Khangura said “The Notice under which the ban was slapped on the Qila Raipur bullock cart races seems to have been misapplied. It is a piece of legislation designed to protect animals from being forced to perform, such as in circuses, and does not appear to apply to our bullocks or oxen in any way.” He continued “racing bullocks are clearly sports or competition animals, more akin to race-horses than a dancing bear and I invite Dr Kumar and senior officials from the Animal Welfare Board to witness races for themselves.”
Referring to the last-minute way in which the ban was notified to the Grewal Sports Association, Khangura said “It’s most disappointing that the Qila Raipur Games were singled out in this way. Bullock cart races took place in villages near Qila Raipur during the same week, the animals were to be seen in villages around the area, but no action was taken against any other races. If animal welfare is genuinely at the heart of this matter then any such ban should be applied across the State, not just one event.”
Since the purpose of the ban is cited as animal welfare, Khangura said “as Chairman of the Grewal Sports Association, I can say that as the leading organisers of rural sports in Punjab, we would be more than happy to work with the Animal Welfare Division and the Punjab Animal Husbandry Department to develop and adopt guidelines for registering racing bullocks, use of whips , slaps etc and feel a ban is totally unnecessary not to mention misapplied.”
Khangura went on to refer to the fact that only last year in Muktsar the Punjab Animal Husbandry Department had helped organise bullock cart races. They did so with a focus on animal welfare, checking the animals’ health, controlling the inducements to the animals to race etc. He said “this shows that the Animal Husbandry Department can be progressively minded and keen to allow our rural heritage to continue, as are myself and the Grewal Sports Association.”
On the subject of protecting animals from harm or abuse, Khangura said “I contend that these competition bullocks are some of the better kept bovines in Punjab, well cared for and nurtured. Sadly other animals are left in the streets grazing from garbage bins, or pulling seriously overloaded carts. Unfortunately, none of these seem to be protected so aggressively by legislation.”
Khangura ended by asking Dr Kumar, Director, Animal Welfare Division to conduct an investigation into the ban of the bullock cart racing at Qila Raipur and to provide a clarification as to the definition of a “performing animal” such as a dancing bear and a sports or competition animal, such as a racehorse, bullock or greyhound.
]]>The 76th Qila Raipur Rural Olympics are governed by an Organising Committee which plans each Games rigorously and includes Mr Gurshandeep Singh Grewal as President, Mr Jagjeet Singh Grewal as Vice President, Mr Paramjeet Singh Grewal as Secretary, Mr Gurmeet Singh Grewal as Joint Secretary and Mr Jasjit Singh as Treasurer. These individuals, along with others, invest their energies to ensure the success of the Games, year on year.
Jassi Khangura, Chairman of the Games Committee, said “This event is certainly one of the highlights of the Punjab year. It’s the premier rural event for all kinds of sports from hockey, kabaddi and sprinting to other rural specialities like tractor racing. Even compared to urban events, Qila Raipur Games are huge.”
Commenting on the absolute uniqueness of the Qila Raipur Games to Punjab, Khangura said “there is nowhere else in India you will find Games like these. The spirit is pure Punjabi. People come from villages all around, and the competition is very serious.” He added “this is a great local event to foster interest in sports. Some of the runners compete at National level but are thrilled to be able to compete on home turf in front of such an enthusiastic crowd”.
The Games are very well supported and thousands of people come to watch. They are one of the prime events in Punjab and even attract foreign visitors. Crowds of thousands cheer on the athletes and stay long into the evening to enjoy cultural programs, after the sports have finished.
Sukhvir Grewal, long term Chief Organiser of the Games and hockey Olympian said “each year there is more and more interest in the Games. It’s been amazing to see them grow over the years. We have a lot of interest from sponsors now also, who have realised the value of the Games for positioning their brands to a mass rural audience.” He also said “the standard of the competition has increased over the years also. But the best part is that the spirit of the Games is always the same, and it’s pure Punjabi!”
Other key individuals without whom the Games would not be what they are, are S. Jagpal S.Khangura, Mr. Jaspal S. Grewal, Mr. Paramjeet S. Tyre, Mr. Khushwant S. Jassi, Mr. Hoshiar Singh, Mr. Chamkaur Singh, Mr. Harjit S. Mangat, Mr. Ranjit S. Mangat - Executive Member, Mr. Avtar S. Grewal - Executive Member, Mr. Harvinder Singh, Mr. Balwinder S. Jagga, Mr. Paramjeet S. Grewal, Mr. Jaswant S. Grewal, Mr. Gurmeet S. Grewal, Mr. Avtar S. Grewal, Mr. Jagbir S. Grewal, Mr. Hardam S. Grewal and Mr. Dalvir S. Grewal.
