News for 'Akalis'

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.'

Sukhbir Badal performs 'sewadar' duty at Golden Temple

Sukhbir Badal performs 'sewadar' duty at Golden Temple

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

He was seen wearing a plaque around his neck while sitting in a wheelchair because of a fractured leg.

5 bypolls peaceful across 4 states; high turnout in Bengal's Kaliganj

5 bypolls peaceful across 4 states; high turnout in Bengal's Kaliganj

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Moderate turnout was recorded in the first four hours of polling across five assembly constituencies across Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat and Kerala where bypolls are underway on Thursday.

'AAP ahead of Congress, Akali Dal'

'AAP ahead of Congress, Akali Dal'

Rediff.com8 Feb 2022

'The distrust of traditional political parties in Punjab is an advantage for AAP.'

Akalis cite Rajiv convicts' release, demand freeing of Sikh prisoners

Akalis cite Rajiv convicts' release, demand freeing of Sikh prisoners

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

'Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given a commitment to the Sikh community on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in 2019 that the sentence of all Sikh detainees serving life sentences would be commuted and that the death sentence of Bhai Rajoana would be commuted to life.'

Sukhbir Badal ordered to clean shoes at Golden Temple

Sukhbir Badal ordered to clean shoes at Golden Temple

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Pronouncing 'tankhah' (religious punishment) for Sukhbir Singh Badal and other leaders for the 'mistakes' committed by the Shiromani Akali Dal government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017, the Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht on Monday directed the senior Akali leader to perform as a 'sewadar', and wash dishes and clean shoes at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Pawar against including BSP, Akalis in INDIA bloc, Cong not so much

Pawar against including BSP, Akalis in INDIA bloc, Cong not so much

Rediff.com30 Aug 2023

Noting that the Bahujan Samaj Party had held a dialogue with the Bharatiya Janata Party in the past, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said no decision on the Mayawati-led party's inclusion in Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc can be taken until there is clarity on whose side she is on.

Blast outside Amritsar temple, ISI role suspected

Blast outside Amritsar temple, ISI role suspected

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

An explosion occurred outside a temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India, when a motorcycle-borne person threw an explosive device towards it, damaging a portion of its wall and shattering window panes. While no one was hurt in the incident, the explosion caused panic among residents. The incident has sparked concern about law and order in the state and led to accusations against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The police are investigating the incident and have collected samples from the site to identify the material used in the explosion.

Day after assassination bid, Sukhbir Badal continues 'seva'

Day after assassination bid, Sukhbir Badal continues 'seva'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

The former deputy chief minister, a Z+ protectee, arrived at the Ananadpur Sahib shrine surrounded by security personnel. Dressed in blue 'sewadar' uniform, Badal sat at the entrance of the gurdwara with a spear in one hand.

We can't repay...: Badal hugs cops who saved him from shooter

We can't repay...: Badal hugs cops who saved him from shooter

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed gratitude to two police officers who saved his life when a former terrorist opened fire at him in Amritsar. Badal hugged the officers and praised their courage and loyalty, saying his family could never repay their bravery. The attack occurred at the Golden Temple, where Badal was performing religious penance. The former Khalistani terrorist Narain Singh Chaura fired from a close range but missed his target. The police overpowered the attacker before he could cause any harm.

From nail and skin, how Akali Dal and BJP turned tooth and nail

From nail and skin, how Akali Dal and BJP turned tooth and nail

Rediff.com26 Apr 2023

It was not that differences did not crop up over other issues between the two erstwhile allies, but Parkash Singh Badal always ensured that these were amicably resolved and the ties remained intact.

Amritsar hooch toll rises to 21; 10 held, 2 cops suspended

Amritsar hooch toll rises to 21; 10 held, 2 cops suspended

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Police said they have made five arrests in the incident. Those arrested have been identified as Prabhjit Singh, the main accused, Kulbir Singh, Sahib Singh, Gurjant Singh and Ninder Kaur, they said.

