Aam Aadmi Party has imposed an Emergency in Punjab: Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij

Attack on democracy and freedom of the press – AAP government creating an Emergency-like atmosphere in Punjab: Anil Vij

Freedom of the press is being crushed and democracy is being strangled through actions by various departments: Vij

Has the spirit of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi entered the AAP government in Punjab?: Vij

On the Congress convention in Kurukshetra, Vij said – a fractured Congress is trying to stitch its broken pieces together

Chandigarh, January 16 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij today launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, stating that the AAP government has imposed an Emergency in Punjab and is strangling democracy.

Sh. Vij wrote on X (formerly Twitter) today in his first tweet, “जिस प्रकार से पंजाब में "पंजाब केसरी" एक निष्पक्ष समाचार पत्र समूह तथा इससे जुड़े संस्थानों पर पंजाब सरकार द्वारा भिन्न - भिन्न विभागों के माध्यम से बिना किसी आधार और बिना निर्धारित तरीकों द्वारा नाजायज हमला बोल कर परेशान किया जा रहा है उससे स्पष्ट प्रतीत होता है कि पंजाब में आम आदमी पार्टी की सरकार द्वारा इमरजेंसी लगा दी गई है । लोकतंत्र का गला घोंटा जा रहा है ।”

It may be noted that yesterday the Punjab Kesari Group, through a letter, informed the Governor of Punjab, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, that over the past few days the Punjab government has been specifically targeting the Punjab Kesari Group and its associated institutions with an extraneous motive, which appears to be aimed at intimidating the press.

Reacting to these recent developments, Sh. Vij said that freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and any form of pressure, fear or harassment is unacceptable. He said that targeting a media organization in a planned manner is wrong. He added that the Punjab Kesari Group is a reputed media institution that has set an example of fearless journalism even under difficult circumstances. He recalled that great journalists like late Lala Jagat Narain and late Ramesh Chandra sacrificed even their lives for the nation and society and carrying forward that legacy, the group has been working in public interest for decades.

The Energy Minister said that if, in any state, repeated actions are taken simultaneously by different departments, creating an impression that attempts are being made to intimidate the media or suppress its voice, it becomes a matter of serious concern. He clarified that while the law must take its course, it should not be misused to frighten or silence anyone. Sh. Vij emphasized that there must be a clear line between administrative action and freedom of the press. If there is any factual or legal issue against an institution, it should be investigated strictly in accordance with rules and not in a manner that raises questions over democratic values.

He further said that in any situation it becomes especially important for the media to function independently, fearlessly and impartially, as conveying correct information to the public is the responsibility of the media and the strength of democracy depends on it. He expressed hope that, considering the seriousness of the issue, it should be ensured that the freedom, dignity and security of the press are not compromised in any manner. He said that governments may change in a democracy, but respect for an independent media must always be upheld.

Responding to a question from media persons regarding his tweet (Now X) on the Punjab Kesari Group, Sh. Vij said that the manner in which the Punjab government is attacking an impartial newspaper group in Punjab, conducting raids without following due rules and laws, gives the impression that the spirit of former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi has entered the AAP government in Punjab. He said that Indira Gandhi had done the same during her tenure by imposing restrictions on newspapers, when newspapers were published in truncated form and an Emergency was imposed. Therefore, a similar Emergency-like situation now appears to be prevailing in Punjab.

Similarly, responding to a question regarding the Congress convention in Kurukshetra, Sh. Vij said that this is a fractured Congress which is now trying to stitch together its broken pieces.

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Kurukshetra’s attraction is enhanced by the Ganga of Gita’s wisdom bestowed by Lord Krishna – Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij

Energy Minister receives blessings on the 96th birth anniversary of Mahant Chiranjeepuri Ji Maharaj

Sh.Vij says – Saint Chiranjeepuri Ji, who lives on half a glass of lassi and a loincloth, is an inspiration for society

Sh. Vij’s appeal – Along with attaining personal happiness, people should also participate in public service

Chandigarh, January 16 – Haryana’s Energy and Transport Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that Lord Shri Krishna enhanced the spiritual and cultural significance of Kurukshetra by delivering the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita on this sacred land. He said that the Ganga of knowledge that flowed from this land has become a guiding light for the world, and this stream of wisdom continues to provide new direction to society.

The Energy Minister was speaking as the Chief Guest on today at a function organized in Kurukshetra on the occasion of the 96th birth anniversary of Mahant Chiranjeepuri Ji Maharaj. On his arrival at the venue, he was welcomed by the temple trustees with a bouquet of flowers. He bowed before Mahant Chiranjeepuri Ji Maharaj and received his blessings. On this occasion, Sh. Vij announced a grant of Rs. 30 lakh for a proposed 100-bedded hospital.

Sh. Vij said that Mahant Chiranjeepuri Ji Maharaj has been living for the past 40 years on just half a glass of lassi and a loincloth, and that his penance and sacrifice are a great inspiration for society. He said that the Shri Brahmpuri Ann Kshetra Ashram Trust, Kurukshetra, through its “Ashtadash Vibhuti Gyan” initiative, has constructed an 18-storey temple. The trust also operates a dharamshala, providing shelter to devotees and tourists visiting Kurukshetra. He informed that the trust is constructing a 100-bedded hospital near Brahmsarovar, which will strengthen healthcare services and ensure easy access to medical facilities for all sections of society.

Public service is the greatest virtuous act – Vij

The Energy Minister said that while everyone in society is running after personal happiness, public service is the greatest virtuous act. He appealed that every individual should contribute to social service. He said that whatever we receive from society places a moral debt upon us, and the only way to repay this debt is by participating in acts of public service. He added that if a person does not contribute to social service, they would have to take repeated births on earth to repay society’s debt.

Social service provides new inspiration – Vij

Praising Mahant Chiranjeepuri Ji Maharaj for living on half a glass of lassi and a loincloth for the past 40 years, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that ensuring no one sleeps hungry and everyone has shelter is possible only because of the penance and sacrifice of such ascetics. He urged to scientists to witness the power of devotion by visiting Mahant Chiranjeepuri Ji Maharaj’s ashram, where a saint sustains himself on half a glass of lassi while guiding society towards a new path.

On this occasion, Mahant Chiranjeepuri Ji Maharaj honored the Energy Minister by adorning him with a turban and presenting a memento. The Energy Minister also distributed blankets to needy persons on the occasion of the Maharaj’s birth anniversary.

Those present on the occasion included Radhey Shyam, Subhash Jindal, Sushil Gupta, Naveen, Hari Om, Satpal Singla, Rajesh, Jagdish Aggarwal, Dr. Pawan Goyal, Rampal Singla, Lachhi Ram Mittal, Satish Kumar Mittal, Raj Goyal, Vijay Goyal, Narendra Bindal, Dharampal, Brij Bhushan and other dignitaries.