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Health Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Stress Takes Toll on Mental and Physical Health

The doctor noted that stress can disrupt sleep patterns leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke…reports Asian Lite News

Stress may not only affect you mentally but is also detrimental to your physical health, said doctors here on Tuesday.

April is known to be the stress awareness month.

In today’s fast-paced world, people of all ages are facing unprecedented levels of pressure and stress, leading to a surge in mental and physical health challenges.

“In addition to impacting mental well-being, stress can have profound effects on the body, contributing to various health conditions and diseases,” Vipul Gupta, Director of Neurointervention and Co-Chief of the Stroke Unit at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, told.

The doctor noted that stress can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

“Chronic stress triggers a cascade of physiological responses, including elevated levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can disrupt normal bodily functions.

“Digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastritis are also linked to stress, as it can disrupt gut motility and exacerbate inflammation. Furthermore, prolonged stress may contribute to hormonal imbalances, leading to reproductive issues in both men and women, the doctor said.

A December 2023 study by ICICI Lombard General Insurance unveiled that every third person in India is grappling with stress. The report said that 77 per cent of Indians experience at least one symptom of stress regularly.

Coping mechanisms such as mindfulness practices, healthy lifestyle habits, regular exercise, maintaining social connections, etc, play crucial roles in managing stress.

Divya Mohindroo, a Counselling Psychologist suggested exploring mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing to manage stress.

She also emphasised the therapeutic value of journaling and harnessing the power of nature.

“Explore the benefits of spending time outdoors for stress management. This highlights a natural approach to stress reduction that connects with the concept of awareness,” she told.

The experts also stressed the importance of seeking help when needed.

“Recognising when stress becomes overwhelming and seeking professional help is paramount. Visiting a doctor or mental health professional is necessary when symptoms persist, interfere with daily functioning, or lead to physical ailments. Stress awareness month serves as a timely reminder to prioritise mental well-being and seek support when needed,” Vipul said.

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Bollywood Lite Blogs

SRK Accepts Mohanlal’s Dance Challenge

SRK took to his X account on Tuesday and re-shared a video from an award function where Mohanlal can be seen dancing to ‘Zinda Banda’…reports Asian Lite News

Malayalam megastar Mohanlal on Tuesday took to X to invite Shah Rukh Khan to groove on ‘Zinda Banda’ from the blockbuster ‘Jawan’ over a meal (actually, from dinner to breakfast!).

SRK took to his X account on Tuesday and re-shared a video from an award function where Mohanlal can be seen dancing to ‘Zinda Banda’.

Sharing the video, SRK wrote that he was eagerly waiting for dinner with the veteran actor. He wrote, “Thank u @Mohanlal sir for making this song most special for me now. Wish I had done it half as good as you. Love u sir and waiting for dinner at home as and when. You are the OG Zinda Banda.”

Mohanlal humbly replied to SRK’s tweet with these words: “Dear @iamsrk, nobody can do it like you! You are and always will be the OG Zinda Banda in your classic, inimitable style. Thanks for your kind words. Also, just dinner? Why not groove to some Zinda Banda over breakfast, too?”

Seeing one of his favourite actors respond with such warmth, SRK replied, “Done sir. Your place or mine?”

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Lite Blogs

Moderate Alcohol Intake in Pregnancy Linked to Birth Deficits

Early pregnancy is a critical period for the formation of organs in the developing fetus, making it a particularly vulnerable window for alcohol exposure, Bakhireva said…reports Asian Lite News

Researchers have found that low to moderate alcohol use by pregnant patients may contribute to subtle changes in their babies’ prenatal development. The study was published in the journal, ‘Alcohol Clinical and Experimental Research’.

“In exploratory analyses, the effect on gestational age was more pronounced in male infants, and for birth length, it actually was stronger in females,” Bakhireva said. She cautioned that these effects should be interpreted with caution because of the study’s limited statistical power to conduct sex-specific analyses and the challenges of accounting for other contributing factors.

