Chandigarh, April 16,2024- The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday named four more candidates for the Lok Sabha seats in Punjab.

With this, the party has completed its list for the 13 Lok Sabha constituencies that will go to the polls on June 1

Muktsar legislator Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar is the candidate from Ferozepur.

The party has announced the candidature of former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) legislator Pawan Kumar Tinu from Jalandhar (reserved).

Punjab’s ruling AAP got a boost in the Doaba region as Dalit leader Tinu joined it on April 14.

Tinu was elected twice from the Adampur Assembly constituency of Jalandhar on the Akali Dal ticket — in 2012 and 2017. He also contested the Lok Sabha elections from Jalandhar in 2014 but lost to Congress leader Santokh Chaudhary.

After joining the AAP, Tinu said he had joined it to save the country’s democracy and constitution.

AAP has fielded Amansher Singh from Gurdaspur and Ashok Parashar Pappi from Ludhiana.

In its first list, AAP named Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer as a candidate from Sangrur, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal from Amritsar, Laljit Singh Bhullar from Khadoor Sahib, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian from Bathinda, Gurpreet Singh GP from Fatehgarh Sahib, Karamjeet Anmol from Faridkot and Balbir Singh from Patiala.

The party has fielded five cabinet ministers.

In its second list, the party announced its chief spokesperson Malvinder Singh Kang as a candidate from Anandpur Sahib and Raj Kumar Chabbewal from the Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha seat.(Agency)

During meeting held from 12 to 12:30 pm, CM Arvind Kejriwal asked CM Bhagwant Mann and Dr. Sandeep Pathak about condition of people of Delhi and Punjab

Arvind Kejriwal built schools, hospitals, made electricity and water free, this is his fault that he is not getting same facilities as even hardcore criminals get: Bhagwant Mann

We were made to talk to Arvind Kejriwal on phone through glass, the glass was also very dirty, we could not even see each other’s faces clearly: Bhagwant Mann

Sonia Gandhi was made to meet Chidambaram face to face, but we were made to meet as if a big criminal was sitting there: Bhagwant Mann

Aam Aadmi Party is united and stands with Kejriwal like a rock, AAP will emerge as a big power after election results: Bhagwant Mann

Arvind Kejriwal asked about wellbeing of people, including free electricity, water, treatment, bus service facilities for women: Dr. Sandeep Pathak

From next week, CM Arvind Kejriwal will call two ministers in jail and review progress of work of their departments: Dr. Sandeep Pathak

CM Arvind Kejriwal has given message to MLAs to be among public 24 hours and address their problems: Dr. Sandeep Pathak

New Delhi, 15 April 2024;

Delhi Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal is being treated like a terrorist and has been denied facilities even given to hardcore criminals, said Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after meeting the Aam Aadmi Party supremo in jail on Monday.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP’s National General Secretary (Organization) Dr. Sandeep Pathak met Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in jail and their meeting lasted for about 30 minutes. During this time, Bhagwant Mann became emotional after seeing the ill-treatment being meted out to Arvind Kejriwal in jail.

Talking to the media after meeting Shri Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar jail, Bhagwant Mann said that CM Arvind Kejriwal is being treated like a terrorist in jail. We were made to talk on the phone through the glass, the glass was also very dirty, we could not even see each other’s faces clearly. Arvind Kejriwal’s only fault is that he built schools and hospitals and made electricity and water free for the people. That’s why he is not even getting the facilities that hardcore criminals get.

Dr Sandeep Pathak said that Arvind Kejriwal asked all the time about the wellbeing of the people of Delhi and Punjab. He asked whether people were getting the facilities of free electricity, water, medical treatment in hospitals and free bus ride for women.

Dr Sandeep Pathak said from next week, Shri Arvind Kejriwal will call two ministers in jail and review the progress of works of their departments.

