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Congress leader Dimpy arrested
Held on complaint of Ex-Punjab DGP SS Virk; failed to pay back Rs 50 lakh
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5
Former Chandigarh Territorial Youth Congress president Vijay Pal Singh Dimpy has been arrested by the Chandigarh police in a case registered against him in the economic offence wing (EOW), on the complaint of former Punjab DGP SS Virk. Dimpy was arrested during the wee hours today from outside his house in Sector 40 after he was returning from a social gathering where the Congress candidate, Pawan Kumar Bansal, was also present.

A case against Dimpy, a long-time associate of Virk, was registered on January 4 this year at the Sector 3 police station.

Pradeep Virk, son of the former DGP, stated that in 2006 they had paid Rs 50 lakh to Dimpy as an advance to look for a property in Chandigarh. “Since my father was interested to buy a property in the city, he asked Dimpy to look for one and even paid the advance money to him”, he stated. Virk claimed that the payment was made through cheque and they had all details regarding it. Virk said Dimpy after taking the money failed to locate the property and did not return the money. “After failing to get back the money, my father filed a complaint against Dimpy with the UT Police in 2013, following which a case was registered,” he added.

Police sources said they had the information that Dimpy would be attending the dinner thrown by some residents of the sector where Bansal would also be arriving. “On the basis of the information, the police reached there and kept an eye on Dimpy. It was when the dinner was over and when he left the venue, we arrested him outside the house”, the sources stated.

‘Being a resident of sector he was invited’
Congress spokesperson Pardeep Chhabra stated that it was a dinner organised by Bhupinder Singh Kohli, a local resident, in which other residents of the area were also invited. “Dimpy being a resident of that sector was present there and we were not aware that some case had been registered against him”, Chhabra stated.

hospitalised after arrest, in icu
Dimpy complained of chest pain after the arrest following which he was hospitalised at the cardiac care unit (CCU) of Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16. . A Duty Magistrate visited the hospital and he ordered that Dimpy could remain under observation of doctors till April 7.

AAP files complaint too
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday filed a complaint with the Election Department alleging that Vijay Pal Singh Dimpy before getting arrested by the Chandigarh Police gave huge sum to Congress candidate Pawan Kumar Bansal during the social gathering. AAP in its complaint also mentioned that the pictures of the gathering where Bansal and Dimpy were together had been clicked by a photographer working with a Sector 8-based studio and the photographs were saved in his computer.

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Thirteen ‘aam aadmis’ try their luck with ballot
City’s welfare on their mind, they too are in the fray
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5
Tired of corruption, unending queues at public offices and poor governance, 13 “aam aadmis” of the city are out on the street to change the system through the power of the ballot.

Meet the 13 lesser-known faces of Chandigarh, who are in the fray for the Chandigarh parliamentary seat.

Ranging from a rag picker to insurance agent, housewife to a businessman, the candidates are these days busy campaigning in their own style and manner, unmindful of the limelight being hogged by the four main contestants of the Congress, BJP, AAP and BSP.

One Shamsher Singh, a rag picker, who wants to bring a rehabilitation-housing scheme for the people living in colonies as the existing scheme has failed to fulfil the need of slum dwellers. He is campaigning with the help of the money he earns daily. There are some who can afford to drive around the city in their cars and visit different sectors for campaigning.

Work for the poor
Shamsher Singh (36)

party: Independent
Profession: Rag picker
Symbol: Torch

Agenda..
Rehabilitation housing scheme for all temporary colonies
Regularisation of contract workers
Developing colonies on the pattern of sectors

I am disappointed with the present system. I have decided to contest the elections to bring about a change in the society for the betterment of the people living below the poverty line.

Control rise in prices
Reena Sharma (32)

Party: Independent
Profession: Homemaker
Symbol: Whistle

Agenda..
Control rising prices
Dwelling units for people below poverty line
Eradicate corruption from the roots

Being a housewife, I am aware of the effects of rising prices. Inflation has shaken the budget of every household. Seeing this, I decided not to sit back, but fight against these problems affecting the common man.

Fight for women’s rights
Amarjit Kaur (56)

Party: Independent
Profession: Businesswoman, social worker
Symbol: Pot

Agenda..
Fight for rights of women
Compensation to those whose land was acquired by the UT
Development of villages and colonies

Being a woman, I want to prove that we are no less then men. I will fight for the development of villages and colonies as these too are part of the City Beautiful.

Work for people’s welfare
Pawan Kumar Sharma (43)

Party: Independent
Profession: Punjab & Haryana HC pensioner, astrologer
Symbol: Kite

Agenda..
Transferring ownership of booths to traders
Get need-based changes in houses approved

I have been associated with many political leaders, but they were not committed to people’s welfare. I successfully got Khad Shuraksha Bill implemented in Chandigarh, under which ration is provided to BPL families at lower rates.