There is a good deal of research on the prenatal effects of heavy alcohol use, usually defined as 14 drinks per week, or binge drinking, defined as four drinks or more per occasion, Bakhireva said. “We know quite a bit from these earlier studies of heavy alcohol use about the effect on prenatal outcomes, especially preterm delivery and growth restriction, as well as neurodevelopmental outcomes, but we specifically focused on more moderate alcohol exposure because it’s much more prevalent,” she said. Early pregnancy is a critical period for the formation of organs in the developing fetus, making it a particularly vulnerable window for alcohol exposure, Bakhireva said.

“Almost everybody drinks before they know they are pregnant, and risky drinking before pregnancy is predictive of drinking later on,” she said. “That’s a unique aspect of the study. We carefully looked at the patterns of drinking around conception and early pregnancy.” Most of the participants substantially reduced their drinking or stopped altogether once they learned they were pregnant, Bakhireva said. Even with reduced alcohol, there were some deficits seen in both male and female infants, however. She emphasizes that larger studies that combine samples across the country are needed to replicate the findings and examine sex-specific effects further. (ANI)

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India News Lite Blogs

India’s First Woman Mahout Breaks Stereotypes

Beyond her hands-on work with elephants, Parbati actively contributed to developing government regulations aimed at minimizing human-elephant confrontations, thus making significant strides in wildlife conservation efforts…reports Asian Lite News

Parbati Baruah, affectionately known as the ‘Elephant Girl’ (Hasti Kanya) in Assam, made history as India’s first woman mahout (elephant keeper), receiving the prestigious Padma Shri award for her remarkable contributions to animal conservation. The 67-year-old was honored at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Hailing from the Gauripur royal family in the Goalpara district of Assam, Parbati embarked on her extraordinary journey into the world of elephants at a tender age. At just 14 years old, she, alongside her father Prakritesh Barua, captured their first elephant in the dense forests of Kachugaon in Kokrajhar district.

Parbati’s dedication to her unconventional profession spanned four decades, during which she played a pivotal role in mitigating human-elephant conflicts and challenging gender stereotypes prevalent in her field. Her expertise in taming wild elephants and understanding their behavior earned her widespread recognition not only in Assam but also in neighboring states like West Bengal and Odisha.

Beyond her hands-on work with elephants, Parbati actively contributed to developing government regulations aimed at minimizing human-elephant confrontations, thus making significant strides in wildlife conservation efforts.

Recognized as the ‘Queen of the Elephants,’ Parbati’s remarkable journey was immortalized in a book by British travel writer and naturalist Mark Roland Shand, followed by a widely acclaimed BBC documentary.

After decades of dedicated service as a mahout, Parbati redirected her focus towards animal conservation and is currently affiliated with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Asian Elephant Specialist Group (IUCN).

Parbati’s Padma Shri accolade not only honors her individual achievements but also celebrates her family’s legacy of excellence, with her sister, renowned folk singer Pratima Pandey Barua, also having received the Padma Shri recognition, alongside their relative, award-winning filmmaker Pramathesh Barua.

Parbati’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to protecting the majestic creatures she holds dear, exemplifying resilience, determination, and a profound love for wildlife conservation.

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Films Lite Blogs

Malayalam Cinema’s Unique Journey Amid OTT Landscape

The actor added: “Our model is not that, we need to finish the film and release the film to demonstrate its potential before it gains traction on OTT platforms…reports Asian Lite News

Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil, acclaimed for his recent release ‘Aavesham’, has chalked out the line of difference between Malayalam cinema and the rest of Indian cinema.

The actor, renowned for his roles in ‘Kumbalangi Nights’, ‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram’, ‘Malik’, ‘Joji’, and others, highlighted that Malayalam cinema still lacks substantial support from OTT platforms.

In a conversation with the YouTube channel Galatta Plus, Fahadh said: “The trade has grown for Malayalam cinema, but our cinema even now doesn’t have a solid back-up of an online streaming platform. We need to prove our mettle in theatres for any of these things to come in. Unlike the rest of India, where almost 80 per cent of films are sold even before the shoot is started, things are different for us.”

