Face of Punjab’s pension scheme doesn’t get a penny
FAKE CLAIM Faridkot man features as a beneficiary in Badal govt ad
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| Chela Singh of Kaler village in Faridkot district with the Punjab government advertisement that shows him as one of the pension beneficiaries. |
FARIDKOT: Chela Singh (83) was a common man until Sunday morning.When HT visited his village, Kaler in Faridkot district, and asked him if his luck would turn after his picture had reached the authorities, he said: “It was taken in winter, at some government function. “Yeah,” he chuckled, “Maybe now they’ll give me pension in real.”
Village panch Kulbir Singh said Chela wasn’t the only one not to receive old-age pension. Gathered at ‘saanth’ (village common place) were those leftout old people, most of them over 70. Geja Singh, Amrik Singh, Amarjit Singh, Gurdev Singh, Beant Singh, and Balwinder Singh accused the government of doing “propaganda”.
“In Sunday’s advertisement, the government has claimed that it gave away more than `5,000 crore as pension,” District Youth Congress president Balkaran Singh Nangal said. “But Chela is a living proof that (deputy chief minister) Sukhbir Singh Badal is ‘gappi number 1’ (a big fat liar).”
Faridkot district social security officer Shinder Pal Kaur said she was unaware of the advertisement, as the public relations department in Chandigarh must have issued it. “No one asked us for any photograph,” she said. “The PR guys must have picked it on their own.”
PR secretary Rahul Tiwari said he looked into policy matters and the layout was director’s jurisdiction. PR director Senu Duggal said the picture was for representation purpose only and the government had nowhere claimed in the advertisement that the people featured were given pension.”
Then he became the face of the old-age pension scheme in the full-page newspaper advertisements detailing what the Punjab government has achieved in nine years to warrant another mandate. Good for Chela, but only one thing — he doesn’t get any old-age pension.
He has applied for it twice, though, in the past seven years. Even his wife, Jagit Kaur (80), doesn’t get a penny from the government. Chela has also applied for cashless medical treatment under Bhagat Puran Singh Bima Yojana and subsidised food under the atta-dal scheme. None delivered.
Troubles multiply, AAP now faces split on regional lines
‘Self-goal’ by party has Congress, Akali Dal leadership elated
Jupinderjit Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 28
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| Arvind Kejriwal with Sucha Singh Chhotepur during the release of the party’s youth manifesto on July 3. Chhotepur’s removal as the state party convener has stirred a hornet’s nest in the party. Tribune file photo |
“Jhaadu teeley teeley ho reha hai. Mann udaas hai (AAP is disintegrating. I am sad),” said a corncob seller on the Sirhind-Chandigarh road. An ardent AAP supporter, he shared his disappointment at the turn of events in the party.
On other levels, more volunteers and leaders seem to be turning their back towards the party which promised clean and transparent politics. The party which was riding on the wave of popularity is in crisis and there does not seem to be a system in place to defuse the situation.
The removal of Sucha Singh Chhotepur from the post of state party convener and his counter-attack at Delhi coterie and the resultant call for Punjabiyat has thrown the biggest challenge for the party in the election year.
AAP is yet to recover from the controversy over the use a broom alongside the photo of the Golden Temple on its youth manifesto and the loss of face it suffered after BJP leader Navjot Singh Sidhu changed his mood to join the party. Besides, 25 of the 32 candidates declared by the party so far are facing opposition from within AAP.
The worst fear that the party may be divided between Delhi and Punjab camps is proving true much to the delight of the Congress and the Akali Dal. Three Sikh leaders, HS Phoolka, Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Kanwar Sandhu, are trying to coordinate with party convener Arvind Kejriwal on defusing the situation.
A member of the party’s Political Review Committee, Dr Manjit Singh Randhawa, said the party worked only on the dictates of its head (Kejriwal). “No meeting of the committee took place since it was constituted months ago.”
Randhawa has already registered a political party called AAP Punjab. He issued a statement saying ‘AAP Punjab’ supported Chhotepur and rejected all candidates announced by AAP led by Kejriwal.
Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann, who is busy holding rallies and defending the party, told The Tribune that he was sad at the turn of events. “The rivals are fuelling the fire against us. Such issues happen in all parties. We will win 100 seats. The party has zero tolerance towards corruption. I am the campaign committee incharge. Thousands of people turn up at my rallies. But if I am found indulging in corruption, I will be thrown out immediately. That is AAP,” he said.
