e9-4a58-a40d-aae8cd60fbc1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/alyson.JPG" />

They had obviously seen me prancing up and down vainly seeking mobile connectivity. One little boy in a red turban whipped out his phone and came up to me with both hands outstretched, his phone in one hand and I handed him mine.&nbsp;He quickly linked my phone to his mobile hotspot and returned it to me. &nbsp;

I was back! &nbsp;Connected to the world at large! &nbsp;

My phone started buzzing off the hook and I quickly called Naresh, Ash’s boss, and told him what had happened. It turned out that Ash had already been there and was on his way back to me in a new vehicle. I was so relieved I could have cried.

The children and I spent the next 20 minutes or so, taking selfies. There was a little girl named Khushi (which I was told later means happiness) and that kind kind little boy who had been my knight in shining armor. I offered him some money for his help that I regretted immediately as he shyly recoiled from the offer. I bought all the sweets in the shop for the children and that’s when Ash rolled in—this time driving a shiny new jeep.

I got in, and my heart grew heavy as I waved goodbye to the children who waved and chased the car for as long as they could, as we resumed our journey.

I don’t think they realised that they’d saved me, re-instated my faith in the inherent goodness of humanity as it were. That little boy’s actions not only allowed me to get in touch with who I needed to but restored my belief that the human connection—one that transcends language, countries, and cultures,—is the one connection that we can always count on. That moment I felt, even in such a foreign place, that I was not alone. And that feeling was worth everything.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/blog-langar-satnam-and-sikhism-my-eat-pray-and-love-moment-at-golden-temple-366462">Blog: Langar, Satnam and Sikhism — My eat, pray and love moment at Golden temple</a>

With these thoughts running in my head, I barely noticed as we rolled into the ‘Lahore Dhaba’ for lunch. My hunger pangs which had subsided in the wake of my predicament came rushing back with a vengeance. Now I don’t have to tell you, dear reader, just how delicious Punjabi food, especially in Amritsar, can be, but at that moment, it was, by far, the most delectable meal I’ve ever had. Feeling full and refreshed, I continued on my journey.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

It’s one of those experiences you can’t Not have when visiting Amritsar. Even if you haven’t heard of the Beating-the-Retreat ceremony (and I suppose most foreigners haven’t) you will definitely wonder what the fuss is about because every tuk-tuk driver on the streets of the city will offer to take you to Wagah—a drive of half-an-hour from Amritsar at the India-Pakistan border—and bring you back, for varying sums of money.

It’s one of those experiences you can’t Not have when visiting Amritsar. Even if you haven’t heard of the Beating-the-Retreat ceremony (and I suppose most foreigners haven’t) you will definitely wonder what the fuss is about because every tuk-tuk driver on the streets of the city will offer to take you to Wagah—a drive of half-an-hour from Amritsar at the India-Pakistan border—and bring you back, for varying sums of money. The ceremony that involves lowering of flags and a spirited display by soldiers of India and Pakistan, was instituted in 1959, and takes place before sunset every day. It’s quite the highlight for visitors to Amritsar and was certainly on my itinerary. I left the Golden Temple filled with a sense of peace…a strange calm, not sure how to articulate it. I think a kind of quiet confidence comes close to describing how I felt. Hubris creeps up on you when you aren’t careful, and then, something happens that brings you back to mother Earth…my thoughts were interrupted by yet another gentleman offering to take me to the border. He seemed quite expensive but I was too exhausted to scout for a better deal and I felt that I really wanted to travel in comfort especially after the tough time I had been having and after being on my feet for hours at the Golden Temple—this was during the north-Indian summer with the mercury soaring well over 40 degrees Celsius—I decided to give myself a break. The prospect of having an entire ‘air-conditioned car’ to myself, seemed too good to resist. Not only that, but the man also kindly threw in a visit to a temple and a lunch at a famous ‘dhaba’—roadside eatery—in the package before dropping me back to the hotel. This sounded good. I felt like I had managed to arrange another wonderful experience, I felt like things were flowing, like maybe I must have tapped into something during my Golden Temple experience. A friend of mine once remarked that I have very ‘strange luck’, and, now that I think about it, I think that she meant that the big picture, when it reveals itself to me, finally helps me make sense of events that did not seem particularly fun when they occurred. I suppose that's the same for most of us. On this occasion, things were going well enough until Ash, my driver, who'd asked me to wait while he pulled the car out, disappeared. My Hindi was basic at that point and Ash’s English, well, was worse than my Hindi. I was waiting for a while and just when I began wondering if I had, in fact, been conned, that a vehicle came sputtering along in my direction. Now, this wasn’t exactly the fancy ride I’d been expecting; it was a jeep all right but looked a bit like the original article—the very first jeep ever produced. Just when I was hoping this wasn’t my ride Ash leaned out of the window and gestured that I should hop in. At this point, I had serious reservations, but Ash looked so eager and excited that I didn’t want to pour cold water on his plans. So it was, in an ancient jalopy, which looked like it might fall apart any minute and in fact the cubby hole fell off and landed on my leg, that the two of us began our journey to the Wagah border. Our first stop was at a temple in a place called Mahindra Colony. Beautifully ornate, and decorated with stone carvings of deities, it was a great start and had me feeling somewhat mollified with the way things were going. But I was hungry; it was already late afternoon and I’m not ashamed to admit that I get notoriously grumpy on an empty stomach. Ash noticed my impatience and indicated that our next stop was for lunch, which was a relief. Just when I was thinking about the delicious Punjabi food I’d order when, exactly what I’d been afraid of happened: our venerable ride, decided it had had enough, sputtered, wheezed, and died. I looked over at Ash as he guided the freewheeling vehicle to a stop by the curb; he looked somewhat bewildered, as if confused about what had just happened. I couldn’t understand what he was trying to explain to me (in Hindi, or Punjabi I’m not sure) but I was quite certain that the argument had no merit. This was not good. We looked at each other blankly for a while before he motioned for me to disembark from the car and led me to a room-sized metal box on the roadside masquerading as a shop. There were boxes of sweets, packets of cigarettes, and a tiny fridge stocked with fizzy drinks. The proprietor was lounging a little way away; Ash roused him and asked, presumably, if I could use the solitary chair facing a small fan to wait. So, here I was, A South African girl, with little knowledge of India, no communication skills in the native tongue, sitting on a chair, in a small shop that was located on the side of the highway pretty much in the middle of nowhere in the hinterland of Punjab. For a moment I nearly gave in to panic but something kept me together. Maybe it was the epiphany I’d had at the Golden Temple, the inner peace I felt had not left me and I began to consider my situation rationally. I reached for my phone to call for help and realised, to my despair, that it had zero connectivity. I looked over at Ash, who pulled out his phone (that appeared to be the same vintage as our jeep) and shrugged—his phone was of no use either. This was the point that the edifice started crumbling. In spite of my best efforts, panic began to set in. I began walking up and down, holding my phone in the air as high as I could to get some signal. I could no longer see my driver; Ash had disappeared, presumably to get help, he hadn’t said a word to me and as I sat on that little chair, I felt at a complete loss. Unsure of what to do next, unsure of what lay in store. It was at this moment that the universe took pity on me. From the corner of my eye I noticed curious little faces peering at me from around the corner of a wall. These children, obviously fascinated by this unexpected visitor slowly overcame their fear and inched closer to me. I suppose they must have been between five-to-twelve years old, and they looked so sweet and inquisitive that I momentarily forgot my predicament and gave them a big smile. I could imagine how strange I must have looked to them: a white woman, wearing traditional Indian wear, headscarf and big glasses, blonde hair sticking out from beneath the scarf. Encouraged by my smile, they grew brave, came right over, and said hello. They had obviously seen me prancing up and down vainly seeking mobile connectivity. One little boy in a red turban whipped out his phone and came up to me with both hands outstretched, his phone in one hand and I handed him mine. He quickly linked my phone to his mobile hotspot and returned it to me. I was back! Connected to the world at large! My phone started buzzing off the hook and I quickly called Naresh, Ash’s boss, and told him what had happened. It turned out that Ash had already been there and was on his way back to me in a new vehicle. I was so relieved I could have cried. The children and I spent the next 20 minutes or so, taking selfies. There was a little girl named Khushi (which I was told later means happiness) and that kind kind little boy who had been my knight in shining armor. I offered him some money for his help that I regretted immediately as he shyly recoiled from the offer. I bought all the sweets in the shop for the children and that’s when Ash rolled in—this time driving a shiny new jeep. I got in, and my heart grew heavy as I waved goodbye to the children who waved and chased the car for as long as they could, as we resumed our journey. I don’t think they realised that they’d saved me, re-instated my faith in the inherent goodness of humanity as it were. That little boy’s actions not only allowed me to get in touch with who I needed to but restored my belief that the human connection—one that transcends language, countries, and cultures,—is the one connection that we can always count on. That moment I felt, even in such a foreign place, that I was not alone. And that feeling was worth everything. Also Read | Blog: Langar, Satnam and Sikhism — My eat, pray and love moment at Golden temple With these thoughts running in my head, I barely noticed as we rolled into the ‘Lahore Dhaba’ for lunch. My hunger pangs which had subsided in the wake of my predicament came rushing back with a vengeance. Now I don’t have to tell you, dear reader, just how delicious Punjabi food, especially in Amritsar, can be, but at that moment, it was, by far, the most delectable meal I’ve ever had. Feeling full and refreshed, I continued on my journey. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Discovering India with Alyson Le Grange: The boy in the red turban

