News for 'Punjab BJP'

Ex-Congressman Bittu is BJP's anti-Khalistan face in Punjab

Ex-Congressman Bittu is BJP's anti-Khalistan face in Punjab

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

BJP leader Amit Shah in a poll rally last month had asked people of Ludhiana to send Ravneet Singh Bittu to Parliament, promising them that he will make him a 'bada aadmi' (a big man).

'Emergency' screening halted in Punjab, Kangana says...

'Emergency' screening halted in Punjab, Kangana says...

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

"The film has been made to insult the entire Sikh community. We will not let the movie release in Mohali or anywhere in Punjab. The SGPC is united in this matter," said Rajinder Singh Tohra, a member of the SGPC.

Punjab LoP Bajwa booked over '50 bombs' claims

Punjab LoP Bajwa booked over '50 bombs' claims

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday demanded that Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa reveal the source of his claim that 50 bombs had reached the state, questioning if he had direct links with Pakistan. Bajwa, who had made the statement in a TV interview, said he cooperated with police but refused to divulge his sources. The police visited Bajwa's residence and questioned him about his statement. Mann also sought a clarification from the Congress party, saying the government will take strict action if Bajwa's statement was meant only to "create panic."

Gujarat bypolls: BJP fails to break 18-yr Visavadar jinx

Gujarat bypolls: BJP fails to break 18-yr Visavadar jinx

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Gujarat was unable to end its 18-year jinx in Visavadar as it lost the bypolls to Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party despite a strong campaign.

Tension in AAP's Punjab unit after Delhi rout? Kejriwal to meet MLAs

Tension in AAP's Punjab unit after Delhi rout? Kejriwal to meet MLAs

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal will meet Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, state ministers, and party MLAs in Delhi on Tuesday amid growing speculation about internal dissent in the party's Punjab unit following AAP's rout in the Delhi Assembly elections. The meeting is expected to focus on analyzing the Delhi election results and strategizing for the Punjab polls scheduled in 2027. The AAP's Punjab unit has faced questions about internal cohesion, with some suggesting that the party's leadership in Delhi continues to exert significant influence over Punjab's governance. There are also speculations that Kejriwal could consider a more direct role in Punjab politics now, with some political observers suggesting that he could contest from the vacant Ludhiana assembly seat.

Teen's death on basketball court: 'Unknown persons' booked

Teen's death on basketball court: 'Unknown persons' booked

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Haryana Police have registered a first information report (FIR) against unknown persons based on a complaint lodged by the family of a teenage basketball player, who died after the iron pole of a basketball hoop fell on him during practice in Rohtak district last month, an official said on Sunday.

Kangana Ranaut granted bail in defamation case; apologises

Kangana Ranaut granted bail in defamation case; apologises

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut was granted bail in a defamation case in Bathinda, Punjab, after expressing regret for a 'misunderstanding' arising from a social media post. The case stems from a retweet concerning Mahinder Kaur, a complainant from Punjab, during the farmers' protest.

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Congress leader was Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He was the Governor of Punjab and also served as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.

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.

Ex-Punjab CM Amarinder Singh to join BJP next week

Ex-Punjab CM Amarinder Singh to join BJP next week

Rediff.com16 Sep 2022

Singh (80) had floated the Punjab Lok Congress last year after quitting the Congress.

Punjab governor cancels AAP's special assembly session after BJP, Congress object

Punjab governor cancels AAP's special assembly session after BJP, Congress object

Rediff.com21 Sep 2022

Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Wednesday thwarted the Aam Aadmi Party government's plan to summon a special assembly session to bring in a confidence motion.

Punjab farmer feared missing near Indo-Pak border, BSF traces footprints

Punjab farmer feared missing near Indo-Pak border, BSF traces footprints

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

Border Security Force personnel later found human footprints heading towards the Pakistani side, raising the possibility of an unintentional border crossing.

'Pollution Has Been Reduced To A Blame Game'

'Pollution Has Been Reduced To A Blame Game'

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

'Most pollution boards across the country have unused funds. There is practically no reason why pollution should not be a political priority.'