Promote Punjabi
Jasmer Singh (53)

Party: Independent
Profession: Building contractor
Symbol: Hockey and ball

Agenda..
Promoting Punjabi
Better educational institutes in the city
Strengthening medical infrastructure
Bringing villages under the limit of lal dora

Being a resident of Kurali in Punjab, I decided to contest from Chandigarh as it is the state capital. I want to bring changes in the city. I had earlier contested the Assembly poll in 2012 from Mohali, but lost.

Free cooking gas for BPL
Ajay Singla (38)

Party: Independent
Profession: Businessman
Symbol: Gas stove

Agenda..
Regularisation of services of contractual employees
Free cooking gas connections to BPL
Ownership of CHB flats to its allottees.

I am disheartened with the policies of the government for the underprivileged people. I thought someone must stand for their rights and decided to contest the elections.

Right to employment
Kawaljit Singh (33)

Party: CPI (ML)
Profession: Robotics engineer
Symbol: Flag with three stars

Agenda..
Fight for right to employment
Regularisation of services of contractual employees
Ensuring house for everyone who lives or works in Chandigarh
Permanent and justified solution to the issue of lal dora

Being a social activist for past seven years, I have learned that contesting and winning elections is the only way to bring a change in the entire system.

Reservation in jobs for residents
Dharmender Singh (35)

Party: Hindustan Ekta Party
Profession: Runs a diagnostic centre
Symbol: Gas cylinder

Agenda..
Ensure 60 per cent reservation for city residents in government jobs
Pension for senior citizens
Curb inflation

I have seen politicians promise a lot; however, they have always failed to deliver. Now, I have decided to contest the elections to get rid of such leaders.

No one sleeps empty stomach
Deepak Shukla (43)

Party: Independent
Profession: Insurance agent, social worker
Symbol: Candle

Agenda..
Fight against drug menace
Policy against corruption
Job opportunities for the youth

Not as a party, but as an aam aadmi (common man) of this country, I want to fight against corruption and ensure that nobody sleeps empty stomach in this country.

Fight unemployement among youth
Surender Kumar (33)

Party: Bahujan Mukti Party
Profession: Insurance agent
Symbol: Traditional Cot

Agenda..
Education for all
Creating job opportunities for the youth
Unemployment allowance

Unemployment is the biggest problem our country is facing. It has led to a rise in crime. I want to ensure job for everyone, which will also help in eradicating poverty.

Serve every section of society
Ramesh Chander (46)

Party: Independent
Profession: Social Worker
Symbol: Batsman

Agenda..
Get villages on the periphery included in the master plan
Need-based development
Better connectivity with neighbouring towns to avoid traffic snarls

In the past several years, I have seen local politicians making tall promises, but doing nothing. I want to serve every section of society.

Get rid of bureaucratic system
Surinder Bhardwaj (65)

Party: Janata Dal (United)
Profession: Businessman
Symbol: Arrow

Agenda..
To set up a State Assembly in Chandigarh
Timely promotions of around 40,000 UT employees
Employment for all

My aim is to free the city from the bureaucratic system that has ruined it. Bureaucrats work in an autocratic manner, making the city residents suffer.

Free country of corruption at every level
Khem Lal Bansal (68)

Party: Inqalab Vikas Dal
Profession: Insurance surveyor, agriculturist
Symbol: Walking stick

Agenda..
To bring back black money deposited in banks abroad
Getting the Police Act 1861 amended
Corruption-free country

I unsuccessfully contested the elections in 2009; however, it did not break my confidence to fight against the system. I am focused on my goals and will try to achieve them.

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Naib Court caught taking bribe of Rs 3,000
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5
CBI sleuths arrested a constable working as the Naib Court in the Districts Court, Sector 43, for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 3,000 from a resident of Dhanas today.

Vineet Brijlal, SP, CBI , said the anti-corruption branch (ACB) of the CBI received a complaint on April 4 from Rohani, a resident of Milk Colony, Dhanas, alleging that Balraj, Naib Court, Court No. 14, demanded a bribe of Rs 5,000 from Rohani for getting him bail from the court.

The non-bailable warrant (NBW) was issued against Rohani for not attending the court hearing in a case pending against him in the court and the accused, Balraj, had promised him to get bail from the court. “A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act was registered and a trap was laid to arrest the accused”, the SP stated.

Sources stated that the deal was struck for Rs 4,000 and the Naib Court was caught accepting bribe of Rs 3,000 from the complainant at the court complex. “The numbers of currency notes were noted down and handed over to the complainant for delivering it to the accused”, sources stated.

The CBI officials also conducted a search operation at the residence of the accused, who will be produced before the special CBI court tomorrow.

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Ex-principal duped of Rs 8 lakh
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5
Mukesh Kumar (29), a resident of Noida, was arrested today for duping former principal of Government College of Art, Sector 10, of Rs 8 lakh.

Accused Mukesh had taken Rs 8 lakh from complainant Ranbir Dev Lothia and had come to Chandigarh to collect another Rs 2 lakh for exempting the complainant from a bank plenty. The local police had laid a trap and handed over a bundle of papers, which was covered from both sides with Rs 1,000 notes, to Lothia for giving it to Mukesh. Mukesh had come to complainant’s house in Sector 38.

