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Verse of Valour, Voice of Change: Haryana Home Secretary Sumita Misra

May 30, 2025, 6:16 pm

Haryana’s Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Dr Sumita Misra unveils her visionary blueprint for transforming governance and bolstering law and order. Renowned for her innovative leadership, she has spearheaded groundbreaking technological advancements, including AI-powered Dial 112 and widespread CCTV surveillance, redefining public safety and modernization. Tackling entrenched social issues like skewed sex ratios and child marriages, she champions holistic empowerment through education, stringent legal enforcement, and gender sensitization initiatives. Her trailblazing tenure in agriculture introduced bold reforms to curb stubble burning and advance sustainable farming practices. In an exclusive conversation with The Daily Guardian, the senior IAS officer, poet, and devoted mother and the frontrunner for the post of Haryana Chief Secretary, spoke over a length of issues including multifaceted strategies to combat drugs, cybercrime, and crimes against women. The excerpts

“As the Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, of Haryana, how do you perceive this significant responsibility, and what are your key priorities to enhance law and order across the state?”

This role sits at the very heart of citizen-centric governance; without robust law and order, no other facet of development—social, economic, or institutional—can truly thrive. My key priorities are multi-faceted. Ensuring robust law and order is central to citizen-focused governance, and I am fully committed to this responsibility. Haryana’s police force is being modernized with AI-powered Dial 112 systems, enhanced jail security with 1,105 CCTV cameras, jammers, body cameras, and sniffer dogs. Civil Defence has been strengthened for quick emergency response, including livestock evacuation in disaster drills. Advanced forensics, cybercrime units, and predictive analytics are being introduced alongside better police training and equipment. Community policing is a priority to build trust and transparency. Specialized units target cybercrime, drug trafficking, and organized crime with zero tolerance, especially against drugs. Crimes against women and children receive top focus, with Fast Track Special Courts in Faridabad, Gurugram, and Panchkula under the POCSO Act. Haryana leads in implementing new victim-centric laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA) with statewide training. Plans for a National Forensic Sciences University campus and integrated digital systems further enhance safety, ensuring women feel protected and justice is swift.

“Given Haryana’s comprehensive strategy to combat the drug menace, particularly in border areas adjoining Punjab, what concrete steps are being taken to make these districts drug-free?”

To combat the drug menace, especially in border districts, the Haryana government under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has launched a multi-pronged strategy combining enforcement, rehabilitation, and public engagement. A key initiative was the Drug-Free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0, flagged off in Sirsa and covering all 90 constituencies between April 5–27, 2025. The event saw participation from over 4.5 lakh cyclists and drew 7.2 lakh citizens in support of the anti-drug campaign. Haryana has registered 143 NDPS cases (Jan–Apr 2025), arresting 332 accused, including 145 inter-state smugglers, and seizing large quantities of narcotics. 143 cases of illegal drug-linked assets have been referred to the Enforcement Directorate, and eight Fast Track NDPS Courts have been set up in districts like Ambala, Sirsa, and Hisar. Rehabilitation efforts include 45 planned de-addiction centres, a 15-acre holistic rehab campus in Sirsa, and expanded training for medical officers. The MANAS helpline (1933) is now active statewide. Digital monitoring through systems like NCORD and NIDAAN, and community engagement via Prahari Clubs and viral campaigns like #NashaMuktJeevan and “Namak Lota Abhiyan”, are reinforcing awareness and grassroots participation. The government’s comprehensive approach combines inter-state coordination, law enforcement, health services, and public mobilisation, positioning Haryana as a model in the national fight against drugs.

Haryana has historically faced criticism over issues like skewed sex ratio, child marriages, and extra-judicial diktats against inter-caste and inter-faith marriages. How do you view these challenges, and what steps are being taken to promote genuine empowerment of women in the state?”

Haryana’s past struggles with issues like the skewed sex ratio, child marriages, and social diktats are undeniable, and they represent deeply entrenched societal challenges. I view these are not merely law and order concerns—they are deep-rooted societal challenges that obstruct citizen-centric development and genuine human progress. I view them as critical barriers to women’s empowerment, which demand a holistic, systemic response grounded in equity with efficiency. Our approach must be multi-pronged, addressing both the symptoms and the root causes.

Regarding the sex ratio, progress is being made, due to concerted efforts like the ‘BetiBachao, BetiPadhao’ campaign. Our focus is on stringent enforcement against illegal practices coupled with sustained awareness campaigns celebrating the girl child.

To combat child marriages and social diktats, we are strengthening legal frameworks and ensuring their rigorous implementation. However, true change comes through education and economic empowerment. We are investing in girls’ education, providing skill development opportunities for young women, and encouraging their participation in the workforce. When women are economically independent and educated, they gain agency and can make their own choices.

Furthermore, we are actively promoting gender sensitization at all levels – from schools to community leaders and even within the police force. Challenging regressive norms requires open dialogue and demonstrating positive role models. Our aim is to foster an environment where women feel safe, valued, and empowered to make their own life choices, ensuring they have access to justice and support systems when needed.

“During your tenure in the Agriculture Department, you introduced pioneering initiatives such as Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR), ‘MeraPani Meri Virasat’, and cash incentives to curb stubble burning. What inspired these reforms, and how do you see their long-term impact on sustainable agriculture in Haryana?”

During my tenure in the Agriculture Department, our focus was on sustainable, citizen-centric reforms to safeguard Haryana’s agrarian economy. Faced with depleting groundwater, stubble burning, and environmental challenges, we launched transformative initiatives like ‘Mera Pani Meri Virasat’, Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR), and cash incentives to curb stubble burning. The ‘Mera Pani Meri Virasat’ scheme encouraged farmers to shift from water-intensive paddy to less water-consuming crops. Haryana became the first state to incentivize DSR, offering Rs 4,000 per acre, which helped save up to 25% water. Stubble burning, a major pollution source, was tackled with cash incentives for sustainable management. The Supreme Court lauded Haryana’s model, which reduced fire incidents by over 80%, from 6,829 in 2021 to 1,315 in 2024. The Union Agriculture Ministry also recognized our efforts. In horticulture, we promoted modern techniques like vertical farming, polyhouses, and net houses. Landmark schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana and Haryana Beekeeping Policy (2021-22) strengthened farmer incomes and sector resilience. These reforms reflect a shift toward resource efficiency, ecological balance, and farmer prosperity. By conserving water, improving air quality, and supporting innovation, we laid the foundation for a more resilient and future-ready agriculture sector.

“Haryana’s crèche policy—the first of its kind in India—was implemented under your leadership. What were the major challenges during its rollout, and how do you envision the future of such women-centric initiatives in the state?”

Haryana’s crèche policy, the first of its kind in India, aimed to help women balance professional and caregiving responsibilities—critical for inclusive growth. Key challenges included logistics, infrastructure, training caregivers, and changing mindsets to build trust among parents. Ensuring financial sustainability and scaling the initiative for wide coverage also required strategic planning. Despite these hurdles, the policy’s success reflects Haryana’s commitment to gender-responsive governance. The vision ahead includes expanding such women-centric initiatives, promoting flexible work options, enhancing skill development, and ensuring safety and dignity for women—empowering them to thrive without compromising family responsibilities.

“You are not only an accomplished IAS officer but also a poet and a mother. How do you manage to balance your creative passions with the demanding nature of high-level administrative responsibilities?”

It’s a question I get asked often, and honestly, it’s about finding those pockets of time and fiercely protecting them. My administrative responsibilities are, of course, paramount and demand my full attention and energy during the working hours. But I’ve found that creativity isn’t something you can just switch on and off; it’s a part of who I am. For me, poetry is a form of introspection, a way to process the world around me, and often, an escape. I write—both in English and Hindi. I’ve published five books of poetry, and writing has been a tremendous source of renewal, recharging, and emotional grounding amid the demands of work. I’ve learned to optimize my mornings, sometimes even getting up before dawn, or finding moments in the late evening, as I’ve penned in ‘Womanhood,’ where I find ‘an oasis of beauty in my frenetic day.’ Being a mother also teaches you incredible time management and prioritization. It’s about being present in each role when you’re in it, and understanding that each facet of your life enriches the others. My poetry gives me a certain equanimity that helps me navigate the pressures of administration, and conversely, my experiences in governance often provide rich material for my writing.” Achieving balance is something you have to consciously work towards. A work-life balance doesn’t just happen on its own; in fact, some days feel like even 24 hours aren’t enough.

“You’ve successfully led over 60 postings since 1991 and contributed to landmark initiatives. Among all these achievements, which one stands out as most meaningful to you–and why?”

That’s a very difficult question, as each posting, each initiative, has offered unique challenges and immense learning. However, if I had to choose two that resonate deeply, it would be my work in renewable energy, particularly during my tenure as Director of Renewable Energy in Haryana. We received three National Awards from the President of India for our work in 2007, and then three consecutive National Awards for Energy Conservation. This stands out because it felt like we were truly building something for the future – something sustainable and impactful on a grand scale, addressing both environmental concerns and energy security. The tangible results, the recognition from the President, and the sense of contributing to a greener future for Haryana were incredibly rewarding. It wasn’t just about policy; it was about bringing about a fundamental shift in how we power our lives, and seeing that vision come to fruition was immensely gratifying. We were awarded with ‘State Level Flagship Award” on “Atal Bihari Vajpayee SushasanDiwas” by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Haryana for excellent performance in implementing the flagship Scheme “Meri FasalMeraByora” implemented by Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Department. We were awarded with ‘Agriculture Leadership Award-2021’ conferred to Horticulture in the year 2021-22 presented by Narender Singh Tomar. Union Agriculture Minister, Golorganised by India Today Media Group. Another ‘Best Horticulture State Award’ was awarded to Horticulture Department on dated November 12, 2021 presented by Union Minister of State for Food Processing Prahlad Singh Patel,

“With academic credentials from Harvard, Cambridge, and IIMs, along with a PhD in Economics, how have your educational experiences shaped your approach to policy making and governance in Haryana?”

