Poll Talk: EC: Put on hold plan to issue ordinance

Sirsa: The political wing of Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda has convened a two-day meeting from January 22 here to take a final call on whom to support in the ensuing Punjab Assembly polls. The Dera’s political wing,Sadh Sangat Rajneetik Wing,will take the decision after considering the feedback received from its followers across Punjab,Dera sources said. The brainstorming session would be attended by Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh,members Gurbaz Singh,Raj Kingra,Ram Karan,Parammjit Singh,Jagjit Singh Birapur and Major Singh.

“Our seven-member committee will take a final call in this matter (whom to vote in Punjab’s poll) and Gurmeet Ram Rahim has nothing to do with politics,” Ram Singh,who is associated with the political wing of the Dera,said.

SAD leadership threatening me:IG

Amritsar: Inspector General Punjab Police presently posted with Punjab Armed Police at Jallandhar Parmpal Singh Sidhu today told the Election Commission that he was getting threats from leaders of SAD(Badal). Sidhu,who was earlier Police Commissioner,Amritsar,was recently asked by the EC to reply to the complaint filed by SAD. In his reply to the EC,Sidhu said his brother Ishwardas Singh was contesting as a Sant Samaj candidate from Lambi seat against SAD leader and chief minister Parkash Singh Badal. He alleged that pressure was being mounted on him to convince his brother not to contest against Badal and he was getting threats from various corners in this regard. On the other hand,SAD (Badal) candidate from Amritsar South constituency Inderbir Bularia has filed complaint against Sidhu alleging that he was campaigning in favour of Congress candidate Jasbir Singh Dimpa.

Four booked for code violations

Amritsar: Local police have registered a case against Akali rebel from Amritsar South constituency Gurpartap Singh Tikka under section 188 IPC for holding a rally on January 17 without any permission from the Election Commission. The BJP nominee from Amritsar North constituency Anil Joshi was also booked in another case under Section 127 of the Representation of the People Act for disobeying EC’s order by putting up a hoarding at Court Chowk,Circuit House and Lawrence Road Chowk. Jasbir Singh Sham,the PPP candidate from Amritsar South,was also booked under the same act for disobeying orders of EC by putting posters and hoardings. A case was registered against BJP candidate from Amritsar West Rakesh Gill for violating model code of conduct by putting posters on the buildings without written approval from residents.

‘Badals manipulated transport policy’

Chandigarh: Seeking an independent probe into the alleged manipulations done in transport policy by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal,and Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal,barrister Himmat Singh Shergill filed a complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday. Earlier,the Punjab and Haryana High Court had refused to entertain Shergill’s public interest litigation,and asked him to file a criminal complaint with the investigating agency. Shergill sought registration of an FIR and thorough investigation of alleged “manipulative and illegal exercise of executive power” by the CM,his deputy and Bikram Singh Majithia – Public Relations Minister from 2007 to January 2009. Shergill has alleged that manipulations were done in the transport policy to drive private bus operators towards profits.