Announcement of Holiday in 6 Districts of Punjab under Negotiable Instrument Act

Chandigarh, April 6, 2024

In light of the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections-2024, a special holiday has been declared for voters of Haryana who are employed in Punjab, allowing to cast their vote in their state on May 25, 2024.

The official spokesperson informed that if any government officials/employees working in Punjab’s government offices, boards/corporations and educational institutions, who are registered voters of Haryana, are eligible for special leave on May 25, 2024 (Saturday), upon presentation of their voter card. This leave will not be deducted from their leave balance.

He further apprised that, in accordance with Section 135B(1) of the Representation of People Act 1951, voters from Haryana employed in any industrial establishment, business, trade or other establishments in Punjab will also receive a paid holiday on May 25, 2024, to enable them to participate in the electoral process.

Additionally, a local holiday will be observed on May 25 in government offices/boards/corporations/educational institutions situated in the districts of Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur, Patiala, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. This holiday will also be recognized under the Negotiable Instruments Act-1881. A notification to this effect has been issued by the Punjab government.

Chandigarh, April 6, 2024

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today said chief minister Bhagwant Mann was trying to implicate senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a false case and had even admitted that he was rewriting the file in an old false drug case registered against Mr Majithia by the erstwhile Congress government.

Addressing a press conference here, SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler while referring to an interview of the chief minister said “it seems Mr Bhagwant Mann has taken on the responsibility of becoming the chief investigator in the false drugs case registered against Mr Majithia”. He said this was being done despite the fact that the Akali leader had secured bail in the case after the court held that there was nothing to link him with drug trafficking”.

Terming this as a desperate attempt to vilify Mr Majithia as well as divert the attention of people away from the failures of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Mr Kler said “the AAP government has not been able to collect a single shred of evidence against Mr Majithia despite institution of a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to probe the case”. He said it was astonishing that the chief minister wanted to continue on the vendetta quest despite admitting that the case registered by the erstwhile Congress government was false.

Mr Kler also highlighted that the AAP government had repeatedly changed the heads of the SIT probing the drugs case in a desperate attempt to secure a tailor made verdict against the Akali leader. He said instead of indulging in such acts chief minister Bhagwant Mann should devote his attention to rectifying the law and order situation in the State, check the steep increase in the drug menace and stop financing his boss Arvind Kejriwal’s politics and election campaigns.

Fatehgarh Sahib/Amloh , April 5, 2024

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the SAD alone could bring the State back on the road to development even as he appealed to Punjabis to compare the work done by successive SAD governments with that of the erstwhile Congress and present Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments which had taken Punjab back by twenty years.

The SAD president, who led the Punjab Bachao Yatra into Fatehgarh Sahib and Amloh constituencies during the course of which thousands of people met and greeted Mr Sukhbir Badal at various stops, said “Punjabis should decide whom they want to elect to power. A regional party with a proven track record of speedy development and unique social welfare schemes which cater to all sections of society, or scam ridden Congress and AAP governments which have made life hell for them”.

Accompanied by Jagdeeep Singh Cheema in Fatehgarh Sahib and Gurpreet Singh Raju Khanna in Amloh, the SAD president said “the SAD is known to fulfill all promises made to the people – be it free power for farmers, old age pension scheme, aata-daal scheme or shagun scheme – all of which were initiated by it. In comparison the erstwhile Congress government promised a complete loan waiver to farmers but failed to keep its promise”. He said the present AAP government had promised to eradicate the menace of drugs in weeks but had presided over the expansion of the drug trade in the State. “Punjab does not need such anti-Punjab governments who take their orders from Delhi”, he added.

Youth Akali Dal president Sarabjit Singh Jhinjar, Bikramjit Singh Khalsa, Manmohan Singh Makaropur, Sharanjit Singh Chanarthal and Amit Rathi were prominent among others accompanied the party president.

Asserting that Punjabis had seen through the conspiracies which were hatched to weaken the State’s only regional party, Mr Badal said “this is the reason why they are thronging in such large numbers to welcome the Punjab Bachao Yatra”. He said Delhi based parties would never stand for or address the core issues of Punjab. “The SAD on the other hand has taken a principled stand to safeguard the interests of Punjabis at all costs”.

The SAD president in a strident attack on chief minister Bhagwant Mann, said the latter had not only bankrupted Punjab but had presided over the total collapse of law and order and flight of industry from the State. He said despite taking a whopping Rs 1 lakh crore loan in the last two years the AAP government did not have anything to show by way of development. He said the investment climate had also been destroyed due to gangster culture and steep rise in extortions.

“This is the reason that there has been a flight in capital worth Rs 20,000 crore from Punjab to other States like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh during the last two years”. He assured the people at various stops during the Yatra that once the SAD formed the government in the State it would end gangster raj as well as the menace of drugs. “We are also committed to making the State an attractive investment destination to galvanise the industry and create job opportunities”, Mr Badal added. EOM

Many senior Akali and Congress leaders of Bathinda joined the Aam Aadmi Party

CM Mann, along with cabinet minister and Bathinda candidate Gurmeet Khuddian, welcomed all the leaders to the AAP

AAP Surges in Bathinda: Massive Exodus of Senior Akali and Congress Leaders Bolsters Party Strength; Victory Margin Projected to Exceed 1.5 Lakh Votes

Chandigarh, April 5, 2024

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab gave a big blow to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD-Badal) and Congress in Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency when a large number of senior Akali and Congress leaders from this seat joined the party on Friday.

Informing about the same the party wrote on X account, “Many councilors of Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal and office bearers of their district units along with their cadre joined the Aam Aadmi Party.” All the leaders were welcomed to the AAP family by the chief minister Bhagwant Mann, cabinet minister and AAP’s Bathinda LS candidate Gurmeet Singh Khuddian and Bathinda MLA Jagroop Singh Gill.

Shiromani Akali Dal’s Nagar Nigam Bathinda Leader of the Opposition, Youth President of Bathinda and Observer of Mansa, MC Harpal Singh Dhillon, with his associates, joined the AAP. Apart from him, Harjinder Singh Chhinda MC Bathinda, Rajinder Singh Sidhu MC, Randeep Singh Rana MC and Senior Youth President (Bathinda), Pargat Singh MC, Vishal Lamber Circle President, Binder Singh District Senior Vice President (Bathinda), senior Congress leaders Narinder Singh Grewal and Manpreet Singh Gosal media consultant, along a large number of Akali and Congress workers bid fairwell to the traditional parties and joined the Aam Aadmi Party. All the leaders, inspired by Harminder Singh Dhaliwal and his son Bhupinder Singh Dhaliwal, decided to join the AAP.

Briefing the press after the joining, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian said that all the leaders are welcomed to the AAP, party has gotten stronger with their arrival and they are at home in this party. He said that Congress and Akali Dal use people during elections then neglect them, but that is not the case in the AAP. He said that with these leaders party has gotten stronger in the Bathinda Lok sabha constituency. He is confident that he will register a big win in Bathinda by the margin of more than 1.5 lac votes.

Gurmeet Singh Khuddian further said that he is ready to face any opponent in this LS poll as his government has done exceptional work in the last two years and the people of Bathinda will vote for the AAP based on their politics of work.

Get ready to win these two important seats, take our positive agenda among people: CM Mann to AAP leaders

Other political parties are calling their election promises guarantees but everyone knows that only the guarantees of Arvind Kejriwal are fulfilled after election, says Kang

Not only the people of Amritsar but the whole Punjab is against the anti-farmers BJP, says Dhaliwal

Chandigarh, April 5, 2024

CM Bhagwant Mann is in full election mode. On Friday, he held meetings with the AAP candidates and MLAs from Anandpur Sahib and Amritsar. AAP Punjab President took feedback from all the MLAs in these constituencies and discussed the election strategy based on that feedback.

In the first meeting, CM Mann met with the AAP candidate from Anandpur Sahib Malvinder Singh Kang, AAP leader Deepak Bali, Deputy Speaker Punjab VS Jai Krishan Singh (MLA Garhshankar), Santosh Kataria (MLA Balachaur), Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains (MLA Anandpur Sahib), Dinesh Chadha (MLA Rupnagar), Dr. Charanjit Singh (MLA Chamkaur Sahib), cabinet minister Anmol Gagan Maan (MLA Kharar) and Kulwant Singh (MLA S.A.S. Nagar).

Briefing the media after the meeting AAP Punjab chief spokesperson and Anandpur Sahib candidate Malvinder Singh Kang said that today, Punjab’s honourable Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann held an important meeting regarding the upcoming elections for Sri Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency. He took feedback from all the leaders and said that the Aam Aadmi Party will win all the 13 seats in Punjab.

Kang further said that, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann, many pro-Punjab and pro-people decisions had been taken in the last two years. 90% of households in Punjab are getting free electricity, the youth of Punjab is getting government jobs on the basis of merit without any bribe, the farmers are getting canal water for irrigation, there are free mohalla clinics for the poor and schools of eminence in Punjab where our children are getting world class education. He added that the Mann government of Punjab has ended the mafia rule, drug mafia, sand mafia and corruption.

