He said Chandigarh is “dearer than life” to every Punjabi and assured that no move, now or in the future, will harm Punjab’s rights. His statement came soon after the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that it was only studying a proposal to simplify the Union Territory’s law-making process. The MHA also said that no final decision had been taken.

Bittu added that the opposition created panic without understanding Article 240. He stressed that the Article does not define state capitals or boundaries, so it does not affect Punjab in any way.

Rejecting rumours about appointing a Lieutenant Governor or restructuring the administration, he said the Punjab Governor continues as Chandigarh’s Administrator. He also highlighted how new service rules benefited thousands of employees. Bittu urged Punjabis to stay calm and trust that the Centre will always protect Punjab’s interests.

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Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu recently tweeted that he had reviewed the progress with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Civil Aviation Ministry. He blamed local issues, saying the Public Works Department (PWD) had not completed drainage works but promised they would finish within a week. He also said once the airport is handed over, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security will give final clearances. Punjab has already provided 58 security personnel for training. Bittu assured that the Halwara international airport inauguration will happen soon.

Media reports suggested a Delhi meeting on September 26 between AAI, district administration, and state officials. But local authorities denied receiving any such intimation. Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora stated that the state had done its part and pending work would be expedited.

Still, industrialists remain frustrated. They argue that despite promises, there is no clear timeline for when flights from Halwara international airport will finally start.

The post Halwara Airport Faces Delays Again appeared first on India Podcast.

The Rajpura-Mohali rail link, first demanded in Parliament in 1976, will reduce the travel distance by 66 km. It will save time for passengers moving between Patiala and Chandigarh. The 18-km line will cost ₹443 crore and is expected to be completed in two to three years. This link will connect all 13 Malwa districts to Chandigarh, reduce traffic on the Rajpura-Ambala route, and require very little farmland acquisition.

The new Vande Bharat train will run daily, except Wednesday, between Ferozepur and Delhi. Covering 486 km through Faridkot, Bathinda, Dhuri, Patiala, and Ambala, it will take just six hours and 40 minutes.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and MoS Ravneet Singh Bittu announced the projects. Bittu said the Centre will give fair compensation for land and urged farmers to support the project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the Vande Bharat train soon.

The post Rajpura-Mohali Link & Vande Bharat Train appeared first on India Podcast.

Bittu, who was Congress MP from Anandpur Sahib (2009–2014), later shifted to Ludhiana and joined the NDA government. Despite this, the Nangal office has remained under his name for over a decade.

The revelation has raised questions about how Congress can operate from an office officially linked to a BJP minister. Political opponents have criticized the situation, while some believe it is being exaggerated.

BBMB authorities have reportedly begun reviewing records. A notice may soon ask Bittu if he plans to retain or vacate the property. Surinder Dhiman, Executive Engineer (Township), BBMB, confirmed the allotment details.

Former Punjab Assembly Speaker KP Rana, managing the office, downplayed the issue. He said the electricity bills are in his name and paid regularly. “The office has functioned as a Congress hub for years. Nothing irregular has happened,” Rana added.

The office remains a key venue for meetings and party events. With BBMB likely to issue a notice soon, the Nangal Congress office controversy is expected to grow in intensity.

The post Nangal Congress Office Sparks Political Controversy appeared first on India Podcast.

Jakhar pointed out that while CM Mann claimed the Centre had released only ₹1,582 crore, the Chief Secretary’s records showed entries of ₹12,000 crore. He warned that “contradictory figures” could weaken the state’s case before the Centre. Jakhar accused the AAP government of mishandling funds and forcing cash-rich panchayats to contribute 5% of their reserves for flood relief.

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu also launched an attack, alleging that the AAP government “squandered ₹12,000 crore on helicopter rides and personal luxuries” instead of using it for flood relief. The controversy has raised questions about transparency in fund management and deepened the political blame game.

Jakhar reiterated that Punjab needs urgent relief but accountability must come first. The fund mystery, he said, is delaying proper aid to flood-hit people.

The post Jakhar Demands Clarity on Punjab Flood Relief Funds appeared first on India Podcast.

A group of 19 farmers from Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts met the PM at Tibri Cantonment. They shared issues like damaged homes, silt-covered fields, and loss of schools and dispensaries. Farmers repeated that direct relief to farmers would help them recover faster. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and BJP leaders Sunil Jakhar, Tarun Chugh, and Ashwani Sharma supported the farmers’ plea, calling it ethical and justified.

Some officials, however, raised concerns that many farmers lack bank accounts and digital literacy, which could hinder DBT implementation. Villagers also explained how bundh construction in 2020 worsened flooding by blocking the natural flow of water into Pakistan.

The PM promised to speed up rebuilding schools, dispensaries, and houses while also considering DBT for compensation. Farmers, already burdened with debt, said direct relief to farmers is their only hope for survival.

The post PM Promises Direct Relief for Flood-Hit Farmers appeared first on India Podcast.

Modi assured that orphaned children would be supported under PM CARES for Children. Damaged homes will be rebuilt under PM Awas Yojana-Gramin, and schools will be restored through Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. Despite this, the AAP government had demanded Rs 20,000 crore immediate relief, citing massive destruction and pending dues worth Rs 60,000 crore.

Opposition parties and farmer organisations rejected the relief, calling it “meagre” and a “cruel joke”. Congress leader Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said the aid was a “drop in the ocean”. AAP’s Aman Arora termed it an “insult” to Punjab’s contribution to food security and national defence. Farmer unions demanded a Rs 1 lakh crore package, loan waivers, and long-term support.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including Ravneet Singh Bittu and Sunil Jakhar, accompanied Modi during the visit and engaged with flood victims.

The post Modi Announces Rs 1,600 Cr Flood Relief for Punjab, Opposition Calls It ‘Cruel Joke’ appeared first on India Podcast.