News for 'Akalis'

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.

Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Law: No Escape For Offenders, Says Minister

Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Law: No Escape For Offenders, Says Minister

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has announced that the newly enacted anti-sacrilege law in Punjab leaves no loopholes for offenders to escape justice. The law proposes stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.

Why a Punjab Minister Resigned: Understanding the Allegations

Why a Punjab Minister Resigned: Understanding the Allegations

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Punjab Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned following allegations related to the suicide of a Warehouse Corporation district manager. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered a probe into the matter.

Punjab govt withdraws Raghav Chadha's Z-plus security

Punjab govt withdraws Raghav Chadha's Z-plus security

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Punjab government has withdrawn Z-plus security cover for MP Raghav Chadha following a public disagreement with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This decision has sparked criticism from opposition parties and raised questions about political motivations.

AAP Alleges Centre's BBMB Rule Changes Threaten Punjab's Water Rights

AAP Alleges Centre's BBMB Rule Changes Threaten Punjab's Water Rights

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Punjab's AAP leader Baltej Pannu has criticised the central government's changes to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) appointment rules, claiming it's an attempt to control the state's river waters.

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of Aiding Gangster Bishnoi

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of Aiding Gangster Bishnoi

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the central government of providing special treatment to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is accused in the Sidhu Moosewala murder case. Mann's criticism comes after Union Minister Amit Shah spoke about gang activities in Punjab.

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The ruling NDA coalition in India faces a significant challenge in passing the women's reservation bill in Parliament due to insufficient numbers. The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both houses, and the NDA needs to secure additional support or abstentions from other parties to achieve this.

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.

Bhagwant Mann Defends Stance on Chandigarh After Blast

Bhagwant Mann Defends Stance on Chandigarh After Blast

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has responded to criticism following a blast outside the Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh, defending his government's record and reiterating his stance on Chandigarh's relationship with Punjab.

Opposition Parties to Gherao Punjab CM's Residence Over Suicide Allegations

Opposition Parties to Gherao Punjab CM's Residence Over Suicide Allegations

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Opposition parties in Punjab have announced a joint protest at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence, demanding the arrest of former minister Laljit Singh Bhullar following the suicide of a state warehousing corporation official. The move follows allegations of harassment and demands for a CBI investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

NIA Investigates Blast Outside BJP Office in Chandigarh

NIA Investigates Blast Outside BJP Office in Chandigarh

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

An explosion outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh has triggered an investigation by the NIA, raising concerns about security and potential threats to party officials.

Boat Capsizes in Vrindavan: Punjab Pilgrims Killed, Injured, and Missing

Boat Capsizes in Vrindavan: Punjab Pilgrims Killed, Injured, and Missing

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

A boat capsized in the Yamuna River in Vrindavan, India, carrying tourists primarily from Punjab, resulting in multiple fatalities, injuries, and missing persons. The incident occurred during a devotional trip to Mathura, turning a pilgrimage into a tragedy for families from Ludhiana and Jagraon.

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 Outside Punjab BJP Headquarters Sparks Security Concerns

Blast Outside Punjab BJP Headquarters Sparks Security Concerns

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

An explosion 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 concerns about security and law and order in the region.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.