Mukesh was produced in a local court and remanded in two-day police custody. A police team has been dispatched to Delhi to arrest another accomplice of Mukesh. Police sources said Mukesh and his accomplice had contacted Lothia over the phone and threatened to slap a heavy plenty on bank loan, which was taken by Lothia.

The complainant had handed over Rs 8 lakh to the accused. In his complaint to the police, Lothia alleged that the two accused had again demanded Rs 2 lakh.

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Chandigarh Votes 2014
Jannat Jahan bsp
‘A representative has to be visible and accessible’

I am not fighting the Lok Sabha elections to win. I am a social worker and have a long way to go in politics as it allows me to broaden my horizons to contribute to society. I have been working hard to bring about a change.

Jannat Jahan, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat, advocates the need for a systematic change in the functioning of the UT Administration.

Jannat Jahan explains her point to eminent residents (from left to right) Zulfikar Khan, Sanjeev Sagar, Chander Verma and Deepak Kaushik during an interactive session ‘Chandigarh Votes 2014’ at The Tribune office.
Jannat Jahan explains her point to eminent residents (from left to right) Zulfikar Khan, Sanjeev Sagar, Chander Verma and Deepak Kaushik during an interactive session ‘Chandigarh Votes 2014’ at The Tribune office. Tribune photos: Manoj Mahajan

Preferring to discard rules and bylaws used by 'babus' to delay development, an assertive Jannat favours flexible norms and same work same pay for employees in the city. People who run the city — traders, employees and industrialist—are not happy as things have remained the same in the past 15 years. It is the political will that is required to bring about a change.

During an interactive session 'Chandigarh Votes 2014' at The Tribune office, the BSP candidate said she was 'Chandigarh ki beti and bahu', adding that the BJP and AAP contestants were paratroopers who would prefer serving the tinsel town.

At the session moderated by Executive Editor, The Tribune, Kanwar Sandhu, Jannat Jahan talks about her party's development model for the city if voted to power.

In which direction is the city going?
— Kanwar Sandhu

‘The situation has gone from bad to worse in city’

Things have gone from bad to worse in the city. It is in a bad shape. Residents, employees, industrialists and businessmen are not happy. The gap between the elite and the downtrodden is widening. The city's beauty has been scarred. While all other sectors are in a state of neglect, efforts are put in to maintain Ward No. 1 (from Sectors 1 to 11). A lot has to be done in villages and slum areas. Better coordination between the UT Administration and the Municipal Corporation is the need of the hour.

There are many issues that need to be addressed. I am against the contract system. A housing scheme for UT employees should be proposed. If I was an MP, I would have worked for villages, colonies and the city.

If voted to power, what will be your line of action in terms of industrial policies?
— Chander Verma, chairman, Converted Plot Owners Association

‘Legislative Assembly set-up for city is the need of the hour’

For any stable policy, the city requires UT cadre officers rather than officers on three-year deputation from Punjab and Haryana. The practice of deputation needs to be discontinued. We need a Chief Commissioner as the UT Administrator, who is also the Governor of Punjab, is hardly accessible to people because of his busy schedule. The old and rigid norms which the city is following on the pattern of Punjab or other states have to be reviewed and changed by the authorities. The rigid policies of the UT has made my father suffer. The proposal to convert theatres into multiplexes did not take shape. I am in for the Legislative Assembly set-up.

Do you plan to rehabilitate employees working in Industrial Area, Phase III, as in the past five years no specific policy has been drafted by the UT Administration? The Prime Minister says they are the backbone of the industry. What is on your mind?
— Sanjeev Sagar, president, Chandigarh Industrial Tenant Association

‘Employees need conducive working conditions’

Infrastructure needs to be upgraded at Industrial Area, Phase III. Working conditions should be conducive. I will propose two to three rehabilitation colonies in the area as there are a number of vacant plots in the city. This will resolve the tenant and landlord issues. The industry generates employment. We can have a flexible policy as far as the rehabilitation of employees is concerned.

Panjab University is a heritage university, but when it comes to providing basic facilities to students and employees, the authorities do not have adequate funds?
— Deepak Kaushik, president of the PU Non-Teaching Employees Union and Senator

‘UT Administration should extend financial help to PU’

I think the UT Administration can look after the university as it has adequate funds at its disposal. The money can be used to resolve petty financial issues. If I am elected as a representative, I will ensure that the city is able to extend financial help to the educational institution.

There is a sense of divide in the city. How as an MP will you be able to bridge the gap?
Raj Chengappa, Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune

‘Overall development is needed’

I have been in the city for the past 33 years and have seen that only a few selected sectors are looked after well. If there is a pothole on a road in Sector 1, the civic body gets the stretch re-carpeted. But things are different in colonies. All candidates make tall promises but when it comes to fulfilling those they look the other way. Overall development is needed. If voted to power, I will develop colonies and villages within a year. I have been to Mumbai. Seeing people celebrate festivals there is a sight to behold. Caste does not matter to them. But here we do not see any such thing. Although the Municipal Corporation has started celebrating festivals, there is dire a need to involve residents. The Administration should organise events witnessing the residents' participation.

