The Punjab government has introduced a new policy requiring village sarpanches and panchayat members to obtain official approval before travelling abroad. The Rural Development and Panchayats Department has circulated instructions to all District Development and Panchayat Officers as well as Additional Deputy Commissioners across the state to ensure implementation. According to the directive, many elected representatives from panchayati raj institutions often travel overseas for personal reasons, which can delay or disrupt ongoing development work in villages. To prevent such administrative sl

The Tarn Taran assembly constituency in Punjab recorded a voter turnout of 60.95 per cent during Tuesday’s by-election, according to election officials. Polling took place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. under tight security arrangements across the constituency. The seat fell vacant following the death of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal in June. A total of 15 candidates contested the by-election, with 1,92,838 registered voters eligible to cast their ballots. Officials said 222 polling stations were set up at 114 locations to facilitate the voting process. Counting of votes will take place on

A powerful explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station in central Delhi has left 11 people dead and at least 24 injured, according to local authorities. The cause of the blast remains under investigation, and a high alert has been declared across Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Delhi Fire Department officials said the explosion occurred inside a parked car near the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening. The impact caused several nearby vehicles to catch fire, resulting in extensive damage. Eyewitnesses reported seeing debris scattered across the road and hearing multiple smaller bla

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has postponed the hearing in the disproportionate assets case against former Punjab minister and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia. The proceedings, which continued for nearly an hour on Friday, were adjourned to Monday after the court heard arguments from both sides. Majithia’s counsel argued that since a chargesheet has already been filed and the investigation remains incomplete, there is no justification for keeping his client in custody. The defence alleged that the state government is deliberately delaying the bail process by repeatedly s

The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has issued a second notice to the state Congress over alleged misuse of a portrait of Bhai Jaita Ji during a recent rally in Tarn Taran ahead of the byelection. The Commission has directed Leader of the Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa to appear in person on November 10. Officials said the Deputy Commissioner of Tarn Taran has also been asked to submit a detailed report on the matter by November 17. Earlier, the Commission had issued a similar notice to Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. The Commission stated that if the required

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has reportedly received a death threat from gangster Harvinder Singh Rinda, believed to be operating from Pakistan. Sources say the threat surfaced following Warring’s remarks about former Union home minister Buta Singh. According to police officials, the message warned Warring to stay away from political campaigning until November 11 – the date of polling for the Tarn Taran assembly by-election. A similar threat was also received by Congress leader Rajvir Singh Bhullar. Police have registered a case and enhanced security arrangements

A heated exchange took place in the Punjab and Haryana High Court today during the hearing of former minister Bikram Singh Majithia’s bail petition. The Punjab Advocate General, appearing for the state government, sought two days’ time to file a response, but the court made it clear that the matter would be heard the same day. Majithia’s counsel argued that since the charge sheet has already been filed, there was no justification for the government to continue opposing bail. The defence pointed out that the Supreme Court had earlier dismissed an investigation report in a related NDPS mat

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Vardev Singh Mann, widely known as Noni Mann, has been arrested in connection with a violent clash that broke out last year during the nomination process for panchayat elections in Jalalabad, Fazilka district. The incident took place outside the office of the Block Development and Panchayat Officer. Police said Mann, who has previously contested twice for the Punjab Assembly from the Guru Har Sahai constituency on an SAD ticket, was taken into custody from the Sangrur area on Wednesday morning. Jalalabad City Station House Officer Angrej Kumar confirmed the arr

Authorities in Tarn Taran district have seized illegal goods worth more than Rs 57.47 crore since the model code of conduct came into force for the assembly by-election. The code was implemented on October 7 ahead of the poll, which is being held to fill the vacant seat. According to Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C, enforcement agencies have confiscated 51,429.50 litres of liquor valued at about Rs 32.89 lakh, along with narcotic substances worth nearly Rs 56.67 crore. Officials also recovered cash amounting to Rs 9.73 lakh and other items valued at Rs 37.85 lakh. Sibin C said the police have