In response to a reporter’s question about his meeting with Shri Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said that we had a meeting of half an hour. We were given an appointment from 12 noon to 12:30 pm. As soon as I met him, I was deeply saddened to see that CM Arvind Kejriwal is not being given the same facilities that are given to even the hardcore criminals. What is the fault of Arvind Kejriwal? His only fault is that he built hospitals, mohalla clinics and schools for the people. Electricity and water were made free for all. You are treating him as if you have caught a big terrorist.

CM Bhagwant Mann said that according to the rules of the jail manual, face-to-face meeting can be allowed to the accused if he has good conduct in the jail. When P. Chidambaram was in jail and Sonia Gandhi used to come to meet him, she was made to sit face to face in a room. But today the meeting was arranged through the phone as if a big criminal was sitting. We don’t know why there is so much hostility towards us that we are being treated like terrorists. Why is Arvind Kejriwal being treated like this? Such behaviour with the opposition will cost them dearly. Arvind Kejriwal is a staunchly honest person, who started the politics of transparency and ended the politics of the BJP. Very sad to see such behaviour meted out to him today.

Bhagwant Mann told that when I asked Arvind Kejriwal about his condition, he said, don’t worry about me, tell me how is the condition of Punjab? Are good schools being built in Punjab, have arrangements to lift wheat crops in the markets been made, are Aam Aadmi clinics running well there, are people getting free electricity? Because we do politics of work and not for fame. I told him that Punjab is doing well. I have also visited Assam and Kurukshetra, will go to Gujarat on Tuesday. I will campaign in Delhi also. The Aam Aadmi Party is an ideology, you can arrest a person, Arvind Kejriwal, but how will you arrest an ideology?

Denying the allegation that there has been a defection in the Aam Aadmi Party after Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest, CM Bhagwant Mann said that the Aam Aadmi Party is a disciplined party and it is completely together and united. We all stand with Arvind Kejriwal like a rock. Arvind Kejriwal will come out of jail soon. When the results of Lok Sabha elections come on June 4, Aam Aadmi Party will emerge as a very big party. Overall, Arvind Kejriwal was worried about the country and the Constitution. Only if the Constitution will survive, the party will survive, he added.

On the question of 21 retired judges writing a letter to the Chief Justice accusing him of defaming the judiciary, CM Bhagwant Mann said that if you ask anyone about the situation in the country today, he will say that Arvind Kejriwal has been wrongfully put in jail. They want that there should be no opposition in the country. Only we should contest and win the elections. Then where is democracy left in the country? This has become a dictatorship. We are patriotic people. We will fight for the country. He has given us a message to go out and tell all the workers, MLAs and ministers not to worry about him, only to worry about the public.

Dr Sandeep Pathak said as soon as we went to meet Shri Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann ji became emotional and his eyes filled with tears. When we asked Shri Arvind Kejriwal about his health, he said, stop worrying about me and tell me how is the public? He asked whether the public is getting the free electricity they were getting and whether there was any power cut? He asked whether the medicines which were being provided in the hospitals are still being provided, whether the women are still getting the facility of free bus service? He asked all these things, how is the condition of Delhi and how are the people? We told them one thing at a time.

Dr. Sandeep Pathak said Shri Arvind Kejriwal also told me that this message should be sent to all the MLAs that they should go door-to-door in their constituency and redress the grievances of the people. The chief minister said we have to serve people 10 times more than the way we were serving them till date.

Dr. Sandeep Pathak told that Arvind Kejriwal also said that he will come out soon. And after coming out, he will definitely fulfill the promise of giving Rs 1000 per month to the women for which budget provision has already been made. All the time he kept asking about the people of Delhi, how are they, whether anyone is facing any problem. He said that wherever he lives, his life has been full of struggle, and he will continue to struggle in future also.

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO ENSURE FREE, FAIR AND PEACEFUL UPCOMING LOK SABHA ELECTIONS-2024

— POLICE TEAMS REGISTER 42 FIRs AFTER ARRESTING 44 PERSONS DURING OPERATION; 222 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS ALSO DETAINED FOR QUESTIONING

— ₹10L CASH, 110KG POPPY HUSK, 1KG OPIUM, 24 GRAMS HEROIN, HUGE QUANTITY OF ILLICIT & LICIT LIQUOR RECOVERED

— POLICE TEAMS CHECKED 5137 VEHICLES, OF WHICH 200 WERE CHALLANED AND 22 WERE IMPOUNDED

— PURPOSE WAS TO KEEP VIGIL AROUND MOVEMENT OF DRUG TRAFFICKERS AND BOOTLEGGERS, SAYS SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

CHANDIGARH, April 14:

                To ensure free, fair and peaceful upcoming Lok Sabha Elections-2024, Punjab Police on Sunday carried out a special operation ‘OPS Seal-VI’ aimed at checking all the vehicles entering or exiting the border state of Punjab to keep vigil around the movement of drug smugglers and bootleggers. The operation was conducted in a synchronised manner from 8 am to 2 pm on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) of 10 border districts were asked to mobilise the maximum number of manpower to lay strong ‘nakas’ under the supervision of Gazetted officers/SHOs and effectively seal all the entry/exit points in their respective districts. SSPs were also directed to personally visit some of nakas at vulnerable spots, besides, liaising with their counterparts in neighbouring states to put joint nakas on their side as well to ensure effective Nakabandi as part of ‘OPS Seal-VI’, he added.

He said that well-coordinated strong nakas involving over 1500 Police Personnel were set up under the supervision of Inspectors/DSPs at all the 220 entry/exit points of 10 districts, which share boundaries with four border states and UT Chandigarh. The 10 inter-state border districts include Pathankot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur and Bathinda.

He said that during the operation, a thorough search of suspected vehicles/persons was conducted while ensuring minimum inconvenience was caused to the general public. “We had strictly instructed all the Police Personnel to deal with every commuter in a friendly and polite manner while checking their vehicles during this operation,” he added.

The Special DGP said that as many as 5137 vehicles entering/exiting the state were checked, of which 200 were challaned and 22 were impounded. Police teams have also verified the registration numbers of all the vehicles using the VAHAN mobile app.

The Police have also registered 42 first information reports (FIRs) after arresting 44 persons and recovered Rs 10 lakhs cash, 110 kg poppy husk, 1kg opium, 24 grams heroin, 228-litre illicit liquor, 175-litre licit liquor and 100-litre lahan from their possession. The police teams have also rounded up 222 suspicious persons for questioning.

                Pertinently, Punjab Police has evolved a comprehensive strategy to check the movement of criminals, bootleggers and drug smugglers in the state. All the CPs/SSPs have already been directed to install special nakas and enhance patrolling parties across the state to keep vigil around anti-social elements in their respective jurisdictions.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inducted him to the party, said – People who want to serve Punjab are joining the Aam Aadmi Party

Impressed by the work of CM Mann I have decided to join the Aam Aadmi Party, we have to save our constitution – Pawan Kumar Tinu

Aam Aadmi Party is the only party in the country fighting to save the Constitution – Tinu

Along with Pawan Tinu, Senior Akali leader Gurcharan Singh Channi also joined AAP

Chandigarh, 14 April

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has got a big boost in the Doaba region. Reputed Dalit leader of Jalandhar and Doaba region, former MLA Pawan Kumar Tinu joined the AAP.

Pawan Kumar Tinu was elected MLA twice from the Adampur assembly constituency of Jalandhar on Akali Dal ticket. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann formally inducted Tinu into the party and welcomed him to the AAP family. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that people who are serving Punjab or want to do that are continuously joining the Aam Aadmi Party and strengthening us.

Pawan Tinu’s leaving the Shiromani Akali Dal has given a big blow to the Akali Dal in Doaba before the Lok Sabha elections. Along with Pawan Tinu, his party colleague and senior Akali leader Gurcharan Singh Channi also joined the Aam Aadmi Party.

Pawan Tinu has a good hold among the people of the Doaba region. He is an influential person in politics there. Tinu was elected MLA twice in 2012 and 2017. He also contested the Lok Sabha elections from Jalandhar in 2014, but lost to the late Congress MP Santokh Chaudhary.

After joining the party, Pawan Tinu said that he has joined the Aam Aadmi Party to save the country’s democracy and constitution. The Aam Aadmi Party is the only party in the country that is fighting to save the Constitution.

Apart from this, I am also very impressed with the public welfare work done by the AAP government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in the last two years. Today the needs of the common people are being met. People are getting free electricity. Common people are getting free health facilities and free medicines in Mohalla clinics.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is the leader of the common people. Any common man can stop his car and meet him. There has never been a Chief Minister in Punjab before Mann whom a common man can meet at any time. That is why he thought that he should support Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party.

About Akali Dal, he said that there is an atmosphere of uncertainty and insecurity in the Akali leadership from top to bottom. There is insecurity among the workers. When there is uncertainty and distrust among the people of any party, they cannot win. Now the people of Punjab do not have faith in the Akali Dal.

Chandigarh, April 13

Actor Rakesh Bedi and director Anurag Sharma held a press conference at Chandigarh Press Club and released their upcoming spiritual web series ‘Two Great Masters’ on MX Player on Saturday.

Directed by the visionary Anurag Sharma, the series embarks on a transformative exploration of the spiritual teachings of two eminent twentieth-century luminaries, Swami Vivekananda and Maharishi Paramhansa Yogananda.

From the serene landscapes of Shoolini University in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, to the digital screens of viewers worldwide, ‘Two Great Masters’ promises an immersive and enlightening experience. The series weaves a captivating narrative inspired by the profound philosophies of Vivekananda and Yogananda, offering audiences a unique perspective on spirituality in the modern era.

At the heart of the series lies the character of Bhuwan, portrayed by veteran actor Rakesh Bedi, who embarks on a soul-stirring quest for spiritual enlightenment. Bedi’s portrayal adds depth and authenticity to the story, guiding viewers on a journey of self-discovery and inner transformation.

Sonu Tyagi, Co-Producer of ‘Two Great Masters’ and Director of Approach Entertainment, expressed his excitement about the series’ premiere, emphasizing its relevance in today’s fast-paced world. He stated, “We are thrilled to bring ‘Two Great Masters’ to audiences worldwide through the MX Player platform. This series not only entertains but also enlightens, bridging the gap between spirituality and contemporary life.”

Anurag Sharma, Director of Juni Films, shared insights into the creative vision behind ‘Two Great Masters,’ affirming that the series goes beyond mere biography to explore the timeless wisdom of Vivekananda and Yogananda. “Our aim with this series is to inspire and uplift audiences, fostering a deeper understanding of spirituality amidst the complexities of modern living,” remarked Sharma.

Amrit Gupta, author of the renowned book ‘Two Great Masters,’ on which the web series is based, expressed his delight at seeing his work adapted for the screen. “It is truly gratifying to witness ‘Two Great Masters’ come to life on screen, bringing the timeless teachings of Vivekananda and Yogananda to a new generation of viewers,” Gupta commented.

With its captivating storyline, stellar cast, and picturesque cinematography, ‘Two Great Masters’ promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Now available for streaming exclusively on MX Player, viewers can embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening from the comfort of their homes.

Chandigarh, April 10

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will announce its Lok Sabha candidates for Ludhiana and Jalandhar on April 16th. AAP Punjab President, CM Bhagwant Mann shared this through his X account.

The AAP has already announced nine Lok Sabha candidates in Punjab. In its first list the party announced Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer as a candidate from Sangrur, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal from Amritsar, Laljit Singh Bhullar from Khadoor Sahib, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian from Bathinda, Gurpreet Singh GP from Fatehgarh Sahib, Karamjeet Anmol from Faridkot and Dr Balbir Singh from Patiala. The party is fielding five cabinet ministers in Punjab.

