Hindus, who constitute around 38% of Punjab's population, are believed to have played a decisive role in 2017 Congress victory. But new alignments could usher in a shift.
In an exclusive interview with ThePrint, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal speaks of a new era in state politics, a way out of debt, and his love for Urdu poetry.
For over 20 years, Punjab had been used to either Parkash Singh Badal, 93, or the 79-year-old royal, Amarinder Singh, as CM. The younger Channi is a change — in attitude & working style.
Navjot Singh Sidhu had resigned as Punjab Congress president in September to oppose these appointments. He thanked CM Charanjit Singh Channi for deciding to remove them.
Punjab CM Channi said a survey conducted by his govt found that people wanted quality and cheap power. The reduction in power charges will apply to domestic consumers.
Punjab CM Channi said the Cabinet has also decided the state govt will pay the electricity bills of water supply tubewells and has fixed water tariff at Rs 50 per month.
Congress leaders in Punjab are divided over the Modi government’s decision to increase the BSF’s jurisdiction from the current 15 km to 50 km in the state.
Finance ministry says the proposed revamp will focus on structural reforms, rate rationalisation & ease of living, & will be deliberated upon in the coming weeks.
The project is meant to be a ‘protective shield that will keep expanding’, the PM said. It is on the lines of the ‘Golden Dome’ announced by Trump, it is learnt.
Now that both IAF and PAF have made formal claims of having shot down the other’s aircraft in the 87-hour war in May, we can ask a larger question: do such numbers really matter?
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