Latest news with #JiwanGupta


Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
BJP, SAD candidates in Ludhiana West express confidence as parties await results on June 23.
Ludhiana: Now that the fate of candidates contesting the Ludhiana West bypoll is sealed in the EVMs, all eyes are on June 23, when counting will take place and the constituency will get its new MLA. However, for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the outcome of this bypoll could shape their prospects for the 2027 assembly elections. On polling day, both parties' candidates — Jiwan Gupta (BJP) and Parupkar Singh Ghumman (SAD) — were seen calm and composed. They even shared smiles and a cup of tea, expressing confidence in the voters of the West constituency. Still, party leaders are well aware that their future in Punjab politics may hinge on this result. Perhaps this is why they kept urging residents to step out and vote, especially as voter turnout remained low through the day. The BJP leadership, not just from Punjab but also from Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh, actively campaigned in support of Jiwan Gupta. Throughout the campaign, they consistently targeted the ruling party over its unfulfilled promises to the people of Punjab. While the BJP secured a decent vote share in the 2022 assembly and 2024 parliamentary elections, its recent performance in the municipal corporation polls was underwhelming, winning only 2 out of 17 wards in the West constituency. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doutor: Manter a massa muscular após os 50 anos depende deste hábito noturno Revista do Homem Saiba Mais Undo According to party insiders, the BJP managed to win this assembly seat during the Lok Sabha elections only when their candidate crossed the 45,000-vote mark. The leadership remains hopeful that, this time too, voters — disillusioned with both Congress and AAP — will give the BJP another chance. The BJP candidate Jiwan Gupta claimed that bypoll results will be in their favour and they will win the elections after results are announced on June 23. He said people would vote with renewed hope for the development of their area. Claiming confidence in the outcome, he added that he was visiting polling booths where party workers were assisting voters in locating their names andkeeping a check on the voting process. Everything, he asserted, was going in their favour. Meanwhile, for the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), questions are being raised over whether the party can repeat the success of past bypolls of 1995, when Manpreet Badal defeated the Congress govt in Gidderbaha, or in 2019, when Manpreet Ayali triumphed in the Dakha bypoll, again against the Congress. Party president Sukhbir Badal camped in the city for over two weeks, holding one-on-one meetings with party workers and voters to galvanize support. The SAD candidate also showed full confidence and claimed that people will cast vote in his favour, as they have decided to oust the AAP from Punjab, with this bypoll as its beginning. MSID:: 121955652 413 |


Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana West bypoll: Haryana CM rakes up water sharing dispute, AAP hits back
Ludhiana Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, during his campaign in Ludhiana West, accusing it of betraying the teachings of the Sikh gurus by blocking drinking water to Haryana. Saini, who was here to campaign for party candidate Jiwan Gupta, said AAP is playing politics over the issues of water and farmers, instead of solving them. 'The AAP government refused to release Haryana's rightful share of drinking water from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Punjab is the land of the great Gurus who always taught that no one should be denied water. But today, this government is denying us drinking water. Haryana and Punjab are like brothers, why play politics in the name of water?' he questioned, terming AAP's opposition to sharing water as a betrayal of Punjab's spiritual values. Saini also claimed that the people of Punjab opposed AAP for stopping water to Haryana. The CM also accused AAP of misleading the public on farmers' issues. 'While the Haryana BJP government has provided minimum support price (MSP) for all crops and continues to support farmers with subsidies, the AAP government has used force and lathi charge against farmers. AAP only uses the name of farmers to gain sympathy but does nothing substantial for their welfare,' he said. The controversy erupted on April 28 when the Haryana government's demand for additional water from the Bhakra Dam was approved by the BBMB despite opposition from Punjab. The Punjab government refused to accept the decision and deployed police at Nangal dam, 13km downstream from Bhakra, to stop the additional water release. Later the matter reached the high court which disposed of the matter on May 26, while the fresh water sharing cycle started on May 21. Saini also hit out at AAP's anti-drug campaign, calling them a 'drama' meant to divert attention from the government's failures. 'These actions are more about grabbing headlines than actual results,' Saini said. Slamming both AAP and Congress, Saini said the people of Punjab were first let down by Congress and now by AAP. 'For five years, Congress fooled the people, and now, for the past three and a half years, AAP has done the same,' he said. The Haryana CM then drew comparisons between Punjab and Haryana in terms of central government scheme implementation. He said that under BJP rule, Haryana has successfully implemented schemes like Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, PM Krishi Yojana, and Ujjwala Yojana. 'In contrast, these benefits are yet to reach the people of Punjab,' he added, urging the voters of Ludhiana West to give the BJP a chance. He said BJP's candidate Jiwan Gupta would win the bypoll as 'people are angry with both AAP and Congress and want change. They want good governance, and that is what BJP stands for.' No extra water to give: Bains Cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains slammed the Haryana CM's remarks and said he pressured the BBMB to divert Punjab waters. 'It was a conspiracy to deprive Punjab of its rightful water share. Saini had pressured the BBMB to unfairly divert Punjab's water, and AAP exposed this,' Bains alleged. He further clarified that under previous governments, Punjab lacked proper canal irrigation coverage. 'However, under CM Bhagwant Mann, canal water has reached over 65% of Punjab's agricultural land and thus we have no extra water to give to other states,' Bains added. Embed Saini faces protest Ludhiana CM Nayab Singh Saini, who arrived in the city to campaign for the BJP candidate Jiwan Gupta, was met with a group of protesters who accused him of attempting to deprive Punjab of its rightful share of river water. The protesters raised slogans near Sherpur Chowk and alleged that Haryana was trying to usurp water allocated to Punjab, affecting the state's agriculture and groundwater levels. Saini, while mentioning the protests, claimed it to be stage managed by Congress and AAP. 'Congress and AAP jointly staged several protests against me in Haryana too and it is nothing more than a political gimmick. The people of Haryana have rejected Congress and AAP for their cheap political tactics,' Saini said.


Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Haryana chief minister criticizes Punjab government for doing petty politics over important issues.
Ludhiana: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday lashed out at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) govt in Punjab, accusing it of politicising essential issues such as drinking water, drug control, and farm subsidies, instead of addressing them. His remarks came during a campaign visit to this city in support of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Jiwan Gupta ahead of the June 19 Ludhiana West byelection. Speaking at a press conference, Saini criticised the AAP-led Punjab govt for allegedly denying Haryana its share of drinking water from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). "When Haryana only seeks water to drink, this govt, despite Punjab being the land of great Gurus, has turned it into a political drama," he said. Saini also accused AAP of using the war on drugs as a distraction. "Instead of catching real culprits, they are doing theatrics to cover up their failures," he said, adding that both AAP and Congress had betrayed Punjab's voters — Congress for five years, and AAP for the last three and a half. On the issue of minimum support price (MSP), Saini claimed that while Punjab failed to offer it to farmers, the Haryana got had provided subsidies on various crops under central government schemes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo "We've implemented every major central scheme — from Ayushman Bharat to Ujjwala — and delivered results," he said, citing 13 lakh free electricity connections, 15 lakh free gas cylinders, and more than ₹2.5 crore in medical reimbursements. BJP eyes Punjab foothold Campaigning for BJP's Jiwan Gupta, Saini predicted a decisive win in Ludhiana West. "People here are tired of AAP and Congress. This time, Ludhiana West will elect a BJP MLA and send a message across Punjab that change is coming," he said, after meeting with industrialists and local residents. Black flags greet CM convoy Saini's visit was marred by protests as black flags were waved at his convoy. Protesters raised slogans such as "Punjab de paania de chor murdabad" (Death to the thieves of Punjab's waters). Police cleared the area to allow the cavalcade to pass. The Aam Aadmi Party, in a statement issued later that day, said the protests reflected public anger over Haryana's alleged historical exploitation of Punjab's water resources. "Hundreds turned out to oppose the CM's visit, expressing frustration over Haryana and BJP's continued attempts to loot Punjab's water," the statement read. AAP accused the Haryana govt of misusing Punjab's BBMB allocation and praised the Mann-led administration for standing firm on Punjab's water rights. "While earlier govts stayed silent, the Mann govt is working to expand canal water for irrigation and ensure optimal water management," the statement added. As the bypoll looms, water-sharing has emerged as a key campaign issue in Punjab, with voters watching closely which parties promise to safeguard the state's agricultural interests. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .


Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
AAP misusing govt machinery: Tarun Chugh
Ludhiana: Campaigning for party candidate Jiwan Gupta, BJP general secretary Tarun Chugh Saturday came down heavily on AAP for "turning entire Punjab govt into an election machinery out of fear of defeat". Chugh said, "AAP has deployed its ministers, MLAs, and officers on every street corner of Ludhiana West. The desperation is evident. This is not campaigning. This is a panic reaction to growing public anger." Calling Ludhiana the financial capital of Punjab, Chugh said the city's business owners are crying for help, but the deaf AAP govt has done nothing. "Law and order has collapsed. In the last six months, Punjab saw over 19 grenade and blast incidents, and the govt remains silent," he said. TNN Ludhiana: Campaigning for party candidate Jiwan Gupta, BJP general secretary Tarun Chugh Saturday came down heavily on AAP for "turning entire Punjab govt into an election machinery out of fear of defeat". Chugh said, "AAP has deployed its ministers, MLAs, and officers on every street corner of Ludhiana West. The desperation is evident. This is not campaigning. This is a panic reaction to growing public anger." Calling Ludhiana the financial capital of Punjab, Chugh said the city's business owners are crying for help, but the deaf AAP govt has done nothing. "Law and order has collapsed. In the last six months, Punjab saw over 19 grenade and blast incidents, and the govt remains silent," he said. TNN Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .


Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: For development, public welfare, BJP right choice, says Jiwan Gupta
As the Ludhiana West constituency gears up for the crucial byelection, BJP candidate Jiwan Gupta is banking on the development agenda of the central government. He believes that Punjab, which has suffered 'setbacks' in governance and development, urgently needs a double-engine government — with BJP in both the Centre and the state — to bring the economy, infrastructure and industry back on track. Gupta shares his views on the bypoll, his campaign focus and why he believes BJP is the right choice for Punjab's future. How do you view the importance of the Ludhiana West byelection? The byelection may not change the ruling party, but it is important politically. It will send a strong message against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has failed to deliver on its promises in the last three and a half years. This bypoll will lay the foundation for the BJP's rise in Punjab and our plans for the 2027 assembly elections. What is the core agenda of the BJP in this election? Our focus is development. Punjab has been left behind while BJP-ruled states have progressed. The BJP stands for infrastructural growth, digital advancement and public welfare. The double-engine government has proven successful in other states and Punjab needs that same model to move forward. AAP leaders say no development will come if voters choose another candidate That's baseless and indirect threat to the voters. Development is not a favour. It is a right. AAP has had its chance and failed to deliver. The public has seen the difference between promises and actual work. People are ready for a change and they trust BJP to bring that change. What are your top priorities, if elected? If elected, I will be a strong voice of the Ludhiana people. My top priorities are to bring central development schemes to the city, push for an AIIMS hospital in Ludhiana and support industrial revival. Ludhiana is Punjab's industrial hub, and I will work with the central government to stop the ongoing industrial decline. You are facing strong rivals, including a former cabinet minister and a sitting Rajya Sabha member. Are you confident? Absolutely. I have been active in politics for over 30 years and have led many successful campaigns. The BJP has a strong presence in urban areas, like Ludhiana West. In the recent parliamentary elections, BJP's Ravneet Singh Bittu received the highest number of votes from this constituency. People see BJP as the only party capable of delivering development and maintaining law and order. What role does national leadership, particularly PM Modi, play in your campaign? Prime Minister Modi is a major source of inspiration. People trust his vision and leadership. His government's work in healthcare, infrastructure, digital India and public welfare speaks for itself. Punjab deserves to benefit from the same model of growth, and that's why voters in Ludhiana West will support the BJP.