News for 'Akalis'

Crude Device Blast at Punjab BJP Office Raises Security Concerns

Crude Device Blast at Punjab BJP Office Raises Security Concerns

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

A blast outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh caused panic and prompted an investigation by the National Investigation Agency. No casualties were reported, but the incident has raised serious concerns about security and law and order in the region.

AAP Government Faces Criticism for Painting Buses in Party Colours

AAP Government Faces Criticism for Painting Buses in Party Colours

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Opposition parties in Punjab, including SAD and Congress, have criticised the AAP government for allegedly misusing state funds by painting state-owned buses in the colours associated with the Aam Aadmi Party.

Opposition Leaders Attend Cremation of Official Who Accused Ex-Minister of Harassment

Opposition Leaders Attend Cremation of Official Who Accused Ex-Minister of Harassment

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The cremation of a warehousing corporation official who died by suicide after accusing former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar of harassment was held in Amritsar. Bhullar has been arrested for abetting suicide, sparking a political row and demands for a CBI probe.

Blast at Punjab BJP Office Sparks Panic and Investigation

Blast at Punjab BJP Office Sparks Panic and Investigation

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

An explosion outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh caused panic, with a social media post claiming responsibility as retaliation for the killing of Sikh youths. Police suspect a crude device was used, and an investigation is underway.

Punjab minister resigns after state official's suicide

Punjab minister resigns after state official's suicide

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned after being accused of abetting the suicide of a state warehousing corporation official. The resignation follows allegations of harassment and pressure related to warehouse tenders.

Opposition Calls for CBI Investigation into Punjab Officer's Death

Opposition Calls for CBI Investigation into Punjab Officer's Death

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Political leaders in Haryana and Punjab are demanding a CBI investigation into the suicide of a Punjab government officer, who allegedly accused a minister of harassment. The minister has resigned, but opposition parties are calling for his arrest and a thorough investigation.

Former Punjab Minister Bhullar Arrested in Suicide Case

Former Punjab Minister Bhullar Arrested in Suicide Case

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has been arrested following the suicide of a state warehousing corporation official who accused the AAP MLA of harassment. The arrest follows public outcry and political pressure for accountability in the case.

Sarpanch Murdered in Punjab: Personal Rivalry Suspected

Sarpanch Murdered in Punjab: Personal Rivalry Suspected

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

A village sarpanch was shot dead in Punjab's Moga district, with police suspecting personal rivalry as the motive. This marks the third such killing in the state in recent months, raising concerns about law and order.

Indian origin social media influencer stabbed to death in Canada

Indian origin social media influencer stabbed to death in Canada

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Nancy Grewal, a 45-year-old social media influencer of Punjabi origin, was stabbed to death in Canada. Her mother claims she had been receiving threats. Police are investigating the homicide.

Indian Leaders Urge PM Modi to Evacuate Citizens Amid Iran Conflict

Indian Leaders Urge PM Modi to Evacuate Citizens Amid Iran Conflict

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take urgent steps for the evacuation of Indian citizens stuck in countries affected by the recent joint Israel-US attack on Iran.

Akali leader Bikram Majithia arrested in DA case

Akali leader Bikram Majithia arrested in DA case

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Majithia and his wife claimed that members of the Vigilance Bureau barged into their house in Green Avenue in Amritsar. They claimed that a similar raid was conducted at their residence in Chandigarh.

Punjab Ministers Visit Family of Slain Policeman in Gurdaspur

Punjab Ministers Visit Family of Slain Policeman in Gurdaspur

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Punjab ministers Lal Chand Kataruchak and Laljit Singh Bhullar met the family of ASI Gurnam Singh, who was killed in Gurdaspur, to offer condolences and assure support. The ministers condemned the act and vowed strict punishment for the perpetrators, while also addressing concerns about the death of one of the accused and criticizing opposition parties.

Gurdaspur Murder Suspect Blames Others for Police Killings

Gurdaspur Murder Suspect Blames Others for Police Killings

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

One of the accused in the Gurdaspur police killings has blamed his accomplices for the crime, while questions arise regarding the encounter death of another suspect, prompting calls for an independent investigation.

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assures that the Indian government is prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region due to the Iran-Israel conflict and disruptions in Dubai, emphasizing citizen safety as the top priority.

Pak gangster posts video of Gurdaspur cop killing; TTK owns responsibility

Pak gangster posts video of Gurdaspur cop killing; TTK owns responsibility

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

A Pakistan-based gangster posted a video on social media purportedly showing the killing of a police officer in Gurdaspur, near the Indo-Pak border. A terror outfit has claimed responsibility for the incident, prompting a thorough investigation by Punjab Police.

Foreign-based gangster among 4 booked in AAP leader's murder case

Foreign-based gangster among 4 booked in AAP leader's murder case

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Police have booked a foreign-based gangster and an accomplice in connection with the murder of AAP leader Lucky Oberoi in Jalandhar, suspecting personal enmity as the motive.

Congress axes Navjot Kaur Sidhu after Rahul Gandhi criticism

Congress axes Navjot Kaur Sidhu after Rahul Gandhi criticism

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Congress party has expelled Navjot Kaur Sidhu after she publicly criticized Rahul Gandhi. The expulsion follows her earlier suspension and a series of posts on X where she attacked the party leadership and questioned their commitment to Punjab.

Punjab AAP leader Lucky Oberoi shot 8-10 times in his car, dies

Punjab AAP leader Lucky Oberoi shot 8-10 times in his car, dies

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The incident took place in the morning, a senior police official from Jalandhar said over the phone.

Sukhbir Badal returns as Akali Dal chief

Sukhbir Badal returns as Akali Dal chief

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The 62-year-old former deputy chief minister was first elected the party president in 2008. His re-election at the outfit's general delegate session in Amritsar comes barely four months after he quit after he was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Akal Takht for "mistakes" committed by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its government from 2007 to 2017.

Over 100 MPs' assets grew by 110% between 2014-2024: ADR

Over 100 MPs' assets grew by 110% between 2014-2024: ADR

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that 102 re-elected Members of Parliament experienced an average asset growth of over 100% between 2014 and 2024. The report highlights the MPs with the highest asset increases.

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In a culture where children take up the profession of their father, her becoming a politician was seen as natural and acceptable.

Amarinder Singh says BJP ignores him, but rules out Congress return

Amarinder Singh says BJP ignores him, but rules out Congress return

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh criticizes the BJP's functioning, stating he is not being consulted. He rules out rejoining the Congress but expresses willingness to help Sonia Gandhi personally. He also discusses Punjab's political landscape, AAP's performance, and national security.

70 pc of Punjab Congress, 90 pc of AICC with me: Sidhu's wife

70 pc of Punjab Congress, 90 pc of AICC with me: Sidhu's wife

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Navjot Kaur Sidhu claims support within the Congress party after being suspended for her controversial remarks. She also accuses Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa of corruption and links to smugglers.

Centre says no final call on Chandigarh proposal amid Punjab uproar

Centre says no final call on Chandigarh proposal amid Punjab uproar

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

The Centre's move on Chandigarh has raised the hackles of various parties in Punjab, with Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal terming it as a "direct attack" on Punjab's identity and constitutional rights.

Kabaddi player shot dead at tournament venue in Punjab

Kabaddi player shot dead at tournament venue in Punjab

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A kabaddi player was shot dead at a tournament in Mohali, Punjab, leading to criticism of the state government's law and order situation.

Punjab AAP leader shot at, Akali leaders booked

Punjab AAP leader shot at, Akali leaders booked

Rediff.com6 Oct 2024

A local Aam Aadmi Party leader was shot at in Punjab's Fazilka district with the ruling party and MLA Jagdeep Kamboj accusing a leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal of opening the fire.

Sukhbir Badal resigns as Shiromani Akali Dal president

Sukhbir Badal resigns as Shiromani Akali Dal president

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

Badal's resignation came days after he urged the Akal Takht Jathedar to pronounce his punishment for religious misconduct charges, saying more than two months have passed since he was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct).

