Khangura said “either this Government is making a mockery of citizens who are in dire need of basic services, or they are simply trying to announce as many projects as possible in a last ditch attempt not to be kicked out of governance! In this case it’s definitely fair to say he’s closing the door after the racehorse has bolted!”
Jassi said that huge numbers of people in the Ludhiana area are faced with horrific problems of pollution, slums, dengue, typhoid, appalling roads, no reliable, safe, relevant or organised public transport. He added Surely the focus of the Government should be on these areas, not puff projects which ultimately encourage people to gamble?
On a serious note, Khangura said “of course India’s horseracing industry would be delighted to have a new race course. But I’m sure they’d be less delighted to have the setup of that dictated by Sukhbir Badal instead of a body of industry professionals and governing organisations.”
Jassi added “as ever, we’ve only heard from the Government... no-one in the racing industry has yet been heard on the project which makes me question its chances of success anyway as a revenue earner for the State.”
Jassi ended by saying “perhaps Sukhbir is just trying to find another career for himself for when he is rejected by the people of Punjab and sees the only way to the winners rostrum is via horses and dogs. Or is this yet another devious land-grab scheme? Khangura closed “It could even be another Badal family business venture through on and off course gambling.”
]]>Khangura stated that as the Centre had now removed many Sikh NRIs from the entry blacklist, it is now the turn of the Punjab Government to remove the injustice of false FIRs that has rendered so many NRIs as proclaimed offenders.
Khangura stressed that on 6 January 2008 Badal had at the Punjab government NRI samellan at Jalandar declared that a list of all NRIs declared as proclaimed offenders would be published on the Internet, yet some 40 months later this has still not happened. Khangura dared Badal to publish the list in full immediately.
Khangura regretted that in spite of having both a department for NRI affairs headed by a Minister, S. Balbir Singh Bath, and now a NRI cell within the Chief Minister’s Office, there was still precious little remedy available for NRIs.
The sad fact, stated the MLA, is that Badal and his stooges have over the term of this administration perfected the art of harassing the NRI with false charges and FIRs, resulting in the NRI having to flee India in fear of arrest, only to be declared as a proclaimed offenders basis notices that were never served on the NRI.
As the only NRI origin MLA in Punjab, Khangura regretted that this Akali administration had never been sincere to NRIs, as it had presided over the loot of thousands of crores of NRI assets. That is the reason why the Badals are unable to face NRIs outside India. They cannot step foot in Canada. In the USA they have to hire private security, perhaps the first Punjab CM ever to feel the need.
Khangura stressed, “I understand from reliable sources that this Akali administration has filed more than 13,000 false cases against NRIs, resulting in an additional 2,600 NRIs being declared as proclaimed offenders.
Khangura continued “Many NRIs are now languishing in prisons in India as they were unaware of their status as proclaimed offenders and were arrested on arrival in India”.
Khangura closed “Daily I receive calls and emails from distressed NRIs seeking help and assistance. The Badals will soon face the full wrath of the NRI community in the forthcoming assembly elections.”
]]>Khangura stated that Sukhbir must explain whether his frequent overseas trips have brought even an iota of benefit to Punjab.
The MLA stressed that in the public mindset Sukhbir travels out of India on personal business and family shopping trips but does so at great expense to the public exchequer.
He asked Sukhbir to clarify how much his trips had cost the Punjab Government, which trips were publicly funded and which ones privately funded.
Khangura added that the public does expect the state leaders to visit innovative projects overseas, inspect cutting edge social development projects and to meet the captains of industry.
He went on "but the sad fact is that in over 4 years this lame duck Punjab administration has failed to attract even a single CEO of any Fortune 500 company to visit Punjab".
Khangura stressed that Sukhbir must decide whether it is in the public interest for him and his family to shop for Armani, Boss, Prada, Loius Vuitton and other luxury brands at the choicest boutiques in the best of international cities or whether his time would be better served reviewing social change in Soweto, slum renovation in Sao Paolo, innovative agriculture in Botswana or value added food processing in Indonesia.
The MLA stated that Sukhbir Badal appears to have a warped sense of priority that puts him and his family's interest above those of his party, with the poor long suffering people of Punjab a distant third.
Moreover, Khangura challenged Sukhbir to specify those technologies or business processes that he has witnessed overseas which he believes could have relevance in Punjab and what concrete steps this government has taken to establish any of these in Punjab.
Punjabis have still not forgotten that Sukhbir's singular advice to Punjab farmers following his visit to Brazil was a call for them to migrate there!
Khangura regretted "Sukhbir is incessantly insulting the intelligence of aam aadmi in Punjab by labelling his frequent overseas trips as official ones when in reality they are little more than personal shopping trips for luxury goods. Or may he has simply seen too many films like “The Devil Wears Prada".
The MLA closed "there will come a time when from within the confines of a state prison Sukhbir will have no opportunity to enjoy any of his designer goods. Sadly, by that time he will have squandered precious public resources in the futile search for a style statement that is usually the domain of those with good taste."
Jassi Khangura MLAKhangura stressed that Sukhbir conveniently forgets that his own father on 3 previous occasions has failed to be re-elected to office. All talk of “raj nahin, seva” goes to pot when all and sundry understand that the last 4 years have been wasted through the plunder and pillage of the state coffers by the ruling party, the alienation of tens of thousands of acres of public and panchayat land to vested interests and the loot of tens of thousands of crores of NRI assets.
Jassi added that it is quite easy to become deluded by the trappings of power, surrounded by sycophants, whilst enjoying a comfortable existence of private jets, luxury cars, dream holidays and numerous overseas shopping trips. A cold reality will dawn as the results trickle in on judgement day. Even then Sukhbir may not accept that the primary reason for electoral failure is his brand of thuggish politics which the electorate finds unpalatable.
Jassi clarified that it was all too easy for Sukhbir to use the powers of state to motivate criminals to undermine all the subordinate elections for the corporations, municipalities and panchayti raj institutions. But now having failed to receive the promised jobs, plots and contracts, these very same criminals will turn against the SAD at the forthcoming assembly election. The politicised criminals are running for cover that the SAD simply cannot and will not provide.
Khangura stated that every school bully is eventually found out and once exposed the earlier aura of invincibility vanishes forever. That will be Sukhbir’s fate precisely.
The Qila Raipur MLA added that one day Sukhbir will have to accept that the state treasury is not his own, that Punjabis will not be intimidated by his goons, that Punjabis may be poor and hungry because of his administration’s failures but that they have one thing that even Sukhbir cannot sequester; their dignity, which will lead them to decisively reject Sukhbir at the forthcoming assemble elections.
The former NRI MLA hoped that the forthcoming Congress administration would act against Sukhbir within 25 minutes of assuming office and predicted that incarceration in prison for a minimum of 25 years would be the likely judicial response arising from the numerous illegalities committed and sponsored by Sukhbir during the past 4 years.
Jassi Khangura MLA
]]>Khangura said he wrote to the Prime Minister on 2nd March on this issue, and now requests NRIs and those with family overseas to visit the page and spread the word requesting the Prime Minister and Home Minister to review and reform the Union Entry Blacklist.
Khangura stressed “We need to ensure that the Diaspora are not victims of spurious claims against them, resulting in their being banned from entering India without due cause. We have every reason to believe that some land grabs have taken place after getting people’s names added to the list via fraudulent means. Clearly this is not an acceptable scenario and does nothing to improve India’s relations with the Diaspora.”
A petition has been started online at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/nrientryblacklistreform/
and Khangura said he hopes people will add this to their Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites. He said “I hope that we can get a genuinely constructive review of this matter, by demonstrating how important it is to people.”
One of the main features that Khangura asks for is a proper disclosure to those on the blacklist for the reason they are there. He said “its essential that anyone on the blacklist or forbidden entry to India having been granted a visa, can find out why. They also need the right of appeal for that decision to bar their entry. I strongly believe that a proper appeals process is the right path for this, and in line with that of other nations.”
To view the online petition visit http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/nrientryblacklistreform/
To get more information on how to spread the word regarding the Union Entry Blacklist visit
]]>He added “It simply cannot be dismissed as internecine rivalry for its resolution is very much in the public interest. Manpreet Badal appears to have discharged with integrity and humility difficulties duties arising from untenable political compulsions and he has maintained the sole beacon of transparency in an otherwise murky Cabinet”.
Commenting on two very different personalities Khangura added “Whether it is the disparity in their perceived intellect or their public image, it is clear that the issue is not one of two equals. The cousins involved are inherently different creatures, with different abilities and USPs.”
He continued “Whether this issue blows over or not will depend to a large part on whether the Akali party has an alternative to Manpreet Badal as Finance Minister. Whilst the late Capt. Kanwaljit Singh could have substantially discharged these duties there is a dearth of current alternatives.”
Condemning the alliance partner Khangura stated that the BJP, having completely failed in acting as any check or balance on the ruling party, and having surrendered the post of Deputy Chief Minister without even a whimper of protest, is clearly in no position to stake claim.
A concerned Khangura stated “Which leaves us with the alarming possibility that our ever-ready Deputy Chief Minister may offer to take over the finance portfolio himself. Whilst Sukhbir Badal is an excellent resource mobiliser, sadly, this is usually without benefit to the State Treasury.”
Khangura added “The State’s interactions with the Centre require an incisive understanding of central policy and of state finances, a cool head, requisite humility when addressing central officers and ministers of substantial experience and, above all, the capacity to be rational. On these parameters Sukhbir Badal may be found short.”
The first time Qila Raipur Congress MLA stressed that this is not the time to be playing Russian Roulette with state finances.
Khangura pleaded that in the interests of Punjab Sardar Parkash Singh Badal needs to intervene decisively to resolve issues between the cousins, before closing “Failure to do so would simply render Punjab to further spiralling debt and bankruptcy.”
Jassi Khangura MLA
]]>Reacting to the first Independence Day speech of the Deputy Chief Minister, Khangura pointed out “these are the words of someone who presents speculation as policy, draft plans as completed projects and central schemes as his own”.
The MLA observed, “even today Sukhbir is so deluded by his elusive quest to make Punjab power surplus that he seems oblivious to the Planning Commission's refusal to sanction any new power projects in the eleventh plan. He simply refuses to accept the reality that the only projects likely to progress from concept to commissioning during the term of the government are the small hydel, solar and biomass initiatives."
He stressed that Sukhbir should stop misleading the people of Punjab and must declare that surplus power will not happen during the term of this government.
He said, Sukhbir promises a “transparent and corruption free and people friendly administration” without any sense of introspection as he has not managed to deliver on any of these promises. Sadly the defining image of this government remains that of the severely beaten and publicly stripped tehsildar Maj (retd) GS Benipal, whom Sukhbir has not visited so far.
Referring to the big, but hollow promises of Sukhbir about setting up four international airports in Punjab, Khangura said, the matter of the fact is that one new international airport is coming up at Chandigarh, which will itself adversely affect Amritsar International Airport and result in the likely stillbirth of the other proposed international airports.
The MLA said, while talking of ‘azadi’, Sukhbir fails to respect the rights of millions denied the aata-daal, tens of thousands falsely charged and imprisoned and the thousands of NRIs featuring incorrectly on the Proclaimed Offenders’ list. Sukhbir’s address was absolutely silent on the NRI issues something incredible as he happens to be the minister in charge, he remarked.
Referring to Sukhbir’s claims of getting an IIT and the Central University into Punjab, Khangura asked, “what is Sukhbir's contribution in setting up these institutions, which are all central government schemes?”
Khangura regretted that Sukhbir had nothing to say about hundreds and thousands of educated unemployed youth who are falling prey to various social evils like drug addiction. Nor did he mention anything about preventing the industry flight from the state, not to speak of measures that would encourage investments from outside.
]]>As part of the “JUSTICE OR NRIs” campaign, which was launched at “The Real NRI Conference” in Chandigarh on 26 December 2008, Jassi Khangura was welcomed by a huge gathering of NRIs at the Ararat Banquet Hall in Mission Hills, Los Angeles.
This campaign had already received a massive response with wide acclaim. The LA function was attended by 500+ NRIs and was addressed by:
Bhupinder Sidhu – Entrepreneur from Toronto
Lahori Ram – Economic Development Commissioner for the State of California
Dr A S Marwaha – he senior stateman for the Congress Party in the USA
Harry Sidhu – Councilman Anaheim, CA, USA
Gurmant Grewal – former MP, Newton North Delta, BC
Jassi was personally introduced to the gathering by Parlad Singh Grewal who hails from Narangwal village, which is in Qila Raipur Constituency and from where hailed Justice Gurnam Singh, former CM Punjab.
In his address Jassi included:
We cannot waste 3 years waiting for the next Punjab government to address NRI concerns. We must lobby now for change. The Justice for NRIs campaign is not for the short-term. It will continue until there is effective resolution of the issues in Punjab has hurt NRIs the most.
