Assembly Election LIVE Updates: Impose President's rule in Punjab, says Amarinder after PM's security lapse

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday inaugurated the state's third guest house in Delhi constructed at a cost of Rs 45.47 crore. The guest house, located in Sector 13 of Dwarka area, was inaugurated by Adityanath from his residence in Lucknow through video conferencing, according to an official statement.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said the accountability of the Special Protection Group (SPG) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) should be fixed first for the PM security breach incident in Punjab. He said the two agencies are primarily responsible for the Prime Minister’s security and the local police only work in coordination with them during the PM visit.

The Akali Dal on Wednesday said the “major security lapse” that cut short Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Punjab visit reflected the “total collapse” of the law and order machinery, and claimed that Charanjit Singh Channi has no moral right now to continue as the chief minister. Modi returned without inaugurating development projects and addressing a planned rally in Ferozepur due to a road blockade on the route by protesting farmers. The Centre has blamed the state government for failing to keep the road clear, and endangering the PM’s safety.

Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia on Wednesday demanded the resignation of the Punjab CM for the alleged lapse in the security of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was stuck at a flyover for 15-20 minutes while on the way to address a rally. Poonia said the “major lapse” in the security of the PM during his visit to Punjab has raised questions over the working style of the state government and police.

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) spokesperson Rakhi Prabhudesai Naik on Wednesday resigned from her post and the party to join the Trinamool Congress Party (TMC). Naik tendered her resignation to GPCC president Girish Chodankar.

The RSS Muslim wing has plans to hold a door-to-door campaign in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh to apprise women from the community of the measures taken by the BJP governments at the Centre and the state for their welfare and empowerment. As part of the move, the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) has decided to organise at least 50 meetings with minority community members in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the Assembly polls. 

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday termed the "security lapse" during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Punjab a "criminal conspiracy" and said the people of the country will never forgive Congress over the incident.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday demanded a central government probe into the security lapse during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Punjab.

A local Samajwadi Party leader was killed by unidentified assailants near his house in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh. 

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday described the "security lapse" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's travel that led to him being stranded on a flyover in Punjab a "conspiracy hatched by the Congress".

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress over the breach in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security, the BJP on Wednesday alleged the ruling party in Punjab "tried to physically harm him". Modi's Punjab visit was cut short on Wednesday after a "major security lapse" as he was stranded on a flyover for 20 minutes due to a blockade by protesters, prompting the Union Home Ministry to seek an immediate report from the state government and strict action against those responsible.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday expressed regret after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to cut short his visit to the state, but asserted that there was no security lapse. Modi, who landed in Bathinda and had to take the road route to Hussainiwala in Ferozepur because of the inclement weather, was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes due to blockade by some protesters, an incident the Union Home Ministry described as a "major lapse" in his security.

Uttarakhand High Court asks the Election Commission of India (ECI) to consider holding virtual rallies and  online voting in the upcoming assembly elections scheduled to be held soon amidst rising cases of COVID-19. The high court bench was hearing an application moved through Advocate Shiv Bhatt seeking to postpone the upcoming assembly elections. The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 12.

I express regret that PM Modi had to return during his visit to Ferozepur district today. We respect our PM: Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi on security breach during PM's visit to the state

The questions we, as BJP karyakartas and the nation needs to ask the Congress govt in Punjab is - Why did the DGP Police gave an all-clear to the PM's security detail for the route that the PM was to undertake.: Union Minister & BJP leader Smriti Irani 

Never before in the history of our country, a state govt knowingly constructed a scenario where the PM will be brought to harm. We know Congress hates Modi, but today they tried to harm the PM of India: Union Minister & BJP leader Smriti Irani

After a major security breach on Prime Minister's convoy, the Congress reacting to the series of events, said the security of the Prime Minister is foremost and Punjab Government has setup an inquiry on the whole issue. Congress spokesperson Gaurav Vallabh reacting to reports said, "we have lost two leaders and we know that security is most important issue of the Prime Minister."

After report of security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Punjab visit, BJP chief J.P. Nadda on Wednesday said that fearing a resounding defeat the Congress Government tried all possible tricks to scuttle the Prime Minister's programmes in the state.

There were no shortcomings in the security arrangements during the PM's visit to Punjab today. The accusations of a security breach are baseless. The truth is that BJP's rally was a flop show. When PM got to know this, he decided to return: Punjab minister Rajkumar Verka

If Congress can't save democracy & maintain law & order in state, they've no right to be in power. We'll release videos of buses carrying people to join rally tommorrow (on allegations that there was poor turnout at BJP rally): BJP Punjab president Ashwani Sharma

Tripura Assembly Speaker Ratan Chakraborty on Wednesday disqualified Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ashish Das, who joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on October 31, 2021, after criticising the saffron party and its leadership in the state.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security was breached during Punjab visit on Wednesday. Taking cognisance of the security breach, the MHA has sought a detailed report from the state government. The MHA also asked the Punjab government to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action.

