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Avtar Singh

Avtar Singh is a staff correspondent who covers politics, agriculture, crime and rural areas in Sangrur, Barnala and Malerkotla districts of Punjab.

Articles by Avtar Singh

Guest Column| 16th finance commission: Neutral arbiter with unique opportunity

Over the decades, the finance commission has built its credibility as a neutral arbiter, which is autonomous, independent, professional and a non-political forum. It would thus be in the fitness of things if there was a lean and efficient permanent secretariat.

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 27, 2024 05:23 PM IST

ByKaran Avtar Singh

Ukraine-Russia crisis: As students take refuge in bunkers, parents back home in Punjab have sleepless night

Parents of Punjabi natives stuck in Ukraine. amid Russian military offensive, appeal to the Indian government to bring their children home.

(From left) Mothers of Ambuj Soni, Saumy Hasija and Kaynaat Mahajan show their photographers as they appeal to the Centre for their speedy evacuation, in Amritsar of Punjab on Friday. (Sameer Sehgal/HT)

cities

Updated on Feb 26, 2022 01:04 AM IST

BySurjit Singh, Avtar Singh & Gagandeep Jassowal, Amritsar/ Sangrur/barnala/ Jalandhar

Punjab assembly polls: Will make our youth job providers, not seekers, says Bhagwant Mann

AAP CM face and Dhuri candidate Bhagwant Mann claimed that the Punjab assembly polls are a fight between convent educated versus the product of government schools on Friday.

AAP chief ministerial candidate for the Punjab Assembly polls Bhagwant Mann addressing people during a roadshow at Dakha, in Ludhiana on Friday. (ANI)

elections

Published on Feb 19, 2022 01:02 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Dhuri/barnala:

BJP eyes urban, SC votes in farm stir heartland Sangrur, Barnala

BJP has been eyeing urban and SC votes in Sangrur, Dhuri and Barnala amidst farmers’ anger against Central government over “unfulfilled promises” after their stir against the three farm laws

Dhuri BJP candidate Randeep Singh Deol addressing a poll meeting. Eyeing urban and SC votes in Sangrur and Barnala, BJP nominees claimed that they are getting a huge response and the party will form the government in Punjab. (HT Photo)

elections

Published on Feb 18, 2022 02:07 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Sangrur/barnala

Electoral system not democratic in Punjab: BKU Ugrahan chief

We like the voting system and democracy, but a poor candidate can’t win an election because votes are being purchased, says Joginder Singh Ugrahan

elections

Published on Feb 18, 2022 01:39 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Barnala

Bhadaur seat: Channi’s entry spices up contest in AAP stronghold

The Congress’ chief ministerial face, Channi, is facing a tough fight from Aam Aadmi Party’s Labh Singh Ugoke and Shiromani Akali Dal’s Satnam Singh Rahi

Channi, who entered the AAP stronghold Malwa region through Bhadaur as his second seat, claims that the move was aimed at for the development of the area that was ‘ignored by successive governments’ (PTI)

elections

Updated on Feb 15, 2022 12:54 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Barnala

Hot seat Dirba: Kabaddi player, teacher look to flatten heavyweight Cheema

Aam Aadmi Party Dirba candidate Harpal Singh Cheema is facing stiff challenge from his Congress rivals ‘Master’ Ajaib Singh Ratolan, a retired teacher, and SAD’s Gulzar Singh, a kabbadi player, in Dirba assembly segment

AAP Dirba candidate Harpal Singh Cheema.

elections

Published on Feb 14, 2022 12:26 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh

Punjab polls: AAP’s ‘Delhi model’ no different than BJP’s ‘Gujarat model’, says Priyanka

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi took on the BJP-led central government and AAP’s Delhi government for misleading Punjabis

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during the Punjab assembly election campaign at Zirakpur on Sunday. (Sant Arora/HT)

elections

Updated on Feb 14, 2022 12:20 AM IST

ByParteek Singh Mahal and Avtar Singh

Shooter-turned-politician Smit Mann promises more powers to local bodies

International shooter-turned-politician Smit Mann assured the voters to return power to the people by making local bodies more powerful in future

International shooter-turned-politician Smit Mann addresses locals in the Amargarh constituency. (HT Photo)

elections

Published on Feb 13, 2022 08:18 PM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Sangrur

In Punjab’s farm agitation hub, Sanyukt Samaj Morcha runs low-key campaign

Candidates of Sanyukt Samaj Morcha, a group of farmer unions, mainly carrying a door-to door campaign in villages, addressing small gatherings

Sanyukt Samaj Morcha leaders launching their manifesto for the Punjab assembly elections in Chandigarh on Tuesday.

