Latest news with #Ayali


Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Shiromani Akali Dal protests against Punjab's land pooling scheme in Ludhiana and plans strategy for 2027 assembly elections.
Ludhiana: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday led a high-pitched protest against the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) land-pooling scheme, vowing to block any attempt by the govt to acquire farmland. Framed as a battle to "save Punjab", the protest also served as a political curtain-raiser to the 2027 assembly elections — even as signs of disorganisation and internal friction simmered beneath the surface. Addressing the protesters outside the office of Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (Glada), Sukhbir accused the AAP govt of conspiring to "rob farmers of their land to fill its coffers". He warned the govt that the agitation would spread to other cities unless it scrapped the scheme. "We will not let them take even an inch," Sukhbir declared, adding that the SAD was committed to defending Punjab's agricultural interests. The accompanying farmer unionists echoed the sentiment, warning of long-term economic damage. "The land-pooling scheme is a fraud dressed as development," claimed farmer unionist Sukhpal Singh. "The land will be devalued, and our children will suffer." SAD youth leader Jaskaran Singh Ayali Kalan said the land acquisition was not as "voluntary" as the govt claimed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's The Estimated Cost for a 1-day Gutter Guards Installation HomeBuddy Undo "The entire parcel is being notified for acquisition, even for those who don't opt in," he said. Senior SAD members Balwinder Singh Bhundar and Ranjit Singh Dhillon called for unity among Punjabis, likening the current movement to past protests against alleged scams under previous govts. They also signalled a readiness to launch sustained demonstrations if needed. The protest saw participation from a broad lineup of SAD bigwigs including Daljit Singh Cheema, Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Hira Singh Gabria, and others. However, local organisers failed to match the enthusiasm from the central leadership fully. District SAD chief Bhupinder Singh Bhinda arrived late, and local members reportedly jostled for stage presence, prompting Cheema to warn that the stage could collapse under the crowd. Tensions in Dakha: SAD eyes Ayali alternative Following the protest, Sukhbir Badal visited the Dakha constituency, where he reportedly began scouting for an alternative to incumbent MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali. The move comes amid rising tensions between the two Akali leaders. Despite being defeated by AAP's H S Phoolka in 2017, Ayali reclaimed his seat in the 2019 byelection and remains a dominant figure in the region — posing a political challenge for SAD's leadership heading into 2027. BJP worker's symbolic protest In a parallel protest, BJP member Jai Parkash Jain, also known as Titu Bania, staged a symbolic demonstration outside the Glada office. Holding a lock and key, he threatened to "lock" the office for pushing a policy he claimed would destroy Punjab's farmland and hurt farmers. While SAD aims to reclaim lost ground with aggressive opposition to land reforms, Wednesday's protest revealed both its potential and its pitfalls — energised leadership at the top, but a fractured and uncoordinated base below. MSID:: 121464577 413 |


Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tejaswini Gowda and Anand Selvan set to play the leads in ‘Ayali'
Tamil television audiences are in for a treat as a brand-new serial, Ayali, is set to hit the small screen with a fresh narrative and powerful performances. The upcoming show features the talented Tejaswini Gowda in the titular role, marking her much-awaited return to Tamil TV. Starring opposite her is rising star Anand Selvan, who plays the male lead. Ayali is slated to premiere on June 2nd at 8:30 PM on one of Tamil television's leading entertainment channels, known for hits like Karthigai Deepam, Ninaithale Inikkum, and Sandhya Raagam. With a prime-time slot and a strong platform, expectations are sky-high for the show. The recently released promo has stirred excitement among fans. It introduces Ayali as a dual-faced character, a quiet, respectful young woman at home who adheres to tradition, but transforms into a fierce, outspoken rebel when away from her family. This duality not only adds depth to her character but also hints at a story rich in drama, identity conflict, and empowerment. Tejaswini Gowda, a household name among South Indian TV viewers, began her acting journey with the Telugu serial Koilamma in 2016, playing the role of Kokila (Chinni). She later featured in the Kannada serial Bili Hendthi as Ramya, and made her Tamil debut with Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Naanum in 2019. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Her recent portrayal in Vidhya No. 1 (2021) received widespread acclaim, further cementing her reputation as a versatile actress. With an engaging storyline, emotionally layered characters, and a talented cast, Ayali is poised to be one of the standout shows of the season. As the countdown to its premiere begins, fans are eagerly waiting to see Tejaswini Gowda breathe life into Ayali, a role that could very well be a milestone in her career.


Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Residents of 30 villages hold conference against Punjab govt's land acquisition in Ludhiana
Residents from nearly 30 villages held a conference Tuesday at Dream Villa Palace in the Banohar village, Ludhiana, in response to the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority's (GLADA) decision to acquire over 24,000 acres of land to develop urban estates. Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) Punjab unit also supported this conference. They announced that the next meeting of the SKM will be held on May 24 in Mullanpur, where the future course of action will be outlined to compel the Punjab government to withdraw the controversial notification. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali and Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira also attended the conference. The village where the conference was organised also has a portion of land set to be acquired by GLADA, according to available information. Kanwaljit Khanna, a resident of Jagraon and leader of BKU Dakaunda, said, 'The Bhagwant Mann-led government is launching an assault on fertile agricultural land through GLADA in 53 villages in the Ludhiana, Moga, Ferozepur, and Nawanshahr districts. We will not allow it to happen.' Addressing the gathering, legislators Khaira and Ayali and former MLA Tarsem Jodhan stated that land mafias pushed from Delhi are now exploiting Punjab under administrative orders. They condemned the land acquisition process, alleging that no proper survey was conducted and that panchayats, gram sabhas, and villagers were deliberately kept in the dark. They further accused the AAP of openly siding with corporate interests. Ayali is the MLA of the Dakha constituency in the Ludhiana district, and many villages of this constituency are part of the land acquisition process. Manjeet Singh Dhaner, state president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Ekta Dakaunda; Manpreet Singh, block president, BKU Rajewal; Jasdev Singh Lalto of Dasmesh Kisan Mazdoor Union, and several other farmer union leaders called on villagers to hold gram sabha meetings and pass resolutions rejecting the government's land acquisition notification. Sukhbir Badal meets farmers On Tuesday, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal visited villages and met farmers. He said, 'The AAP government, led by Bhagwant Mann—already a failure on all fronts and acting under the command of Delhi-based leaders—is now preparing to launch a major land grab targeting farmers' land. In the Ludhiana district alone, around 24,000 acres of land across 40 villages are being acquired under the land pooling scheme. This is a new method devised to loot thousands of crores of rupees, and the SAD strongly opposes it.' SAD also announced that it will stage a massive protest on May 29 outside the office of the chief administrator of GLADA in Ludhiana.


Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
SAD faction initiates online enrolment for Punjabis abroad
A faction of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday announced beginning of an online membership drive for the Punjabis living in foreign countries, such as US, Canada, England and Australia. Formally launching a website for enrolment, Manpreet Singh Ayali, who is part of a committee constituted by the Akal Takht, said, 'Punjabis, irrespective of their religion, should become members of the SAD, a secular party.' Other members of the five-member committee, including Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Santa Singh Umaidpuri, Bibi Satwant Kaur and Iqbal Singh Jhoondan, along with Ayali, addressed the media here. They said Punjabis settled in foreign countries and those who have arrived recently were very keen to become party members. 'In the upsurge of the Aam Aadmi Party in the state, the Punjabi diaspora living in foreign countries played a big role. We are sure they will play an important role in SAD,' said Wadala. Answering a query, Ayali said the December 2 (last year) edict of the Akal Takht directed to conduct fresh membership drive, elect delegates and then the office-bearers of the party, including its president. Wadala said, 'Another membership drive conducted by the Akali Dal, which ended with election of Sukhbir Singh Badal as the party president, was farce as their members were not genuine. The exercise was aimed at making Sukhbir Singh Badal as president again.' Sukhbir was re-elected in the elections on April 13. Commenting on the legality of the membership drive and subsequent election of the office-bearers, he said that the committee is acting on the directions of the Akal Takht and after completing the process they would submit before the temporal seat. He adds that membership drive was started on March 18 and hoped to complete by June end. On being asked, Ayali refused to take over the top (president) post. 'The Panth will decide,' he said, adding, 'So far, 26 lakh slips have been distributed to make members in Punjab. We expect a very enthusiastic response from foreign countries.' Months after the December 2 decree was issued for the exit of Sukhbir Singh Badal as president of SAD and a fresh recruitment drive, the then jathedars were removed and the SGPC executive committee had in March appointed Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj as the acting jathedar of the Akal Takht.


Time of India
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tejaswini Gowda set to play the titular role in upcoming show ‘Ayali'
Tamil television is all set to welcome a fresh new tale with the launch of the much-anticipated serial Ayali . Adding star power to the show is actress Tejaswini Gowda , who will be seen in the titular role, marking her grand return to Tamil television. Starring opposite her is Anand Selvan , who has been cast as the male lead. The show is expected to air on a leading entertainment channel known for popular serials like Karthigai Deepam , Ninaithale Inikkum , and Sandhya Raagam . With such a strong platform and a promising cast, Ayali is already creating a buzz among viewers. The newly released promo has further fueled anticipation. It introduces Ayali as a soft-spoken, obedient young woman at home, who respects elders and upholds tradition. However, outside the confines of her home, she reveals a strikingly different persona — a rugged, rebellious young woman with a strong voice and spirit. This duality promises a gripping narrative that explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and personal freedom. Here's the promo: Tejaswini Gowda began her television journey in 2016 with the Telugu serial Koilamma, playing the role of Kokila (Chinni). She went on to star in the Kannada serial Bili Hendthi as Ramya in 2018, and made her Tamil TV debut in 2019 with Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Naanum, where she portrayed Thamizharasi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Her recent performance in Vidhya No. 1 (2021) was met with critical acclaim and fan appreciation. With its intriguing storyline, emotional depth, and a compelling lead character, Ayali is shaping up to be a promising addition to Tamil television. As viewers gear up for its grand premiere, all eyes are on Tejaswini Gowda to bring Ayali to life in what promises to be a career-defining performance.