Out of the three women candidates —Jannat Jahan, Kirron Kher and Gul Panag — who is the real daughter of City Beautiful?
— Rajinder Nagarkoti, Senior Staff Correspondent

‘In the end, I will be the one who will fight for the rights of people’

Chandigarh's daughter is the one who fights for the rights of residents while staying in the city. By playing badminton or studying in Panjab University for three to four years, one cannot become the daughter of City Beautiful. After marriage, in-laws' house becomes a woman's permanent residence. My parents as well as in-laws are in Chandigarh. I have never used Chandigarh's daughter tag. Kirron Kher and Gul Panag call themselves the city's daughters which I oppose as they are fooling people. The Bollywood stars have already signed their shows and movies for the next two to three years. They have even taken crores of rupees as advance payment. After the elections, they will return to Mumbai and I will be the one who will fight for the rights of the residents.

As a large number of educationists are on deputation here, the UT cadre is suffering in terms of promotions and transfers. What do you have to say?
— Mehakdeep Grewal, Staff Correspondent

‘I am against deputation system’

I feel preference should be given to the UT cadre. The UT cadre should be accommodated first. I am against the deputation system. I know educationists on deputation are promoted here and they continue to serve here without going back to their parent state, which is unfair. Due to a lapse in the policy, the UT cadre has been made to suffer. I will change the practice and make sure that people from the UT are taken into consideration.

First, the BSP leader and your covering candidate for the Lok Sabha elections left the party and then the BSP suffered another setback when the general secretary also decided to quit. Is there something wrong?
— Amit Sharma, Staff Correspondent

‘We cannot stop people from leaving party’

The party has not suffered any setback as the people who have decided to support me will stand by me. And we cannot stop people from joining other parties. I am against those who try to dent the image of the party. Those who have left the party are not loyal. And those who are honest will always be with you.

How long will it take to chalk out a policy for the welfare of children? For the past 22 years, a number of schemes and policies have been drafted by the government, but nothing concrete has been done so far. What is your take?
— Zulfikar Khan runs Theatre Age, an NGO for street children

‘Efforts should be made to uplift poor children’

As an MP, I will draft a policy, but as a councillor I believe the civic body can put in efforts to uplift needy children. I want to work for the welfare of residents. For Muslim students, I want to introduce Urdu as an optional language in schools.

What is your take on lal dora extension in villages of the Union Territory ?
— Bipin Bhardwaj, Staff Correspondent

‘Facilities will be provided to residents’

I will raise the issue in the Lok Sabha. I will ensure that lal dora is extended. Basic amenities will be provided to residents. Road connectivity, electricity, water and sewerage must be provided to all people residing outside lal dora until the issue is resolved.

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BJP unit releases manifesto
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5
The local unit of the BJP today released its election manifesto. While the manifesto promises corruption-free governance, implementation of time-bound services in citizen’s charter and janta darbar with the MP every three months, it is silent on important issues such as the revival of Chief Commissioner’s post in city and fixing the tenure of officers on deputation in various departments of the Chandigarh Administration.

While releasing the manifesto, BJP city unit president Sanjay Tandon said the party would also ensure single-window system, houses for tenants, ownership rights in tenements, EWS and rehabilitation colonies, adequate availability of drinking water and need-based changes in the CHB houses.

Former MP Satya Pal Jain and election manifesto committee chairman Jai Ram Joshi were also present on the occasion. However, senior leader Harmohan Dhawan missed the function. Also, BJP candidate Kirron Kher reached the BJP office after the programme got over.

She said keeping in sync with Narendra Modi’s vision, the BJP manifesto laid emphasis on holistic development of the City Beautiful, corruption-free governance, providing best and affordable housing solutions, ensuring the best of infrastructure besides health and education facilities as well as putting the city on the world tourism map.

Kirron Kher said with Chandigarh becoming the preferred destination for those seeking a quality life in the region, there is a need to provide affordable housing solutions to those staying as paying guests.

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BJP is spending crores on false propaganda against UPA government, says Anand Sharma
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5
The BJP has spent over Rs 5,000 crore on propaganda during these elections, said Union Minister Anand Sharma, while addressing residents of Sector 19 at a rally today.

Sharma said the BJP was indulging in false propaganda against the Congress-led UPA government.

Sharma said on the one hand the BJP flays corruption and on the other hand it took former Karnataka Chief Minister of Karnataka BS Yeddyurappa back into its fold, despite the fact that he was alleged to be involved in a corruption case and was also sent to jail.

Also, despite being chargesheeted, a minister held to his post in the Narendra Modi-led Gujarat government, he said.

The Union Minister said the Congress, on the other hand, had introduced several Bills, such as the Whistleblowers’ Protection Bill and also other Bills to bring transparency in government’s functioning.

Sharma said Narendra Modi had been projecting himself as the future prime minister for the past nine months, and also delivered a speech from a fake Red Fort on August 15 last year.

‘Bansal did a lot for city’

Speaking about sitting MP and Congress candidate Pawan Kumar Bansal, Anand Sharma said he had done a lot for Chandigarh, which today was one of the best cities in India. He urged the public to consider the contribution made by Bansal before casting their vote.

Addressing the public meeting organised by Ved Prakash Gupta, Bansal talked about various initiatives taken for the city.

“The city has become an educational hub, a hub of health facilities and a tourist destination,” said Bansal. He promised to improve the infrastructure of the city further. Comedian Khayali Saharan also addressed the public. He also campaigned door to door in Bansal’s support.

Earlier, during a press conference, referring to Bansal, Anand Sharma said Chandigarh was “lucky to have such a capable leader”. He said people would vote him back to power on the basis of his performance.

“This is a much awakened city and leading it is no joke. Politics is a serious business in Chandigarh,” he said.

Without naming the BJP, he said rival parties had not even been able to find a suitable candidate from amongst its leaders and had to import a candidate a fortnight before the elections.

Complaint against BJP

Alleging foul play by the local BJP unit, the local Congress leaders today lodged a complaint against the BJP for allegedly misleading voters to press the button against its symbol “Kamal” to check whether the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is working.

Congress leaders, stating it to be a misleading and mischievous move, said the BJP was making attempts to confuse the voters.

“The BJP is befooling the innocent voters to ensure that its party candidate gets votes,” said a senior Congress leader.

In their complaint placed before the UT Election Department, the Congress leaders have demanded issuance of notices and strict action against the BJP leaders for violating the model code of conduct.

Anil Kapoor to campaign for Kirron Kher

Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor will campaign for BJP candidate Kirron Kher in Chandigarh on Sunday. Kirron Kher’s husband Anupam Kher is also campaigning for the BJP in the city. Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand BC Khanduri will campaign for Kher on Monday in Sector 46.

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ambala votes 2014
Cong candidate intensifies campaign
Raj Kumar Valmiki addresses 21 public meetings in Sadhora, Naraingarh areas
Bipin Bhardwaj
Tribune News Service

Panchkula, April 5
With elections approaching near, Congress candidate from the Ambala Lok Sabha seat Raj Kumar Valmiki intensified his campaign. He addressed 21 public meetings in the Sadhora and Naraingarh areas today.

Emphasising on the development projects taken up during the Hooda government in Haryana, Valmiki sought votes from the residents of Rasaulpur, Sarva, Sadhora, Kotla, Badi-Majri, Old Bus Stand, Marwa-Khurd and Marwa Kala by promising more projects if the UPA forms government at the Centre.

He promised more facilities to the residents of Panchkula, Kalka, Naraingarh, Yamunanagar and Maulana, besides other segments of the Ambala parliamentary constituency with the assistance of the state government. He assured the students of the area that he would open a university in the district.

Accompanied by other party leaders, including Randeep Rana, Om Veer Rana, Bhushan Rana, Sandal Singh Rana, Saurav Puhal, Lakhwinder Singh Lakha, Krishan Goel and others, Valmiki also held meetings with sarpanches of the area.

The local MLA, DK Bansal, also visited remote villages in the Barwala area. While interacting with sarpanches and residents in Khangsra, Shyamtoo, Aasrewali and some other villages, Bansal assured them that if they vote Valmiki to power and the UPA forms government at the Centre, the Congress would bring more development projects in Haryana.

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P’kula police, ITBP jawans take out flag march
Tribune News Service

Panchkula, April 5
In view of the coming Lok Sabha elections, the Panchkula police and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans jointly took out a flag march in the sensitive and vulnerable areas of the city this evening.

Led by Jagtar Singh, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Panchkula, Haryana police personnel and ITBP jawans conducted the flag march in Surajpur, Bir Ghaggar, Kharag Mangoli, Chandi Kotla, Old Panchkula, Ramgarh and some other parts of the city.

The district police have also beefed up security at all entry and exit points on the inter-state borders for the smooth conduct of the elections.

To keep a hawk's eye on anti-social elements during the elections, the District Administration has also installed CCTV cameras at various strategic points.

The administration has also made elaborate security arrangements in and around the hypersensitive and sensitive polling centres and polling booths, said a senior election officer. 

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BJP plans foundation day celebrations
Tribune News Service

Panchkula, April 5
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will celebrate its 34th Foundation Day as “Vijay Sankalp Diwas” by undertaking a booth-level mass contact programme across the district on Sunday. “The party workers will visit the households seeking votes for its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi,” said Vikas Paul, spokesperson for the local unit of the BJP.

Modi said on Twitter: “On 34th Foundation Day of the BJP, the party will connect workers from over 6 lakh polling booths. The strength of the party workers across the country will reach out to more than three crore households on the day”.

Meanwhile, a group of nearly 100 Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) workers led by Rinku Kumar, Om Pal, Arya Tej Singh and Rajesh Kumar joined the BJP under Vishal Seth, district president of the BJP, at Abheypur village today.

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Assn extends support to INLD candidate
Tribune News Service

Panchkula, April 5
The Driving School Association, Panchkula, extended its support to Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) candidate Dr Kusum Bala Sherwal at a meeting held in Sector 15, here, today.

The association members decided to support and vote for the INLD candidate from the Ambala Lok Sabha seat in the coming elections, at a meeting chaired by Jagtar Singh Gill, president of the association.

The members alleged that the present Congress government and the BJP had failed to resolve their problems in the past one decade.

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Role of NOTA in politics discussed
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5
None of the above (NOTA) option is not of much electoral value. This was stated by Professor Virendra Kumar, founding director (Academics), Chandigarh Judicial Academy and former chairman, Department of Laws, at a special lecture on the role of judiciary in bringing about a systemic change through NOTA in politics (a juristic critique of constitutional development).

Prof Virendra Kumar while delivering the lecture traced NOTA’s history of development since the inception of our Constitution. He said NOTA option was formally introduced in our electoral system on September 27, 2013, through judicial intervention in the case of people’s union for civil liberties.

Prof Kumar vehemently said that NOTA was not much popular among the citizens of India. Such a view is often expressed in the light of recently held elections to the State Assemblies of Delhi, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, wherein the percentage of NOTA votes was negligible.

This prompted many political analysts to infer that extremely low percentage of NOTA votes coupled with the fact that NOTA votes have not been counted in computing the eventual result of the election, it is of ‘no electoral value’.

In his final summation, Prof Kumar ventured to suggest that NOTA would eventually pave the way for the next phase of constitutional development in which ‘the right to vote’ would include within its ambit the right to re-call on the basis of a simple axiomatic premise that ‘right to do’ inheres ‘right to undo’.

Former Judge Supreme Court of India Justice Kuldip Singh stated that people were ignorant about the voting rights and observed that how and in what manner the NOTA was going to change the political system. “There is no democracy without elections. Voting percentage is going down. There is urgent need to sensitise the voters,” Justice Kuldip Singh added.

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Anandpur sahib votes 2014
Kharar to be developed as modern town: Chandumajra
Our Correspondent

Mohali, April 5
Kharar will be developed as a modern town since the main road connecting Chandigarh to Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh passes through this town. Prof PS Chandumajra stated this while inaugurating his election office at Kharar today.

Chandumajra, who is contesting as the SAD-BJP combine candidate from the Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, said his priority would be to press the authorities concerned to widen the main and adjoining roads and construct flyovers, besides reviving small-scale industrial units, which had once been the economic pivot of the area.

Chandumajra said a special scheme would be implemented for retirees and old persons in Mohali. Special seating arrangements would be made for elders in parks, which would also be provided with canteens and libraries here.

He would also mobilise funds under the MPLAD scheme for the construction of senior citizens’ homes, he said.

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ABVP files complaint against NSUI
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5
The Akhil Bhartiya Vidya Parishad (ABVP) has filed a complaint against the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) with the Election Commission for promoting the manifesto of the Congress by using the student council platform.

NSUI national in-charge Girish Chodankar today released the NSUI manifesto at Panjab University. While addressing the students, he narrated about the achievements of the UPA Government.

Chodankar talked about the schemes which the UPA Government had launched in the country and the proposals which they had included in the manifesto for future developments. Interestingly, no issues relating to the PU was raised by him. He revealed how with the vision of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi and interaction with the cross-section of society the manifesto of the Congress was prepared this time.

The ABVP has also given the complaint to Vice-Chancellor AK Grover, and Dean Student Welfare, PU, regarding this.

Joint Secretary Punjab Pardesh ABVP Harmanjot Singh Gill said it was a political programme organized by NSUI on the campus. The PU Administration and Election Commission should take stern action against the organisers so that others may not emulate them.

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Rs 5.80 lakh recovered

Chandigarh, April 5
The Static Surveillance Team constituted by the UT Election Department ahead of the Lok Sabha elections recovered Rs 5.80 lakh today.

Rs 1.5 lakh were recovered from Gurbir Singh, a resident of Patiala, who was driving Audi car bearing the registration number of Himachal Pradesh.

In another incident, Rs 57,500 were recovered from Sandeep Saini, a resident of Phase V, Mohali. Rs 2 lakh were recovered from Devinder Singh, a resident of Phase VI, Mohali, and Rs 1 lakh were recovered from Rajeev Gupta, a resident of Sector 21, Chandigarh.

Another Rs 72,500 were recovered from Tejinder Singh of Phase VII, Mohali and Lakhwinder Singh of Sangrur. — TNS

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Tata Camelot project
UT Admn to file reply in Supreme Court by April 22
Rajinder Nagarkoti
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5
The Chandigarh Administration will file its reply in the Supreme Court on or before April 22 with respect to the controversial high-rise Camelot project of the Tata Housing Development Company, near Sukhna Lake.

The litigation arises from three petitions against the project. Two of these were filed by the Sarin Memorial Legal Aid Foundation, while the third was by a PIL petitioner, in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

A senior official of the UT Administration said they were in the process of finalising their reply. It is learnt that the UT Administration will oppose the project on the same lines as they had before the Punjab State Expert Appraisal Committee last year.