]]>Khangura has long been working in the Dakha area, and even has an office in Mullanpur Dakha since some of the villages of his existing Qila Raipur constituency fall in Halqa Dakha after delimitation. He said “I’m very well prepared and extremely well supported for this campaign. Congress will win across Punjab and thump the SAD into submission at the ballot. With the support I have from my team and thousands of campaigners in the villages, we will do the same in Halqa Dakha.”
Referring to the perhaps unique level of support he receives from NRIs, Khangura stated “NRIs are key influencers in Punjab. They are important to Punjab. They are critical to the future of Punjab and no-one should discount them. I am known for my support of NRIs and at times like this, their support of me is shown in return, for which I am immensely grateful.”
Khangura, said “my work has been clearly demonstrated across Qila Raipur. I have created jobs, been available to my constituents through public days and village meetings. Not just at poll times but throughout my term. They know me. I know them. This depth and commitment will win Halqa Dakha for Congress. “
Khangura closed by saying “I’m very much looking forward to this campaign. It will be a short one and, whilst the earlier than expected election may have thrown some people off course, I’m delighted about it.” He said “I’ve asked all my supporters to keep an eye on my website and Facebook in the coming days and weeks for all the latest information and ways to help. The mood is nothing short of excited expectation of immense change and a routing for the SAD.”
]]>Khangura, always a leader in communicating with his constituents and supporters, has again taken the initiative with this step. He said “I have been training my team for some time, and we have spent a while testing this to ensure we are providing something useful. We are. The focus of this exercise is to allow people to communicate at their convenience, not ours. And the response is excellent!”
Khangura said “my core office operations have been providing extended coverage for some time, with my key staff on shifts to ensure maximum accessibility and coverage. This has now been extended to provide this 24 hour call centre.” He added “this facility enables better communication paths with many of my supporters. People here in my constituency are no longer restricted by 9-6 office hours and can call at their convenience. And overseas in the NRI community, especially in North America, it will be much more convenient.”
NRI’s can contact the call centre on +91 161 2771999 or they can request a call back by sending an email to jk@jassikhangura.com stating their name, phone number and location.
Renowned for being one of the better connected MLAs in the country, let alone Punjab, Khangura already has over 22,000 “likes” on his Facebook page which is a record for any single Assembly Constituency politician in India. He also set the standard with his website which he first launched in 2003 and then re-vamped in 2011 to reflect the impact of delimitation on his constituency.
]]>Khangura Welcomes Model Code of Conduct – says Signals Unshackling of Aam Admi
As the Election Commission announced the schedule for our Vidhan Sabha elections, Qila Raipur MLA Jassi Khangura said “I’m relieved. Now the Model Code of Conduct is in place, it will bring relief for us all from intimidation and incessant SAD propaganda.” He continued saying “I more than welcome the fact that the Chief Election Commissioner has obviously been paying a lot of attention to Punjab, and that he is taking stronger measures than in previous years to ensure these elections are free and fair.”
Khangura, known for his determination to bring positive change to Punjab, especially in the rural communities, said “in my current Constituency, Qila Raipur, I know for a fact that many people dare not bring their complaints and problems to me because they are scared of the local Akali goondas”. He continued “I have pledged to the people of Qila Raipur and Dakha that now the Code is in place, they can approach my office with their problems without fear as the Code will protect them.”
Referring to the constituency resource that is his website, www.jassikhangura.com, Khangura said “I have put a button on the home page of my site explaining to people about the Code of Conduct. It explains what the obligations are of candidates and parties under that Code. Even people beyond my constituency may find this useful.” Taking it one step further, Khangura said “I have also put a list of contacts on my site and details of how to file a complaint about violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Obviously, people from Dakha or Qila Raipur are also free to call my office with their concerns.”
Saying that the Code of Conduct was an “unshackling” of the population, Khangura said “I will be doing my utmost to ensure that people in my area feel they are able to cast their vote as they wish during these elections. The almost endless grand claims of the Badals in recent months has not drowned out the cries of the people who have their daily issues left unresolved by this neglectful SAD Government.”