PM Modi on his return to Bhatinda airport told officials there,“Apne CM ko thanks kehna, ki mein Bhatinda airport tak zinda laut paaya.”

BJP chief JP Nadda said what is extremely worrisome is that this incident was also a big security lapse as far as the PM is concerned. Protestors were given access to the Prime Minister’s route while the Punjab Chief Secretary and DGP gave assurances to SPG that the route is clear.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that it is taking cognisance of this serious security lapse and has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government. The state government has also been asked to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action.

The MHA said that PM Modi’s schedule & travel plan was communicated well in advance to the Punjab government. As per procedure, they have to make necessary arrangements for logistics, security as well as keep a contingency plan ready. Also in view of the contingency plan, Punjab government has to deploy additional security to secure any movement by road, which were clearly not deployed. After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda airport, the Minister said.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Bathinda in the morning from where he was to go to National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter. Due to rain and poor visibility, PM Modi waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear out. When the weather didn’t improve, it was decided that he would visit the National Marytrs Memorial via road, which would take more than 2 hours. He proceeded to travel by road after necessary confirmation of necessary security arrangements by the DGP Punjab Police. Around 30 kms away from National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, when the PM’s convoy reached a flyover, it was found that the road was blocked by some protestors. The PM was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes. This was a major lapse in the security of PM, the MHA said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Punjab has been cancelled due to bad weather. As per the schedule, PM Modi was slated to address a rally in Ferozepur today. 

The Samajwadi Party has hit back at the Yogi Adityanath government's campaign 'Farq Saaf Hai', by tweeting a video clip that shows former BSP MP Dhananjay Singh playing cricket. The tweet says that "Mafia connected top chief minister are playing cricket." It further says: "Dhananjay Singh carries a reward of Rs 25,000 and is enjoying the game under the police eye. The double engine government's bulldozers cannot find him. The people are watching all this - 2022 mein BJP Saaf." The ruling party has been hitting out at Samajwadi Party with a series of short films titled 'Farq Saaf Hai'. In this series, the SP regime has been blamed for corruption and crime and the situation has been compared with present regime. The short films are being aggressively aired on TV channels and also in the print media. "This is just the beginning. We are now going to expose the BJP and its double-faced policies on such issues," said a SP leader.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Punjab to lay foundation stones for development projects at Ferozepur. Modi landed in Bathinda and then headed for the district located along the Indo-Pak border. "He has arrived in Punjab and is on his way to Ferozepur," Inspector General of Police (Bathinda Range) Jaskaran Singh told PTI over phone.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has cancelled Thursday's rally in Noida as Covid-19 cases spiral. The state government has already imposed night curfew in the state. 

Congress has announced to cancel all of its rallies in Uttar Pradesh. The decision was taken a day after shocking scenes from Congress' 'Mahila Marathon' in Bareilly.

Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Smriti Irani will be in Meerut to today. She will participate at an event -- 'Doctors For You', of a medical college. 

With Assembly polls to Uttar Pradesh unlikely to be delayed due to Omicron, the AIMIM has decided to step up its campaign in the state. Party chief Asaduddin Owaisi will address a public rally in Sambhal today. The AIMIM has announced that it would contest 100 of the total 403 seats.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will lay the foundation stone for Rs 4,200 crore Lucknow-Kanpur expressway on Wednesday. 

Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh has accused the All India Muslim Personal Law Board of politicising 'Surya Namaskar', after the Board said Muslim students cannot practice the exercise as "sun worship" is not allowed in Islam. Singh said 'Surya Namaskar' is a part of yoga which has been recognised by the whole world including by all Muslim countries in the Middle East. In a statement issued earlier in the day, the AIMPLB asked Muslim students not to participate in 'Surya Namaskar' exercise, claiming it is a form of "sun worship" which is not allowed in their religion. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has raised objection to Uttar Pradesh government advertisements that show 'anti-social elements' wearing red caps and holding them responsible for all problems before 2017. In a statement, Akhilesh described the Yogi Adityanath government's 'Farq Saaf Hai' campaign as gross misuse of funds for political publicity of the ruling BJP. The Samajwadi president said that he would ensure that this splurging of public funds was probed and officials involved are brought under its ambit.

The Election Commission will hold a virtual meeting with top officials and representatives of political parties from Manipur on Wednesday. Manipur is one of the five states where assembly elections are due and the virtual meet is part of the poll panel's exercise to take stock of the situation. The commission has already visited Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa and Uttarakhand in the last few days to take stock of the poll preparedness there. Top state administration officials, representatives of political parties and those part of the poll machinery will attend separate meetings on Wednesday evening, sources said.