The petitioners have challenged the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s August 21, 2013, order giving the green signal to the Tata project subject to the company getting all necessary clearances.

According to the petitioners, the proposed project would destroy the fragile ecology of the region, comprising Sukhna Lake, Shivalik range and a wildlife sanctuary.

UT’s stand before the Punjab State Expert Appraisal Committee last year
The location of the project is only at a distance of 123m from the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary in the northern side.
The proposed project lies inside the catchment area of Sukhna Lake.
There is no planning for the disposal of sewage from houses already built in the area.
The Tata Camelot housing project authorities suppressed vital information about the existence of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary while applying for the project.

Tata Camelot’s stand before the committee in 2013
Tata Camelot, in its reply before the Punjab State-Level Expert Appraisal Committee last year, had stated that the project proponent had not suppressed any information. The information was provided in line with the notified Master Plan of the Nayagaon Nagar Panchayat. The project proponent applied to the Chief Wildlife Warden, UT, for obtaining an NOC on February 21, 2011, which was declined by the Chief Wildlife Warden on April 20, 2011, whereas the Chief Wildlife Warden is not the competent authority to allow or decline the clearance under the rule.

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Residents protest opening of liquor shops in Mohali
Our Correspondent

Mohali, April 5
Protests were held against the opening of liquor vends at unauthorised places here today. Residents of Sector 57 obstructed traffic and raised slogans against the opening of liquor vend close to their sector, near industrial area.

Protesters said there was no proper parking area near vend and buyers of liquor parked their vehicles in the sector, thereby causing inconvenience to residents of the area.

They alleged vend was opened in violation to the rules and demanded that the vend should be closed down without any further delay.

They said they had also submitted a memorandum at the Deputy Commissioner’s office demanding its closure.

After the protest, the Administration ordered the closure of the liquor shop.

In another protest, residents of Phase VI and Shiv Sena activists demanded the closing down of liquor vend in a green belt of a market. The protesters said liquor vend was located close to a temple.

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BUSINESS NEWS
Local lad wins promotional campaign

Ashish Anand Jain from Chandigarh and Suhail Monteiro from Goa emerged winners of the Heineken' Legendary Travellers Wanted promotional campaign. The promotion was part of the Heineken Voyage marketing campaign, which urged young men from around the world to step out of their comfort zones and explore the new opportunities.

Kaya introduces offers on hair reduction service

Kaya Skin Clinic has started some offers on permanent laser hair reduction service in the city.

Titan sunglass carnival

Titan Eye Plus, Panchkula, has launched a ‘Sunglass Carnival’. Customers can choose from a wide range of international brands in the carnival. Discounts are also available on selected variants and in the in-house brand of sunglasses.

FIFA World Cup Player Escort Programme

McDonald's introduced its world famous 'FIFA World Cup Player Escort Programme' in India to provide one lucky child in the age group of 6-10 years with an opportunity of a lifetime. The programme would enable a child to get a chance to not only meet their football heroes, but to hold their hands and accompany them on to the field at the largest football event on earth, 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

Indola, Tressed Up open outlet in P’kula

Indola, player in the hair care market, has partnered with Tressed Up, a Chandigarh-based beauty salon to open an outlet in Panchkula. The outlet was inaugurated by Panchkula Mayor Upinder Ahluwalia along with Vandana Disodia, Estate Officer, HUDA. The salon is located at an area of 1,500 square feet and provides a host of makeover, beauty and hair care services. — TNS

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Delay in issuing of roll numbers
Dhawantry students hold protest
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5
Students of Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College, Sector 46, today staged a protest in their college for delay in issuing of roll numbers to them.

Students stated that the batch of 2009 was suffering the most because their final exams had been withheld because of their internship. Also, their further studies will be delayed for another year which makes their five and a half year degree course into seven and a half years, the students said.

The protesting students revealed that their exams were supposed to start by January 2014, but due to issue of affiliation between the Panjab University and the college management, the schedule of exams had not been finalised so far.

A number of times the issue was raised with the PU authorities and our college management but all in vain as they blamed each other for the delay, the students alleged.

In the month of March, PU decided not to conduct exams of any batch of Sri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College for this session.

The syndicate also constituted a special team under Dean of College Development Council Naval Kishore to visit Ayurveda, Yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy system (AYUSH) and find out which documents had been submitted by the college management to claim that the university had given affiliation for the 2010-11 batches of the college.

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School accused of denying admission to EWS wards
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5
Parents of EWS/labour children have alleged of admissions being denied to Government High School, Sector 50, here. The parents have alleged that their wards were denied admissions while others, with influential contacts, were admitted to the same school.

They said that since April 1, they were visiting the school every day, following an assurance by the school authorities, however later the authorities denied admission to their wards.

Around 20 parents accompanied by their children waited all day long outside the school’s gate as they weren’t allowed to enter the premises.

On other hand, the school authorities refused all the allegations.