The actor added: “Our model is not that, we need to finish the film and release the film to demonstrate its potential before it gains traction on OTT platforms. This approach has influenced our industry’s cinematic culture, emphasising the importance of crafting compelling stories and producing quality content.”

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-Top News Abu Dhabi UAE News

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024: A Global Cultural Extravaganza

This year, the ADIBF pays homage to Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz, celebrating Egypt’s profound influence on Arab thought and creativity. As the Focus Personality, Mahfouz’s legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature to transcend borders and unite diverse communities…reports Asian Lite News

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), is poised to make waves once again as it gears up for its 33rd edition in 2024. Renowned as a pinnacle event for the cultural community and publishing industry worldwide, this year’s fair promises to be bigger and more diverse than ever before.

With over 1,350 exhibitors from an impressive 90 countries, the ADIBF continues to uphold its status as a beacon of cultural exchange and literary exploration. The theme for this edition, “Where the World’s Tales Unfold,” encapsulates the essence of the fair, inviting visitors on a journey through the diverse narratives of global literature.

Taking place at the esteemed Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from April 29th to May 5th, 2024, the event boasts an impressive lineup of 145 new exhibitors and publishing houses, alongside the participation of 12 additional countries. From Greece to Indonesia, these nations contribute to the rich tapestry of cultures showcased at the fair, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global cultural hub.

Central to the ADIBF’s success are the initiatives spearheaded by the ALC to support publishers, exhibitors, and authors. By waiving rental fees for participants for the third consecutive year, the ALC demonstrates its commitment to fostering the growth and sustainability of the publishing sector while promoting the prominence of the Arabic language on the world stage.

Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, emphasizes the fair’s pivotal role in facilitating intercultural exchange and promoting global dialogue. He remarks, “The sustained efforts and excellent support that the book fair has received have cemented its reputation as a global cultural center and a beacon of knowledge.”

This year, the ADIBF pays homage to Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz, celebrating Egypt’s profound influence on Arab thought and creativity. As the Focus Personality, Mahfouz’s legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature to transcend borders and unite diverse communities.

In a rapidly evolving world, the ADIBF remains a steadfast advocate for the preservation and promotion of literary heritage, offering strategic opportunities for growth and innovation in the publishing sector. As the fair continues to evolve, it reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant cultural landscape and fostering global connections through the universal language of storytelling.

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-Top News UK News

UK Parliament passes Rwanda asylum law

The home secretary, James Cleverly, says it was a “landmark moment in our plan to stop the boats”…reports Asian Lite News

Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda deportation bill will become law after peers eventually backed down on amending it, opening the way for legal battles over the potential removal of dozens of people seeking asylum.

After a marathon battle of “ping pong” over the key legislation between the Commons and the Lords, the bill finally passed when opposition and crossbench peers gave way on Monday night.

The bill is expected to be granted royal assent on Tuesday. Home Office sources said they have already identified a group of asylum seekers with weak legal claims to remain in the UK who will be part of the first tranche to be sent to east Africa in July.

Sunak has put the bill, which would deport asylum seekers who arrive in the UK by irregular means to Kigali, at the centre of his attempts to stop small boats crossing the Channel.

The home secretary, James Cleverly, said it was a “landmark moment in our plan to stop the boats”.

In a video posted to social media, he said: “The safety of Rwanda bill has passed in parliament and it will become law within days.

“The act will prevent people from abusing the law by using false human rights claims to block removals. And it makes clear that the UK parliament is sovereign, giving government the power to reject interim blocking measures imposed by European courts. I promised to do what was necessary to clear the path for the first flight. That’s what we have done. Now we’re working day in and day out to get flights off the ground.”

Denisa Delić, director of advocacy at International Rescue Committee UK, said on Monday: “Irrespective of today’s passage of the safety of Rwanda bill, sending refugees to Rwanda is an ineffective, unnecessarily cruel and costly approach.

“Rather than outsourcing its responsibilities under international law, we urge the government to abandon this misguided plan and instead focus on delivering a more humane and orderly immigration system at home. This includes scaling up safe routes, such as resettlement and family reunion, and upholding the right to seek asylum.”

The Home Office has whittled the list down to 350 migrants who are deemed to pose the least risk of submitting successful legal challenges blocking their deportation.

Lawyers said that they will prepare legal challenges on behalf of individual asylum seekers. They can challenge their removal on a case-by-case basis, which could lead to their being taken off a flight list.

The bill allows challenges if a detainee faces a “real, imminent and foreseeable risk of serious irreversible harm if removed to Rwanda”.

They must lodge an appeal within eight days of receiving a deportation letter. The Home Office would then be given several days to respond. If their appeal is rejected, the person claiming asylum will then be given seven days to lodge a final appeal to an upper tribunal court, which will decide their claim within a further 23 days.

The deal will cost £1.8m for each of the first 300 deportees, the National Audit Office has confirmed.

Matthew Rycroft, the most senior civil servant in the Home Office who has overseen the scheme for two years, previously told MPs he did not have evidence to show that it had a deterrent effect that would make it value for money.

Home Office staff have privately warned that there is a risk of thousands of asylum seekers disappearing once removals begin, keen to avoid receiving notification that they are being sent to Kigali.

Earlier, MPs stripped out amendments to the bill inserted by the Lords. Crossbench and Labour peers said they would reinsert similar changes in a battle of wills.

The government will not send those who are eligible under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) to Rwanda, a Home Office minister told peers during one of the many debates held on Monday evening.

Lord Sharpe said: “Once this review of Arap decisions for those with credible links to Afghan specialist units has concluded, the government will not remove to Rwanda those who received a positive eligibility decision as a result of this review where they are already in the UK as of today.”

Lord Browne, a Labour former defence secretary who had been leading calls for such an assurance, said: “The minister does not believe this to be a concession, it is to him a restatement of what he has been telling us for some time, but in a different form.”

Meanwhile, leading lawyer and independent crossbencher Lord Anderson of Ipswich said of the Rwanda scheme: “Its benefits remain to be seen. Its costs will be measured, not only in money, but in principles debased: disregard for our international commitments, avoiding statutory protections for the vulnerable, and the removal of judicial scrutiny over the core issue of the safety of Rwanda.”

The prime minister also disclosed that the first flights removing asylum seekers to Rwanda were planned to depart in 10 to 12 weeks, missing his original spring target.

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-Top News China UK News

Former parliamentary aide charged with spying for China

Beijing has previously hit back at claims of an orchestrated overseas espionage campaign…reports Asian Lite News

London’s Metropolitan Police on Monday said it had charged two men with allegedly spying for China in a move that could stoke new tensions with Beijing.

The charges came as German prosecutors announced the arrest of three German nationals suspected of spying for China and providing access to secret maritime technology. The British pair are accused of breaking the Official Secrets Act 1911 and will appear in a London court on Friday.

Police named the men as Christopher Berry, 32, and Christoper Cash, 29, who previously worked at the UK parliament as a researcher. They are accused of having given “articles, notes, documents or information” to a foreign state. The alleged offenses are said to have taken place between 2021 and last year.

Beijing has previously hit back at claims of an orchestrated overseas espionage campaign.

The Met Police said in September they had arrested a man in his 20s on spying allegations, with the Sunday Times reporting he was a researcher in Britain’s parliament. The newspaper named him as Cash and said he had had contacts with MPs from the ruling Conservative Party.

They included security minister Tom Tugendhat and Alicia Kearns, the chairman of the influential House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee. Tugendhat was reported to have only had limited contact with the suspect, and none when he was security minister.

Domestic intelligence service MI5 last year warned that a Chinese government agent called Christine Lee had been “engaged in political interference activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party, engaging with members here at parliament.”

In July 2023, the Commons intelligence and security committee claimed China was targeting the UK “prolifically and aggressively” and that the government did not have the “resources, expertise or knowledge” to deal with it.

Meanwhile, German authorities said they have arrested three people on suspicion of spying for China.

The main suspect, named as Thomas R, is accused of spying for the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS). Prosecutors allege his network operated a front company which co-operated with German research organisations.