CM Punjab might have started his 4th term with sincere intentions towards NRIs, but his failure to honour the commitments to NRIs made at the Government samellan in Jalandhar last January and the failure of Sukbir Badal, Bikram Majitha and the CM himself to attend the Punjanb NRI Sabha function at Jalandhar, are all clear indications that neither he nor his government really care for NRIs today. Whilst the NRI invariably does not have a vote in Punjab, the local party does. Siding with the NRI will result in loss of local votes, something that Mr P S Badal dare not risk in a faltering government that is soon to face the wrath of the public in the forthcoming Parliamentary elections.
Jassi reinforced that he will not relent until Justice for NRIs is delivered.
Prominent in the gathering were Paul Sahota, Congress leader and businessman from Fresno, Atma Singh Grewal who hails from Qila Raipur village and Mukhtiar Kamboj, Chairman Sikh Gurdwara of Los Angeles.
The function was hosted by Gary Grewal, Rattan Joe, Jagdish Khangura and Mani Sidhu, all succesfl businessman from LA.
Jassi Khangura MLA, Los Angeles, 05 January 2008
]]>In a representation to the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Khangura pointed out that providing round the clock electricity to the people of three assembly segments which are going to the polls on August 3, while rest of Punjab remains shut down, is a special favour tantamount to electoral malpractice and a violation of the election code of conduct under the People’s Representation Act. Khangura maintained the ruling SAD was desperate to get Sukhbir Badal elected from Jallalabad by any means saying “Continuing a long family tradition of influencing the electorate, the CM Punjab now offers electricity for votes in the 3 constituencies where bye elections are taking place”.
The Qila Raipur MLA observed “reinforcing his determination to get his son elected, it is not surprising that long suffering electricity consumers, including farmers, residents and industrialists, are now being lavished with near uninterrupted supply to create a “feel good” factor.” He asserted that clearly the Chief Minister feels the usual large cash, liquor and poppy husk inducements are not sufficient to mask the failing policies of this deceitful government.
Khangura said, “whilst the rest of Punjab suffers under stifling conditions and more and more farmers resort to desperate measures, including suicides, this Government now feels that its obligations are merely restricted to the 3 constituencies and to hell with the other 114”. The Congress MLA observed “this warrants an investigation by the Election Commission to establish whether the electricity supply to these 3 constituencies is atypical. Once confirmed the EC should mandate that there should be no preference provided to these constituencies in the supply of electricity”. Khangura added “The PSEB should ensure that all 117 Assembly Constituencies of Punjab should be treated equally in the supply of electricity”.
]]>Khangura stated that the alliance government and Sukhbir Badal in particular had been remarkably inconsistent on the power issue.
At the 2007 assembly elections the Akali’s had promised surplus power within 3 years. On assuming power this timeline expanded to a surplus situation “within the term of this government”. Now, even Manpreet Badal, Finance Minister, observed in his recent Budget speech that Punjab will not be power surplus until end 2012 - by which time the current rulers will be long gone.
He also questioned the financial implications of attaining surplus power by stating “there is a direct correlation between the availability of power and the losses of the PSEB. In the absence of structural reforms to the power sector, this government needs to explain how these additional, massive losses will be funded.” Before adding that “Failure to provide a convincing explanation to date is confirmation that Sukhbir’s tall claims on power are no more than falsehoods designed to mislead the public.”
Khangura added “If this government does not have the resources to purchase requisite power today, where will it discover the funds to purchase power from the private sector power projects proposed to be set up in Punjab? How many of these projects will see the light of day?”
Underlying the need for a reality check, Khangura stressed “Sukhbir needs to appreciate the difference between hope and reality. Words alone do not deliver results.”
Khangura said that it is a typical trait of the Badals to shift the blame for all evils to the Centre, particularly when Congress governs there. “Let Mr Sukhbir Badal state what his government has done on the power front, except for writing a letter to the coal and power ministers, asking for more power and coal”.
He revealed that the Union Ministry of Coal had recently allocated coal blocks to Punjab, which, on account of its financial crisis, had to date not been able to find a single partner for extracting the coal.
Khangura also disclosed that the Union Ministry of Power had asked the government of Punjab to import five million tons of coal. PSEB was unable to do this due to lack of funds.
He finished by saying “Sukhbir Badal does not have the moral courage to admit that Punjab has no money to buy power from other states as his government has reduced the state to virtual bankruptcy.”
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