Kang further said that CM Mann instructed us to take our positive agenda to the people, apprise people of all the decisions that our government had taken for the welfare of the common people and our state. Our positive agenda will get the support of the people in the holy land of Sri Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha and the Aam Aadmi Party will win the Sri Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha seat with a big margin under the leadership of Mann sahab.

He added that there are special instructions from the Chief Minister that the way the Aam Aadmi Party has taken decisions for the public interest in the last two years, the party will continue to do the same and will fulfill all our election guarantees. Kang said that we have already fulfilled most of our guarantees in Punjab so the people know that we deliver what we promise. The AAP leader said that all the issues of Anandpur Sahib, whether it is tourism or infrastructure in this area or about providing canal water to the fields, will reach the country’s Parliament.

Kang said that all the traditional parties have ruled the state as well as the country. They issue manifestos, first they call them election promises now they call them guarantees but everyone knows that only Arvind Kejriwal’s guarantees are fulfilled after elections. Shiromani Akali Dal, Bharatiya Janata Party or Congress, none of them have any credibility among the people of Punjab. The people of Punjab will completely reject the BJP’s politics of hatred here.

He said that all our ministers and MLAs have done very good work in 2 years. Keeping in mind the work done by the Mann government in 2 years, the people of Punjab will give not only Sri Anandpur Sahib seat but all 13 seats of Punjab to the Aam Aadmi Party. Our government is continuously working against mining and corruption. The Mann government has not made any compromise when it comes to our people and our state and neither will it ever do so in future.

In the second meeting, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with the AAP candidate for Amritsar Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal (cabinet minister and MLA Ajnala),
MLA Amritsar West (SC) Jasbir Singh Sandhu, MLA Amritsar Central Ajay Gupta, MLA Amritsar East Jeevan Jyot Kaur and MLA Amritsar South Inderbir Singh Nijjar to discuss the election strategy for the Amritsar Lok sabha seat.

Talking to the press after the meeting, AAP candidate for Amritsar, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that earlier, Congress and Akali Dal used to win alternatively but now the times have changed. Now the Aam Aadmi Party has come to power in Punjab and we will defeat Congress, SAD and BJP badly from Amritsar in these LS polls too.

Dhaliwal said that the CM, while being in member parliament, raised the issue of opening the Amritsar border for trade many times. We also want our business to expand and our goods should be sold in all Asian countries. After winning, industry and trade will be my priority. Amritsar got an international university during the time of Dr. Manmohan Singh, which Badal took to Bathinda. It is very important to bring an international level university to Amritsar and we will also build an international level stadium in Amritsar.

Talking about his opponents Dhaliwal said that the BJP candidate Taranjit Singh Sandhu is just tarnishing the name of his family. Today Sandhu sahab is standing with the killers of our farmers. It has not even been 3 years. 740 farmers were martyred at the borders of Delhi.

He added that Mr Sandhu was the US ambassador for 10 years, he was the biggest ambassador and he had a lot of power. He has now come to contest elections for the BJP. First they brought Navjot Sidhu, then Arun Jaitley, then Hardeep Puri and now they have brought Sandhu. He said that they think that the people of Guru ki Nagri do not understand anything. These people bring a new candidate in every election and make new excuses. Neither Navjot Sidhu , Arun Jaitley and Hardeep Puri did anything nor Taranjit Singh Sandhu is going to do anything. Not only Amritsar but the whole of Punjab is standing against the BJP. He said that the people will only vote for the leaders who are among them 24×7.

He said that the party has overcome many crises and this time too we will emerge as the strongest front in Punjab and will win all the seats with huge margins. He concluded that Mann sahab also advised us to take our pro-people works to the people and talk to the people about their issues.

– DEC asks all DCs and SSPs to diligently follow the directions issued by ECI during the meeting

–  Increase in the number of Model Polling Station in Punjab this time: Sibin C

Chandigarh, April 3, 2024

The Election Commission of India (ECI) team on Wednesday instructed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Commissioner of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) of Punjab to enhance their campaigns to prevent the smuggling of drugs, liquor, and cash into the state in view of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

In a meeting held here, the ECI team led by Deputy Election Commissioner Hirdesh Kumar asked the officials to make all required arrangements at polling stations to ensure ease of voting to increase voter turnout in the upcoming election in the State .

The ECI team also told the officials to ensure adequate arrangements for central forces deputed in the state on the security duty during polling.

A detailed information was sought from all the Districts regarding liquor and drug seizures after the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. Information was also obtained about the steps taken by various districts to increase voter turnout, webcasting arrangements and make all preparations at polling stations. Likewise, the ECI team also shared crucial suggestions and information related to the election process with all the DCs, CPs and SSPs.

Punjab CEO Sibin C assured the Commission that the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab would be conducted without any pressure and in a fair and free manner.

The CEO had also assured the ECI team that all officials have been categorically directed to strictly enforce the Model Code of Conduct and various measures have been taken to curb illegal smuggling of drugs as well as liquor in Punjab .

The CEO said that special attention is being given this time to increase the number of Model Polling Stations by emulating the cultural themes of the state to attract maximum voters and making entire experience of voting pleasant and enriching experience. The ECI team appreciated this initiative of the state.

The CEO added that directions have been issued to further enhance facilities at each polling station, including drinking water, adequate furniture, proper lighting, proper signage, help desks, and toilets.

Meanwhile, the ECI and CEO appreciated the DC Malerkotla for taking a unique initiative and designing a special application called ‘Booth Raabta’ to provide information related to elections, including the nearest police station, hospital, ambulance service, knowing your BLO, contacting school principal/building in-charge, and providing PwD voter assistance.

The ECI team also launched three books including Turnout Implementation Plan (TIP) for increasing voter turnout, meeting the target of  more than 70% voter turnout; Booklet on Poll preparedness along with State and District profile and Booklet on legal provisions in Elections.

Chandigarh, 2 April 2024

A team of Election Commission of India (ECI) led by Deputy Election Commissioners Hirdesh Kumar and Ajay Bhadoo held an inter-state meeting on Tuesday with top bureaucrats, police officers, nodal officers from different departments and senior officials from enforcement agencies including Income Tax, ED, Customs and other officials from Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh to review election arrangements and law and order coordination in view of the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Giving the information, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C said that during the meeting, the ECI team directed state teams to enhance vigilance on the state borders and state authorities assured to further strengthen interstate coordination for conducting smooth electoral process. The team specifically stressed the need for vigilance over the interstate check posts across neighboring states to ensure no cross-border movement of illicit cash, liquor, drugs or freebies takes place.

The CEO further said the ECI team has been informed that state officials have been asked to step up seizures with support from adjoining border states and instill fear of administration among violators to conduct a free and fair election in the state. The team specifically urged Police and CRPF teams to keep strict vigilance and help curtail the drug menace. “We have enhanced vigil across the state to conduct a free and fair elections, Punjab CEO Sibin C assures ECI team.”

In a significant move, a special holiday has been declared for voters hailing from Himachal Pradesh and UT Chandigarh, currently employed in Punjab, to exercise their franchise on June 1, 2024.

Giving information in this regard, Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C said that employees working in government offices, boards/corporations, and government educational institutions across Punjab, who are registered voters of UT Chandigarh or Himachal Pradesh, are eligible for a special leave on June 1, 2024 (Saturday). This leave, upon presentation of their voter card, will be granted without deduction from their leave balance.

He further informed that employees of UT Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh working in any industrial establishment, business, trade or other establishments in Punjab will also benefit from a paid holiday on June 1, 2024, for casting their vote, in accordance with Section 135B(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. A notification to this effect has been issued by the Punjab government.

Keeping in view the Lok Sabha polls to be held on 1st June 2024 (Saturday) in the state of Punjab, 1st June will be a gazetted holiday for the government offices/boards/corporations/educational institutions located in the state. This holiday has also been declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881.

According to the information given by the official spokesperson here today, 1st June will be a paid holiday under Section 135 B (1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. This holiday has been declared for all employees employed in any business, trade, industry undertaking or any other establishment.

Chandigarh, 1 April 2024

The Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2024-25 today began in the State and would last till May 31st, 2024.Disclosing this, the Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department Mr. Vikas Garg said that in the State, a total of 1908 regular procurement centers have been declared as mandi yards and allottment of procurement centers made between all the procurement agencies. In order to ensure uninterrupted procurement operations, temporary procurement centers are also being opened.

The procurement agencies of State needed the Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of Rs. 30,776 crore with a view to procure due share of wheat (115.50 Lakh Metric Tonnes). In this regard, CCL worth Rs. 27077.91 crore, for procuring wheat in April, has been received while the rest of CCL would be received in the month of May 2024.

For the filling of Wheat, the procurement agencies of the State require 4.62 Jute Bales out of which the agencies have got 3.51 lakh jute Bales available with them till March 31, 2024 while the rest would be received soon.

In order to stop the illegal entry of PDS/Damaged Wheat from other states illicitly for sale in Punjab, directions have been issued to the DGP, Punjab Mandi Board and others concerned to set up ‘Nakas’ on the interstate barriers. As a consequence, ‘Nakas’ have been in place at 21 interstate barriers.

Also, as per requirement, covers would be made available in time for proper preservation of the wheat.