cities

Published on Feb 10, 2022 02:40 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Sangrur/barnala

Elect a CM not an MLA: Channi to Bhadaur voters

Amid opposition from locals and farmers on Wednesday, Channi repeatedly assured people in villages during his addresses that if he wins the election, he will stay in the segment. The CM also played cricket and cards with locals at Aspal Khurd and Kotduna villages

In an attempt to woo voters, CM Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday promised to provide scholarships to the general category students if Congress is voted to power in Punjab.

elections

Published on Feb 10, 2022 12:54 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh and Harmandeep Singh

Will go with any CM face to save Punjab from Arvind Kejriwal: CM Charanjit Channi

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal spending Delhi’s money on adverts in Punjab only to take away state’s money, alleges Punjab CM

Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi addressing a gathering in the Bhadaur constituency ahead of the state assembly elections on Friday.

cities

Published on Feb 05, 2022 02:04 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Barnala

In Sangrur segment, Bhagwant Mann factor at play, minister Singla bets on his ‘development works’

BJP candidate Arvind Khanna, a former Sangrur MLA, focusing on the urban electorate, seeking votes in the name of social work he did in the segment

Aam Aadmi Party Narinder Kaur Bharaj (centre) campaigning in the Sangrur segment ahead of the Punjab assembly elections.

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Published on Feb 05, 2022 01:59 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Sangrur

Congress youth brigade joins hands for Goldy’s fight against AAP’s Mann

Up against Aam Aadmi Party CM face Bhagwant Mann, NSUI, Youth Congress leaders from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan camping in Dhuri for Dalvir Singh Goldy’s campaign

Activists of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) and the Youth Congress campaigning in Dhuri on Thursday. (HT Photo)

elections

Published on Feb 04, 2022 09:47 PM IST

ByAvtar Singh

AAP will rule Punjab for 25 years, says CM face Bhagwant Mann

Sangrur MP and AAP’s CM face Bhagwant Mann said the complete control of Punjab affairs will be in his hands

Punjab AAP chief Bhagwant Mann campaigning at Katron village in Dhuri on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

elections

Updated on Feb 03, 2022 12:04 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Dhuri (sangrur)

Will history repeat itself in Bhadaur constituency?

Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi is pitted against Aam Aadmi Party candidate Labh Singh Ugoke, bringing back memories of the first electoral contest between the ruler and the ruled in 1952

Aam Aadmi Party candidate Labh Singh Ugoke campaigning at Khane Ke village of Bhadaur in Punjab’s Barnala district. (HT Photo)

elections

Published on Feb 02, 2022 03:59 PM IST

ByAvtar Singh

Punjab polls: CM Channi kicks off campaign in Bhadaur, says he’s on a mission to develop Malwa

CM Charanjit Singh Channi says though Amarinder Singh and Badals ruled Punjab for so many years, Malwa region remain neglected

Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi filing nomination papers from the Bhadaur constituency on Monday.

cities

Published on Feb 01, 2022 02:22 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Barnala

Punjab CM Channi files papers from Bhadaur, says he’s come to constituency like Sudama

Calls himself a man on a mission to develop Malwa region of the state, dares Kejriwal to contest against him

Chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi filing his nomination papers before the returning officer of Tapa on Monday for contesting the Bhadaur assembly elections. (HT Photo)

elections

Updated on Jan 31, 2022 03:56 PM IST

ByAvtar Singh

Opposing online classes, parents send kids to school in Punjab’s Sangrur despite Covid curbs

Residents of Jhaloor near Sangrur district’s Lehragaga pass resolution in a panchayat meeting requesting authorities to reopen government schools in village

Children sitting on the ground at Government High School, Jhaloor, near Lehragaga of Sangrur district.

cities

Updated on Jan 29, 2022 01:48 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Sangrur

Sunam Congress candidate Dhiman escalates campaign amid Daman Thind Bajwa’s parallel meets

Sunam Congress candidate Jaswinder Dhiman escalated his election campaign amid party’s halqa in-charge Daman Thind Bajwa’s opposition, parallel meetings and ‘social work’ on Thursday

Sunam Congress candidate Jaswinder Singh Dhiman along with his uncle and Amargarh MLA Surjit Singh Dhiman held meetings after paying homage to freedom fighter Udham Singh. Daman Thind Bajwa held meetings with her supporters in Sunam villages but they will take the final decision on Friday. (HT Photo)

elections

Published on Jan 28, 2022 03:28 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Sangrur