Congress and Akali leaders, who in private, were admitting that there was a wave in favour of AAP, said they were waiting for such a self-goal by AAP. “We have been saying that they only know how to spread chaos and fight. How can you hand over the reins of the state to such people, who claim they were democratic and put everything on social media but are shying to share the video on the basis of which they removed the state head,” said an Akali leader.
Rift wide open
- The removal of Sucha Singh Chhotepur and his counter-attack at Delhi coterie and the resultant call for Punjabiyat has thrown the biggest challenge for the party ahead of the Assembly elections
- The party is yet to recover from the controversy over the use of the party symbol “broom” alongside the photo of the Golden Temple on its youth manifesto
- Besides, 25 of the 32 candidates declared by the party so far are facing opposition from within AAP
- The worst fear that the party may be divided between Delhi and Punjab camps is proving true
In Dinanagar, clash between rival AAP groups averted
Ravi Dhaliwal
Tribune News Service
Gurdaspur, August 28
The police today averted a clash at two places in the district between pro and anti-Kejriwal supporters.Rival Sekhwan backs ‘honest’ Chhotepur
- The beleaguered AAP leader, Chhotepur, found support from his rival and former minister Sewa Singh Sekhwan, who said that "Chhotepur is indeed a man of unimpeachable character and honesty." Addressing a press conference, Sekhwan heaped praise on Chhotepur and added that "Kejriwal had stabbed him in the back by conspiring with some UP-based AAP leaders to finish off his political career." This development holds significance as both Sekhwan and Chhotepur were candidates from the Qadian Vidhan Sabha seat during the 2012 Assembly elections. While the former contested on a SAD ticket, Chhotepur fought as an Independent. Both are known to be bitter political rivals.
Kejri started civil war among Punjabis: SAD
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 28
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today asked AAP’s national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to come clean on allegations by his own party men that he had plotted and fanned a civil war among Punjabis and Sikhs as part of the age-old policy of “divide and rule” and emerge as the party’s CM face in Punjab.Chhotepur’s removal based on evidence: AAP observer
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, August 28
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| Rahul Shukla, AAP observer |
AAP leader Sucha Singh Chhotepur was removed from the post of state convener on the basis of substantial evidence. This was revealed by party observer Rahul Shukla here today.
Kejri has no connect with Punjabis: Cong
Tribune News Service
Sangrur, August 28
National spokesperson for the AICC Vijay Inder Singla today lashed out at AAP supremo and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Singla said the Delhi Chief Minister had no emotional connection with Punjab. He was only using the state to fulfill his aspirations.BJP may swap a few seats with Akali Dal
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 28
The BJP’s national vice-president, Prabhat Jha, said here today that the party would continue to contest on 23 seats in the state, but it could swap a few with its alliance partner, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Addressing a gathering of BJP leaders from across the state, Jha said these seats were being finalised.18 years on, Malawali village yet to get metalled road
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, August 27
MP Chandumajra compares Kejriwal with Mughal invader Ahmad Shah Abdali
Manish Sirhindi
Chandumajra, who is known for his fierce outbursts against party rivals, said Kejriwal was totally unaware of the Sikh history and religion or else the Sikh community would not forgive him for his hurtful statements.
He said Kejriwal intended to loot Punjab, but the people of the state would never accept an outsider to rule over them. Demanding that the recognition given to the AAP should immediately be withdrawn, Chandumajra said a party that which could not keep its accounts had no right to lead the people of Punjab.
Referring to the recent developments with the AAP following which the party had placed its state convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur under suspension following a sting operation in which he was allegedly shown as accepting money in lieu of getting party tickets, Chandumajra said the Election Commission of India should take action against the party.
He said following such developments, how could the party speak of fighting for the people’s rights, when in actual it was collecting ‘unaccounted funds’ by misleading commoners.
He said it would not be wrong to say that Kejriwal was himself involved in corrupt practices and was strategising to grab power in Punjab by any means possible.