4 kids among 13 killed in Pak shelling, 57 injured

4 kids among 13 killed in Pak shelling, 57 injured

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The worst-hit in the Pakistani shelling was Poonch district which accounted for all the civilian deaths, the officials said, adding 28 persons were also injured and the condition of some of them was stated to be critical.

Opposition parties hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Opposition parties hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Opposition parties in India, including the Congress, Left parties, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), have unanimously hailed the armed forces' "Operation Sindoor", a retaliatory strike against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, which involved missile and drone strikes, was conducted in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Despite political differences, all parties expressed support for the government and the armed forces, stressing the importance of national unity and integrity in the face of terrorism. While emphasizing the need for diplomatic avenues to prevent further escalation, some parties also called for caution in attributing political credit for the strikes.

Why Sukhbir Is Seeking Forgiveness

Why Sukhbir Is Seeking Forgiveness

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Days after he escaped assassination, Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal appeared before the Akal Takht seeking forgiveness -- kshama yachna -- after completing the 10-day tankha (penance for violating the Sikh religious code) at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Alert Punjab cop thwarted Badal's murder bid

Alert Punjab cop thwarted Badal's murder bid

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

An alert Punjab Police ASI thwarted a murderous bid on Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday. The incident took place while Badal was sitting on a wheelchair due to a fractured leg. The attacker, Narain Singh Chaura, a former terrorist, was overpowered by the ASI before he could fire his weapon. The incident has sparked controversy, with the opposition party criticizing the ruling AAP government's security measures.

Punjab minister held 'non-existent' dept for 21 months

Punjab minister held 'non-existent' dept for 21 months

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

Punjab cabinet minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal was told he is left with only NRI Affairs portfolio as the administrative reforms department he was holding for the past nearly 21 months did not exist, according to a government notification.

Punjab govt cracks down on farmer leaders ahead of protest

Punjab govt cracks down on farmer leaders ahead of protest

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

Ahead of their planned protest in Chandigarh on March 5, several Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) leaders were detained in early morning raids at their residences on Tuesday and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann denounced the agitating farmer unions, saying they have turned Punjab into a 'state of dharnas' and caused huge losses to it.

Chorus grows for Sukhbir to step down after Akal Takht order

Chorus grows for Sukhbir to step down after Akal Takht order

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

After the Akal Takht on Friday declared Sukhbir Singh Badal 'tankhaiya' -- guilty of religious misconduct -- some leaders of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party as well as rebel Akalis called for the Shiromani Akali Dal chief to step down.

Arvind Kejriwal to enter Rajya Sabha? AAP says...

Arvind Kejriwal to enter Rajya Sabha? AAP says...

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Arora will have to resign from the Rajya Sabha if he wins the bypoll, the date for which is yet to be announced.

Sukhbir Badal declared 'tankhaiya' by Akal Takht for religious misconduct

Sukhbir Badal declared 'tankhaiya' by Akal Takht for religious misconduct

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

Till the time Badal does not seek an apology for the mistakes he committed by appearing before the Akal Takht in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib, he is declared a 'tankhaiya', the Jathedar said.

When Gunman Opened Fire At Sukhbir Badal

When Gunman Opened Fire At Sukhbir Badal

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Sukhbir Singh Badal, who was sitting in a wheelchair, escaped unhurt as the bullet hit a wall.

No NDA without Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, says Raut

No NDA without Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, says Raut

Rediff.com27 Sep 2020

'Both the parties stood by the BJP through thick and thin, while others joined when they smelt power. The Shiv Sena was forced to quit the NDA last year while the Shiromani Akali Dal quit over farm bills'

Meet Delhi's new cabinet: A diverse power mix

Meet Delhi's new cabinet: A diverse power mix

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The cabinet of the new government led by Rekha Gupta balances representation of all major communities that propelled the Bharatiya Janata Party to power in Delhi with a massive majority after over 26 years.

Akali Dal suspends Bibi Jagir Kaur over SGPC poll row

Akali Dal suspends Bibi Jagir Kaur over SGPC poll row

Rediff.com3 Nov 2022

The Shiromani Akali Dal also issued a two-day ultimatum to her to stop "anti-party" activities, failing which, it said, strict disciplinary action would be taken against her.