]]>New Delhi-110001
16 December 2011
Dear Dr Quarishi
Election Commission Must Treat PTC Broadcasts Overseas as Election Expenditure
I wish to bring to your attention that it has recently been proven that Sukhbir Singh Badal and his wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, are the owners of PTC TV station and its associated channels which are owned via Orbit Resorts Pvt Ltd and its subsidiary Gurbaz Media Pvt Ltd. PTC has significantly benefitted from Punjab Government funds, as admitted by Sukhbir Badal, to the tune of around Rs70 lakhs. However, the actual figure is likely to be significantly higher if other departments and agencies are included.
Under the Election Commission rules on party expenditure during elections I hope that the Badal’s personal ownership of this TV station will be taken into account and that the use of this channel for spreading SAD propaganda will be curtailed. The continual broadcast of advertising for the SAD and the Badal leadership must be stopped or added to SAD election expenditure in this campaign. Additionally, general SAD propaganda programming masquerading as factual must also be taken into account as advertising and noted against election expenditure accordingly.
This channel broadcasts in India and to the Punjabi Diaspora worldwide including in, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. PTC has, for many of the almost 5 million Punjabis overseas, become a significant channel for its Punjabi language content. Unfortunately much of the programming of PTC is propaganda for the SAD and, especially, the leadership of S. Prakash Singh Badal and Sukhbir Badal.
I request that costs of use of this channel for SAD promotional programming and advertising, including overseas, be apportioned to the SAD and its candidates during the upcoming campaign. In the event that this is done judiciously many, if not all, SAD candidates would effectively be disqualified.
Yours sincerely
Jassi Khangura MLAHalqa Qila Raipur
]]>Khangura wrote “Shocked and disgusted as I am by the thuggish behaviour of Daula Sarpanch Balwinder Singh, I am even more so by the deafening silence from you following the incident at your rally.”
Referring to the fact that Harsimrat Kaur Badal is a self-styled advocate of women’s rights, Khangura said “This is pure hypocrisy. You claim to stand for women’s rights therefore your voice should have been the first to cry foul here. This was no distant incident with unclear facts. It happened at your own event.”
Due of the absence of an official statement from Mrs Badal, the MLA asked “Why are you unable to stand up for what is right? The respect and support you would have gained as a human being, as a woman, and as a leader would have far outweighed the disgruntlement of the Sarpanch involved.”
Khangura ended his letter saying “Alleging that it happened when you were not personally at the venue is no excuse. The function being in your name is even more reason to have condemned the incident in the strongest terms immediately. I cannot understand why you would not do so, and have not done so, and find it entirely unpardonable.”
]]>New Delhi-110001
13 December 2011
Dear Dr Quarishi
Concerns Regarding Assembly Elections in Punjab
I hope to stand for the new Dakha constituency in the 2012 Punjab Assembly Elections. However, in regard elections in Punjab I like to draw your attention to the following three main issues and seek investigation and assistance from the Election Commission in this regard:
1. Security provided to goondas belonging to ruling SAD party
Large number of security personnel are provided both officially and unofficially to Akali (SAD) supporters. Many of these individuals have highly suspicious backgrounds and the reasons for provision of security details are spurious. Kindly arrange for all unauthorised security personnel to be withdrawn immediately and cancel all permission for security cover granted within the last 90 days to those that have no legal provision.
2. Weapons licences
There has been a surge in the grant of arms licences in 2011, in addition to the number of illegal unregistered weapons held. This Government has granted excessive numbers of fresh licences to SAD supporters, again from highly dubious and suspicious backgrounds. Kindly arrange for all licences issued in 2011 to be suspended until formation of the next Government in 2012.
3. Deletion of pages from voters lists at polling booths
I have encountered this matter in the past and would not wish for it to happen again. Historically in Punjab, every outgoing SAD administration has ensured that full pages are deleted from the electoral rolls relating to areas where the majority are Congress supporters. Having previously checked names are on a list, the voters discover on polling day they are no longer listed, the whole page they were on having been removed. The presiding officer then admits the error and apologises saying there is nothing that can be done. The Election Commission needs to take immediate steps to counter this long-established Akali malpractice. A recently issued voter ID card should be accepted irrespective of whether the voters name appears on the voters list or not.