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday said Punjab was ready to provide all possible help to the Delhi government to combat the COVID-19 threat.

"Delhi is fighting a tough battle, and we are there to help if needed. I have said that earlier also,"&nbsp;he said.

Singh lauded the healthcare and frontline workers of Punjab for their "excellent"&nbsp;work in handling the pandemic in the state. He assured full preparedness by his government to augment healthcare facilities to prepare for a possible second wave of the pandemic.

Singh said while nobody knew when the second wave of infection would strike Punjab, the experience of the NCR and other states and regions showed it was almost certain.

The chief minister expressed confidence that the health department will once again rise to the occasion to meet any challenge, a government release issued here said.

It was the duty of the state government to support the healthcare and other frontline workers, many of whom have got infected and some have even lost their lives to COVID-19, Singh said.

He also exhorted the people to actively help the state in the fight against the pandemic by strictly following all safety norms.

"Mask hi vaccine hai"&nbsp;(mask is the vaccine), as a resolve for the next few months till a vaccine against infection finally is available, Singh said.

The chief minister also launched 107 health and wellness centres to boost the healthcare infrastructure in the state and to provide health services to patients at their doorsteps in both rural and urban areas.

He said these new centres would take the state's health infrastructure to a new level of efficacy amid the pandemic.

Of the 3,049 centres planned in the state, 2,046 were now operational and 800 more would become operational in the next two months, with the remaining to be opened in 2021, Singh said.

He said the state government was focused on strengthening healthcare facilities, especially levels two and three, with the aim to save lives through early testing and treatment.

