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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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calgary-man-stabbed-in-face-in-hate-motivated-attack-police
AlbertaJun 11, 2026

Calgary man stabbed in face in hate-motivated attack: police

Calgary police say a man was stabbed twice in the face after being subjected to racial slurs in what investigators are describing as a hate-motivated attack. Police allege the incident occurred on the night of May 22, when a man in his 40s was approached by a neighbour outside his home in southwest Calgary. During the confrontation, the victim was allegedly targeted with racial remarks before being stabbed. The injured man managed to get inside his home, call police and was taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities say he has since recovered from his injuries. Investigators also allege the
AlbertaJun 11, 2026

No Active Recall Petitions Remain Against Alberta MLAs

The last remaining recall petitions aimed at removing members of the Alberta legislature have been dismissed. It marks the first time since October that there are no active recall campaigns seeking to unseat Alberta politicians. Elections Alberta says petitions targeting Opposition NDP MLA Marie Renaud and former United Conservative cabinet minister Peter Guthrie have both come to an end. According to the agency, the petition against Renaud was withdrawn, while the campaign against Guthrie was declared invalid after no documents were submitted by Wednesday’s deadline. Under Alberta’s recal
toronto-police-officer-dies-after-being-shot-during-search-warrant-execution-in-north-york
CanadaJun 11, 2026

Toronto Police Officer Dies After Being Shot During Search Warrant Execution in North York

A Toronto police officer who was critically injured after being shot during the execution of a search warrant at a North York apartment early Thursday has died in hospital. Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw confirmed that the fallen officer has been identified as 43-year-old Const. Marc Pinizzotto. Pinizzotto is the second Ontario police officer to die in the line of duty this week. On Tuesday, Const. Tarun Bali was killed after being struck by a vehicle driven by a suspect who had fled from a hospital. Chief Demkiw said officers were at the residential apartment as part of an investigation l
former-akal-takht-jathedar-records-statement-before-sit-in-behbal-kalan-firing-case
IndiaJun 11, 2026

Former Akal Takht Jathedar Records Statement Before SIT in Behbal Kalan Firing Case

Former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday and recorded his statement in connection with the Behbal Kalan firing case. According to Giani Raghbir Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal had accepted responsibility related to the Behbal Kalan firing incident during a public appearance before the Akal Takht Sahib. He said the statement was made openly in the presence of the Sikh temporal authority. Raghbir Singh further stated that the proceedings were video recorded and
CanadaJun 11, 2026

Most Crime Guns Traced in Canada Originated Domestically, RCMP Internal Reports Show

Most firearms linked to criminal activity in Canada during 2023 and 2024 were obtained within the country rather than smuggled from abroad, according to RCMP internal reports. The reports indicate that nearly all traced long guns and handguns were either legally purchased in Canada before being diverted to criminal use or were reported stolen. The findings are based on firearm tracing data collected by the RCMP. According to the reports, investigators completed examinations of 6,951 firearms in 2024. Of those, 4,197 were identified as having been used in criminal activity. Authorities were abl