“My diverse educational background has been foundational to my approach in public service. My PhD in Economics from Kurukshetra University provided me with a rigorous analytical framework – the ability to dissect complex problems, understand causal relationships, and evaluate the economic implications of policy decisions. This is crucial for developing sound, evidence-based policies, whether it’s in agriculture, transport, or social welfare.

Then, the exposure to institutions like Harvard’s Kennedy School, Cambridge, and IIM Ahmedabad was impactful. These programs weren’t just about theories; they were about global best practices in public policy, leadership, and management. They taught me about effective governance models, stakeholder engagement, and the critical importance of implementation. For instance, my role as Senior Advisor in the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, where I advised on subjects like ‘Circular Economy’ and ‘Blue Economy,’ directly leveraged my economics expertise and global policy understanding.

Collectively, these experiences have instilled in me a pragmatic, data-driven, yet human-centered approach to policymaking. They’ve taught me to look beyond immediate solutions, consider long-term impacts, and always strive for innovative yet sustainable solutions that truly benefit the citizens of Haryana.”

What advice would you give young women who aspire to take on leadership roles in public service today?”

My advice to young women aspiring to leadership roles in public service is threefold, build unshakeable self-confidence. Know your worth, trust your voice—even in male-dominated spaces. Leadership demands inner conviction and the courage to make tough decisions with a calculated, strategic mindset, embrace lifelong learning. Go beyond exams—stay informed, refine your skills in communication and planning, and focus on citizen-centric governance. For IAS aspirants, disciplined study is essential, but impactful leadership requires pragmatic thinking and a deep understanding of people’s needs. Build a strong support system. Seek mentors, collaborate with peers, and empower your team to innovate and lead from the grassroots.

You are widely seen as a leading contender for the post of Chief Secretary after the retirement of Anurag Rastogi next month. How do you feel about the possibility of Haryana appointing another woman to its top bureaucratic post next month?”

Haryana has a distinguished record of appointing women to the Chief Secretary position, the highest bureaucratic role in the state administration. However, it will be completely upto the wisdom of the Haryana Government. As rightly said in the Government we are bound to follow orders of the competent authority.

All eyes on Haryana Cabinet meet today

May 5, 2025, 1:33 am

The escalating water-sharing dispute between the neigh- bouring states of Punjab and Haryana has reached a criti- cal juncture, with Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government boycotting a pivotal Bhakra Beas Manage- ment Board (BBMB) meeting leaving Haryana to explore other alternatives. Punjab government’s move to reduce Haryana’s water supply to only 4000 cusecs against the required 9500 cusecs has left Haryana’s vil- lages parched and prompted the state to plan aggressive legal and political measures. Haryana, grappling with severe drinking water short- ages in districts like Hisar, Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Ma- hendragarh, had pinned hopes on the BBMB meeting to resolve the conflict. Pun- jab’s no-show, however, has infuriated Haryana’s leadership, with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini labelling the move “irresponsible and unconstitutional.” The chief minister Nayab Saini will head a special Cabinet meeting on Monday to explore options, including approaching the Supreme Court or seeking central government intervention. Officials in Haryana are now reviewing their legal and constitutional options. It is learnt that the state will approach the Supreme Court on Monday to claim its legitimate share in the Bhakra waters. The ongoing dispute has now become a serious concern for the people, especially in rural areas where tube wells are drying up and water tanker rates have tripled. The leaders of all political parties in Haryana have unitedly slammed the Punjab government’s decision and extended support to the chief minister Nayab Saini to strongly claim Haryana’s share in Bhakra water. Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala has accused the Centre, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini of mishandling the escalating water-sharing dispute, which has left Haryana grappling with a severe water crisis. The Bhakra Beas Management Board completely comes under the Power Ministry of the Centre, but it is doing nothing to resolve this issue, he said questioning Haryana government’s decision to go to the Supreme Court. “The court takes many months or even years to give a decision. Do you want to make Haryana’s water problem even worse?”, he added. Interestingly, Haryana Aam Aadmi Party President Sushil Gupta has accused BJP and Congress for the water dispute between Haryana and Punjab saying that the dispute has been related to water between the two states for the past 50 years; however, neither the BJP nor Congress has solved the issue. On Saturday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had called an allparty meeting in over the water sharing dispute with the politicians from all the parties related to Haryana, including former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Sushil Gupta, Dushyant Chautala, Ministers Shyam Singh Rana and Shruti Choudhary attended the meeting which passed a resolution urging the Punjab government to implement the decision taken by the Bhakra Beas Management Board to release Haryana’s share of water.

Haryana plunges into drinking water crisis as row deepens

May 5, 2025, 1:28 am

A deepening water dispute between Punjab and Hary- ana has turned into a severe drinking water crisis across several districts in Hary- ana. The issue began after the Punjab government drastically reduced Hary- ana’s share of Bhakra canal water—from 9,500 cusecs to just 4,000 cusecs—trig- gering panic in cities and villages alike. The internal reports sug- gest that the districts like Hisar, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Rohtak, and Mahendragarh are the worst-hit. With tap and canal water drying up, residents have turned to private water tankers, some paying up to three times the normal rates. In rural areas, hand pumps and tubewells are being used, but the situation remains difficult, especially in isolated farm settlements (dhanis), where tankers are the only option. In Rohtak, according to the Irrigation Department, 1,500 cusecs of water is being supplied through the JLN canal. Despite this, the water level in the tanks hasn’t increased significant- ly, and only 3 to 4 feet of wa- ter is available. As a result, water is being supplied to households only once a day. Twenty-two teams are inspecting water availabil- ity and quality on a priority basis. Whereas in Rewari several water tanks not get- ting full supply. The reports suggest that water arrived in the canals after six days, but overhead tanks at water stations could not be filled. Around 30% of water tanks, mostly located in tail-end areas, are not receiving full water supply. The district has not received water for irrigation either, which has severely affected the sowing of moong and cotton crops. In Hisar district water be- ing supplied to water tanks via pump sets from canals. In the district, leftover water from canals is being diverted from agricultural use and pumped into water tanks using pump sets. Water has been diverted into the Balsamand minor canal, and eight tractormounted pump sets have been deployed to fill the tanks. Four pump sets are being used for the water tank in the Kamri area, and another four are being used to fill the HSVP tank located on Tosham Road. Whereas, the canals in Charkhi Dadri were receiving only 205 cusecs against the requirement of nearly 1000 cusecs. The reports suggest that water is being supplied in the city every alternate day. Meanwhile, all the political parties in the state have slammed the Punjab government for curtailing the water supply causing a severe water crises in southern districts of the state. Officials from Haryana’s Public Health and Irrigation departments say emergency measures are underway. Water is being pumped into empty tanks from tubewells and ponds using additional motors. In Fatehabad and Sirsa, engineers confirmed some improvement as water levels in minor canals slightly increased on Friday evening. But irrigation for crops remains halted until at least May 21. The Bhakra Canal, which begins at the Gobind Sagar reservoir of the Bhakra Dam in Himachal and flows through Punjab into Haryana, is a vital water lifeline for the state. Nearly 14.27 lakh hectares of farmland in Haryana depend on this system. Bhakra’s water also supports drinking and irrigation needs in parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Delhi. However, groundwater overuse and the expansion of paddy cultivation in both states have pushed the water system to its limits. In Punjab, the area under paddy has risen fourteen times since 1960. Similarly, Haryana has seen a 30-fold increase in tubewell installations since 1966, with most districts now relying heavily on groundwater as canal water shrinks. Water experts and senior officials are calling for urgent policy corrections and cooperation between both states. “It’s time political differences take a backseat. Curtailing the water supply is setting a wrong precedent. People must come first,” said a senior water resources expert.

One Mandap, Six Weddings: Siblings Save Lakhs with One Grand Family Affair

April 21, 2025, 5:47 pm

In a nation where weddings tend to be lavish events, one farming community in Haryana’s Hisar district took a different approach. In Gawar village, brothers Rajesh and Amar Singh Punia set tongues wagging by staging a double wedding for all six of their children over two days, showing that tradition need not necessarily be expensive.

The festivities commenced on April 18 with the two sons of the family marrying each other. Their four daughters followed suit with their marriages the next day in similar jubilant ceremonies. The event drew fast attention both from the people locally and online social media followers, who hailed the family for mixing merriment with sense of finance.

“We grew up together, our children grew up together, and now they’ve entered married life together,” said Rajesh Punia, describing the reasoning behind the joint celebration. “It was sensible to celebrate this milestone as one family, with one grand celebration.

One invitation card was printed for each of the six weddings, and the whole affair was organized at a single location. Several mandaps were arranged side by side, and this joint arrangement allowed the family to save on big expenses such as catering, logistics, and decoration.

If we were to have organized each wedding independently, the cost would have been much more,” Amar Singh Punia said. He added that it would have been expensive and difficult to stage six individual weddings. The family estimates that by staging the two weddings together, they saved multiple lakhs of rupees.

Other than saving money, the joint wedding also ensured better time management for the guests. In the current busy life, attending more than one wedding can be challenging. “This agreement enabled friends and family to attend all of the ceremonies without having to take time off work,” a relative said.

The ceremony was attended by several hundred guests, a number of whom were genuinely shocked by the Punia family’s choice. “It was a wedding, a festival, and a message all at once,” commented a guest. “They’ve proved that tradition doesn’t have to be extravagant.”

Photographs and footage of the wedding were circulated online, where they were greeted with respect by the public, who viewed the wedding as a welcome break from the often-materialistic wedding culture prevalent today.

YouTuber Kills Husband With Lover In Hisar: Dumps Body In Drain

April 16, 2025, 9:39 am

In a shocking case from Haryana’s Hisar district, a woman and her lover allegedly strangled her husband after he caught them in an intimate situation. The accused, 32-year-old Raveena, had been creating social media content with Suresh, a man she met on Instagram, for over a year-and-a-half.

Despite objections from her husband Praveen and his family, Raveena continued posting short videos and dance reels with Suresh. Her Instagram account had garnered more than 34,000 followers, and her YouTube content also featured other artists. “She was obsessed with making videos,” revealed a source close to the family. Frequent quarrels erupted between the couple over her social media activities.

The situation escalated on March 25 when Praveen, 35, found Raveena and Suresh in an objectionable position, which led to a heated confrontation. According to the police, the couple then strangled Praveen with a dupatta. Raveena allegedly misled family members when they asked about Praveen’s whereabouts, pretending she had no idea.

Around 2:30 AM that night, the duo transported Praveen’s body on a bike and dumped it in a drain along Dinnod Road, nearly six kilometres from Raveena’s residence. His decomposed body was discovered by Sadar police on March 28.

The couple’s six-year-old son, Mukul, has now been placed under the care of his grandfather Subhash and uncle Sandeep.

An investigation is underway, and both Raveena and Suresh have been arrested.

Dunki route: Haryana plans crackdown on illegal immigration industry

March 13, 2025, 10:45 pm

The illegal immigration industry in Haryana flourished over the years as travel agents have cheated hundreds of youths from the state promising them to settle abroad illegally by adopting the infamous Dunki route. As per the available information in the past five years the state police have registered a total 2008 cases of illegal immigration and arrested 1917 people involved in illegal immigration and recovered over Rs 26.08 crore.

Haryana government was facing criticism over illegal immigration as 111 youths from Haryana were among total 332 illegal immigrants were deported from the United State in three flights last month. As per the reports from the Haryana police state was emerging as a hub of the travel and immigration agents with Kurukshetra, Karnal, Ambala and Yamunanagar and Kaithal have thousands of offices of travel agents.
These agents having links with Dunkers allegedly misleading desperate youths of the state who pay hefty amount to these agents for unsafe migration routes.

However, the police investigations based on the statements of the deported individuals have revealed that the agents have adopted a common pattern as the migrants initially travel legally to destinations such as Dubai, Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Thailand on work, tourist, or student visas. After crossing these countries these immigrants take risky and illegal journeys using the Dunki Route to enter their destinations in USA and Canada. There are also reports that the agents had sent youths to war hit Russia and Ukraine. As per the information most of the Indian migrants are lured by fake travel agents who promise high-paying jobs abroad in exchange for hefty fees, ranging from Rs 40 lakh to Rs 1.25 crore. Following the criticism now Haryana Haryana government has launched a crackdown on travel agents involved in illegal immigration. According to the parliamentary affairs Minister Mahipal Dhanda assured the state assembly during the ongoing budget session that strict action would be taken against agents found guilty of illegal immigration activities. He said that the government has prepared the Haryana Travel Agents Registration and Regulation Bill, 2025, which aims to curb fraudulent practices and bring transparency to the travel industry.

The minister has acknowledged that migration has been driven by aspirations for better economic opportunities, safety, and improved living standards. However the government has assured that the stringent immigration laws and limited legal options are being adopted to prevent the youths from taking unsafe and illegal routes to chase their dreams of handsome earnings by doing labour works.
The Haryana governemnt hade earlier also taken some stringent measures to deal with the illegal immigration as in May 2020, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under the Inspector General of Police, Karnal Range, to dismantle networks of illegal agents. This was followed by the formation of another SIT in April 2023 under the Inspector General of Police, Ambala Range, with the inclusion of police superintendents from Ambala and Kaithal. The SIT has actively cracked down on fraudulent immigration activities, conducted raids, sealed offices of deceptive agents, and arrested offenders based on victim testimonies.

Investigative authorities are tracking financial transactions, travel records, and digital communications of suspected agents. District-level DSPs have been designated as nodal officers to monitor and oversee cases related to illegal immigration fraud. Now under the proposed law, all travel agents and agencies in the state must register mandatorily. Any agent found engaging in illegal activities will have their registration revoked, and operating without a valid certificate will be deemed a punishable offense. Furthermore, those involved in human trafficking or document forgery will face severe penalties, including asset seizures and mandatory compensation for victims.

Recent deportation statistics have further highlighted the magnitude of the issue. In February 2025, the US deported 332 Indian nationals across three flights. Of these, 126 (38%) were from Punjab, while 111 (33%) were from Haryana. The state government ensured that all deported individuals were safely returned to their respective hometowns. Since 2009, a total of 15,896 Indian citizens have been deported from the US.

BJP sweeps Haryana municipal elections

March 13, 2025, 12:25 am

The Congress party suffered yet another humiliating electoral setback in Haryana, failing to secure even a single mayoral seat in the local body elections, clearing the path for the ruling BJP to dominate state’s Urban politics as well.
The grand old party, which had hoped to rebuild its political standing after a dismal performance in the 2024 assembly elections, was handed another crushing defeat as the BJP swept all 10 mayoral seats.
The defeat has further exposed the deep-rooted infighting within the state unit and the lack of a strong organisational setup, which continues to plague Congress in Haryana. The civic polls saw several local leaders and workers switching loyalties to the BJP ahead of the elections, leaving Congress struggling to put up a fight.

While the BJP ran a well-structured and aggressive campaign with Chief Minister Nayab Saini, Union Ministers and Cabinet Ministers leading from the front, Congress leaders were nowhere to be seen on the ground. The absence of senior leadership was glaring as campaign responsibilities were merely distributed among local leaders. But their efforts fell short in countering the BJP’s massive campaign machinery.
Reacting to the party’s defeat, senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda dismissed the loss, saying, “Defeat doesn’t make any difference. Even earlier, the BJP had dominance in municipal elections.” Hooda further stated, “If we have lost a mayoral seat, it may be a setback, but these seats were never ours to begin with. In some places, Congress might have even gained an advantage. Perhaps our number of councillors has increased from one to two.” Hooda’s casual attitude only underscores the Congress’s growing disconnect from ground realities. Acknowledging the party’s lack of effort, he admitted, “We did not put in any real effort in these elections. I did not campaign anywhere during the elections because I usually do not campaign in panchayat or municipal elections.”
The Congress party in Haryana is currently going through one of its worst political phases. Once a stronghold of the party, Haryana has now turned into a BJP-dominated state, primarily due to Congress’s internal strife. The party has not only suffered setbacks in back-to-back elections but has also failed to appoint a Leader of Opposition in the state assembly after its poor showing in October last year.

Even in recent high-level meetings with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, several party leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state leadership. But they have failed to take any immediate decision as Hooda faction remains in control, further alienating many other senior leaders and workers.
Just like in the assembly elections, Congress entered the municipal polls without a structured campaign plan. The party struggled with a severe shortage of committed ground workers and lacked a strong organizational network. Unlike the BJP, which conducted multiple rounds of door-to-door campaigns, Congress failed to reach out to voters even once.
Factionalism within Congress was once again on full display, particularly in municipal corporations. Several leaders who were eyeing mayoral tickets became disgruntled after being denied nominations, leading to a lackluster campaign. The internal power struggle between the Selja and Hooda factions further weakened the party, with continuous electoral defeats leaving workers demoralized and directionless.

Unlike the BJP, which strategically fielded strong candidates in all wards, Congress struggled to even find enough candidates to contest across constituencies. In some municipal corporations, the party was forced to support independent candidates due to a lack of viable contenders. The BJP capitalized on this weakness, aggressively targeting Congress in its campaign and further denting its credibility among voters.
According to the political observers the Haryana civic polls have once again highlighted Congress’s declining political influence in the state as unless the leadership crisis is addressed and a strong grassroots organization is rebuilt, Congress’s woes in Haryana are only set to deepen.

Fake Job Scam Busted in Haryana’s Bhiwani Police Arrest Gang Duping Youths

March 8, 2025, 1:10 am

A gang that cheated job seekers by offering fake government jobs—just like in the famous Bollywood movie Special 26—has been caught by the police. The gang operated by creating a fake website, conducting exams and interviews, and even issuing fake appointment letters to unsuspecting candidates.

According to the police, the fraudsters appointed 25 people for fake positions like Area Inspector, Field Supervisor, and MPS. However, their scam was exposed when one of the selected candidates became suspicious and reported the matter.

The gang used to charge between Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh per candidate for these fake job offers. They had set up an organization called Shagun Gramin Health and Family Council to make the scheme look real, said Cyber Cell Inspector Vikas.

Sub-Inspector Vikas of the Bhiwani Cyber Police Station stated that five individuals have been arrested in this case. The police have recovered Rs 1.57 lakh in cash, frozen Rs 1.21 lakh in their bank accounts, and seized two silver coins, two rings, a computer, 13 mobile phones, 11 passbooks, 11 ATMs, 43 registers, 8 payment slips, and various office supplies from them.

These accused as a government department under the name Shagun Gramin Health and Family Council. They not only fraudulently collected money from job seekers by offering them fake appointments but also duped villagers across Haryana by charging Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 for registrations under various central and state government welfare schemes.

In a scam reminiscent of the Bollywood movie Special 26, the accused collected applications from nearly 25 candidates in November 2024 through a website for positions such as Area Inspector, Field Supervisor, and MPS.
The candidates were made to appear for exams at a private college in Hisar, followed by interviews, after which they were given appointment letters. Nearly 960 youths applied for these positions, out of which 500 appeared for the examination. The accused ultimately provided jobs to 25 individuals and extorted ₹2-4 lakh per candidate through their agents.

Cyber Inspector Vikas revealed that these fraudsters had been collecting registration forms from rural areas under the pretense of schemes like the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana, Ladki Samman Yojana, Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Shadi Shagun Yojana. They even set up offices in Bhiwani, Jind, and Yamunanagar to carry out their fraudulent activities.

The scam was exposed when Neeraj, a resident of Jatu Lohari village in Bhiwani, who was recruited under this scheme, became suspicious while interacting with villagers during the registration process. When he attempted to contact higher officials for clarification, he was denied access, which further raised his doubts. Subsequently, he reported the matter to the police.

Following the complaint, the police arrested the gang’s masterminds—Baljeet and Ritu from Badesra village, Sanjay from Sarsana, Gulshan from Chandigarh, and Balkar from Jind. Investigations into the case are ongoing.

Hooda frontrunner for LoP post in Haryana, Bhan may lose position

March 6, 2025, 1:12 am

Ahead of the budget session of the state assembly, the Congress party in Haryana is expected to announce the Leader of Opposition (LoP) on Thursday.
Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is being considered as the frontrunner for the post.
Panchkula MLA Chandermohan, who is backed by senior leader Kumari Selja, is also in the race for the LoP position.
A meeting of the Haryana Congress Legislative Party has been scheduled for Thursday evening at the party office in Chandigarh. This comes just before the Haryana Assembly’s budget session begins. There are also reports that the party may announce a new party president in the state, replacing Hooda loyalist Udai Bhan.
Party leaders and MLAs had previously shared their views with party observers, but no consensus was reached. The final decision on the LoP will now be made by the party leadership.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Ajay Singh Yadav has raised concerns about the party’s leadership structure. He has urged the party to appoint a state president who is independent and follows the party’s ideology, rather than being loyal to a particular leader. Yadav has also demanded a strong organization structure, citing the BJP’s well-organized cadre system as an example.

The Haryana Congress Steering Committee met on Wednesday to discuss organizational matters. During the meeting, Yadav emphasised the need to form district, state, and block-level committees, noting that the BJP has already structured its organization down to grassroots level.

He also insisted that the LoP should be chosen with the consensus of all MLAs. He further added that representation should be given to backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and non-Jat leaders in the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC).
Bhan is the Haryana Congress President now. However, after last year’s Assembly elections, the party has not been able to appoint a Leader of Opposition in the Haryana Assembly. Amid increasing dissatisfaction among Haryana Congress leaders, the party’s high command has convened a crucial meeting in Delhi. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi are participating in this meeting to discuss leadership changes in Haryana.
Haryana Congress leader Varun Mulana confirmed that today’s meeting primarily focused on strengthening the party organization rather than naming specific leaders. However, sources indicate that the party high command is considering a major reshuffle to ensure fair representation of different communities. Congress no longer wants to rely solely on the Hooda family and is looking for a leadership formula that balances caste equations to counter the BJP’s strategy of focusing on non-Jats and OBCs.

Poor voter turnout in Haryana local body polls

March 3, 2025, 2:06 am

Haryana recorded a voter turnout of 46.3% in the municipal elections, with multiple reports of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) malfunctions, bogus voting, and minor clashes between political supporters.
The relatively low turnout, especially in urban areas, has raised concerns over voter engagement and logistical challenges during the polling process.

Despite having a total of 5,106,134 registered voters, only 2,361,917 exercised their franchise. Sonipat recorded the lowest turnout at 31.0%, suggesting possible voter disinterest or logistical issues.
Districts with large voter bases, such as Faridabad (1,470,687 voters) and Gurgaon (1,107,678 voters), saw lower participation rates at 40.1% and 45.0%, respectively. Experts suggest that urban constraints, including voter fatigue, lack of effective outreach, and time limitations, contributed to the subdued participation.
In contrast, districts such as Mahendragarh (81.6%) and Bhiwani (82.1%) recorded significantly higher turnout, likely due to strong local mobilization and community-driven participation. Other districts with high voter turnout included Palwal (80.1%) and Mewat (Nuh) (78.0%).

Several districts reported technical disruptions and electoral malpractices. EVM malfunctions were noted in Gurgaon, Hisar, and four other districts, leading to significant delays. In Hisar, voting was stalled for nearly two and a half hours due to repeated EVM failures. Machines had to be replaced in several locations before polling could resume.
Allegations of missing voter names surfaced in Karnal and Gurgaon, where many voters were unable to find their names on the list, leading to agitation. Congress’s Mayoral candidate from Karnal Manoj Wadhwa accused authorities of deliberately removing names of opposition supporters. Similar complaints emerged in Gurugram’s Sector-7 and Ward-30, where voters claimed their names were missing despite having voted in previous elections.
Incidents of bogus voting were reported in at least six districts, leading to heated confrontations. In Jhajjar’s Beri area, three individuals were caught attempting fraudulent voting, while in Hisar, suspected bogus voters fled by scaling polling booth walls when confronted.

At a polling booth in Hisar’s Sector 16-17, a major ruckus broke out after allegations of fake voting surfaced. BJP candidate Dr. Suman Yadav accused an independent candidate, Suman Sheoran, of orchestrating bogus voting. In Gurugram’s Farrukhnagar Ward-3, a voter accused polling officials and agents of colluding in fake voting, threatening legal action against them. Similar reports emerged from Sirsa and Nuh, where voters claimed their votes had already been cast by unknown individuals.

Political slugfest ensues murder of young woman Cong worker in Haryana

March 3, 2025, 2:04 am

The brutal murder of a 22-year-old Congress worker Himani Narwal has sparked strong political reactions in Haryana. Her body was found stuffed inside a suitcase near the Sampla bus stand in Rohtak, leading to an immediate police investigation.
Congress leaders have condemned the incident and demanded a high-level probe.
Senior Congress leader and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda called the murder “painful” and blamed the state’s law and order situation. “Haryana is number one in crimes against women. The guilty must be given the strictest punishment, whether they are from inside or outside the party,” Hooda said.

He added that he had spoken to the police and was assured of developments in the case soon. Bhupinder Hooda described the incident as “barbaric” and a “blot on the state’s law and order.” He urged the government to ensure justice for Narwal’s family and deliver the strictest punishment to those responsible.
Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda also questioned the deteriorating law and order in Haryana and urged the police to arrest the culprits at the earliest. Party MLA B.B. Batra demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the matter, highlighting that Narwal was an active Congress worker who participated in all party events.
The incident occurred just a day before Haryana’s municipal elections, raising political tensions. The results of the elections are set to be announced on March 12.
Police said the suitcase containing Narwal’s body was found by passers-by, who then informed authorities. A forensic team reached the spot, and initial investigations suggested she was strangled with a dupatta. Her body had been sent to PGIMS Rohtak for post-mortem.

The Congress party expressed deep sorrow over Narwal’s murder and demanded an impartial investigation.
BJP MP Kiran Chaudhary also condemned the killing, calling it a “very tragic incident.” She stressed that criminals must be punished swiftly. However, she claimed that the BJP would win the municipal elections without opposition and dismissed Congress’ demand for ballot paper voting as a “meaningless issue.”
In response to allegations that the Congress had failed to implement its past manifesto promises, Chaudhary took a dig at Hooda, saying, “He was Chief Minister twice. He should know that financial provisions are made in the budget for such things.” She also claimed that Hooda was now sidelined within his own party.
Sampla Police Station SHO Bijendra Singh stated that it appeared Narwal was murdered before her body was placed in the suitcase and dumped by the roadside. “Further action will be taken after the post-mortem report,” he said.

‘Will Drink Your Blood’: Woman Biting, Beating Mother Over Property Dispute | WATCH

March 2, 2025, 10:38 am

A disturbing video circulating online from Hisar in Haryana has sparked outrage after it appears to show a woman violently assaulting her elderly mother over a property dispute. According to an NDTV report, the incident occurred on Saturday near Modern Saket Colony in Azad Nagar.