Urging people to avoid crowded places and not have large gatherings and social functions indoors, he stressed the need to observe all precautions, especially washing hands and wearing face masks.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday said Punjab was ready to provide all possible help to the Delhi government to combat the COVID-19 threat. "Delhi is fighting a tough battle, and we are there to help if needed.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday said Punjab was ready to provide all possible help to the Delhi government to combat the COVID-19 threat. "Delhi is fighting a tough battle, and we are there to help if needed. I have said that earlier also," he said. Singh lauded the healthcare and frontline workers of Punjab for their "excellent" work in handling the pandemic in the state. He assured full preparedness by his government to augment healthcare facilities to prepare for a possible second wave of the pandemic. Singh said while nobody knew when the second wave of infection would strike Punjab, the experience of the NCR and other states and regions showed it was almost certain. The chief minister expressed confidence that the health department will once again rise to the occasion to meet any challenge, a government release issued here said. It was the duty of the state government to support the healthcare and other frontline workers, many of whom have got infected and some have even lost their lives to COVID-19, Singh said. He also exhorted the people to actively help the state in the fight against the pandemic by strictly following all safety norms. "Mask hi vaccine hai" (mask is the vaccine), as a resolve for the next few months till a vaccine against infection finally is available, Singh said. The chief minister also launched 107 health and wellness centres to boost the healthcare infrastructure in the state and to provide health services to patients at their doorsteps in both rural and urban areas. He said these new centres would take the state's health infrastructure to a new level of efficacy amid the pandemic. Of the 3,049 centres planned in the state, 2,046 were now operational and 800 more would become operational in the next two months, with the remaining to be opened in 2021, Singh said. He said the state government was focused on strengthening healthcare facilities, especially levels two and three, with the aim to save lives through early testing and treatment. Urging people to avoid crowded places and not have large gatherings and social functions indoors, he stressed the need to observe all precautions, especially washing hands and wearing face masks.

Punjab ready to help Delhi govt to fight Covid crisis: Amarinder Singh

Fifteen men have been booked by Lahore Police for alleged abduction and gangrape of two teenage sisters in Pakistan's Punjab province, officials said on Monday.

The incident took place on September 16 in Faisalabad, some 130 km from Lahore. Police registered the case on October 23.

The FIR was registered on the complaint of the girls' mother and the suspects have been booked on charges of gangrape and kidnapping, police said.

According to the FIR, a copy of which is available with PTI, Salman, Ali Raza, Jani Akmal, Waqas, Faizi along with their accomplices, abducted two sisters, aged 17 and 15, on their way to the market in Faisalabad.

The suspects gangraped them at a hotel in Jhang city for several days after drugging them. They also clicked objectionable pictures of the girls and made their obscene videos.

After raping the girls for days, they left them separately in two cities -- Jhangh and Gujranwala -- of Punjab on October 2.

Police have booked the suspects under 365-B (kidnapping a woman to compel for marriage) and 376 (rape) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Police officer Waqas Ali, who registered the FIR, told PTI that none of the suspects have been arrested so far. 
"However, we are raiding the whereabouts of the suspects to arrest them," he said.

Ali said one of the prime suspects wanted to marry the 17-year-old but her family declined after which "he, along with other suspects, abducted the sister-duo and raped them".

The suspects also snatched PKR 80,000 from the girls, he said.&nbsp;

Fifteen men have been booked by Lahore Police for alleged abduction and gangrape of two teenage sisters in Pakistan's Punjab province, officials said on Monday. The incident took place on September 16 in Faisalabad, some 130 km from Lahore.

Fifteen men have been booked by Lahore Police for alleged abduction and gangrape of two teenage sisters in Pakistan's Punjab province, officials said on Monday. The incident took place on September 16 in Faisalabad, some 130 km from Lahore. Police registered the case on October 23. The FIR was registered on the complaint of the girls' mother and the suspects have been booked on charges of gangrape and kidnapping, police said. According to the FIR, a copy of which is available with PTI, Salman, Ali Raza, Jani Akmal, Waqas, Faizi along with their accomplices, abducted two sisters, aged 17 and 15, on their way to the market in Faisalabad. The suspects gangraped them at a hotel in Jhang city for several days after drugging them. They also clicked objectionable pictures of the girls and made their obscene videos. After raping the girls for days, they left them separately in two cities -- Jhangh and Gujranwala -- of Punjab on October 2. Police have booked the suspects under 365-B (kidnapping a woman to compel for marriage) and 376 (rape) of the Pakistan Penal Code. Police officer Waqas Ali, who registered the FIR, told PTI that none of the suspects have been arrested so far. "However, we are raiding the whereabouts of the suspects to arrest them," he said. Ali said one of the prime suspects wanted to marry the 17-year-old but her family declined after which "he, along with other suspects, abducted the sister-duo and raped them". The suspects also snatched PKR 80,000 from the girls, he said.

At least 15 men booked for gangrape of two teenage sisters in Pakistan's Punjab province

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