In light of the above and the general state of tension in Punjab currently, I would plead with you for an early imposition of the Model Code of Conduct in the State. There is currently no effective governance in Punjab, simply the rule of criminals. There is an overriding climate of fear and intimidation and Model Code of Conduct would bring genuine relief to many citizens.
Kind regards,
Jassi Khangura MLAHalqa Qila Raipur
]]>Giani Gurbachan Singh ji,
Jathedar, Akal Takht
Teja Singh Samundri Hall
Golden Temple Complex
Amritsar
Dear Sir,
Award 'Panth Ratan Fakhar-e-qaum’ to Dr Manmohan Singh Ji and not to S. Prakash Singh Badal
I write to express deep regret at the decision of the SGPC to award the current Chief Minister of Punjab, S. Prakash Singh Badal, with “Panth Ratan Fakhar-e-quam”. To many Sikhs worldwide this is an extremely upsetting decision, for if anyone has damaged Sikhism in recent years, it has been Chief Minister Badal, to many one of the biggest traitors of the Sikh race.
Not only has S. Prakash Singh Badal controlled the SGPC for far longer than any other Sikh, but he has undermined it in the process. It is no longer the independent body that it should be. Its functioning is now inferior, and it is sadly far from transparent. Under S. Prakash Singh Badal the SGPC has become an extension of his political party and does not even have an independent audit of its financial affairs.
No Sikh family has benefitted financially more from Punjab politics than the Badal family. When Punjab was burning they despatched Sukhbir Badal to the pleasures and safety of California. S. Prakash Singh Badal has always put his family first; the Sikh religion and the interests of Punjab are not his priorities.
Badal Sahib’s quest for power directly resulted in the deaths of thousands of Sikh youth in the 1980s and 1990s. Had he acted in the interests of Punjab he could have had a more constructive role in returning Punjab to peace.
Many around the world would consider S. Prakash Singh Badal to be the most corrupt Sikh there has ever been. If the SGPC still decides to confer this award on the Chief Minister even after a public outcry, I would make one suggestion. I would ask that S. Prakash Singh Badal visit the Akal Takhs and swear he has never made money from corruption. I would ask that he explain how his family have accrued their wealth over the years, if not from corruption. I would ask why he sent his son overseas when Punjab was burning. Why he is afraid of Sikhs overseas?
Sadly, S. Prakash Singh Badal has been of service only to his family. He has sacrificed Punjab and Sikhism for his personal achievements. In light of this I strongly request the SGPC to review the decision to award this honour to S. Prakash Singh Badal.
There are far better Sikhs than Badal Sahib, who genuinely deserve such an award. Foremost among these is Dr Manmohan Singh. I trust you will give serious consideration to this suggestion.
Yours faithfully
Jassi Khangura, MLA
Halqa Qila Raipur
Citing the 1 hour per week window of opportunity for problem redressal, Khangura said “the Punjab Government is living in a dream world. Do the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister really think that 1 hour a week can be sufficient when there are thousands of complaints out there? This is tokenism. A complete joke. I feel sorry for the Police team tasked with actioning this.”
Khangura also said that bearing in mind the 4pm-5pm timing on one day a week this service would be of very limited use to NRIs almost anywhere apart from the UK as they would be asleep due to their time zones. He said “any scheme will only work if it’s accessible and useable otherwise it’s eyewash. Sadly this is the latter. It could only work through an effective appointment system where the NRI knows in advance the time of the call and to whom he or she will be speaking.”
Questioning how to actually utilise this service, Khangura asked “how does an NRI actually use it? For all the media coverage of this announcement, it’s almost impossible to find out just how one is to actually use the facility.” He added that he had visited the site and see what was being offered and commended the simplicity of the idea, which turned out to be an email based live chat rather than video conferencing, whilst questioning the chance of it being a success.
Khangura said that reportedly 715 complaints has been received by the NRI cell during its lifetime, and that “most” are re land grabs and marital disputes. He therefore raised the question “according to given figures 379 of 715 cases fall into these two categories... what are the other issues and how many of these cases have been successfully resolved to date?” He continued “any system is only as good as it’s follow up. Adding more complaints to the list, without properly investigating and bringing them to closure is futile and will not assist NRIs in any way. I would hope for much more from the Punjab Government in this arena, but know better than to expect it.”
]]>