20122024-LT-01.qxd 12/20/2024 12:42 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune COPS CONDUCT FLAG MARCH AHEAD OF CIVIC BODY POLL JACKIE SHROFF COOLEST ACTOR IN INDUSTRY: VARUN KRITIKA KAMRA WILL BE SEEN IN FOR YOUR EYES ONLY Jalandhar Rural Police conducted flag marches in Bhogpur, Bilga, Shahkot and Goraya towns. P3 Varun Dhawan recently shared his experience of working with Jackie in upcoming film Baby John. P4 Kritika, who impressed audience with Gyaarah Gyaarah, believes she has become more experimental with her roles. P4 » » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 21°C | MIN 5°C YESTERDAY MAX 22°C | MIN 6°C SUNSET FRIDAY 5.25 PM SUNRISE SATURDAY 7:15 AM FRIDAY | 20 DECEMBER 2024 | LUDHIANA MC poll: Curtains down on campaigning Candidates make all-out efforts to woo voters; no public meeting allowed for 48 hours Bittu flays AAP, says CM first among equals in party Tribune News Service Candidates and supporters of political parties campaign for the civic body elections in Ludhiana on Thursday. TRIBUNE PHOTOS: HIMANSHU MAHAJAN Manav Mander DRY DAY DECLARED Tribune News Service Ludhiana, December 19 Campaigning for the upcoming Municipal Corporation (MC) elections ended on Thursday and candidates made a final high-decibel attempt to woo voters by holding big and small rallies, roadshows and motorcycle rallies. Now, candidates cannot conduct public rallies, roadshows or any sort of vocal campaigning. They can, however, go for door-to-door canvassing with not more than four persons. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a roadshow in favour of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidates on the last day of campaigning and assured the public that Ludhiana would see unparallelled growth under AAP’s leadership. Amrinder Singh Raja War- Dry day has been declared on December 21, keeping in view the MC elections and all liquor vends will remain closed and no hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars or other establishments will store, sell or serve liquor in areas falling under the MC limits. Various teams of the Excise and Taxation Department are also keeping a vigil on the illegal flow of liquor. ring, president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee and MP from Ludhiana, has been vigorously campaigning across all wards of Ludhiana. He criticised AAP, accusing its leaders of resorting to tactics aimed at influencing the election outcome, similar to their conduct during the panchayat elections. A highlight of this campaign has been the participation of Amrita Warring, who Attack on candidate: BJP complains to EC Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, December 19 The district unit of the BJP has complained to the State Election Commission, Punjab, regarding the fatal attack on a party candidate for the MC elections, Vicky Sahota, and his supporters in Ward 30 during the campaigning by the AAP candidate and his supporters. It stated that the ruling AAP-led state government was abusing power and creating an atmosphere of fear among candidates and supporters of the BJP. Ludhiana BJP president of the party Rajnish Dhiman said due to the highhandedness of the ruling party, the entire election process was being held under atmosphere of fear. He demanded that the candidature of the AAP candidate from Ward 30 Niku Bharti should be can- celled and he should be stopped from contesting the elections as he is guilty of spreading violence. “We also demand for dismissal of the SHO concerned of the ward for his failure in maintaining law and order,” Dhiman said. On Wednesday evening, when BJP candidate Vicky Sahota was conducting a doorto-door poll campaign with his supporters and party workers, supporters of AAP candidate Niku Bharti, at the alleged instigation of the latter, attacked the BJP candidate and his supporters in Ward 30 and severely injured them. Dhiman said the candidate and supporters of the BJP, Ludhiana, have filed complaints with the poll officials concerned in this regard. But no action was taken by law enforcing agencies, which was against principles of democracy. has been running parallel campaigns across city’s various wards. Together, the pair has conducted 75 meetings and gatherings within just five days, covering almost every household in Ludhiana and ensuring a personal connection with the people. She said: “Through these meetings, we have heard the voices of Ludhiana’s residents, and it is clear they are eager for a leadership that truly understands and addresses their issues.” Union minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Ravneet Bittu said: “As the commercial capital of the state, Ludhiana needs a major boost in infrastructure and development projects. Only electing a BJP mayor will help in ensuring that the city walks in the path of progress.” Senior leader of Shiromani Akali Dal Bikram