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has said BJP leaders are trying to destroy communal harmony and dignity of the Indian Constitution. Addressing a gathering at Dingarpur, Owaisi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of encouraging people who are spreading hatred in name of religion. The Muslim leader was referring to the æDharamsansad' recently held in Haridwar, where open calls for violence against Muslims were made by seers and many others. 

An FIR has been lodged against Congress district chief Mirza Ashfaque Saqlaini and other unidentified persons following a "stampede-like situation" during a marathon organised by the party in Bareilly. The event held on Tuesday, was held as part of the Congress party's "Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon" Assembly election campaign. Videos of the incident also went viral on social media. Bareilly Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rohit Singh Sajwan said, "A case was lodged on Tuesday night against the organisers of the marathon after a probe by the district administration. A police officer said that three girls fell and sustained injuries during the marathon."

Ahead of the Assembly elections in Punjab, some senior ministers and leaders on Tuesday met the Congress leadership and demanded that unity in the state organisation be ensured. Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa and ministers Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Raja Warring, besides party MP Amar Singh and PPCC general secretary Pargat Singh met AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal in the national capital. Sources said the Punjab leaders learnt to have raised the issue of announcements made by state party chief Navjot Singh Sidhu during public functions in the state. The sources said they raised the issue of announcement of party candidates at public functions in Punjab, even when their candidature is being discussed and a consensus is yet to be arrived at. The ministers also learnt to have discussed the party's strategy for the upcoming polls.

Saints and seers in Mathura have assured victory with a record margin for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath if the BJP decides to field him from here in the upcoming state Assembly elections. Gyananand Maharaj, founder of the Shri Krishan Kripa Dham, said that though no official announcement has been made about the chief minister candidate so far, the community of saints will support Yogi Adityanath 'wholeheartedly' if he decides to run for elections from the area. Another seer, Mahant Manmohan Das, said, "We want him to contest from Lord Krishna's town," while Rajendra Das Maharaj, president of Shri Malook Peeth Ashram in Vrindavan, said it would be 'a matter of pride' for every resident if the chief minister contested elections from Mathura. "We will ensure his victory as he himself is a saint and not a politician," he said.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi was not present at the Congress' first meeting of its screening committee for the upcoming elections. The panel will again meet on Wednesday and finalise the first list of Congress candidates for the polls.

The Congress on Tuesday held the first meeting of its screening committee for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections and is learnt to have finalised around 70 candidates for polls. Top Congress leaders of the state attended the meeting which was chaired by party general secretary Ajay Maken.

The Election Commission of India is likely to announce poll dates for Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur next week. The dates could be announced between January 10 and 13. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Stampede occurred during Congress' 'Ladki hoon, Lad Sakti hoon' marathon in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh today. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Five-time Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Tuesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create the right atmosphere for his much-delayed visit to Punjab by first taking some concrete steps to expose the conspiracy behind the on-going incidents of sacrilege against Sikh faith and resolving the other major political, religious and economic issues facing the state. Badal in a statement here listed five major issues on which he said a prime ministerial package would lend credence and respectability to Modi's visit to Punjab on January 5. "As the PM, you would earn a lot of goodwill and my personal gratitude, if before coming here, you announce an economic, political, agricultural and territorial package to meet the demands of the Punjabis." The former CM also drew the PM's attention to thousands of Sikh families awaiting justice for the massacre of 1984. Badal said the PM's visit would then truly be a welcome gesture and would heal many past wounds inflicted by successive Congress governments.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi on Tuesday announced a hike in the monthly honorarium of over 53,000 Anganwadi workers, mini-Anganwadi workers and the helpers. He also declared that all these workers would be now eligible for regular increase in their honorarium annually from January 1, 2023. Channi also distributed appointment letters to 67 'safai sewaks'.

In a veiled attack, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday accused Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav of not doing anything for Mathura and other religious places associated with Lord Krishna, and termed the previous SP government as  "worshiper of Kans". He accused the previous government of creating a Kans that resulted in the Jawahar Bagh incident, in which 29 people were killed in June 2016 when police forcibly tried to evict squatters who were backed by Ram Vriksh Yadav. Adityanath's comment came a day after Akhilesh Yadav claimed that Lord Krishna comes to his dreams every night to tell him that he would form the government in the upcoming Assembly polls and establish "Ram Rajya" in UP. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 42,750 crore, in Punjab's Ferozepur, on Wednesday. The PM will visit the city for the event that is expected to take place at 1pm, according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Modi's visit to the city comes ahead of the upcoming polls in Punjab. These projects include the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway; four laning of Amritsar-Una section and Mukerian-Talwara New Broad Gauge railway line, according to the PMO.