In search for revival in Punjab, Akali Dal rediscovers its Sikh roots

In search for revival in Punjab, Akali Dal rediscovers its Sikh roots

Rediff.com16 May 2022

There are clear signs that the party is re-starting its journey to relevance by going back to its core Panthic agenda, on the basis of which it was founded over a century ago, reports Sai Manish.

Punjab: Grenade attack on BJP leader's home, 2 held; ISI link suspected

Punjab: Grenade attack on BJP leader's home, 2 held; ISI link suspected

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

A loud sound was heard at around 1 am outside Kalia's residence near Shastri Market in Jalandhar, police said, adding that no one was hurt in the incident.

Sidhu attacks Akalis, AAP; Chadha calls him Rakhi Sawant

Sidhu attacks Akalis, AAP; Chadha calls him Rakhi Sawant

Rediff.com17 Sep 2021

Sidhu attacked the Aam Aadmi Party, alleging that the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi had last year notified one of the farm laws even when farmers were sitting at the borders of national capital protesting against the legislations.

Sukhbir, Harsimrat detained as Akalis march against farm laws

Sukhbir, Harsimrat detained as Akalis march against farm laws

Rediff.com17 Sep 2021

The protest march led to massive traffic snarls in several parts of the national capital, including Lutyens' Delhi and ITO.

Farmer leaders detained in Punjab, protesters evicted from border

Farmer leaders detained in Punjab, protesters evicted from border

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Punjab Police detained several farmer leaders, including Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, while they were returning from a meeting with a central delegation in Chandigarh. The police also began evicting protesting farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points, which have been closed for over a year. The action comes amid concerns from industrialists in Punjab over the prolonged closure of the border points, which they say has resulted in heavy losses. The meeting between the farmer leaders and the central delegation, led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, was inconclusive, but the next meeting is scheduled for May 4.

Akali Dal left NDA due to 'political compulsions': BJP

Akali Dal left NDA due to 'political compulsions': BJP

Rediff.com27 Sep 2020

The Shiromani Akali Dal had on Saturday quit the National Democratic Alliance over the farm bills issue.

One family, one ticket; 2 terms for president: Akali Dal ushers in reforms

One family, one ticket; 2 terms for president: Akali Dal ushers in reforms

Rediff.com2 Sep 2022

The Shiromani Akali Dal on Friday announced sweeping organisational reforms, saying it will now follow the one family, one ticket principle at elections and ensure that half of its contestants are below 50.

Akali leader Manjinder Sirsa joins BJP ahead of Punjab polls

Akali leader Manjinder Sirsa joins BJP ahead of Punjab polls

Rediff.com2 Dec 2021

Sirsa has been a prominent face of the Akali Dal in the national capital and was a strong supporter of the farmers' protests against the three contentious farm laws. He said he will continue to work for Sikh causes.

Badal shooter visited Golden Temple day before attack

Badal shooter visited Golden Temple day before attack

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Narain Singh Chaura, a former Khalistani terrorist, attempted to kill Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Chaura, who had been visiting the temple for two days, opened fire at Badal from close range but missed as he was overpowered by plainclothes policemen. The police have seized a 9 mm pistol from Chaura and are investigating whether any organization was behind the incident or if it was carried out to "gain sympathy".

Sukhbir Badal escapes attempt on life at Golden Temple; ex-terrorist held

Sukhbir Badal escapes attempt on life at Golden Temple; ex-terrorist held

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

The man, identified as Narain Singh, was overpowered by some people standing outside the Golden Temple.

Will Amarinder, Akalis, BJP come together in Punjab?

Will Amarinder, Akalis, BJP come together in Punjab?

Rediff.com13 Oct 2021

The BJP's vote share in Punjab has been declining -- 8.21 per cent in 2007 to 7.13 per cent in 2012, and finally to 5.4 per cent in 2017, when it won just three of 23 seats the party contested. So doing an election deal with Amarinder and a political formation he might float in the future is not inconceivable.