Bhagwant Mann accuses previous governments of aiding drug trade, vows action
The Chief Minister alleged that earlier regimes not only turned a blind eye to the drug crisis but also actively protected and facilitated drug networks across the state. He claimed that government machinery, including official vehicles, was misused to transport narcotics under the patronage of powerful individuals.Mann said that his administration has broken this pattern by arresting several individuals who were previously considered beyond the reach of law. He added that many of these individuals, known for amassing wealth through illicit activities, are now in jail and facing the consequences of their actions.Additionally, Mann also took aim at political opponents who, he said, opposed the arrest of senior leaders linked to the drug trade. Without naming anyone directly, he referenced historical instances to underscore what he described as a legacy of betrayal against Punjab's interests.The Chief Minister clarified that there is no political vendetta behind the arrests. Legal proceedings are being followed and the judiciary will determine the outcome. During the address, Mann said that those who contributed to the devastation of Punjab's youth through drugs do not deserve any special privileges while in custody.- EndsMust Watch
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Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann
Ludhiana, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the bullock cart races are not just a source of entertainment but represent the glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab. Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann He said that such races have been held in Punjab since ancient times and served as a living connection to our traditions and cultural identity. Mann, according to an official statement, said that Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev also practiced farming with bullocks during his time in Kartarpur Sahib. The chief minister said that the ban earlier on bullock cart races had not only disheartened lovers of traditional sports but also dealt a blow to our heritage. Addressing a gathering in Mehma Singh Wala village in this district, Mann said that there had been growing demand from Punjabis to bring a new law so that these traditional games can be revived. Mann said the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bill, 2025 was unanimously passed in the state assembly on July 11. The chief minister said this law will not only help in preserving indigenous animal breeds in Punjab but also pave the way for resuming bullock cart races. He said this law now awaits the consent of the President of India. Speaking about the new legislation, Mann explained its primary objective is to ensure safety measures for animals participating in sports, including veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration and documentation, and penalties for violations, so that no cruelty is inflicted upon voiceless animals. The chief minister also announced that his government will explore possibilities of reviving pigeon flying competitions as well. After the Bill was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly earlier this month, Mann had called it a "historic" day and said the bullock cart races will now resume in the entire state. It allows the resumption of bullock cart races in Punjab besides ensuring safety measures for animals taking part in sports. Bullock cart race had not been taking place at Kila Raipur Sports Festival in Ludhiana district, popularly known as 'mini or rural Olympics'. In 2014, the Supreme Court had banned these sports for being violative of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. "Considering the important role played by Bullock Cart Racing towards promoting the spirit of games and sports, and enriching the cultural heritage and tradition in the State of Punjab, which is also a great source to keep the Punjab's youth away from drug addiction and also to improve indigenous cattle breeds of Punjab, the government of Punjab has decided to exempt the conduct of Bullock Cart Racing in Punjab from the provision of the said Central Act 59 of 1960," according to the Bill passed by the Punjab Assembly. Meanwhile, Mann while referring to the sports festival held at Kila Raipur village said the games, which began in 1933, are popularly known as "Mini Olympics" or "Rural Olympics". Thanking the public for their overwhelming support in the government's war against drugs, the chief minister emphasized that drug abuse is not limited to one house or district, but it affects the entire state. Talking about irrigation, Mann said only 21 per cent of agricultural land across the state was irrigated using canal water that when he assumed office, but that figure has today increased to 63 per cent. The canal and river water is reaching the tail end villages of the state for the first time in history due to the government's effective efforts, he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann
Agency: Last Updated: July 29, 2025, 19:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Ludhiana, Jul 29 (PTI) Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the bullock cart races are not just a source of entertainment but represent the glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab. He said that such races have been held in Punjab since ancient times and served as a living connection to our traditions and cultural identity. Mann, according to an official statement, said that Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev also practiced farming with bullocks during his time in Kartarpur Sahib. The chief minister said that the ban earlier on bullock cart races had not only disheartened lovers of traditional sports but also dealt a blow to our heritage. Addressing a gathering in Mehma Singh Wala village in this district, Mann said that there had been growing demand from Punjabis to bring a new law so that these traditional games can be revived. Mann said the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025 was unanimously passed in the state assembly on July 11. The chief minister said