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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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alberta-premier-danielle-smiths-popularity-declines-following-referendum
AlbertaNov 04, 2026

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s Popularity Declines Following Referendum

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s popularity has taken a hit following the province’s recent referendum, although she continues to enjoy strong support among her party’s voters. According to a survey, 59 per cent of Albertans are dissatisfied with Smith’s performance, while 39 per cent approve of her leadership. Experts believe the referendum debate over the past 18 months has diverted attention from issues that could have benefited the government. Her approval rating has reportedly dropped by around six percentage points. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has a slightly higher approval rating,
CanadaNov 04, 2026

China Extends Tariff Relief on Canadian Lobster, Crab and Canola Meal Until 2028

Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, has announced that China will extend tariff relief on Canadian lobster, crab, peas and canola meal for another two years, until 2028. Sidhu said the agreement was originally set to expire at the end of this year but has now been extended for an additional two years. The announcement follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing in January. In March, China reduced tariffs on Canadian canola meal, while Canada lowered tariffs on certain Chinese steel and aluminum products, allowing them to enter the Canadian market. Sidhu is c
canadas-trade-diversification-agenda-unchanged-despite-u-s-election-results
CanadaNov 04, 2026

Canada’s Trade Diversification Agenda Unchanged Despite U.S. Election Results

Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc has reaffirmed that Ottawa’s trade diversification agenda will not be derailed by the results of the U.S. midterm elections. He said only Americans have the right to explain what issues influenced voters’ decisions, adding that Canada has no say in the matter. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned against assuming that the Democratic Party’s clean sweep means the trade war is over. He stressed that U.S. President Donald Trump still has full powers to impose tariffs and make trade-related decisions. However, Ford described the Democratic vic
carney-confirms-trade-talks-with-u-s-underway-since-weekend
CanadaNov 04, 2026

Carney Confirms Trade Talks With U.S. Underway Since Weekend

Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that trade talks with the United States have been underway since the weekend, following a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump last week. Speaking to reporters during his visit to Antigua and Barbuda, Carney said negotiations on a potential trade deal began after the call. He added that Washington had scaled back some of its demands, removing several key Canadian red lines from the discussions. These include Canada's laws protecting the French language and its right to independently negotiate free trade agreements with other countries. Me
IndiaNov 04, 2026

Punjab Government Accepts Major Demands in Jhotta Murder Case

An agreement has been reached between the Punjab government and the Justice Action Committee following a lengthy meeting over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta in Mansa. Under the agreement, the government has accepted all major demands except the call for the resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and DGP. Following the agreement, Jhotta’s family has agreed to perform his last rites. It was also decided that his post-mortem examination will be conducted at PGI Chandigarh on November 6. The agreement was reached during a meeting with Punjab Assembly Speaker Kulta