PunjabENews

Category: Punjab

  • With over massive 21k participants, Jalandhar immersed in Yoga spirit

    With over massive 21k participants, Jalandhar immersed in Yoga spirit

    Jalandhar News: The Jalandhar City today witnessed a massive wave of enthusiasm for yoga as over 21,000 yoga enthusiasts participated in the CM di Yogshala program, setting a new record for attendance in a single yoga event. Originally, arrangements had been made for 17,000 yoga mats, but the overwhelming public response exceeded all expectations.

    In a bid to build a healthy, progressive, and prosperous Punjab, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Thursday gave a clarion call to the people to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives.

    Addressing a large gathering during the state-level ‘CM di Yogshala’ function at PAP Ground, the Health Minister said it was heartening to see people from all walks of life participating enthusiastically in this mega event. He stated that ‘CM di Yogshala’ is serving as a stepping stone towards building a healthier and more vibrant Punjab. Dr. Balbir Singh expressed pride in the fact that thousands of Punjabis have joined the state government in this noble cause, and said the day is not far when Punjab will regain its pristine glory as a healthy and dynamic state.

    Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur, Dr. Balbir Singh said it brought him immense joy to witness thousands of people joining hands with the government through CM di Yogshala. He noted that the initiative was launched two years ago from Jalandhar under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann Ji and presently around 3,200 yoga classes are conducted daily across the state, benefiting nearly one lakh people. The Health Minister added that trained yoga instructors have been appointed to teach yoga, and he appealed to everyone to make yoga an inseparable part of their lives in order to stay healthy and fit, helping Punjab become a truly healthy state.

    Describing yoga as a boon for both physical and mental well-being, the Minister emphasized that the Yogshalas are helping Punjabis lead healthier lives. He stressed that maintaining good health and managing stress is the need of the hour, especially as people face multiple challenges in their daily lives. Dr Balbir Singh pointed out that rising stress levels are a major concern and yoga can play a significant role in combating this issue.

    The Health Minister said that CM di Yogshala is a citizen-centric initiative and the brainchild of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. He noted that the program gained immense popularity in the national capital, benefiting a large section of the population. Inspired by its success, Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government replicated the scheme to ensure similar benefits for the people of Punjab. Dr Balbir Singh envisioned that, in line with India’s ancient and glorious traditions, these Yogshalas would help make Punjabis healthier—both physically and mentally.

    The Health Minister reiterated that yoga is essential for maintaining a fit body and a sound mind. He urged every individual to make yoga a part of their daily routine to remain hale and hearty. Dr Balbir Singh concluded by saying that it is crucial to maintain mental and physical balance by adopting a healthy lifestyle and practicing yoga regularly.

    During the event, minister announced that the CM Di Yogshala program would soon be extended to rural areas as well. He highlighted that the initiative, launched by the Punjab Government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has proven to be effective in the state’s anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’.

    “Through yoga, individuals struggling with substance abuse are being mentally empowered,” said the cabinet minister, emphasizing that CM Di Yogshala is not just a wellness initiative, but a transformative step towards a healthier, drug-free Punjab.

    Earlier Jalandhar Mayor Vaneet Dheer welcomed the dignitaries whereas eminent industrialist and AAP leader Nitin Kohli proposed a vote of thanks

    On the occasion Mayor Jalandhar Vaneet Dheer, AAP leaders Nitin Kohli and Principal Prem Kumar, Health Secretary Kumar Rahul, Vice Chancellor Shri Guru Ravidas Ayurved University Hoshiarpur Dr. Sanjeev sood, Director Rajinder Singh Rihal, ADGP Naresh Arora and others were present.

  • Second arrest in threats to influencer Deepika Luthra

    Second arrest in threats to influencer Deepika Luthra

    Amritsar: The Commissionerate Police Amritsar has arrested a second person in connection with the threats issued to social media influencer Deepika Luthra.

    The accused, identified as Jaspreet Singh, son of Satwinder Singh and a resident of Dhillon Nagar, Ludhiana, has been taken into custody for allegedly threatening to kill Luthra.

    Earlier, the police had arrested Ramandeep Singh from Patiala in the same case. He is currently on police remand and also faces charges of issuing death threats to the influencer.

    Amritsar Police said that the investigation is ongoing and that strict action will be taken against all those involved.

  • Former Akal Takht Jathedar accuses SGPC of selling gurdwara land at throwaway prices

    Former Akal Takht Jathedar accuses SGPC of selling gurdwara land at throwaway prices

    Amritsar: Bhai Ranjit Singh, former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and founder of the Panthak Akali Lehar, has levelled serious allegations against the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and its president, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, accusing them of selling gurdwara properties at prices far below market value.

    Ranjit Singh said that valuable land belonging to a gurdwara in Tarn Taran Sahib, which was donated by the Sangat out of reverence, is being sold without any public bidding. “The SGPC is merely the custodian of this land, not its owner,” he said.

    He alleged that a plot with a market value of around Rs 50 lakh is being sold for just Rs 9 lakh. Similarly, properties worth Rs 60 lakh have reportedly been sold for only Rs 16 lakh.

    He further said that the same land had previously been put up for auction 40 times, but the bids were rejected. “Now, without any open bidding process, the SGPC president and a select few are trying to sell the land to their favourites,” he added.

    The SGPC has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.

  • Publicizing my Personal Photos, Majithia’s doing cheap politics: Dr Ravjot

    Publicizing my Personal Photos, Majithia’s doing cheap politics: Dr Ravjot

    Jalandhar: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh held a press conference today to address the recent baseless and defamatory allegations made against him by Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia. He was accompanied by AAP Punjab General Secretary Deepak Bali and AAP leader Tarandeep Sunny.

    Dr. Ravjot strongly condemned the deliberate attempt to malign his personal and political reputation by circulating an edited photograph on social media. He described this act as a new low in Punjab politics, aimed at tarnishing the dignity of women and targeting leaders from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.

    Dr. Ravjot, a dedicated AAP leader since 2013, highlighted his two decades of service as a healthcare professional in Hoshiarpur and his contributions to the party’s progress. He expressed deep disappointment over the politically motivated smear campaign initiated on the same day the Ludhiana West election campaign concluded.

    “The photograph shared on social media is a disgraceful and unethical attempt to mislead the public and defame me. This woman is someone’s daughter, mother or sister. This act is not just an attack on me but an insult to all women. Such tactics are a reflection of the low level of politics practiced by such leaders,” said Dr. Ravjot Singh.

    Dr. Ravjot further accused Majithia of having a history of oppressing SC and Dalit communities during his tenure in power. He stated that the AAP government has been a supporter of the SC and Dalit communities, evidenced by landmark initiatives such as implementing reservations in the Advocate General’s Office. These steps, he said, are intolerable to leaders like him, who cannot accept the community’s progress.

    He said that this smear campaign is a calculated move to tarnish the image of SC leaders and ministers in Punjab. “This is a deliberate attempt to undermine the dignity of leaders from the SC community. Majithia and his party have repeatedly targeted our leaders. But they will not succeed in their attempts to derail our mission of inclusive development,” Dr. Ravjot asserted.

  • Nitin Kohli raises residents’ issues, Thiara assures relief on enhancement and NCF charges

    Nitin Kohli raises residents’ issues, Thiara assures relief on enhancement and NCF charges

    Meeting held to address complaints over enhancement and non-construction fees

    Jalandhar News: In a major development that could bring relief to city residents, Jalandhar Improvement Trust Chairperson Rajvinder Kaur Thiara and Central Constituency Incharge Nitin Kohli held a meeting to address longstanding grievances related to enhancement and non-construction (NCF) charges.

    On Wednesday, a delegation of residents from Surya Enclave, Guru Gobind Singh Avenue, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Avenue met the Trust chairperson under the leadership of Nitin Kohli. The delegation highlighted that despite having valid No Dues Certificates (NDCs) and completed property registrations, many property files still reflect pending enhancement and NCF charges. Residents said these charges were not only unjust but also placed an additional financial burden on them.

    The delegation included residents Rajan Gupta, Gulshan Agrawal, Pawan Sethia, Manish Kumar, and Rajeev Dhamija, who presented specific examples and demanded an immediate halt to what they described as unnecessary charges.

    Taking prompt action, Chairperson Rajvinder Thiara ordered a review of the relevant files and directed that all such payments be temporarily halted until further notice. She assured the delegation that a fair decision in line with the current policies of the Local Government Department would be made within a week.

    Nitin Kohli’s proactive efforts in bringing residents’ concerns to the forefront and coordinating with the Trust were widely appreciated during the meeting. His role was seen as crucial in moving the process towards a practical solution.

    Residents present at the meeting expressed gratitude to Rajvinder Thiara and Nitin Kohli, saying that the intervention not only offered financial relief but also renewed hope for greater transparency in the functioning of the Improvement Trust.

  • Nitin Kohli holds meeting with ward councillors and block-level representatives, promises time-bound solutions

    Nitin Kohli holds meeting with ward councillors and block-level representatives, promises time-bound solutions

    Jalandhar News: Jalandhar Central constituency in-charge Nitin Kohli held a crucial meeting with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ward councillors and block-level representatives at his office to discuss key civic issues concerning various wards.

    At the outset, councillors, their representatives, and ward in-charges welcomed Kohli with floral bouquets. Kohli then extended greetings to all attendees and initiated discussions focused on basic civic amenities such as street lighting, water supply, and sanitation.

    Kohli said the party is committed to resolving the long-standing issues of the people. “We will set deadlines to address every public grievance so that solutions can be provided without delays or inconvenience,” he said.

    He added that daily review meetings will be held with councillors and block-level representatives to ensure any pending issues are addressed in a timely manner. “Development work in the Central constituency will be expedited. Pending projects will be given priority and every task will be carried out with complete transparency,” he said.

    Kohli reiterated that any individual facing personal, social, or civic issues is welcome to reach out. “We have already issued a telephone helpline (0181-5018181), available from 9 am to 6 pm. Soon, we will launch three more helpline numbers to improve accessibility,” he said.

    Among those present at the meeting were Ashok Sabharwal, Manjeet Singh Rawat, Rajeev Gill, and Manish Sharma, along with councillors: Lagnadeep Singh (Ward 5), Parveen Pehalwan (Ward 7), Balbir Singh Tutt (Ward 12), Harjeet Minhas (Ward 12), Manmohan Raju (Ward 20), Jaswinder Singh (Ward 21), Love Robin (Ward 22), Ganga Devi (Ward 23), Kartik Sahota (Ward 25), Deepak Kumar (Ward 27), Sonu Chadha (Ward 28), Ajay Chopra (Ward 30), Jagdish Raja (Ward 64), Nikhil Arora (Ward 66), Jatin Gulati (Ward 70), and Vijay Vassan (Ward 65).

  • AAP inaugurates new office in Jalandhar Central; MP Ashok Mittal calls it a historic day

    AAP inaugurates new office in Jalandhar Central; MP Ashok Mittal calls it a historic day

    Jalandhar News:The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) formally inaugurated its new office for the Jalandhar Central constituency near Ohri Hospital. The ceremony was attended by Rajya Sabha MP and LPU Chancellor Ashok Mittal, Punjab Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Advisor to the Department of Tourism and Culture and AAP Punjab General Secretary Deepak Bali, Improvement Trust Chairperson Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, Jalandhar Mayor Vanit Dhir, and Lovely Group Chairman Ramesh Mittal.

    Speaking at the event, Ashok Mittal said that Nitin Kohli has always been dedicated to public service, even before entering active politics. “Everyone knows that whatever Nitin does, he does it on a large scale. This is a historic day for the Jalandhar Central constituency,” he said.
    Mittal added that the party office has been set up keeping in mind accessibility for the public. “Any citizen in need should be able to reach the office without hassle. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nitin and his entire team,” he said.
    Deepak Bali praised Nitin Kohli, calling him a compassionate and approachable leader. “Standing here today, I feel like I’m at a sacred place. Nitin is not just experienced and friendly, but a kind-hearted individual who represents positive change and is a true asset to any political party,” Bali said.
    Nitin Kohli, who is the AAP constituency in-charge for Jalandhar Central, announced the launch of a 24-hour helpline at 0181-5018181. “We will soon dedicate three more helpline numbers for public use. Our team will be available round the clock to receive and resolve public grievances,” he said.
    Kohli explained that the formal inauguration of the office was delayed due to the Ludhiana bypoll campaign and Ashok Mittal’s tight schedule. “But today, the moment has arrived. This office will be a convenient platform for people of Jalandhar Central to raise their concerns and get them addressed,” he added.

    Other attendees included Raj Kumar Harjai, Sagar Walia, Daksh Chawla, Deepak Chawla, Sanjeev Muriya, Manish Kohli, Gaurav Sood, Kapil Kohli, Parveen Kumar, Rajesh Chopra, Tarun Sikka, Sanjeev Trehan, Hiten Nanda, Sumit Sharma, Nitin Behl, Jatinder Malhotra, and Vikram Dhiman.Block presidents, ward in-charges, councillors present at the inauguration ceremony included Ashok Sabharwal, Manjeet Singh Rawat, Rajeev Gill, Mr Manish Sharma, Lagandeep Singh, Parveen Pehelwan, Balbir Singh Tut, Harjeet Minhas, Manmohan Raju, Jaswinder Singh, Luv Robin, Ganga Devi, Kartik Sahota, Deepak Kumar, Sonu Chaddha, Ajay Chopra, Jagdish Raja, Nikhil Arora, Jatin Gulati, Vijay Wasan were present. Apart from this, others included Raj Kumar Harjai, Sagar Walia, Daksh Chawla, Deepak Chawla, Sanjeev Muria, Manish Kohli, Gaurav Sood, Kapil Kohli, Parveen Kumar, Rajesh Chopra, Tarun Sikka, Sanjeev Trehan, Hiten Nanda, Sumit Sharma, Nitin Bahl, Jatinder Malhotra, Vikram Dhiman.

  • Campaigning ends for Ludhiana West bypoll, voting on June 19

    Campaigning ends for Ludhiana West bypoll, voting on June 19

    Ludhiana: Campaigning for the Ludhiana West bypoll came to an end on Tuesday evening, with Punjab’s major political parties — Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal — making final efforts to woo voters.

    Leaders from all parties held last-minute rallies and door-to-door campaigns ahead of the 6 pm deadline, urging support for their respective candidates.

    The Ludhiana West assembly seat fell vacant after the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January.

    Polling will be held on June 19 from 7 am to 6 pm, while the counting of votes is scheduled for June 23.

  • 17-year-old Youth shot dead in land dispute in Ferozepur; two others injured

    17-year-old Youth shot dead in land dispute in Ferozepur; two others injured

    Ferozepur: A 17-year-old youth was shot dead and two others sustained injuries during a violent clash over a land dispute in Bhago Ke village near Malanwala late Sunday night.

    The deceased has been identified as Karamjit Singh alias Goldy, son of Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Basti Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar in village Bhagoke.

    According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of June 16 and 17 during an argument between Karamjit Singh and Pardeep Singh over the possession of 1.5 marlas of agricultural land. In the midst of the confrontation, Amarjit Singh allegedly opened fire with a pistol, hitting Karamjit Singh and his associates.

    Karamjit Singh, Sandeep Singh (42), son of Nishan Singh, and Gurbir Singh (30), son of Kulwant Singh— all residents of Bhagoke— sustained bullet injuries and were rushed to Civil Hospital, Zira. Doctors declared Karamjit Singh brought dead, while the other two are undergoing treatment.

    Malanwala police reached the spot soon after the incident was reported and have launched an investigation.

  • Youth in Nihang attire chops off neighbour’s wrists, arrested within 24 hours

    Youth in Nihang attire chops off neighbour’s wrists, arrested within 24 hours

    Mandi Gobindgarh: The Mandi Gobindgarh police have arrested a youth identified as Karamveer Singh alias Lovely within 24 hours for allegedly chopping off both the wrists of his neighbour, Yatin Walia, in Master Colony.

    Police said the accused, who had been donning a Nihang bana for the past six months, was booked under sections 147A, 115(2), 118(1), and 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when Singh reportedly attacked Yatin Walia, son of Suraj Kumar, outside his residence.

    According to the complaint, Walia was standing outside his house when Singh approached on foot, began hurling abuses, and later attacked him with a sword after a brief altercation. Severely injured, Walia was initially rushed to the local civil hospital but later referred to PGI Chandigarh due to his critical condition.

    Under the supervision of District Superintendent of Police Shubham Agarwal, police teams led by Inspector Manpreet Singh Deol and Assistant SHO Rajinder Singh apprehended the accused.

    Police said that Singh is also under suspicion for allegedly extorting money from people while posing in religious attire. They said that these allegations are being investigated separately.