Sangrur: Citing ill health, Razia Sultana not to hoist flag on Republic Day

Amid ongoing controversy over ex-DGP Mohammad Mustafa’s ‘provocative speech’, his wife Razia Sultana withdrew herself from hoisting the Tricolour on Republic Day in Sangrur citing health issue

The BJP claimed that they submitted a memorandum to Sangrur deputy commissioner Ramvir for disallowing Razia Sultana from presiding over the Republic Day function. (AFP File Photo/ Representational image)

cities

Published on Jan 26, 2022 01:27 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Sangrur

Punjab polls: AAP gets notice as Mann holds roadshows in Sangrur, Dhuri

AAP Dhuri candidate and state unit chief Bhagwant Mann held a road show in Sangrur and Dhuri segments on Sunday, prompting returning officers to issue notices to the party for violation of model code of conduct. The poll officials have sought an explanation from the party within 24 hours.

AAP’s CM face Bhagwant Mann holding a roadshow at a Sangrur village on Sunday.

cities

Published on Jan 24, 2022 12:21 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh

With Bhagwant Mann’s entry, Dhuri becomes the axis of ‘face’ politics

Congress’ sitting MLA Dalvir Singh Goldy is projecting himself as the only ‘local face’ to counter chief ministerial face Bhagwant Mann

Though Mann got a lead of 24,071 votes in the 2019 parliamentary elections from Dhuri assembly segment, Goldy had bagged the seat by a margin of 2,811 votes over his nearest rival AAP’s Jasbir Singh Sekhon in 2017. (PTI)

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Published on Jan 21, 2022 01:24 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Sangrur

CM face: Bhagwant Mann’s home seat Sangrur welcomes AAP decision

According to Arvind Kejriwal, 93% people who responded to the party’s survey for its CM face showed confidence in Sangur MP and Punjab AAP chief Bhagwant Mann

People watching the AAP announcement on a big screen at Bhagwant Mann’s native Satoj village in Sangrur. (HT Photo)

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Updated on Jan 18, 2022 07:47 PM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Sangrur

Alarming groundwater depletion ‘non-issue’ for parties in Punjab

Despite the fact that groundwater depletion is one of the major problems in Punjab, this is a non-issue for political parties. It is high time that we start taking concrete measures to stop it, said Balbir Singh Seechewal

Jaswinder Pal Singh Grewal, joint director, agriculture (inputs), Punjab said the state is facing groundwater depletion. Farmers need to adopt crop diversification to save water. Environment activist Balbir Singh Seechewal said water and air should be key issues in the state assembly and Parliament elections. (HT Photo)

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Updated on Jan 13, 2022 11:12 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Sangrur

Be ready to face questions on alliance with BJP: Dhindsa junior

Dhinda junior has also said that security breach of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unfortunate and should not have happened; he said the Punjab government must avoid any confrontation with the Centre

SAD Sanyukt senior leader and Lehra MLA Parminder Singh Dhindsa told his party members to be prepared for any question in the field. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Jan 08, 2022 08:02 PM IST

ByAvtar Singh

PM security breach: Narendra Modi faced outburst of farmers in Punjab, says Navjot Sidhu

Punjab Congress chief Navjot Sidhu took a dig at PM Narendra Modi and Captain Amarinder Singh, claiming that the two could manage only 500 people for the Ferozepur rally

Punjab Congress president Navjot Sidhu addressing a political rally in Barnala on Thursday.

cities

Updated on Jan 06, 2022 07:39 PM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Barnala

Punjab elections: On way to PM’s rally, Sukhdev Dhindsa tests positive, returns

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Samyukt) leader’s son and former Punjab finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa is also unwell in Chandigarh

Shiromani Akali Dal (Samyukt) founder Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa is fighting the Punjab elections in alliance with the BJP and the Punjab Lok Congress, launched by former chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh. (HT file photo)

cities

Updated on Jan 05, 2022 11:27 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh

Navjot Sidhu promises ₹2,000 for women homemakers, 8 LPG cylinders

Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday jumped into the race to lure voters with freebies by promising to give ₹2,000 per month and eight free LPG cylinders to women homemakers

Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday announced the populist promises of giving <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>2,000 per month and eight free LPG cylinders to women homemakers at a rally in Barnala. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Jan 04, 2022 02:05 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Barnala

Badals’ role similar to that of Dyer for firing at Sikh protesters: Punjab CM Channi

Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi announces upgrade of government health institutions in Sunam and Longowal

Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi addresses a rally in Sunam of Sangrur district on Tuesday.

cities

Published on Dec 29, 2021 02:30 AM IST

ByAvtar Singh, Sunam (sangrur)

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Avtar Singh

Avtar Singh is a staff correspondent who covers politics, agriculture, crime and rural areas in Sangrur, Barnala and Malerkotla districts of Punjab.