Majithia, who was also in the city, said the people had already seen the outcome of voting in favour of AAP and now, they should choose wisely for the development of Ludhiana. Deputy Commissionercum-District Election Officer Jitendra Jorwal said public meetings would not be allowed during the 48hour period, ending with hours fixed for the conclusion of poll. Outsiders must not move around in an illegal manner, particularly in the vicinity of polling stations, he said. Dry day has been declared on December 21, keeping in view the MC elections and all liquor vends will remain close and no hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars or other establishments will store, sell or serve liquor in areas falling under the MC limits. Various teams of the Excise and Taxation Department the court that the case was registered on June 30, 2020, at the Basti Jodhewal police station, based on the statement of Ajay Kumar, son of the deceased. The complainant testified in the court that on the day of the incident, when he returned home, his uncle Ashok Kumar informed him that the accused, Sandeep, Final randomisation held The final randomisation of polling booths was held at the National Informatics Centre (NIC) here on Thursday. The randomisation was held in the presence of District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal. A total of 1,296 polling booths have been established for the elections of 95 wards in the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation, 15 wards in the Machhiwara and Sahnewal Municipal Councils, 13 wards in Municipal Council, Mullanpur, 11 wards in the Malaud nagar panchayat and one ward each in the Khanna and Samrala Municipal Councils. BJP leader says Mann trying to distance himself from party grim expressions on the faces of AAP leaders and ministers, stating, “They looked as if they were being subjected to mental torture, relegated to trailing behind the Chief Minister on open trucks.” During his campaign in Ward 55, 57, 58, 59, 17 and 31, Bittu also took aim at AAP’s ticket distribution process, accusing the party of sidelining volunteers in favour of promoting family politics. “The CM is now campaigning for family members of MLAs, including their wives and sons. Where are AAP volunteers, who once believed this was a party for the common people? AAP has turned into a party of privilege and nepotism,” he said. Bittu called on Ludhiana’s voters to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming municipal elections. He emphasised that the BJP with its proven track record and direct access to the Prime Minister, is best positioned to drive Ludhiana’s development. Ravneet Bittu campaigns for BJP candidates in Ludhiana. CM urges people to embrace people-centric politics of AAP Tribune News Service Ludhiana, December 19 Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann conducted a roadshow in Ludhiana on Thursday, rallying support for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidates contesting the Municipal Corporation elections. The roadshow witnessed enthusiastic residents showering flower petals and welcoming him. Addressing the gathering, Mann shared his deep connection with Ludhiana, calling it his ‘karmabhoomi’ (workplace). He reminisced about his early career, which began in the bustling markets of the city. “This market is not new to me. I used to frequent these streets when I was starting out. Ludhiana has given me so much love and now it’s my responsibility to give back to the city,” he said. AAP Punjab president Aman Arora, working president Amansher Singh Sharry Kalsi, AAP ministers, Ludhiana MLAs and a large number of party’s office-bearers also accompanied the Chief Minister during the roadshow. Mann contrasted AAP’s commitment to progress with the previous administration’s failures, asserting: “Earlier, municipal corporations never focused on development. Funds belonged to the people, yet they weren’t utilised for public welfare. Under AAP, every penny will be spent for the betterment of the people.” The Chief Minister also took a jibe at rival political parties, particularly the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), stating that people are hesitant to even shake hands with leaders from those parties for fear of losing their CM Bhagwant Mann takes out a roadshow in support of AAP candidates in Ludhiana on Thursday. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN rings. “These parties have betrayed the trust of the people for years. It’s time to clean the system with the broom and give Ludhiana the governance it truly deserves,” he remarked. “Time is powerful. Those who committed sins in the name of God are now witnessing their election sym- City resident gets life term for murdering woman Ludhiana, December 19 The Court of District and Sessions Judge Harpreet Kaur Randhawa has sentenced Sandeep Arora, alias Sonu, a resident of Kakuwal Road, to life imprisonment for the murder of Seema Rani. A fine of Rs 21,500 was also imposed upon the accused. The prosecution informed are also keeping a vigil on the illegal flow of liquor. Several nakas have been established to keep a close watch on the supply and transportation of liquor in the district. Ludhiana, December 19 Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Ravneet Bittu has criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its leadership dynamics and alleged focus on family politics during his campaign in Ludhiana. His remarks came after a roadshow led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, where Bittu observed a striking disparity in how the AAP leadership was presented. The roadshow featured the Chief Minister in a separate leading vehicle while the party leadership, including AAP Punjab president Aman Arora, cabinet ministers and MLAs, followed in other mounted vehicles. Commenting on arrangements, Bittu said: “The Chief Minister’s decision to distance himself from the party leadership during the roadshow highlights his disregard for his own team. Why can’t they share the same platform? This arrangement goes against the core principle that the party should be supreme over individuals.” He went on to criticise the who also resides in his neighbourhood, abused his son. The motive for the enmity was an altercation occurred a few days ago when motorcycle of Ashok’s son had hit the accused. Later, the complainant and his mother had gone to the accused’s house to resolve the issue. Instead of listen- ing to them, the accused in connivance with his juvenile relative attacked the complainant’s mother with bricks on her head. The injured woman was rushed to the Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, by the complainant. She was referred to PGI, Chandigarh, due to her critical condition but was later shifted c m y b to the CMCH, Ludhiana, where she succumbed to her injuries. Based on the complainant’s statement, the police registered a case. The duo were nabbed and presented before the court. After the trial, the court sentenced Sandeep to life imprisonment. The trial of the minor accomplice is on in a juvenile court. — OC bols erased from voting machines,” he stated. Highlighting the public’s growing awareness, Mann urged voters to reject such parties and embrace honest, people-centric politics of the Aam Aadmi Party. “The people of Punjab have the power to decide the future, and this time, they will choose integri- ty over deceit,” he added. Mann assured the public that Ludhiana would see unparalleled growth under AAP’s leadership. “This city, known as the heart of Punjab, deserves to regain its glory. With an AAP mayor in the municipal corporation and an AAP-led government in the state, there will be no dearth of support or resources. If any shortcomings remain, I take full responsibility.” He concluded by emphasising the need for unity and secularism, stating: “Punjab is a land of shared festivals and brotherhood. No seeds of hatred will ever sprout here and anyone dreaming of dividing the state is living in an illusion.” Centre must initiate talks with farmers, says Mann CM Bhagwant Mann urged the Central Government to initiate talks with farmers to address their concerns. “It is the responsibility of the Centre to engage in a dialogue with farmers. Any issue can only be resolved through constructive conversation. The government must set aside its stubbornness and listen to the farmers,” he stated. Shops closed, route diverted by cops The police got shops shut and some routes were diverted keeping in view security reasons due to the roadshow taken out by the CM, which was supposed to go through the busy Ghumar Mandi market. A shopkeeper, Manoj Kumar, said they were already going through a difficult phase in business and on Thursday, shops had been shut. Youth held, habit-forming tablets seized Raikot, December 19 The Ludhiana (rural) police claimed to have arrested a drug peddler when he was waiting for his customers near his residence at Sem Behra in Halwara village near here on Thursday. Later, 620 habit-forming tablets and capsules were seized from his house. He was identified as Rajwinder Singh of Halwara village. DSP, Dakha, Varinder Khosa, said the police had arrested the youth after a brief chase when he tried to hide at his house at Sem Behra. “It was during patrolling being undertaken as a part of a campaign against drug smuggling that police officials chased the suspect when he tried to hide in his house on seeing them. The police seized 510 capsules of prega and 110 tablets of tramadol concealed at his house,” said Khosa, adding that an FIR had been registered against him at the Sudhar police station. Preliminary investigation revealed that an FIR was registered against him at the Sudhar police station in the past. — OC