Brahm Mohindra flags constituency’s concerns

Health Minister Brahm Mohindra has written to Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, highlighting three main issues concerning the Gurdaspur parliamentary seat. The development follows the CM’s direction to the minister to identify problems in the border area. The minister claimed the rapid closure of industrial units in Batala, waterlogged villages of Dinanagar and Pathankot’s railway crossings needed immediate intervention of both the Centre and the state government. “During campaigning, I visited Batala, Dinanagar and Pathankot. Residents told me that the Gurdaspur constituency would remain backward if the three issues remain unaddressed,” he said. Pathankot, the minister said, once had a booming economy due to its timber, transport and tourism business. “The economy has been hit because railway crossings restrict the movement of residents and goods. The CM has written to the Railway Ministry, seeking a solution.” “More than 1.5 lakh people are directly or indirectly associated with the industry. If business units start closing shop, which they are actually doing, how will they survive?” he asked. He said the Centre should form a team of agriculture and irrigation experts to resolve the waterlogging problem in Dinanagar.

Sidhu, Sukhbir trade barbs

Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal took potshots at each other today during campaigning in the Gurdaspur parliamentary constituency. Addressing a rally organised here by local MLA Barindermeet Singh Pahra, Sidhu said the SAD-BJP ship was sinking fast due to the “misdeeds” of Sucha Singh Langah and Swaran Salaria. “Workers, particularly in rural areas, are abandoning the party. I wonder how Sukhbir will contain the damage,” said Sidhu. At a rally in adjoining Batala, Sukhbir said Sidhu was a “joker” who had no right to comment on politics, which was “serious business.” While Sidhu said the Congress had started several welfare schemes, Sukhbir claimed that instead of bringing in people-friendly initiatives, the government had decided to levy abiyana (tax) on the use of canal water. Congress candidate Sunil Jakhar said Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh was well-versed with the problems of Batala, Gurdaspur and Pathankot. “That’s why he doled out grants for the uplift of infrastructure in these cities during the Independence Day function here,” said Jakhar. Sukhbir countered, “Capt Amarinder came to Pathankot on Dasehra to garner votes. He is not likely to come here ever again. He has not found time to campaign in this constituency, even for a day.” 

Badal stays away

Muktsar: Former Chief Minister and SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal on Friday cited backache for his absence from the Gurdaspur campaign trail. Talking to mediapersons during a tour of Lambi Assembly segment, Badal said: “I have not gone there and will not go, thus I can’t comment on the election result.”

Akal Takht excommunicates Langah

Akal Takht today excommunicated former Akali minister Sucha Singh Langah from the community for hurting Sikh sentiments after his arrest in a rape case. The decision was taken at a meeting of the five High Priests in the light of complaints to Akal Takht.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh pronounced the ‘hukumnama’ (edict) from the podium of the highest temporal seat of Sikhs. “Langah has brought disrepute to the Sikhs with such immoral, disgraceful and blasphemous acts. Akal Takht has taken cognisance of the news reports and a number of complaints received against him from the Sikh Sangat after his video went viral and he was booked. An expert panel’s suggestion was sought and after deliberations, the five High Priests unanimously decided to excommunicate him,” he said.

The Jathedar cautioned that anyone who has been involved in such immoral activities must not be included in any religious organisation in future. He announced that though Langah had been discharged from all positions, be it with the SGPC or SAD, if he was still associated with any Sikh organisation, he should be immediately removed and no “ardas” should be performed in his name.

PPCC general secretary Amarjit Singh Tikka had forwarded the video clip to the Jathedar, seeking strict action against the senior Akali leader. Various Sikh organisations had also called for strict action.

Langah, a baptised Sikh, was in the race to become the SGPC president when Kirpal Singh Badungar occupied the coveted seat. He was a member of SAD’s core committee and district unit president of Gurdaspur until a case was registered against him by a lady police constable, who alleged that she was exploited for over eight years. He was arrested yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Akal Takht Jathedar, when asked if there was any provision under which the disgraced Akali leader could be brought back to the religious fold, said, “The tenets dictate that any Sikh who has been excommunicated could appear before Akal Takht and submit his apology, but ultimately it would be the sole discretion of the five High Priests to consider it or not.”