In its second list, the party announced its chief spokesperson in Punjab Malvinder Singh Kang as a candidate from Anandpur Sahib and Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal from Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha seat. And in its third list on April 16, the party will announce two more candidates taking the total to 11 out 13.

Jalandhar is SC reserved seat and consist of 9 assembly constituencies. During the 2022 Punjab assembly elections the AAP won from four constituencies, but just an year ago in Jalandhar bypoll, the Aam Aadmi Party registered a thumping victory by the margin of more than 58,000 votes. Since then the party has only become stronger on this seat. And for Ludhiana, the Aam Aadmi Party won 8 out of 9 assembly constituencies here in the 2022 Punjab assembly elections.

— POLICE TEAMS RECOVER BMW CAR, MOBILE PHONES AND DOCUMENTS FROM HIS POSSESSION

— DECLARED PO IN 92 CASES, ACCUSED NEERAJ ARORA WAS USING FAKE IDENTITIES TO EVADE ARREST

CHANDIGARH/FAZILKA, April 9:

                In a major breakthrough in the multi-crore Nature Heights Infra Scam, the joint teams of Faridkot and Fazilka police have arrested the main accused identified as Neeraj Thathai alias Neeraj Arora, who was absconding for the last 8-9 years and declared Proclaimed Offender (PO), from district Poudi in Uttrakhand. The modus operandi used by the accused to collect the huge amount of money was to lure innocent people in lieu of giving them residential/commercial plots.

                The development came close on the heels of the arrest of Amandeep Kamboj alias Aman Skoda of Fazilka, who was PO in eight cases and in 18 cases he jumped bail. He was arrested by the PO staff of Fazilka Police from Varanasi Uttar Pradesh on March 15, 2024. 

                IGP Faridkot Range Gursharan Singh Sandhu and DIG Ferozepur Range Ranjit Singh Dhillon, while addressing a joint press conference on Tuesday, said that Police teams from both the districts headed by SP Investigation Fazilka Pardeep Singh Sandhu and DSP Narcotics Faridkot Iqbal Singh Sandhu under the overall supervision of SSP Faridkot Harjit Singh and SSP Fazilka Dr Pragya Jain successfully arrested the most wanted criminal Neeraj Arora from Shri Nagar Garhwal in district Poudi, Uttrakhand.

                Police teams have also recovered one luxury BMW car, mobile phones and fake documents from the possession of accused Neeraj Arora.

                IGP Gursharan Singh Sandhu said that the accused has been facing as many as 108 first information reports (FIRs) registered in 21 districts for defrauding people by promising money or plots to people in the state. Of a total 108 FIRs, 47 were registered in Fazilka; eight in Ferozepur; six each in Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib; five each in Rupnagar, Mohali and SAS Nagar; four each in Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Jalandhar Commissionerate.

                Pertinently, accused Neeraj Arora, arrested by Fazilka Police in February 2016, had jumped bail and was declared PO in February 2017. Currently, the accused is PO in at least 92 cases. Enforcement Directorate has also registered cases and attached properties of Neeraj Thatai, while, many writ petitions are pending in the Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh against him filed by the victims.

                DIG Ranjit Singh Dhillon said that the accused was using fake IDs to evade his arrest. The accused has more than 1200 acres of land, and 200 residential flats in Punjab and MP state worth more than Rs 1,000 crores, he said.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a meeting with party MLAs, chairmen and office bearers in Jalandhar and discussed election strategies

My special focus is on Jalandhar seat, will win it at any cost – Bhagwant Mann

CM Mann asked the leaders to tell the people about all the public welfare works of the government in two years

On the leaders leaving the party, Mann said – We do not need to pay attention to them, the public will respond to betrayers accordingly

Chandigarh, 7 April

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is focused on the Jalandhar Lok Sabha. The party wants to win this seat again at any cost. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a meeting with party MLAs and office bearers in Jalandhar on Sunday and discussed election strategies with them.

During the meeting, Bhagwant Mann asked the party MLAs, leaders and office bearers to tell the people about the people’s welfare works and decisions of the AAP government in the last two years and to propagate them vigorously. He said that our government has done so much work in just two years that the previous governments did not do in the last seventy years. We need to tell people about our work and decisions.

Mann said that earlier Sangrur Lok Sabha constituency used to be the stronghold of the Aam Aadmi Party. Now Jalandhar has also been added with Sangrur. Now both the seats are very important for us. We have special focus on both and we have to win them at any cost. Our first priority should be to win the Jalandhar seat at any cost. Collective efforts are very important for winning any seat.

On AAP MP Sushil Rinku leaving the party, Mann said that we do not need to pay attention to him. He has betrayed the party and the public will answer the betrayer in the elections. Sushil Rinku was made an MP by the Aam Aadmi Party and got recognition, but he betrayed us. He has no personal support base.

CM took feedback and brainstormed strategies with the AAP candidate Gurpreet Singh GP and AAP MLAs of Fatehgarh Sahib

Mann’s instruction to MLAs: strenuously promote pro-people and pro-Punjab decisions taken by the AAP government to ensure big victory in Fatehgarh Sahib

Aam Aadmi Party is united, they are not here to defeat anyone, but to work for the common people: Gurpreet GP

Gurpreet GP is confident of a big win in Fatehgarh Sahib

The people of Punjab love Bhagwant Mann and the AAP because of their pro-people ideologies and decisions, will win all 13 seats: Gurpreet GP

Chandigarh, April 4

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is leaving no stone unturned before coming up with their final strategy for the Lok Sabha election campaign in Punjab. With chief minister Bhagwant Mann in charge of the election campaign in Punjab, every party leader and worker is sure that the party will clean sweep with 13-0 and no other political party has any chance in the state.

On Thursday, CM Mann held a meeting to take feedback on Sri Fatehgarh Sahib Lok Sabha constituency. This meeting was attended by AAP candidate for this seat Gurpreet Singh GP and all the AAP MLAs of Fatehgarh Sahib constituency. MLA Bassi Pathana(SC) Rupinder Singh Happy, MLA Fatehgarh Sahib Lakhbir Singh Rai, MLA Amloh Gurinder Singh, MLA Khanna Tarunpreet Singh Sond, MLA Samrala Jagtar Singh, MLA Sahnewal Hardeep Singh Mundian and MLA Raikot (SC) Hakam Singh Thekedar were present in this meeting.

Mann took feedback from all the MLAs about their assembly constituencies and then brainstormed ideas with all the leaders for the upcoming Lok Sabha election about Fatehgarh Sahib constituency. The party has won all the nine assembly constituencies of Fatehgarh Sahib in 2022 Punjab assembly elections and for the Lok Sabha election too they are appearing to be in a very strong position.

In this meeting CM Mann discussed election strategy with the Fatehgarh Sahib candidate and MLAs for this seat. Mann asked the MLAs to hold meetings with all the office bearers of the party in Fatehgarh Sahib constituencies and hold meetings in every village too. He instructed MLAs to vigorously promote all the pro-Punjab and pro-people decisions that their government have taken in the last two years and also talk to the people about their issues that they want to be addressed in the parliament.

Briefing the press after the meeting, AAP candidate Gurpreet Singh GP said that the Mann government has done exceptional work in the last two years, people are with the Aam Aadmi Party. He said that the farmers got canal water for irrigation, our youth is getting government jobs purely on the basis of merit, more than 90% households are getting zero electricity bills. He said that the people of Punjab love chief minister Bhagwant Mann because he delivered what he promised. More and more people are coming together with the Aam Aadmi Party because of their pro-people decisions.