Incident Overview

The video, lasting approximately three minutes, shows a woman—identified as Rita—engaging in a brutal attack on her mother, Nirmala Devi. During the assault, Rita is heard shouting phrases in Hindi, including “maza aara hai, khoon piyungi” (This is fun, I will drink your blood). The graphic footage captures Rita hitting, slapping, pulling her mother’s hair, and even biting her, despite her mother’s desperate cries for mercy.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

इस महिला को सजा मिलनी चाहिए ताकि किसी पर भी ऐसा जुल्म ना करें।@cmohry @police_haryana @sudhirchaudhary pic.twitter.com/CCC1004enb

— सुदेश Duhan natwadia (@SudeshNatwadia) February 27, 2025

Details from the Video

In the video, Rita is seen sitting on a bed alongside her mother. The assault begins with verbal abuse and escalates to physical violence. Rita delivers a hard blow to her mother’s leg, bites her thigh, and continuously pulls her hair. At one point, she asks, “Will you live forever?” while further assaulting her. A male voice can be heard in the background, although his identity and role remain unclear. The brutality displayed in the footage has shocked viewers and intensified calls for justice.

Family Complaint and Police Action

Following the video’s viral spread on social media, Rita’s brother, Amardeep Singh, filed a police complaint alleging that his sister had been holding their mother captive and subjecting her to both physical and mental harassment in an effort to secure a property transfer. In response, police at Azad Nagar Police Station, led by Station Head Officer Bijender Singh and Inspector Sadhuram, registered a case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage from the area and gathering evidence to determine the sequence of events.

Background: The Property Dispute

According to the complaint, Rita, who had married Sanjay Punia from a village near Rajgarh two years ago, returned to her maternal home shortly thereafter. Once back, she allegedly initiated a series of actions aimed at taking control of the family property. Singh claims that Rita sold a family property in Kurukshetra for ₹65 lakh and retained the money while confining their mother at home, pressuring her to transfer the remaining assets to her name. Additionally, Singh accused her of restricting his access to the family home and threatening to file false allegations against him.

Community Reaction and Next Steps

Local political figures and community members have expressed shock and condemnation over the incident, calling for a thorough investigation and swift justice. As the case unfolds, authorities are expected to intensify efforts to locate additional witnesses and gather further evidence. The case has also raised broader concerns about the safety and welfare of elderly individuals in the region, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement of laws designed to protect senior citizens.

The violent assault captured in the viral video has not only stirred public indignation but also spotlighted underlying issues of familial discord and property disputes in Haryana. With the police actively investigating and community leaders demanding accountability, this case may prompt significant scrutiny of how vulnerable family members are protected under the law.

NXT Conclave 2025: CM Nayab Singh Saini Showcases Haryana’s Industrial & Connectivity Advancements

February 28, 2025, 11:21 pm

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini outlined his vision for the state’s development while speaking at the NXT Forum 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Emphasizing the rapid progress of Haryana, he shared the state’s strategic plans for infrastructure and industrial growth.

Detailing the ongoing road connectivity projects, the Chief Minister stated, “We have successfully connected every district through the four-lane project. Moving forward, our objective is to enhance accessibility to areas in Haryana that are close to Delhi and the airport. Our aim is that regardless of where someone starts their journey in Haryana, they should be able to reach the airport within approximately two to two and a half hours.”

Elaborating on the importance of connectivity, he added, “This is the level of infrastructure we are striving to achieve. Our broader vision is to attract industries and investors to Haryana, and we have designed a comprehensive plan to make this a reality. In the upcoming budget session, we will be discussing this strategy in greater detail.”

CM Nayab Singh Saini further disclosed, “We have engaged in discussions with key representatives of the textile industry, who are members of our association, regarding pre-budget planning. Our conversations revolved around measures that can be taken to draw more industries to Haryana in the future. As a result, we have formulated a robust plan to encourage investors to establish their businesses here. Haryana offers an ideal environment for investment, and when people witness the business-friendly atmosphere in the state, they naturally feel inclined to start their ventures here.”

Highlighting the government’s commitment to ease of doing business, he stated, “Our administration is consistently working towards streamlining processes to eliminate obstacles for entrepreneurs and investors. In Haryana, we have implemented a dedicated system called HPCC. Through this mechanism, if an individual submits a single application via the single-window system, we ensure that they receive their complete NOC in a timely manner. This initiative guarantees that anyone interested in setting up their business in Haryana can do so with minimal hassle.”

When asked about his vision for the future of Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini responded, “We are currently in the third consecutive term of a government led by the respected Narendra Modi Ji. If we compare Haryana’s progress before 2014 to what it will look like in 2025, the transformation is evident. Over the past decade, every district in the state has witnessed significant infrastructural improvements, particularly with the expansion of four-lane roads. This rapid development is a testament to Haryana’s bright future.”

Haryana Congress Cracks Down, Expels Five Leaders for Six Years

February 27, 2025, 6:29 pm

The Haryana Congress has expelled five leaders, including a former MLA, for six years over alleged “anti-party activities.” The expulsion took effect immediately.

The action was taken after reports surfaced indicating that certain party members had engaged in activities against the party’s interests.

Among those expelled is former MLA Rambir Singh. The other four leaders are Vijay Kaushik, Rahul Chaudhary, Pooja Rani, and Rupesh Malik.

A statement from the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee read, “Consequent upon the receipt of reports through various means of communications pertaining to party leaders/workers having found indulged in anti-party activities in the recent past during ongoing process of MC Elections (2025), the following persons are hereby expelled from the party for 6 years with immediate effect.”

Earlier, on February 20, the Haryana Congress had expelled seven other leaders from various districts for similar reasons related to the upcoming 2025 municipal corporation elections.

These leaders were also suspended for six years following discussions with state in-charge BK Hariprasad.

The list of expelled leaders includes former District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents Tarlochan Singh and Ashok Khurana (Karnal), Member Coordination Committee Pradeep Chaudhary (Karnal), and former District Youth Congress (DYC) president Madhu Chaudhary (Yamuna Nagar). Congress candidate Ram Niwas Rara from the Hisar assembly constituency was also removed from the party. Additionally, Harvinder (Lovely) and Ram Kishan Sain from Gurugram faced expulsion, effective immediately.

Haryana Congress president Udai Bhan expressed concerns about the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the elections, advocating for ballot papers instead.

“We have demanded that elections be conducted using ballot papers instead of EVMs like in Uttarakhand… In every state election, EVMs are being questioned and cases have been registered due to doubts on its authenticity, so ballot papers should be used as permitted under the law,” he said.

He also questioned the delay in vote counting, stating, “Secondly, the counting of votes for all local body elections takes place on the day of the election itself, so why are the results of Haryana Municipal Corporation elections being kept after 10 days?”

HC orders survey of Yamuna’s changing course

February 20, 2025, 12:47 am

dreds of cases of land disputes between farmers of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in Yamuna catchment area, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Surveyor General of India to study how the Yamuna River’s course has changed over time and its impact on the territories of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh (UP).

As per the orders, the study will be conducted with the help of revenue officials from both states to resolve a long-standing land dispute. Delivering the judgment a bench of Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Vikas Suri stated that the survey would examine how the Yamuna’s shifting course has affected land ownership in both states. The court also ordered that boundary pillars be placed between Haryana and UP after updating the official land records.
The case involves landowners from Manjhawali village in Haryana, who claim ownership of 300 bighas of land. This land, located near the Yamuna River, became part of UP’s territory after the river naturally changed course. However, in 1984, as part of a settlement under the Dixit Award, UP’s revenue records for this land were transferred to Haryana. Despite this, Haryana’s revenue officials never updated their records, leading to confusion over land ownership.
The matter was brought to the court by the after the petitioners on account of a registered sale deed are in possession of land measuring 300 Bighas comprised in Khasra Nnumbers 93, 94, 95/2, 96, 98, 99 in village Manjhawali in Yamunanagar district of Haryana.

The disputed land was situated on the banks of river Yamuna originally belonged to Pandit Gauri Shankar. It was alleged that after the change of course of Yamuna river, the land in question fell into the jurisdiction of Tehsil Secundrabad, District Bulandshahr, of Uttar Pradesh. The said land was recorded for identity purposes as Chak Manjhavali in the revenue records of Uttar Pradesh by the Revenue Officers concerned, in the Khatauni for the year 1946. However, in 1984, Uttar Pradesh’s revenue records for the disputed land were handed over to Haryana as part of the Dixit Award settlement. But Haryana’s revenue officials never updated their records, leading to confusion over ownership, it was alleged.
The court observed that it cannot be definitively said whether the Yamuna River’s course has remained unchanged over the past century. It also noted that land deposits (due to erosion or accumulation of soil) might have altered village boundaries over time, affecting ownership claims. Some villages in Haryana today might have once been part of Uttar Pradesh, officially or unofficially known as Chak Manjhawali.

The court further pointed out that historical land records, if available, are in Urdu or Persian. These must first be translated before they can be used to determine the rightful ownership of the land and update revenue records accordingly in both Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, reads the order.

Haryana Minister Anil Vij Continues Tirade Against Party Leaders

February 3, 2025, 10:27 pm

Haryana Power and Transport Minister Anil Vij continued his tirade against his party leaders chief minister Nayab Singh Saini and Haryana BJP President Mohan Lal Badoli and demanded latter’s resignation over the gang rape allegations against him.
On Monday, the seven time MLA from Ambala Cantt launched a fresh swipe against the chief minister Nayab Saini by sharing a post on the his X account with a photograph of Ashish Tayal, who claims to be a close friend of Nayab Saini, claiming that Tayal has numerous pictures with Nayab Saini on his Facebook profile, the party workers who were seen with Ashish Tayal during the Assembly elections are now seen with Chitra Sarwara, who had contested assembly elections against Vij from Ambala cantt assembly constituency independently.
“What does this relationship signify? If Tayal remains a close friend of Nayab Saini, then the question arises: Who orchestrated the opposition to the BJP in elections”, reads the post. Vij’s post highlights a political scenario where Ashish Tayal, a self-proclaimed friend of Nayab Saini (likely a BJP leader), is seen associating with workers who are also supporting Chitra Sarwara, a rival candidate. The post was being circulated widely on the social media, however, there was no immediate response to Vij’s allegations by the chief minister.
Earlier on Sunday, Vij demanded the resignation of his party’s state unit president, Mohan Lal Badoli, who has been booked in a gangrape case. “He is an accused under Section 376D of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to gangrape,” Vij was quoted as saying by the newspaper. “How can such a person preside over a meeting of women? To uphold the party’s principles, he must step down immediately.”
He further stated, “Even senior leaders like Advani Ji resigned when allegations were made against them. He is not above them.”
Badoli and singer Rocky Mittal were booked in December in a gangrape case in Himachal Pradesh. Both have denied the allegations. On Monday, Vij conducted a surprise raid in Ambala’s Baldev Nagar area to tackle the issue of overloaded trucks and other vehicles. The operation, carried out on the Baldev Nagar-Narayangarh Highway, led to the seizure of multiple overloaded trucks.
During the raid, it was found that several truck drivers were operating without proper documentation. Minister Vij directed officials to take strict action against these drivers, resulting in the confiscation of their vehicles.
The raid saw the presence of RTA (Regional Transport Authority) police and other officials on the ground, ensuring the enforcement of transport regulations. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving road safety and curbing illegal transportation practices.
Minister Vij emphasized that such surprise inspections will continue across the state to ensure compliance with vehicle load limits and documentation requirements, aiming to reduce accidents and maintain order on highways. Last week Vij had launched a scathing attack on the Chief Minister, accusing him of being inaccessible and indifferent to governance. His remarks came a day after he voiced frustration over officials allegedly ignoring his directives and stopped holding his weekly Janta Darbar (Open Session) due to administrative inaction.
He had also warned of launching an indefinite hunger strike, drawing a parallel with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s protest. “I have nothing to do with the rest of Haryana, but the people of Ambala Cantonment have elected me seven times. If I am not able to do their work, I will have no choice but to sit on a fast unto death,” Vij had asserted.

Haryana CM again Blames Kejriwal for Yamuna’s Dirty Water

January 31, 2025, 9:51 pm

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday visited the Yamuna Ghat in Wazirabad, Delhi and again accused former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of failing to clean the river while misleading the public with false claims. Saini alleged that Kejriwal had promised to clean the Yamuna but instead allowed it to become more polluted. “Now, to hide his failures, he is making baseless allegations,” he said.

The Haryana CM claimed that dirty water from Delhi was being released into the Yamuna, affecting both Delhi and Haryana. “People are being forced to drink this polluted water. Even after 10 years, Kejriwal has not been able to clean the river. He should apologize to the people of Delhi and Haryana,” Saini added. Saini also responded to Kejriwal’s allegation that the Haryana government was “poisoning” Delhi’s water supply. He stated that the central government had given Rs 8,500 crore to build sewage treatment plants (STPs), but Kejriwal’s government had not completed the work.

“If Kejriwal is talking about mass genocide, he himself is responsible for it. He has not cleaned the Yamuna and is instead blaming others. The central government gave Rs 8,500 crore to build an STP, but it was not constructed. Meanwhile, Kejriwal used Rs 15 crore to build an STP in his Sheesh Mahal,” Saini alleged. To prove his point, CM Saini brought two jars of Yamuna water—one collected from the Delhi-Haryana border at Palla Ghat and another from Wazirabad in Delhi. He claimed there was a significant difference in water quality, blaming Kejriwal’s government for the pollution. Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal responded to the allegations by congratulating the people of Delhi for their “struggle” against polluted water. Taking to social media platform X, he claimed that ammonia levels in Delhi’s water supply had reduced, suggesting that efforts to improve water quality were showing results.

Yamuna turns Political Hotspot as Haryana and Delhi lock horns ahead of elections

January 28, 2025, 8:52 pm

Ahead of the Delhi assembly elections, the Yamuna river has become a battleground for an escalating war of words between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi. As per the reports the BJP-led Haryana government is preparing to file a defamation case against AAP chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after he accused them of “mixing poison” into the Yamuna river water. The BJP also planning to approach the Election Commission of India (ECI) with a formal complaint against Kejriwal. On the other hand, Kejriwal on Tuesday stood by his statement about “poison in Yamuna” and said he was not afraid of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s threat of legal action. “Saini ji, don’t play politics over water. Stop trying to scare us with talk of filing a case. I won’t let the people of Delhi suffer. Tell your party to stop this dirty politics,” Kejriwal said.

The controversy erupted after Kejriwal, joined by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleged that the Haryana BJP government was polluting the Yamuna, risking a potential health crisis in Delhi. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and several BJP MPs strongly refuted these allegations, calling them baseless. “It is their nature to accuse and run away,” Saini remarked during an event in Chandigarh.
Haryana MP Dharambir Singh also rejected Kejriwal’s claims during a press conference, stating, “Haryana provides Delhi with 10,000 cusecs of drinking water through the Western Yamuna Canal, which is treated before distribution. The 300 cusecs we release into the Yamuna is to ensure the river does not dry up.” Singh added that Haryana continues to share its water despite Punjab’s refusal to contribute, highlighting that Delhi often returns polluted water to Haryana.

Several Haryana leaders, including MP Kiran Choudhary, argued that the water Haryana provides is safe and tested but becomes polluted as it flows through Delhi. She cited sewage, plastics, and contaminants from Delhi’s water system as major contributors to the pollution. Haryana minister Anil Vij hit back at Kejriwal, stating, “For 10 years, you have been in power. If Yamuna is dirty, why haven’t you cleaned it? If you claim pollution is coming from Haryana, form an international expert team to check the water quality at Sonipat and Okhla. The truth will come out.”

Vij further accused Kejriwal of deflecting responsibility, adding that Delhi’s failure to clean the river over the years cannot be blamed on neighboring states. AAP leaders, including Haryana’s Anurag Danda, have doubled down on their allegations. Danda recently visited Panipat, capturing videos of industrial drains releasing waste into the Yamuna. This, he claimed, was proof of Haryana’s role in polluting the river.

In previous disputes, AAP has consistently blamed Haryana for water-related issues. In July 2023, during Delhi’s floods, the AAP government accused Haryana of deliberately releasing excess water from the Hathnikund Barrage to flood the capital. Similarly, in June 2024, then Delhi water minister Atishi alleged a conspiracy by Haryana to deny Delhi its rightful share of Yamuna water, leading her to stage a hunger strike.

The Yamuna water-sharing dispute has a long history, rooted in a 1994 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between five states, including Haryana and Delhi. The MoU governs water allocation through the Western Yamuna Canal in Haryana and the Eastern Yamuna Canal in Uttar Pradesh. Despite this agreement, political tensions over water shortages and pollution have repeatedly flared.

600 hospitals in Haryana threatens to stop Ayushman Bharat Services from February 3, due to pending dues

January 27, 2025, 8:45 pm

Concerned over the long pending dues the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced that nearly 600 private hospitals in Haryana will stop providing services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme from February 3. The decision comes after repeated requests to the Haryana government to clear pending dues amounting to Rs 450 crore. In a letter dated January 25, the IMA Haryana informed the Ayushman Bharat Haryana Health Protection Authority about the issue, stating that hospitals had only received 10-15% of their reimbursement claims.

The scheme, which helps provide free treatment to poor patients, requires hospitals to submit their claims online, which the government is supposed to process and reimburse. However, there were no deadline was fixed by the government to clear the dues. In a statement the IMA Haryana Secretary Dr. Dhirender K. Soni and other members said that although Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had promised to release the dues during a meeting on January 8, only a small amount has been paid so far, with significant cuts in the reimbursement. This has created financial challenges for the hospitals.

The IMA highlighted that delays and irregularities in payments began after the introduction of the Chirayu card in November 2022. The association listed several demands in its letter to the government, including Immediate payment of all pending dues, No deductions after pre-approvals of claims, a separate budget of Rs 2,000 crore per year for the Ayushman Bharat scheme, restoration of the cash consent form that was recently withdrawn, clearing of pending dues from the older TMS-1 system and payment of interest on delayed reimbursements as per the agreement.

The IMA warned that if these demands are not met soon, the suspension of services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will cause significant hardship to poor patients across Haryana.

Haryana Police books Alok Nath, Talpade

January 25, 2025, 1:55 am

Bollywood Actors Alok Nath and Shreyas Talpade, who promoted the Human Welfare Credit Cooperative Society as brand ambassadors, have been booked along with 11 others in a cheating case. As per the Haryana police, the FIR has been registered at Murthal police station of Sonipat district on the complaint of a Sonipat resident, Vipul Antil alleging that the society duped investors of crores of rupees.

As per the police complaint, the society, registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Society Act, 2002, had been operating in several states, including Haryana, since 2016. He alleged that the society offered fixed deposit and other investment schemes with promises of high returns. The actors endorsed the society, encouraging people to invest their money.

The society reportedly organized seminars in luxury hotels across Haryana to attract investors. It claimed to have over 250 offices in the state, with its head office in Mahendragarh. Initially, investors received returns and incentives, but by 2023, payments were delayed, and the society’s offices shut down.