Tribune News Service
Patiala, August 28
In a frontal attack on national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Akali MP from Anandpur Sahib and party general secretary Prem Singh Chandumajra today went on to compare Arvind Kejriwal with Mughal invader Ahmad Shah Abdali warning him against not hurting the religious sentiments of Sikhs.Aided school teachers to gherao Chief Minister’s residence on August 30
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, August 27
Khaira backs Chhotepur, wants more power for Punjab leaders
People of Punjab are seeing the AAP as the only remedy for the beleaguered state. I’m getting a number of mails, calls and messages from the NRIs who had shown great faith in Kejriwal’s vision for Punjab. They all want more power for Punjab leaders. SUKHPAL KHAIRA, AAP spokesperson
JALANDHAR: Aam Aadmi Party leader Sukhpal Khaira on Sunday defended Sucha Singh Chhotepur, who was sacked as Punjab convener after a ‘cash sting’, and demanded more power for Punjab leaders from the high command.
“Chhotepur’s unceremonious removal has demoralised party volunteers. It’s very unfortunate. I’m very sad as he is the man who has toiled really hard to establish the party,” said Khaira, an AAP spokesperson, while addressing a press conference here.
“People of Punjab are seeing the AAP as the only remedy for the beleaguered state. I’m also getting a number of mails, calls and messages from the NRIs, who had shown great faith in Kejriwal’s vision for Punjab. They all want more power for Punjab leaders,” Khaira added.
“I just want to tell party supremos (Kejriwal) that please believe in us. We are here to implement your policies only. But the local leaders can’t achieve this goal if they are ignored and not made part of decision-making,” said Khaira.
Appreciating AAP Punjab in-charge Sanjay Singh and national organisational secretary Durgesh Pathak, Khaira said both have played a key role in giving shape to the organisational structure of the party in the state. “They were sent by the party to Punjab when it was hit by infighting. They have done a good job. But now it’s time for them to withdraw a bit and let the people of Punjab, voters and party volunteers feel that it’s their party,” said Khaira, adding that he doesn’t want any post for himself.“The volunteers from Punjab are giving everything to the party. They will get sad if they get the feeling of being ignored,” said Khaira. Khaira said there was possibility of a “conspiracy” against Chhotepur hatched from within the party. “Reports say the sting was a handiwork of some party leaders. I am also hearing that that few more stings have also been performed on other senior leaders as well. If it’s true, it’s the most condemnable thing. Iss ton Kamini te Ghatiya gal koi hor nhi ho sakdi,” said Khaira.
Khaira also claimed that party leaders Kanwar Sandhu and HS Phoolka had met Chhotepur on Friday and urged him to cancel his press conference. “But Chottepur was every upset. He said the corruption charge has left him faceless before relatives, followers and his kids. He looked like a shattered man and said he won’t cancel the press meet,” said Khaira.
Tells leadership to rethink on some candidatesKhaira also urged party to rethink on some candidates chosen for assembly segments where volunteers are opposing them. “Party must respect the sentiments of ground workers who were toiling,” he said, admitting that few of his opponents may try to project his opinion on the present crisis as indiscipline. “But I hope party would treat it s a positive feedback and would respect the feelings of volunteers” he said.
AAP leaders dread Mansa ‘sting man’
MANSA: Gurlabh Singh Mahal, man who allegedly directed the sting operation that got Sucha Singh Chhotepur sacked as state convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has gone into virtual hiding since.
Lawyer Mahal, who follows a dera, is one of the founding members of the AAP in Mansa. He has had a rollercoaster of a political career. From the Congress faction of Sardulgarh legislator Ajit Inder Singh Mofar, he switched to the AAP when it entered the Lok Sabha elections.
“He is close to AAP leaders Baljinder Kaur, Harjot Singh Bains, and Himmat Singh Shergill. Shergill appointed him party’s legal cell chief in Bathinda parliamentary zone,” said a party volunteer. Till the Baisakhi rally at Talwandi Sabo this year, Mahal was at the forefront of every party meeting in Mansa.
Two days after the Baisakhi Mela, the AAP disbanded its Bathinda legal cell to punish Mahal for “indiscipline”. He had allegedly slapped Vinod Watts, sector observer for Maur, Talwandi Sabo, and Bathinda Rural assembly segments. A few days later, after the party expelled Mahal, he secured police protection alleging threat to his life.
