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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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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