Antil and his brother Amit invested Rs 4.33 crore in the scheme, borrowing money from family members and relatives. Now, they are unable to recover their funds as the society’s owners have gone untraceable.

According to the police officers associated with the investigation, 13 people, including the actors and key society members, have been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Those named include Narender Negi, who operated the society from Indore, and Samir Aggarwal, who is based in Dubai. The accused are currently unreachable, but investigations are ongoing, the police said.

Actors Alok Nath, Shreyas Talpade among 13 booked in ₹4.33 crore cheating case in Haryana

January 24, 2025, 8:07 pm

Bollywood Actors Alok Nath and Shreyas Talpade, who promoted the Human Welfare Credit Cooperative Society as brand ambassadors, have been booked in a cheating case along with 11 others. As per the Haryana police the FIR has been registered at Murthal police station of Sonipat district on the complaint of a Sonipat resident, Vipul Antil alleging that the society duped investors of crores of rupees.

As per the police complaint the society, registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Society Act, 2002, had been operating in several states, including Haryana, since 2016. He alleged that the society offered fixed deposit and other investment schemes with promises of high returns. The actors endorsed the society, encouraging people to invest their money. The society reportedly organized seminars in luxury hotels across Haryana to attract investors. It claimed to have over 250 offices in the state, with its head office in Mahendragarh. Initially, investors received returns and incentives, but by 2023, payments were delayed, and the society’s offices shut down.

Antil and his brother Amit invested ₹4.33 crore in the scheme, borrowing money from family members and relatives. Now, they are unable to recover their funds as the society’s owners have gone untraceable. According to the police officers associated with the investigation, 13 people, including the actors and key society members, have been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Those named include Narender Negi, who operated the society from Indore, and Samir Aggarwal, who is based in Dubai. The accused are currently unreachable, but investigations are ongoing, the police said.

Police on toes, as farmers plan massive Tractor Marches in Punjab and Haryana on Republic Day

January 23, 2025, 11:21 pm

The Republic Day to witness heavy deployment in northern states of Punjab and Haryana with the farmers planning a massive tractor march to pressurize the government for their pending demands.
As per the farmers from noon to 3 pm, over 100,000 tractors will take to the roads across more than 200 locations in Punjab. Similarly, the farmer leaders claimed that thousands of farmers in Haryana will also participate in the tractor march.

In Punjab, the ‘tractor marches’ will be coordinated at the tehsil level, where tractors from various villages will converge at designated points within each tehsil before returning home. The farmers leaders have prepared a detailed action plan under which the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) leaders to monitor the tractor march and peaceful protest will involve around 100 tehsils with at least 250 tractors each.
A similar demonstration was also planned in Haryana as the farmer leaders were planning to take this agitation in BJP ruled Haryana to showcase anger of farming community over the common demands.
In Haryana, farmers will protest at over 50 toll plazas, outside BJP leaders’ offices and homes, corporate silos, and malls. Surjeet Singh Phool from Bhartiya Kisan Union-Krantikari mentioned that duties have been assigned to ensure a peaceful protest, with over 65,000 tractors expected to participate.

The core demand from farmers at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders is a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), while the SKM is also opposing the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing, fearing it might reintroduce elements of the controversial farm laws. Additional marches are planned towards Shambhu border on January 29 and 30 to bolster numbers at the protest sites. On the other hand Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s health has shown gradual improvement, according to a medical bulletin released by doctors. Dallewal, speaking from the protest site, attributed the success of the farmers’ movement thus far to the blessings of God and the Sikh Gurus, expressing hope that with their continued divine support, the protest would reach its goal.
He stated that his personal contribution was minimal, crediting any positive change in government policy to divine intervention. He urged all farmers to join in prayer for the movement’s strength and his health on January 30. In addition to the spiritual activities, there’s a strategic push for a nationwide show of solidarity. He said that on Republic Day fom 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, as part of the program announced by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, thousands of tractors are expected to be on roads across the country.

First Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Elections Held Peacefully

January 19, 2025, 10:01 pm

In a landmark development, the first-ever elections for the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) were conducted peacefully on Sunday, fulfilling a decades-long demand of the Sikh community in Haryana. Out of 40 elected members, independent candidates emerged as a decisive force, securing 21 wards and holding the key to the leadership of the newly formed body. However, the results of three wards were not declared by the filing of this report.The elections, which marked a significant chapter in the Sikh community’s struggle for autonomy, saw 69% voter participation from 3.5 lakh registered voters.

The process, conducted through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), began at 8 AM and concluded at 5 PM across 406 polling booths.Prominent Sikh leaders Baljit Singh Daduwal, Jagdish Singh Jhinda, and Didar Singh Nalvi fielded candidates under their respective banners. However, independent candidates outperformed expectations. Key winners include Harmanpreet Singh from Thanesar, Didar Singh Nalvi from Shahbad, and Advocate Bhai Vindar Singh Khalsa, who defeated Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal in a high-stakes contest in Kalanwali.The HSGMC election is the result of over two decades of advocacy by Sikh leaders for a separate body to manage Haryana’s 52 gurdwaras, previously under the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

The demand gained momentum during the 2005 assembly elections and culminated in 2014 when the then Bhupinder Singh Hooda government passed the HSGMC Act. Legal hurdles delayed the elections until the Supreme Court upheld the Act’s validity in 2022.With nine additional members to be nominated by the majority group, the newly elected HSGMC will soon elect its first president. The body will oversee the management and funding of Haryana’s gurdwaras, including eight historical sites.This election marks a historic moment for Haryana’s Sikh community, signifying their unity and determination to take charge of their religious institutions. As per the information the Kurukshetra Deputy Commissioner will announce the schedule for the election of the president of HSGMC.

BJP’s top leaders from Haryana to campaign in Delhi elections

January 10, 2025, 12:25 am

Thrilled over party’s historic victory in Haryana assembly elections, now the BJP has decided to deploy its key leaders from Haryana for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
As per the information Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Union Minister Manohar Lal, and 14 other big leaders of the party have been given the responsibility to lead BJP’s campaign in Delhi with a special focus on OBC, Punjabi and Jat vote bank.
BJP has assigned 16 leaders from Haryana to different responsibilities. Faridabad MP and Union Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar will handle the campaign in 10 South Delhi constituencies, while Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda will focus on West Delhi.
Former Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta (Model Town), former ministers Kamal Gupta (Chandni Chowk), Banwari Lal (New Delhi), and Manish Grover (Greater Kailash) have been assigned to specific areas. Haryana BJP President Mohanlal Badoli (Badli) and former MP O.P. Yadav (Trilokpuri) will also play key roles.
Former Sirsa MP Sunita Duggal and former MLAs Bishamber Singh and Aseem Goel have been tasked with Deoli, Ambedkar Nagar, and Karol Bagh respectively. BJP’s campaign will highlight the “achievements” of the Saini government in Haryana and the party’s record-breaking third term victory in the state. Leaders have been directed to focus on BJP’s development agenda and compare it with Haryana’s governance success. As per the party leaders the Khattar-Saini duo will play a key role in spreading BJP’s message in Delhi with the party already has support of its top national leaders in the city state.
The BJP was eyeing OBC vote bank with an aggressive campaign by chief minister Nayab Saini government with a focus on several initiatives taken by the newly formed BJP government in Haryana under Saini’s leadership.
Besides, BJP’s campaign also reflects Delhi’s diverse caste makeup as Khattar and Grover are Punjabi, while leaders like Gurjar, Dalal, and Bishamber Singh represent the Gujjar, Jat, and Dalit communities, respectively.
In the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, AAP focused on promoting Arvind Kejriwal’s ties to Haryana, but that strategy failed as the party did not win a single seat. Now, BJP plans to use its Haryana leaders to challenge AAP in Delhi.
Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh and Haryana BJP President Mohanlal Badoli will oversee coordination between state and central leadership to ensure campaign success.

Haryana and Rajasthan Yamuna Water Agreement: The Chief Ministers of Haryana and Rajasthan have agreed to share extra water

January 9, 2025, 10:55 pm

Haryana’s Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma have agreed on the Yamuna water agreement. This means Rajasthan will get extra water from the Yamuna River for the Shekhawati region in the desert state. This decision was made in a high-level meeting in New Delhi, led by Union Water Power Minister CR Patil. The aim is to use the extra water from the Yamuna River during the monsoon to meet the drinking water needs in the districts of Churu, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan.

This extra water, estimated at 577 million cubic meters, will be a big help for the dry Shekhawati region, which has faced water shortages for decades. After the meeting, CM Nayab Saini stressed on cooperative efforts between the two states. He said, “A joint team of officials from both states will soon be formed to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this initiative. The Upper Yamuna River Board will provide technical support for the smooth implementation of the plan.”

The Yamuna water agreement is based on an MoU signed on February 17, 2024, between then Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar and Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma, in the presence of then Union Water Power Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Meanwhile, Rajasthan’s CM expressed hope for this initiative. He said, “This agreement will change the Shekhawati region, which has been waiting for Yamuna water for decades. With the formation of the joint team, the wait is over, and work on the DPR will start soon.”