He started claiming that he had several sting videos against senior party leaders such as national organisation-building head Durgesh Pathak and Bathinda observer Romi Bhatti. “The AAP’s Delhi leadership has gone corrupt and involved the Mansa volunteers in minting money,” Gurlabh then told this correspondent. He had then confirmed Chhotepur was against his expulsion. Chhotepur, however, had condemned his seeking police protection.Barely two months after being ousted, he came back as joint secretary of the AAP’s state legal cell. When contacted over his alleged role in the sting operation against Chhotepur and asked whether the party had promised his assembly-election ticket from Mansa, Mahal said: “I will tell you everything after two days.” TICKET ASPIRANTS WARY OF HIM The Chhotepur sting operation has put the Mansa AAP leadership in a fix. No one is ready to speak against Mahal.
“He filed a sacrilege case against me for circulating a picture of the Badals and head of Dera Sacha Sauda,” Mansa youth worker Bhupinder Singh said. “He might have sting videos against many volunteers and leaders.”
AAP leader Romi Bhatti said the sting culture might help the party weed out corruption “but it will Senior leader Sukhpal Khaira didn’t oppose the decision to sack Chhotepur but said the man behind the sting should also be taken to task. “We should find out whether the sting was planned within the party.”
‘Khaira contradicting self’
CHANDIGARH: The Congress on Sunday took a dig at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s for his “selfcontradictory” statement on the party’s foreign funding.
Punjab Congress vice-president Sukhjinder Randhawa said on the one hand Khaira admitted that AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and he received NRI donations during their tour to North America, and on the other hand he sought an apology from Captain Amarinder Singh for making the same allegation.“When you are admitting that you received NRI donations, then why do you want Capt to apologise or provide documentary evidence?” questioned Randhawa, while advising Khaira to make up his mind before making a statement.
Randhawa reiterated that Kejriwal’s NGO Parivartan had received funding from the Ford Foundation, which he alleged is supported by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
AAP leader booked for cheating, breach of trust in Nakodar
NAKODAR: The Nakodar Sadar police have booked a local political leader on charges of cheating and breach of trust.
Investigating officer (IO) Gurdev Singh said the accused has been identified as Sarwan Singh of Hairan village. He had joined the Aam Aadmi Party after resigning from the Shiromani Akali Dal this year.
Harbans Singh, a resident of Tut Kalan village, complained to the Jalandhar (rural) senior superintendent of police (SSP) that he gave `71 lakh to the accused for executing mutation of a land and for facilitating his family’s migration to Canada in 2011. The accused allegedly neither did the work nor returned the money.The SSP marked an inquiry to the Nakodar deputy superintendent of police, who recommended registration of a case.
A case under Sections 406 (breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) has been registered against the accused, said the IO. No arrest has been made so far.
Cong blocks Jalandhar-Pathankot highway
PROTEST Say miscreants backed by SAD disrupted ward meeting, misbehaved with Urmur MLA
HOSHIARPUR: In protest against some miscreants creating ruckus during the Congress meeting on Saturday and misbehaving with Urmur MLA Sangat Singh Gilzian, hundreds of party workers from all over the district blocked theJa land h ar Path ankot national highway for nearly two hours. Led by district president Pawan Adia, they alleged that “SAD-sponsored persons with criminal record” barged into the venue at ward number 15 in Urmur and tried to disrupt the meetingGilzian said when he was conducting the meeting on local issues, about a dozen persons arrived there and created ruckus around 6pm. He said the miscreants called him names and tried to manhandle him.
“They said they will not allow the Congress to hold a meeting in the mohalla,” he said. The MLA said cops who reached the spot failed to stop the “trouble mongers”. “Senior police officers did not respond to my calls,” he alleged. Adia and other leaders alleged the SAD orchestrated the incident to create fear among Congress workers. They demanded action against “negligent” police officers, and said without police backing, the incident could not have happened.
The dharna was lifted after superintendent of police (investigation) Paramjit Singh Balagan assured the protesters of action. Hoshiarpur MLA Sunder Sham Arora, Mukerian MLA Rajnish Babbi, Punjab Youth Congress president Amanpreet Lally and Punjab Congress SC cell chairman Raj Kumar were among those who addressed the dharna. They warned if by Tuesday the police did not arrest the accused, they will again resort to agitation.
The SP told HT that a dispute was going on between the two groups over the plinth of a mohalla road. He said some residents had gone to the meeting to raise the issue with the MLA and the municipal committee president.
“So far we have not received any written complaint. When we get one, we will take whatever action is appropriate,” he said.
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