Dynastic politics pose grave threat to democracy, says Tharoor

Dynastic politics pose grave threat to democracy, says Tharoor

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

"It is high time India traded dynasty for meritocracy. This would require fundamental reforms, from imposing legally mandated term limits to requiring meaningful internal party elections, together with a concerted effort to educate and empower the electorate to choose leaders based on merit," Tharoor said.

SAD seeks US leniency for Indian trucker involved in crash

SAD seeks US leniency for Indian trucker involved in crash

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

The Shiromani Akali Dal has appealed to the United States government to consider a humanitarian view of truck driver Harjinder Singh, who faces a vehicular homicide case. The party also requested the Indian government to provide consular and legal assistance.

Rebel SAD leaders apologise to Akal Takht jathedar for Akali regime mistakes

Rebel SAD leaders apologise to Akal Takht jathedar for Akali regime mistakes

Rediff.com1 Jul 2024

They handed the apology letter to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh at the Akal Takht Secretariat at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Akal Takht is the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs.

Farmers Stir 2.0: Advantage Akali Dal?

Farmers Stir 2.0: Advantage Akali Dal?

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

If everything goes according to plan, a resuscitated SAD could emerge as a central player in Punjab in three years, notes Aditi Phadnis.

Bhagwant Mann In Tight Spot Over Urban Push

Bhagwant Mann In Tight Spot Over Urban Push

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

The land pooling policy aims to kick-start a new wave of urbanisation in the predominantly rural state.

Pro-Khalistan slogans raised at Akal Takht on Bluestar anniversary

Pro-Khalistan slogans raised at Akal Takht on Bluestar anniversary

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Pro-Khalistan slogans were on Friday raised by supporters and activists of radical Sikh outfits at the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of Sikhs, while a peaceful bandh was observed around the Golden Temple and interior walled city on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar.

SAD leader Majithia moves HC against assets case, calls it vendetta

SAD leader Majithia moves HC against assets case, calls it vendetta

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The bureau had on June 25 registered an FIR and arrested Majithia in the case allegedly involving laundering of Rs 540 crore of "drug money".

AAP suspends Punjab MLA from party for criticising Majithia raid

AAP suspends Punjab MLA from party for criticising Majithia raid

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

Singh's suspension came days after he questioned the manner in which a vigilance bureau team raided the residence of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in Amritsar in a disproportionate assets case.

Who is behind bomb threats to Golden Temple?

Who is behind bomb threats to Golden Temple?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has received five e-mails threatening to blow up the Golden Temple since July 14, president of the apex gurdwara body Harjinder Singh Dhami said on Wednesday.

Suspected terrorist killed in explosion in Amritsar

Suspected terrorist killed in explosion in Amritsar

Rediff.com28 May 2025

A man suspected of belonging to a terrorist outfit died in an explosion near Majitha Road in Amritsar, police said. The man was retrieving explosive material when the blast happened, possibly due to mishandling. The SSP said the man might be linked to some terror organisation. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory was at the spot to collect samples of the explosive.

Akali leader Majithia granted bail in drugs case

Akali leader Majithia granted bail in drugs case

Rediff.com10 Aug 2022

Majithia had surrendered after the February 20 state assembly polls and is currently lodged in a Patiala jail.

Bypolls: AAP wins in Gujarat, Punjab; Cong in Kerala; TMC in Bengal

Bypolls: AAP wins in Gujarat, Punjab; Cong in Kerala; TMC in Bengal

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Aam Aadmi Party's Gopal Italia on Monday won from Gujarat's Visavadar assembly constituency and his party also retained Punjab's Ludhiana West seat while the Congress-led United Democratic Front wrested Nilambur from the ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala, according to results of assembly bypolls in four states.

Do Akalis stand a chance in Punjab?

Do Akalis stand a chance in Punjab?

Rediff.com3 Jan 2022

'I won't be surprised if a third alternative to Badal and the Congress is swept to power in Punjab in 2022.'