Over the decades, the finance commission has built its credibility as a neutral arbiter, which is autonomous, independent, professional and a non-political forum. It would thus be in the fitness of things if there was a lean and efficient permanent secretariat.

Parents of Punjabi natives stuck in Ukraine. amid Russian military offensive, appeal to the Indian government to bring their children home.

AAP CM face and Dhuri candidate Bhagwant Mann claimed that the Punjab assembly polls are a fight between convent educated versus the product of government schools on Friday.

BJP has been eyeing urban and SC votes in Sangrur, Dhuri and Barnala amidst farmers’ anger against Central government over “unfulfilled promises” after their stir against the three farm laws

We like the voting system and democracy, but a poor candidate can’t win an election because votes are being purchased, says Joginder Singh Ugrahan

The Congress’ chief ministerial face, Channi, is facing a tough fight from Aam Aadmi Party’s Labh Singh Ugoke and Shiromani Akali Dal’s Satnam Singh Rahi

Aam Aadmi Party Dirba candidate Harpal Singh Cheema is facing stiff challenge from his Congress rivals ‘Master’ Ajaib Singh Ratolan, a retired teacher, and SAD’s Gulzar Singh, a kabbadi player, in Dirba assembly segment

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi took on the BJP-led central government and AAP’s Delhi government for misleading Punjabis

International shooter-turned-politician Smit Mann assured the voters to return power to the people by making local bodies more powerful in future

Candidates of Sanyukt Samaj Morcha, a group of farmer unions, mainly carrying a door-to door campaign in villages, addressing small gatherings

Amid opposition from locals and farmers on Wednesday, Channi repeatedly assured people in villages during his addresses that if he wins the election, he will stay in the segment. The CM also played cricket and cards with locals at Aspal Khurd and Kotduna villages

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal spending Delhi’s money on adverts in Punjab only to take away state’s money, alleges Punjab CM

BJP candidate Arvind Khanna, a former Sangrur MLA, focusing on the urban electorate, seeking votes in the name of social work he did in the segment

Up against Aam Aadmi Party CM face Bhagwant Mann, NSUI, Youth Congress leaders from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan camping in Dhuri for Dalvir Singh Goldy’s campaign

Sangrur MP and AAP’s CM face Bhagwant Mann said the complete control of Punjab affairs will be in his hands

Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi is pitted against Aam Aadmi Party candidate Labh Singh Ugoke, bringing back memories of the first electoral contest between the ruler and the ruled in 1952

CM Charanjit Singh Channi says though Amarinder Singh and Badals ruled Punjab for so many years, Malwa region remain neglected

Calls himself a man on a mission to develop Malwa region of the state, dares Kejriwal to contest against him

Residents of Jhaloor near Sangrur district’s Lehragaga pass resolution in a panchayat meeting requesting authorities to reopen government schools in village

Sunam Congress candidate Jaswinder Dhiman escalated his election campaign amid party’s halqa in-charge Daman Thind Bajwa’s opposition, parallel meetings and ‘social work’ on Thursday

Amid ongoing controversy over ex-DGP Mohammad Mustafa’s ‘provocative speech’, his wife Razia Sultana withdrew herself from hoisting the Tricolour on Republic Day in Sangrur citing health issue

AAP Dhuri candidate and state unit chief Bhagwant Mann held a road show in Sangrur and Dhuri segments on Sunday, prompting returning officers to issue notices to the party for violation of model code of conduct. The poll officials have sought an explanation from the party within 24 hours.

Congress’ sitting MLA Dalvir Singh Goldy is projecting himself as the only ‘local face’ to counter chief ministerial face Bhagwant Mann

According to Arvind Kejriwal, 93% people who responded to the party’s survey for its CM face showed confidence in Sangur MP and Punjab AAP chief Bhagwant Mann

Despite the fact that groundwater depletion is one of the major problems in Punjab, this is a non-issue for political parties. It is high time that we start taking concrete measures to stop it, said Balbir Singh Seechewal

Dhinda junior has also said that security breach of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unfortunate and should not have happened; he said the Punjab government must avoid any confrontation with the Centre

Punjab Congress chief Navjot Sidhu took a dig at PM Narendra Modi and Captain Amarinder Singh, claiming that the two could manage only 500 people for the Ferozepur rally

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Samyukt) leader’s son and former Punjab finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa is also unwell in Chandigarh

Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday jumped into the race to lure voters with freebies by promising to give ₹2,000 per month and eight free LPG cylinders to women homemakers

Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi announces upgrade of government health institutions in Sunam and Longowal

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