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virsa-singh-valtoha-makes-self-exit-from-shiromani-akali-dal-amid-controversy
IndiaOct 15, 2024

Akal Takht orders expulsion of SAD leader Virsa Singh Valtoha; leader resigns ahead of formal action

In a major development within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), senior leader and spokesperson Virsa Singh Valtoha has resigned from the party shortly after the Akal Takht Sahib issued directives for his 10-year expulsion over allegations of misconduct and disrespect toward Sikh leadership. According to the order issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Valtoha was to be removed from the primary membership and all organizational posts of the Shiromani Akali Dal within 24 hours. The directive cited “serious violations of Sikh principles” and remarks that allegedly disrespec
eci-announces-by-elections-for-4-assembly-seats-in-punjab
IndiaOct 15, 2024

By-elections for four Punjab Assembly seats to be held on November 13

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for by-elections to four Vidhan Sabha constituencies in Punjab, setting the polling date for November 13 and counting of votes for November 23. According to details shared during the ECI’s press conference in New Delhi, the Barnala, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, and Gidderbaha assembly seats will go to the polls next month. Of the four seats, three were previously held by the Congress and one by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The vacancies were created after the sitting MLAs were elected to Parliament during the 2024 Lok Sabha elect
panchayat-elections-ended-in-punjab-clashes-and-firing-in-many-places
IndiaOct 15, 2024

Panchayat elections ended in Punjab, clashes and firing in many places

The panchayat elections in Punjab concluded today, but polling was marred by clashes and firing incidents at several locations across the state. At Khuda village near Sanour in Patiala district, one person was reported injured after shots were fired during a dispute near a polling booth. In multiple districts, there were allegations of booth capture and intimidation by supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), prompting police intervention in some areas to maintain order. This year’s elections were held under the backdrop of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s appeal to hold non-partisan and una
the-real-farmer-is-trapped-in-the-markets-ravneet-bittu
IndiaOct 11, 2024

Real farmers are suffering in mandis, says Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has said that the real farmer of Punjab is trapped in the mandis (grain markets) due to ongoing procurement delays and political interference. Speaking to reporters, Bittu said that while politics is being played over Minimum Support Price (MSP) and procurement issues, it is the ordinary farmer who faces losses and hardships. He accused the Punjab government of mismanagement, saying farmers are forced to wait for days to sell their paddy as the state administration fails to coordinate effectively with procurement agencies. “Instead of blaming others, the Pu
mayawatis-big-announcement-bsp-will-never-form-an-alliance-with-any-party
IndiaOct 11, 2024

BSP ends alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal; Mayawati announces party to contest elections independently

In a major political shift, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) National President Kumari Mayawati has announced that her party will no longer contest elections in alliance with any regional party, including the Shiromani Akali Dal (ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਅਕਾਲੀ ਦਲ) in Punjab. Addressing a party meeting after the recent Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir election results, Mayawati said the decision was taken following an internal review which found that BSP’s vote share was being transferred to its alliance partners, leaving party workers demoralized. She stated that from now on, the BSP w
punjab-farmers-to-block-roads-on-october-13
IndiaOct 11, 2024

Punjab Farmers to Block Roads on October 13

The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has come under sharp criticism from farmers after the delayed start of paddy procurement across the state. In protest, the United Kisan Morcha has announced a statewide three-hour road blockade on Sunday. Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said the Punjab government had earlier assured that paddy procurement would begin without delay, but “no significant progress has been seen on the ground.” He said the road blockade is intended as a warning to the government to fulfill its commitment. Rajewal further stated that several farmers who cultivated PR-12
sukhbir-badal-is-also-active-in-panchayat-elections-in-punjab
IndiaOct 10, 2024

Sukhbir Badal is also active in Panchayat elections in Punjab

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of widespread intimidation during the ongoing panchayat elections, warning that the ruling party will “pay a heavy price” in the upcoming Giddarbaha by-election. Speaking to reporters, Badal said that in his four decades of political life, he had never witnessed such levels of bullying and pressure tactics against opposition candidates. He alleged that the state government was misusing administrative power to suppress democratic participation in rural areas. Meanwhile, controv
cm-maan-expressed-grief-over-the-death-of-industrialist-ratan-tata
IndiaOct 10, 2024

CM Maan expressed grief over the death of industrialist Ratan Tata

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, describing him as a visionary leader whose legacy transformed India’s industrial landscape. In a condolence message shared on social media platform X, Mann said Ratan Tata’s “hard work, commitment, dedicated spirit and simplicity will continue to inspire young generations to achieve excellence in their chosen fields.” The Chief Minister said Tata’s death marks the end of an era in Indian industry and that his absence has left a void that will be difficult to fill.
singer-and-actor-diljit-dosanjh-paid-tribute-to-ratan-tata
IndiaOct 10, 2024

Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh paid tribute to Ratan Tata

Punjabi singer and global performer Diljit Dosanjh stopped his live concert in Germany to pay tribute to industrialist Ratan Tata, who passed away in Mumbai earlier this week at the age of 86. Addressing the crowd, Dosanjh said Ratan Tata was a man of humility and integrity. “From everything I read about him, he never spoke ill of anyone. If we can learn anything from Ratan Tata ji, it is to work hard, think well, and be useful to someone,” the singer told the audience. Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons and one of India’s most respected business leaders, died Wednesday night a

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langley-rcmp-investigate-robbery-during-facebook-marketplace-meeting
BCMar 10, 2026

Langley RCMP investigate robbery during Facebook Marketplace meeting

Police in Langley say they are investigating a robbery that occurred during a meeting arranged through an online marketplace. According to a news release from the Langley RCMP, officers received a report at about 6:28 p.m. on March 9 from a woman who said she was robbed while attempting to sell a designer handbag she had listed on Facebook Marketplace. Police say the victim arranged to meet a prospective buyer at a residential building in the 20000 block of 85 Avenue at about 6:20 p.m. The suspect initially viewed the handbag inside the building, then asked the victim to bring it outside so he
BCMar 10, 2026

Fire displaces about 100 residents from Mission retirement home

About 100 residents of a Mission retirement residence were displaced after a large fire broke out at the building Monday evening, according to the City of Mission. Emergency crews from the Mission Fire and Rescue Service, Mission RCMP and BC Emergency Health Services responded to Chartwell Carrington House shortly before 6 p.m. on March 9 after a fire started inside the retirement residence on 7th Avenue. First responders entered the building and helped elderly residents evacuate as flames spread. Residents were initially brought outside to the street, with some temporarily sheltered at a near
abbotsford-police-searching-for-suspects-after-woman-reports-sexual-assault
BCMar 10, 2026

Abbotsford police searching for suspects after woman reports sexual assault

Police in Abbotsford say they are investigating after a woman reported she was taken to a rural area against her will and sexually assaulted by four men earlier this month. According to a release from the Abbotsford Police Department, the woman told investigators she was picked up by four men on Feb. 10 near the intersection of Cannon Avenue and Bevan Avenue in Abbotsford. Police say the woman reported that the men then drove her to the Sumas Mountain area and refused to let her leave the vehicle. Investigators say she was sexually assaulted at that location. The suspects are described as Sout
former-cbc-anchor-tells-mps-broadcaster-silenced-and-intimidated-him
CanadaMar 10, 2026

Former CBC anchor tells MPs broadcaster “silenced and intimidated” him

Former CBC television reporter and anchor Travis Dhanraj told a House of Commons committee Tuesday that the public broadcaster fostered a workplace culture where he says employees were “silenced and intimidated.” Dhanraj, who previously hosted the CBC program Canada Tonight, appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage as part of its study into the state of journalism and media in Canada. During his testimony, Dhanraj said the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation created what he described as a “toxic culture where intimidation went unchecked.” He said the b
conservatives-propose-bill-to-remove-barriers-on-interprovincial-alcohol-sales
BCMar 10, 2026

Conservatives propose bill to remove barriers on interprovincial alcohol sales

Canada’s Conservative Party says it is pushing to remove federal barriers that limit the sale and delivery of Canadian alcohol between provinces. Conservative MP Dan Albas has introduced a private member’s bill that proposes amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act. The changes would allow Canadian breweries, wineries and distilleries to ship products directly to consumers across provincial borders using Canada Post. Speaking at a news conference Tuesday morning, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said current rules make it harder for Canadian businesses to trade within the country