this law will not only help in preserving indigenous animal breeds in Punjab but also pave the way for resuming bullock cart races. He said this law now awaits the consent of the President of India. Speaking about the new legislation, Mann explained its primary objective is to ensure safety measures for animals participating in sports, including veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration and documentation, and penalties for violations, so that no cruelty is inflicted upon voiceless animals. The chief minister also announced that his government will explore possibilities of reviving pigeon flying competitions as well. After the Bill was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly earlier this month, Mann had called it a 'historic" day and said the bullock cart races will now resume in the entire state. It allows the resumption of bullock cart races in Punjab besides ensuring safety measures for animals taking part in sports. Bullock cart race had not been taking place at Kila Raipur Sports Festival in Ludhiana district, popularly known as 'mini or rural Olympics'. In 2014, the Supreme Court had banned these sports for being violative of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. 'Considering the important role played by Bullock Cart Racing towards promoting the spirit of games and sports, and enriching the cultural heritage and tradition in the State of Punjab, which is also a great source to keep the Punjab's youth away from drug addiction and also to improve indigenous cattle breeds of Punjab, the government of Punjab has decided to exempt the conduct of Bullock Cart Racing in Punjab from the provision of the said Central Act 59 of 1960," according to the Bill passed by the Punjab Assembly. Meanwhile, Mann while referring to the sports festival held at Kila Raipur village said the games, which began in 1933, are popularly known as 'Mini Olympics" or 'Rural Olympics". Thanking the public for their overwhelming support in the government's war against drugs, the chief minister emphasized that drug abuse is not limited to one house or district, but it affects the entire state. Swipe Left For Next Video View all Talking about irrigation, Mann said only 21 per cent of agricultural land across the state was irrigated using canal water that when he assumed office, but that figure has today increased to 63 per cent. The canal and river water is reaching the tail end villages of the state for the first time in history due to the government's effective efforts, he added. PTI SUN AS AS (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments News agency-feeds Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read More
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Punjab farmers still cold to land pooling scheme, yet Mohali authority sets a deadline
Notwithstanding the growing clamour against Punjab government's land pooling policy, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has set September 30 as the deadline for landowners to apply for it. The policy, launched on June 22, aims to acquire approximately 2,600 acres across Sector 84, 87, 101, 103, 120 and 125 for residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional development. So far, only 100 out of the 8,000 landowners in these areas have applied for the scheme. (HT photo for representation) So far, only 100 out of the 8,000 landowners in these areas have applied for the scheme. A senior GMADA official confirmed that September 30 has been set as the deadline for applying for the scheme. 'In the past one month, we have received around 100 applications. We are hopeful that more people will come forward in the coming days,' the official said. The bone of contention is the compensation, which farmers feel is much below the prevailing market rates. Some also feel the government is forcibly evicting them from their land. Harvinder Singh, lambardar of one of the villages that is against the scheme, said, 'We are the rightful residents and cultivators of these lands. We do not consent to register our land with GMADA.' Many are also apprehensive due to the troubles faced by those who opted for land pooling in the past. Farmers cited the Aerocity project, where land was acquired in 2009 but many landowners are yet to receive full compensation or plot allotments. Farmers further raised concerns about the land acquired for Sectors 88 and 89 in 2011, claiming they were later allotted plots in Sectors 95-A and 95-B, which were largely undeveloped. 'The booths and rooms allotted to us are unusable — we can't even rent them for another 15 years,' a protester revealed. The opposition parties too have been trying to corner the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the state over the scheme. On July 21, senior Congress leaders, including Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, had staged a protest outside PUDA Bhawan in Sector 62, terming the policy a 'subtle plot to loot and rob the farmers of their land'. 'Who would hand over an acre of prime land for just 1,000 square yards?' Warring had asked. Punjab housing and urban development minister Hardeep Singh Mundian defended the policy, stating that the scheme has been designed keeping the welfare of farmers in mind. In wake of the growing resentment on ground, the Punjab cabinet had last week okayed amendments to the policy to offer better terms to landowners. This included an annual livelihood allowance of ₹1 lakh to landowners until their land is developed — a fivefold increase from ₹20,000 given by previous governments. The amount will see a 10% annual increment. Farmers can continue farming activities until urban development work starts over their portion of the land. Those offering one kanal land will get an alternative of 125 square yards of residential land and 25 square yards of commercial land per kanal of land in return. Throughout the process, there will be no restriction on the sale or purchase of land. Farmers will be free to buy, sell, or register their land at any time. Urban development push GMADA's executive committee, in a meeting last month, had given a formal approval for acquiring 2,600 acres across Mohali. These included:
