Skip to Main content

6.35°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Oct 10, 2024 7:42 PM - Connect Newsroom – Mandeep Sandhu

Sukhbir Badal is also active in Panchayat elections in Punjab

Share On

sukhbir-badal-is-also-active-in-panchayat-elections-in-punjab

Badal said that he had never seen such bullying against the opposition in his 40 years of political journey. (Photo: Facebook/Sukhbir Singh Badal)

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, controversy has erupted in Tarn Taran district after Gurpal Dhotian, who faces charges related to an alleged illicit liquor case, was elected unopposed as panch of Dhotian village with reported backing from the ruling AAP. Local reports suggest no other candidate filed nomination papers against him, and he was supported by state minister Laljit Singh Bhullar.

The allegations come as the Punjab and Haryana High Court has already stayed panchayat elections in nearly 300 villages over similar complaints of irregularities and intimidation. The state election commission has yet to respond to the latest developments.

Latest news

manslaughter-charge-laid-after-fatal-fight-in-maple-ridge-home

Manslaughter charge laid after fatal fight in Maple Ridge home

A 45-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal altercation at a home in Maple Ridge earlier this month, according to police. Investigators say officers responded to a residence at حوالي 7:30 p.m. on March 16, where they found a 49-year-old man in medical distress. The man was treated at the scene but later died from his injuries. Police said the BC Prosecution Service approved a manslaughter charge on Monday, upgrading an earlier charge of assault causing bodily harm that had been laid the previous week. According to investigators, the two men were known to each ot

american-academic-released-by-taliban-authorities-in-afghanistan-officials-say

WorldMar 24, 2026

American academic released by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, officials say

Afghanistan’s Taliban government says it has released American academic Dennis Coyle, who had been held in the country since January 2025. According to a statement issued Tuesday by Afghanistan’s foreign ministry, Coyle was released in Kabul on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. The ministry said the decision followed an appeal from Coyle’s family and came after the country’s Supreme Court determined that his time in custody was sufficient. Afghan authorities had previously detained Coyle on allegations of violating local laws, but did not publicly spe

b-c-considers-changes-to-indigenous-rights-law-raises-concerns-among-first-nations-leaders

B.C. considers changes to Indigenous rights law, raises concerns among First Nations leaders

The British Columbia government is considering amendments to its Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act that could alter how the province aligns its laws with Indigenous rights, according to a confidential letter shared with some First Nations leaders. According to a copy of the letter obtained by The Canadian Press, the proposed changes would shift the province’s obligation from taking “all measures” to align laws with the declaration to supporting “ongoing processes” to align selected legislation. The letter was distributed Monday to some First Nations leadership. The

man-dies-after-late-night-shooting-at-abbotsford-park-and-ride-homicide-team-takes-over

Man dies after late-night shooting at Abbotsford park-and-ride, homicide team takes over

A man has died after a reported shooting at a park-and-ride lot in Abbotsford late Sunday night, according to a police news release. Abbotsford Police say patrol officers were called to the Whatcom Road Park & Ride at about 11:11 p.m. on March 23, where a large encampment is currently located. Officers found a man with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital but later died. Police say the investigation is in its early stages and the case is being treated as a targeted incident. No arrests have been made. The Abbotsford Police Department Major Crime Unit is handing the investiga

WorldMar 24, 2026

Iran launches new missile strikes on Israel as cross-border attacks continue into day 25

Iran launched a series of missile strikes targeting Israel from Monday night into Tuesday, marking the 25th day of ongoing hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States. According to statements attributed to Israeli authorities, Iran carried out seven missile attacks during that period. Israeli officials did not immediately release independent verification of damage or casualties from the latest strikes. In response, Israel continued its counter-offensive operations. The Israeli Air Force said it struck more than 50 Iranian-linked targets overnight, including missile launch sites an

Related News

Former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar sent to five-day police remand in Gagandeep Singh Randhawa death case

Former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar sent to five-day police remand in Gagandeep Singh Randhawa death case

Former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar was produced in court on Tuesday and remanded to five days of police custody in connection with the death of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa. According to police, Bhullar was arrested a day earlier from Mandi Gobindgarh. The case relates to the alleged suicide of Randhawa. Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific allegations presented in court. Randhawa’s body was returned to his family after a postmortem examination earlier in the day. His cremation took place later in the evening. The investigation is ongoing. It is not yet clear what evidenc

No immediate risk to MP Amritpal Singh’s seat despite prolonged absence, court told

No immediate risk to MP Amritpal Singh’s seat despite prolonged absence, court told

The Punjab and Haryana High Court was told Tuesday that there is no immediate threat to the parliamentary membership of Amritpal Singh, despite his absence from Parliament for 59 consecutive sitting days. According to submissions made before the court, Singh still has the option to formally apply for leave, which is typically considered by the relevant parliamentary committee. The update was provided during proceedings related to his continued absence. Under parliamentary rules, if a member is absent for 60 consecutive sittings without permission, the House may declare the seat vacant. However

Punjab MLA Laljit Singh Bhullar arrested in abetment-to-suicide case

Punjab MLA Laljit Singh Bhullar arrested in abetment-to-suicide case

Punjab Police have arrested Laljit Singh Bhullar, an Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Patti, in connection with a suicide case involving a senior warehouse official, according to police. The arrest follows the death of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a district manager with the Punjab Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar, who died by suicide after alleging harassment and other accusations against Bhullar. According to police, Bhullar was taken into custody from Mandi Gobindgarh on Monday. A case had earlier been registered at Ranjit Avenue police station in Amritsar based on a complaint filed by the deceased

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital