Punjab BJP to hold talks at grassroots for 2027 Assembly polls

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Chandigarh, Oct 17 (IANS) The Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said on Saturday that it has begun preparations to hold discussions, pass resolutions and formulate strategy at the grassroots for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

This was decided at the party’s State Executive Committee meeting in Sangrur town.

Sharing information, State BJP General Secretary Anil Sarin said the process of implementing the decisions taken by the state Executive Committee has started.

He noted that the party has decided to prominently raise key issues concerning the state, including drugs, corruption, and crime.

“Keeping these issues at the centre of its agenda, the party would undertake activities to strengthen public outreach, understand people’s problems, and communicate its views and policies regarding the future of Punjab to the public.”

Sarin said district-level meetings are being held across the BJP’s 36 organisational districts till October 19.

These will be followed by mandal-level meetings from October 22 to 24.

The primary objective of these meetings is to familiarise party leaders and workers with discussions held, resolutions passed, and strategy formulated for the upcoming state elections.

He said the organisation is being mobilised to ensure that programmes and policies finalised at the state level reach the district, mandal, and booth levels.

Through these meetings, BJP workers will be briefed on their responsibilities, and the necessary framework will be prepared to advance the party’s activities at the grassroots.

Meanwhile, party legislator Ashwani Sharma criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party government over the murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota, who had raised his voice against drugs in Mansa.

Sharma said the murder case has sparked outrage across Punjab.

“People are taking to the streets to express their anger, and the public is demanding answers from the Punjab government, particularly Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. However, instead of responding to the public’s questions, the Chief Minister is heading to France. This shows that the Chief Minister is not at all serious about the matter and is merely going through the motions.”

Sharma said it would have been better if Chief Minister Mann had answered the public’s questions instead of travelling abroad.

–IANS

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The announcements were made on Wednesday after the minister heard public grievances during a Janata Darbar at the JD(U) state office in Patna.

Nishant Kumar said CCTV cameras will be installed in all government hospitals in Bihar to facilitate continuous monitoring of hospital operations.

According to the minister, the surveillance system will be connected to a control room in Patna, enabling officials to monitor staff attendance and the functioning of hospitals.

He noted that complaints are frequently received regarding doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff not reporting for duty on time.

He said disciplinary action would be taken against personnel found negligent through the monitoring process.

The Health Minister stated that government hospitals are expected to stock 504 categories of medicines, but currently only around 350 varieties are available.

He directed officials to ensure that all designated medicines are supplied regularly so that patients can access the prescribed drugs without facing shortages.

Nishant Kumar also stressed the need to keep essential medical equipment operational.

He said special attention would be given to the maintenance of MRI machines, CT scanners, and other diagnostic equipment.

The minister noted that situations where equipment remains non-functional for months or years should not occur.

If hospitals lack trained technicians or operators, appointments will be made to ensure diagnostic services remain available.

To improve emergency medical response, Nishant Kumar announced that the government plans to deploy 100 ambulances along national and state highways across Bihar.

He also revealed plans to strengthen trauma care infrastructure through the establishment of 11 level-3 trauma centres and 5 level-3 trauma hospitals.

The proposed facilities are intended to provide quicker treatment to accident victims and improve emergency healthcare services.

Nishant Kumar said improving healthcare services remains a priority for the state government, and that hospital performance will be monitored continuously.

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India-UK FTA: Bilateral trade projected to surge by 15 pc annually until 2030

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The recently concluded free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Britain offers a strategic opportunity for Indian companies to expand their footprint in the UK market, stimulate domestic manufacturing and contribute to economic growth, according to the report by CareEdge Ratings.

“This landmark FTA also fosters investment, joint ventures, and collaboration in the service sector, thereby deepening economic ties. Going forward, this agreement marks a pivotal shift in India-UK economic relations, unlocking new opportunities for businesses, strengthening manufacturing, and enriching consumer markets,” said D Naveen Kumar, Associate Director, CareEdge Ratings.

Currently, the trade value between the United Kingdom (UK) and India is approximately 2 per cent of India’s total trade value, although it has been growing steadily at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11 per cent over the last decade.

The UK and India entered into a free trade agreement (FTA) on May 6, following approximately three years of negotiations.

Under the agreement, India will reduce tariffs on 90 per cent of British goods, with 85 per cent becoming completely duty-free over a period of 10 years. In return, Britain has agreed to lower its tariffs on certain products, resulting in 99 per cent of India’s exports to the UK facing zero duties.

“Some of the benefits of FTA for Indian exporters would include improved market access, stable supply chains, increased competitiveness, higher volumes and new avenues for growth,” the report mentioned.

The FTA is expected to boost India’s exports by significantly reducing tariffs, easing trade barriers leading to improved market access and make Indian products more price competitive, thereby increasing their demand in the UK.

Additionally, this has provided some relief to exporters who have been facing sluggish sales and uncertainty about potential reciprocal tariffs from the US.

In key sectors such as automobiles, whisky, industrial machinery, and pharmaceuticals, significant gains are set to be made through steep tariff reductions and simplified regulations.

According to the report, the India–UK FTA is poised to create substantial opportunities for Indian gems and jewellery makers by tapping into the UK’s affluent consumer base and well-developed luxury market.

The tariffs range from 8 per cent to 14 per cent for various electrical and engineering goods. With their removal under the India–UK FTA, Indian manufacturers are poised to gain a clear competitive edge over other global suppliers, said the report.

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Talking to IANS, Gulecha said: “It was truly heartwarming to see Prime Minister Modi grace the occasion. His presence was immensely appreciated by the entire Jain community, and it left a lasting impact on all of us. What stood out was his deep respect for all religions. We were particularly moved by the fact that, despite being the Prime Minister of India, he chose to participate in the chanting of the Navkar Mantra without wearing shoes. This gesture signified his long-standing understanding and reverence for Jainism.”

Gulecha went on to highlight that the Prime Minister’s profound understanding of the Navkar Mantra and its spiritual significance was remarkable.

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“His deep respect for all religions and belief in unity and progress for all people, irrespective of their religion, is truly commendable,” he said.

He also emphasised how the Prime Minister’s inclusive approach transcended any notions of religious bias.

“Despite being from a Hindu background, Prime Minister Modi has always shown immense goodwill towards minorities. His focus has always been on the development of India, keeping in mind the welfare of all sections of society. His principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is what guides his leadership,” he said.

Gulecha concluded by describing the Prime Minister’s visit to the event as a “pleasant and inspiring experience.”

He appreciated the Prime Minister’s understanding of diverse religious values, stating, “Having been raised in Sanatan traditions, Prime Minister Modi has a deep understanding of all religions. His decision to leave his shoes in the car before entering our program shows the level of respect he has for every community.”

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