GP said that he is confident that the party once again will sweep all the constituencies of Fatehgarh Sahib and he will register a big win. He said that people are seeing what the BJP and Modi doing with our leaders, how they put Arvind Kejriwal in jail without any evidence. He added that the party will win all 7 seats in Delhi (with INDIA alliance) and all the 13 seats of Punjab. Talking about Congress, he said that the Congress is not even in competition in Punjab, there is too many internal issues and battles in Punjab Congress. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party is United and they are fighting to defeat anyone but to win for the common people. He said that AAP’s agenda is to work for the people and their performance as the government substantiates that.

He further said that they discussed the election campaign strategy with the chief minister and CM Mann will give 3-4 days to every constituency of Fatehgarh Sahib where he’ll hold meetings, roadshows and rallies.

— PUNJAB POLICE, BSF AND NCB CHALK OUT STRATEGY TO BREAK SUPPLY CHAIN OF DRUGS, COUNTER DRONE OPERATIONS FROM ACROSS BORDER

— POLICE TEAMS AT 217 STRONG INTER-STATE NAKAS KEEPING VIGIL AROUND BOOTLEGGERS, DRUG-SMUGGLERS & CRIMINALS

— SPL DGP LAW AND ORDER HOLDS JOINT COORDINATION MEETING IN JALANDHAR TO REVIEW SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS IN BORDER DISTRICTS AHEAD OF LOK SABHA POLLS

— PUNJAB POLICE MOBILISED 75% FROM DISTRICT POLICE AND 50% POLICE FORCE FROM OTHER UNITS FOR DEPLOYMENT DURING ELECTIONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

JALANDHAR/CHANDIGARH, April 4:

                In order to ensure free, fair and peaceful forthcoming General Elections 2024, Special Director General of Police (Spl DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla on Thursday chalked out a foolproof strategy with the Border Security Force (BSF) to further strengthen the second line of defence and completely break the supply chain of drugs from across the border.

                The Special DGP accompanied by IG Frontier Headquarters, BSF Jalandhar Dr Atul Fulzele was holding a Joint coordination meeting with the senior officers of Punjab Police, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and other central agencies to review security arrangements at the Border and discuss issues pertaining to upcoming Parliamentary Elections 2024. Zonal Director NCB, ADGP State Armed Police (SAP) MF Farooqui, DIG Border Range Rakesh Kaushal and DIG Ferozepur Range Ranjit Singh Dhillon also attended the meeting.

                Giving a call for greater synergy and teamwork between BSF and Punjab Police, Spl DGP Arpit Shukla exhorted both forces to work as one team to ensure free and fair elections in the border state.

                He said that being positioned at the first line of defence, the BSF needs to be more alert to prevent smuggling and infiltration bids by militants, terrorists or smugglers. He also ordered to enhance the number of Police personnel deployed on night patrolling along the International border.

                The Spl DGP advised the BSF to use drone detection technology to counter the Drone operations at Punjab borders, which have emerged as the new modus operandi to smuggle drugs from across the border. He also directed all the SSPs of border districts to conduct regular meetings with Village Level Defence Committee (VLDC) members and sensitise field staff and VLDC members to keep a strict vigil on the movement of drones.

                As per the information, there were 325 drone sightings across the border in 2023, of which 118 drones were successfully recovered. Similarly, 26 drones have been recovered in 2024 so far.

                Sharing details on security arrangements for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections, Spl DGP Arpit Shukla said that security has been beefed up across the state and Punjab Police has mobilised 75 percent from district police and 50% police force from other units for deployment during elections.

                He said that the Punjab Police have already laid well-coordinated strong inter-state nakas at all the sealing points of 10 border districts in the state to stop the menace of liquor and drug smuggling. The 10 inter-state border districts include Pathankot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur and Bathinda.

                He said that the 25 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed in vulnerable districts of the state to instil confidence among the general public as well as to dominate sensitive and hyper-sensitive areas in the state. The 25 companies include five coys of Central Reserved Police Forces (CRPF), 15 coys of Border Security Force (BSF) and five coys of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).