The meeting also discussed issues affecting Haryana. CM Nayab Saini asked for technical help from the Union Water Power Ministry to deal with the ‘sem’ (waterlogging) problem, where groundwater comes to the surface, making farm land swampy and unusable. Union Minister CR Patil assured that a technical team would be sent to Haryana to effectively solve this problem.
The role of the Union Water Power Ministry has been crucial in this agreement between the two states, indicating a cooperative approach to water management in the region. As the joint team begins drafting the DPR, the successful implementation of the Yamuna water agreement could serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges.

27% of food samples found adulterated in Haryana

January 6, 2025, 8:10 pm

In Haryana, which is famous for its milk and curd as well as conferred as the milk pail of the country, people’s lives are being put at stake due to the rampant sale of adulterated food items by the shopkeepers and traders involved in the business of food products. All the claims of the government and the Food and Drugs Department itself are proving to be false and hollow because the departmental figures themselves confirm that the game of adulteration of food items is continuously going on in Haryana. According to the departmental figures, more than one-fourth of the samples collected in Haryana in a period of 8 months were found to be of very poor quality, while on the other hand, there were a large number of such samples that were found to be in the substandard and misbranded category. The food samples that failed to meet expectations in terms of quality include milk, cheese, sweets, spices, and other food items.

Figures showed that only 7 samples were taken per day

According to the data, out of the total 1609 samples of different food items taken by the department from January 1, 2024, to August 31, 2024, 1162 were found to be up to the quality standard in the analysis of 1472, while 309 samples were found to have failed. The statistics clearly depict that about 27% of the total samples did not meet the standard scale. The figures also show that only seven samples are being taken per day and only less than 200 samples in a month on average in the entire state. It clearly indicates that the department is not able to test a large number of food items, and adulterated and fake food items are being sold to the people openly. The main reason for taking fewer samples is that the Food and Drug Administration Department neither has adequate staff nor enough officers for investigation and monitoring. The situation is that at present there are fewer district food officers than prescribed in the districts of the state; most of them have additional charge. To run the departmental work, officers have been deputed from the Animal Husbandry and the Health Department.

The figures revealed that there are about half a dozen districts in the state where the quality of food items has been found to be very poor. Out of 309 samples found to be failed in Haryana’s Millennium City Gurugram, the maximum 47 food samples have been reported here. Nuh district is in second place with the maximum 33 food samples reported to be of poor quality, while 32 food samples in Panipat did not meet the standard standards. Apart from these, 26 samples were found not up to mark in Jhajjar district, 24 in Rewari, 16 in Jind, 14 in Bhiwani, 14 in Kaithal, 13 in Panchkula, and 11 in Sonipat. Similarly, 9 samples were found not up to mark in Rohtak, 7 in Faridabad, 14 in Fatehabad, 3 in Karnal, 7 in Kurukshetra, 6 in Narnaul, 4 in Palwal, 6 in Sirsa, and 2 in Yamunanagar.

The data also revealed that out of the samples that failed, 241 samples were found to be in the substandard category, and 5 samples were kept in the substandard category. Apart from this, 43 samples were in the unsafe category, and hence, in this sense, the consumption of such food items is no less than a serious threat to health. Apart from these, 12 samples were found to be in the substandard and unsafe category. It is noteworthy that a total of 1609 samples were collected by the Food and Safety Department, out of which 1472 were analysed and 138 samples could not be analysed in the above period. Out of the 1472 samples analysed, 1162 passed and 309 failed. Apart from this, 8 samples have been kept in another category. Pertaining to the matter, Joint Commissioner of Food Department DK Sharma said that the department has set a target for food safety officers to take food samples every month. Instructions are given for special monitoring and sampling during the festive season. Wherever the related traders or shopkeepers adulterate food items, strict action is taken against them.

Haryana in shock as three shot dead at café parking

December 24, 2024, 3:39 am

In a shocking incident, three persons, including one woman, were shot dead, late night on Sunday in the parking area of a café in Burj Kotian area of Pinjore district. The victims have been identified as Vineet alias Vicky and Tirth, both residents of Delhi, and Vandana alias Nia, a resident of Jind in Haryana.

An FIR has been registered under sections 103(1), 61(2) of the BNS, and 25 of Arms Act, 1959, at the Pinjore Police station. Police have started the investigations and the bodies of the victims have been handed over to kins after the autopsy.

Police is exploring all theories, including an old enmity of Vineet to ascertain the motive behind the murder. It is believed that Vineet was apparently the target and rest two fell prey to bullets while saving Vineet.

According to information, a case has been registered on the statement of, Ashish, a resident of Zirakpur. Ashish informed that the victims were part of the group of young men and women who had come to attend the birthday party of his friend Rohit Bhardwaj.

Ashish told police that initially the party was planned in the hotel of Panchkula but the venue was shifted to Sultanate, the café. Rohit, Ashish, and others arrived at the restaurant at around 10:30 PM and partied till 2:30 AM.

According to FIR, as everybody left the venue after party, Vineet Tirth, and Vandana had boarded their Scorpio vehicle. While they were about to start, a group of two to three armed assailants appeared on the spot and opened fire indiscriminately on Vineet. Since fires came from all three sides, all three were left lying unconscious in the pool of blood in their car.

Meanwhile, said Ashish, the assailants sped away in the vehicle. Ashish, along with other friends. rushed the victims to Panchkula civil hospital where they were declared brought dead. Soon after getting the information, the police too got active and various police parties headed by DCP level officers rushed to the spot as well as the civil hospital. DCP Crime Mukesh Malhotra, ACP Manpreet Sudan, DSP Kalka, and the in-charge of the Amaravati Police Post, along with police forces and forensic experts arrived at the restaurant.

A scene of crime team, ballistic experts and forensic experts too were rushed to the spot. Sources said that soon after the incident, the hotel staff and manager had gone elusive and were summoned by police.
The police had formed teams to get clue of the incident and one team had captured the footage of CCTV cameras installed in hotel and other places around the hotel. The mobile dump of the towers too has been picked.

In a first in India, Haryana guarantees MSP to 24 crops

December 24, 2024, 3:36 am

Amid the ongoing protest in Punjab for guaranteed minimum support prices, BJP-led Haryana government has issued a notification to procure all the 24 crops of state farmers on MSP.

With the notification Haryana has become the first state in the country to ensure the procurement of all 24 crops at the MSP set by the Union government.

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued a notification to procure 24 crops from farmers in the state at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

The government claimed that the decision aims to ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce. As per the notification the government agencies procure ten additional crops including Ragi, Soybean, Nigerseed, Safflower, Barley, Maize, Jowar, Jute, Copra, and Summer Moong on the MSP.

These crops will now be added to the list of 14 crops already being procured at MSP, which includes important food and cash crops like Paddy, Bajra, Kharif Moong, Urd, Arhar, Til, Cotton, Groundnut, Wheat, Mustard, Gram, Masur, Sunflower, and Sugarcane.

The notification aligns with the Central government’s MSP policy, ensuring that all the notified crops are procured at the government-announced MSP. In addition, sugarcane will continue to be procured at a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) fixed Rs 400 per quintal by the state government. However, as per the officials in the state agriculture department the farmers registered on Meri Fasal Mera Bayora portal will be eligible to sell their produce on MSP.

“The decision was taken in the interest of the farmers of the state as the state government has given the guarantee to procure 100 percent crops of all farmers”, said chief minister Nayab Saini.

Greeting farmers on the occasion of the National Farmers’ Day Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana said that with the notification Haryana has become the only state in the country to procure all 24 notified crops on the MSP fixed by the union government.

The agriculture minister also thanked Haryana chief minister for taking this historic step.

The move also assumes major political significance as farmers in neighbouring state of Punjab were protesting against the union government demanding an act to guarantee MSP. The Haryana government’s decision has left a message that the state governments can also ensure the procurement of all crops on MSP.

Delhi will reject Kejriwal’s false promises just like Haryana: BJP

December 19, 2024, 3:59 am

]The Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s announcement of free treatment for senior citizens as a political stunt. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva criticized the announcement, calling it yet another election gimmick.
Sachdeva pointed out that for the past decade, Kejriwal has been claiming to provide free healthcare, including X-rays and tests, through Delhi’s Mohalla Clinics and hospitals. He questioned why Kejriwal now felt the need to mislead senior citizens if such facilities were already available.
Referring to Kejriwal’s earlier promises, Sachdeva noted that before the last Lok Sabha elections and again last week, Kejriwal announced a women’s samman allowance. Despite collecting forms from women and including the scheme in the 2024-25 budget, not a single woman has received any benefits so far.
Sachdeva criticized Kejriwal for referring to himself as a “magician” while making these hollow announcements. He claimed that the people of Delhi are questioning Kejriwal’s repeated false promises, calling him a “merchant of false dreams” after his latest health scheme announcement.The Delhi BJP President accused Kejriwal of being a master manipulator, often repeating unfulfilled promises to mislead the public. He pointed out that Kejriwal had also promised a women’s samman allowance to women in Punjab in 2022, but the scheme remains unimplemented. Similarly, despite announcing the same in Delhi’s 2024-25 budget, no progress has been made over the past nine months.
Sachdeva highlighted that residents of Delhi, familiar with the welfare schemes in BJP-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Odisha, can see through Kejriwal’s hollow promises. These states, he said, have successfully implemented women empowerment initiatives, unlike Punjab and Delhi under Kejriwal’s rule.
In conclusion, Sachdeva compared Kejriwal’s current position to that of Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kejriwal himself during the Haryana elections, where both were rejected by voters for making unfulfilled promises. He asserted that the people of Delhi would similarly reject Kejriwal for selling false dreams.