The headmaster said, “Our school is a smart school and as per guidelines we can accommodate only 45 students in each class, as there are projectors in each class. So, the distance between the projector and the students has to be maintained otherwise their vision will suffer. Hence, we cannot accommodate more students in each class.”

Parents also claimed that they had taken transfer certificates from the previous schools of their wards and now they were left with no choice.

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MoU signed
Our Correspondent

Mohali, April 5
The Army Institute of Law (AIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law , Patiala, to promote the exchange of faculty and students.

The MoU includes joint teacher training programmes, development of online teaching tools, introduction of new teaching techniques, library, exchange of visiting speakers, etc. It was signed by Maj-Gen RS Rathore, chairman, AIL, and Prof PS Jaswal, VC, RGNUL.

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Ex-Army Chief honours 217 students at ISB
Our Correspondent

Mohali, April 5
As many as 217 students of the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) Class of 2014 graduated on the second graduation day ceremony at the Mohali campus of the Indian School of Business (ISB) today.

Ajit Rangnekar, Dean, ISB, led the ceremonial procession. General Ved Prakash Malik, former Chief of Army staff, who was the chief guest, shared his experiences in the Army with the students urging them to bring laurels to the country.

General Malik said human resources were the biggest asset of both the organisations as well as countries. “I believe that an organisation can be strong if it has leaders who are willing to give their best at all levels. I urge you to become strong leaders in whatever you do.” Leadership, he further said was all about 20 per cent skill and 80 per cent attitude. The attitude of being a good human being, having a positive outlook, self-discipline, integrity and communicative skills, all of which would inspire trust among people.

Admiral James Stavridis, Dean, The Fletcher School, Tufts University, who was the guest of honour, spoke about his experiences as an Admiral and as the Dean of a B-school. He said listening was very important for a leader as it was to talk. He/she must be humble and should empathise with people. Also, learning new languages helps one to connect and understand people better. A leader must also look at innovation and collaboration, which can make many things happen and lastly have a sense of humour that helps one to face challenges in life, the Admiral added.

Adi Godrej, chairman, ISB Board, said: “I encourage all of you to focus your efforts and capabilities towards building a more just and prosperous society. I exhort you to dream big– be passionate to build enduring enterprises.”

Awarded

Shah Ronak Ashwinkumar was presented the ISB Scholar of Excellence while Karthik Hebsur was awarded the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Leadership. Joining the achievers were 77 students who made it to the Dean’s list comprising of the top 10 per cent of the class while 19 students were chosen as ISB Young Leaders and Torch Bearers.

Graduation day at the Hyderabad campus of the ISB will be held tomorrow wherein Azim Premji, chairman, Wipro, will be the chief guest.

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Govt school at Dhanas goes hi-tech
Digital equipment installed for students from Classes VI to XII
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5
Government Senior Secondary School at Dhanas, Chandigarh, has gone hi-tech as digital equipments, including laptops, interactive boards, projectors and Wi-Fi connection has been installed in the school for students from Classes VI to XII.

The authorities informed that cloud-based learning technique had been launched for Classes VI to IX for subjects, including science, mathematics and English.

The project ‘Aasman’ was launched in the school by Dell in partnership with Learning Links Foundation.

The officials informed that a full time resource person from Learning Links Foundation has been stationed in the school to help out the students.

While giving details about the project, Vikhyat Singh, site director at Dell, Mohali, said the highlight of the project was the introduction of a cloud computing solution, which provides the school an access to academic resources online. This includes a multi-pronged approach of delivery of lessons, student discussions, continuous assessment of student progress and opportunities for self-directed learning. It also provides professional development for teachers through online courses and resources.

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YOUTH VOICE
Youngsters need to vote to bring about change in society
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 5
Youth have to come out in large numbers to change the scenario of the country. They have to vote to elect a candidate who would work for the development and prosperity of the city. Students of Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management, Sector 42, opined that the need of the hour was that the youth which had the highest percentage of votes should participate in the polling to bring the change in the country.

Chamanpreet found it strange that when the youth won’t vote then how they can blame the authorities for the policies and schemes introduced by them for their benefit. He said it was easy to find faults in the system but when it comes for participation the youth always hesitate to take responsibility.

Siddharth felt that the system and the governance were in bad shape because the youth of the country had lost hope in it. “But by not participating in elections one cannot change the scenario of the city as less polling results in wrong choice of candidate for the city,” he said.

Umesh Gaur said the elections give us a chance as a voter to express our choice for a good candidate and if surprisingly majority of the citizens do not want to utilise the opportunity for one or other reason than we should not blame the selection of candidate to the political parties.

Anjshka remarked that as a first timer she was excited to vote with a hope that her one vote would contribute in changing the system and scenario in the society. “While it depends on the elected candidate whether he or she would be able to rise up to the expectations of the people and fulfill their promises,” Anjshka added.

Deeksha said she had not seen much change in the city in the past few years which disappoints her and she was confused whether she should vote or not.

Gunjan Chand said youth wants change in the functioning of the system and not just promises from the candidates who are fielded in the city by various political parties.

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