The accused are said to have collected sensitive information, including designs for an engine suitable for use on combat ships, to pass on to China.

In a separate development, two men in the UK were charged with spying for China after being accused of providing information which could be “useful to an enemy”, according to police.

In the German case, prosecutors allege Thomas R obtained “innovative technologies for military use” on behalf of an MSS employee. They also allege he used a company – run by the two other suspects, named as Herwig F and Ina F – which contacted people working in science and research.

A first project regarding the operation of high-performance marine engines for use on combat ships is alleged to have already been completed.

At the time of their arrest, the accused were allegedly in further negotiations on other projects that could be of use for China’s navy, prosecutors said.

They added that the arrests took place in the western German states of Hesse and North-Rhine-Westphalia. The three suspects are also accused of exporting a laser to China, which is banned under EU “dual use” regulations. The rules prohibit sending goods which can be used for military and civilian purposes to certain countries.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the arrests of the three suspects in Germany were a “great success for our counterintelligence”. “The area affected in the current case – innovative technologies from Germany that can be used for military purposes – is particularly sensitive,” she added.

The arrests come a week after Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Beijing, where he raised issues including China’s support for Russia since the invasion of Ukraine.

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-Top News Arab News UK News

Sunak discusses Gaza developments with Jordan’s king

Sunak told the king that the UK’s ultimate goal is to achieve a workable two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday made a phone call to Jordan’s King Abdullah to discuss developments in the Gaza Strip, 10 Downing Street announced.

During the call, Sunak renewed the UK’s support for Jordan’s security and that of the region, saying a significant escalation is “not in anyone’s interests.”

He added that the UK’s focus remains on finding a solution to the conflict in Gaza.

The UK continues to work toward an immediate humanitarian truce to bring in much larger amounts of aid and return the Israeli hostages held by Hamas safely to their families, “leading to a longer-term sustainable ceasefire,” Sunak said.

The two leaders “discussed joint efforts to significantly step up aid to Gaza, with the UK taking part in Jordanian-led aid drops and a humanitarian land corridor to Gaza, as well as the maritime aid corridor from Cyprus,” Downing Street said.

Sunak told the king that the UK’s ultimate goal is to achieve a workable two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.

The two leaders “agreed on the importance of supporting a reformed Palestinian authority to deliver stability and prosperity across the Palestinian territories,” Downing Street said.

King Abdullah warned of the danger of regional escalation, which he said threatens international peace and security, Jordan’s official Petra news agency reported.

He renewed his call for the international community to intensify efforts to reach an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza to alleviate the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged Palestinian territory, and warned of the dangerous consequences of an Israeli assault on Rafah.

The king stressed the need to protect civilians in Gaza and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.

He pointed to the importance of continuing to support the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees to enable it to provide its humanitarian services in accordance with its UN mandate.

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INDIA 2024 India News

Farmers protest BJP candidates across Punjab

These demonstrations mark another chapter in the ongoing saga of farmer frustration over unmet demands…reports Asian Lite News

Farmer discontent boiled over in Punjab on Sunday as protests erupted against BJP candidate Dinesh Babbu in Batala and party leader Arvind Khanna in Barnala. These demonstrations mark another chapter in the ongoing saga of farmer frustration over unmet demands, a sentiment that has been simmering despite the election fervour surrounding the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Throughout the campaign trail, BJP candidates such as Hans Raj Hans, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Preneet Kaur have encountered the ire of farmers, who have resorted to showing black flags and vocalizing their grievances. The anger reached a crescendo in Fatehgarh Churian, where farmers rallied against Mr. Babbu, the BJP nominee from the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat, prompting police intervention to prevent the situation from escalating.

In the face of mounting protests, BJP candidate Mr. Babbu attempted to reassure farmers, asserting that only his party could effectively address their concerns through dialogue. However, the demonstrators remained steadfast, expressing skepticism towards political promises and a determination to hold leaders accountable.

Similar scenes unfolded in Barnala, where BJP leader Arvind Khanna faced the wrath of protesting farmers during his campaign. Allegations flew from both sides, with Mr. Khanna accusing AAP workers of instigating the protests, while protesters criticized the BJP government’s handling of farmer issues.

Meanwhile, BJP candidate Taranjit Singh Sandhu, hailing from a farming family, reiterated his commitment to improving farmers’ incomes despite facing their ire on the campaign trail. The farmers, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), have vowed to oppose the BJP in the upcoming polls, citing the government’s failure to address their demands, including a law on minimum support price (MSP).

The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, led by farmer unions SKM and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), underscores the depth of farmer discontent, with demands for a legal guarantee of MSP for crops. Since February 13, farmers have maintained a presence at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana, symbolizing their resolve to fight for their rights.

As the polling for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab approaches on June 1, the farmer protests serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing political parties in winning over this crucial voter demographic. The outcome of the elections will not only shape the political landscape but also determine the future trajectory of farmer-government relations in the region.

BJP MP attacks Punjab CM over unpaid salaries to cops

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu on Sunday attacked Punjab Chief Minister and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann over the unpaid salaries of more than 85,000 Punjab police personnel and said that while the crucial phase of elections is underway, the morale of the security force is low.

The BJP leader said that the Punjab Chief Minister should clarify to the people of Punjab why the salaries of 85,000 employees of Punjab police are unpaid.

Taking to social media handle X, the Ludhiana MP posted, “Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, please tell the people of Punjab why 85,000 employees of Punjab police have not been paid a salary for March and the April salary is almost due. Elections are on, safety and security is very important but the morale of the force is very low.”

Ravneet Bittu criticised the Punjab Chief Minister’s false claims of no lack of funds in Punjab and questioned the condition of the state where the law enforcement agency of the state itself has due salary.

“The state is heading for elections and the police force has a major role in executing it peacefully but what will the police employees standing on the naka or road do if he is not being paid by the state government for the last one and half months,” said Bittu.

The BJP leader also said that the issue of unpaid paychecks has affected the employees’ family budgets and made them unable to carry on with their routine requirements.

“We all know school admissions, uniforms, books and fees have to be paid around this time of the year. The issue of unpaid salaries has shaken the family budget of the employees and they are unable to carry on with their routine requirements,” said Bittu.

Bittu questioned the Chief Minister to stop making hollow claims and admit the state is bankrupt or tell why there is a delay in the release of the salary of the police force.

“Even if there is some problem with the state treasury the state government should have prepared itself with a backup plan. The morale of the force is very low now but because of the disciplined force, they can’t protest or go on strike,” he said.

Adding further he said that the Punjab Chief Minister has broken all the records of delay in the salary which never happened earlier.

“What will happen to our law and order if the morale of the force is not boosted? The government employees of some other departments have also been ruing over the government’s laxity in paying salaries,” claimed the BJP leader.

Ravneet Singh Bittu joined the BJP at the party headquarters in Delhi earlier in March, in a major setback to Congress, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Ravneet Singh Bittu is the grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh and the son of former Punjab minister Tej Parkash Singh.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Bittu defeated Simarjeet Singh Bains from the Lok Insaaf Party by 76,372 votes.

In 2014, he defeated the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Harvinder Singh Phoolka with a margin of 19,709 votes.

Polling for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab will take place in the last phase on June 1.

Aam Aadmi Party and Congress are contesting the election in Punjab separately despite being in alliance in other states.

Yesterday, in yet another blow to the Congress party, Tajinder Singh Bittu joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the party headquarters in Delhi on Saturday in the presence of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and party general secretary Vinod Tawde.

Tajinder Singh Bittu resigned from his post as AICC Secretary-in-Charge of Himachal Pradesh and primary membership Congress.

This comes at a crucial time, in the backdrop of Lok Sabha elections being held across the nation. Bittu’s exit marks another setback for the Congress party, which has witnessed an exodus of big leaders in the last few weeks.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, the INC-led UPA alliance won eight seats, while the NDA secured four. The Aam Aadmi Party, in its debut, won one seat. (ANI)

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