Shivraj Patil, towering Congress figure, felled by 26/11 fallout

Shivraj Patil, towering Congress figure, felled by 26/11 fallout

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Congress veteran and former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil passed away at 90. He served as Union Home Minister and held several key posts during his long political career.

Assembly bypolls in J-K, 6 states to be held on Nov 11

Assembly bypolls in J-K, 6 states to be held on Nov 11

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The counting of votes will be done on November 14, along with the Bihar assembly election votes.

New Rural Jobs Bill Sparks International Concern

New Rural Jobs Bill Sparks International Concern

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

'Previously, contributing only 25 per cent of material costs, states now face burdens of 40 per cent to 100 per cent of total costs, ensuring poorer states will curb project approvals, directly stifling work demand.'

Sugar industry relieved as Centre allows 1.5 mt import

Sugar industry relieved as Centre allows 1.5 mt import

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Amid the political push and pull, the Centre's decision to allow sugar exports and remove the 50 per cent duty on molasses exports has rekindled hope in the industry that more relief may follow.

ED raids Raj Cong leader, Punjab AAP MLA in Rs 48,000 cr PACL scam

ED raids Raj Cong leader, Punjab AAP MLA in Rs 48,000 cr PACL scam

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on the premises of Rajasthan Congress leader and former minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas and Punjab AAP MLA Kulwant Singh as part of a money laundering probe linked to the Rs 48,000-crore PACL Ponzi scam. Khachariyawas, who served as a minister in the Ashok Gehlot government, claimed the ED action was politically motivated due to his criticism of the government. Singh, a real estate promoter, is reported to be Punjab's richest MLA with assets worth Rs 1,000 crore. The ED has been investigating the PACL scam since 2015, alleging that the company defrauded investors of Rs 48,000 crore through fraudulent investment schemes.

BJP says Punjab cops stopped workers from reaching rally site

BJP says Punjab cops stopped workers from reaching rally site

Rediff.com6 Jan 2022

Punjab BJP chief Ashwani Sharma said a large number of buses and other vehicles carrying BJP workers and other people were prevented from reaching the rally site.

'Punjab govt' car with liquor, cash, AAP pamphlets seized in Delhi

'Punjab govt' car with liquor, cash, AAP pamphlets seized in Delhi

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

The Punjab government dismissed claims that it owned the car intercepted in Delhi. The vehicle's number plate was forged and fake as it can be tracked to a different car not owned by the Punjab government, it said. The AAP, too, released a statement, saying the car seizure was a "planted stunt, ?poorly executed and utterly bogus".

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States will deport 119 Indian nationals who were living in the country illegally. The individuals will arrive in Amritsar, India, on Saturday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted the need to combat human trafficking. This deportation follows the arrival of a US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants earlier this month. Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump discussed the issue of illegal immigration during their joint press conference, emphasizing the need to dismantle the "ecosystem" of human trafficking. Modi emphasized India's willingness to take back its citizens residing illegally in the US, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the issue of illegal immigration was raised during the discussions, stressing the need to address the root causes of the problem. India seeks cooperation from the US to dismantle the rackets and ecosystems that facilitate illegal immigration, potentially involving collaboration between law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

BJP kept Rs 1,375 cr for 55 AAP legislators to topple Mann govt: Punjab min

BJP kept Rs 1,375 cr for 55 AAP legislators to topple Mann govt: Punjab min

Rediff.com13 Sep 2022

The Punjab BJP dubbed the allegations as "baseless" and "bundle of lies" and said AAP is trying to divert attention of people from its "failures".

Punjab polls: Former Army chief JJ Singh joins BJP

Punjab polls: Former Army chief JJ Singh joins BJP

Rediff.com18 Jan 2022

Ahead of the Punjab assembly polls, former Army chief Gen Joginder Jaswant Singh on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Chandigarh in the presence of the party leadership, including Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

V K Malhotra: Professor, Politician, Gentleman

V K Malhotra: Professor, Politician, Gentleman

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

In seniority in the BJP leadership team, V K Malhotra, who passed into the ages this week, was next only to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Nanaji Deshmukh, notes Sudhir Bisht.

But he opposes SIR, poll officials hit back at Rahul Gandhi

But he opposes SIR, poll officials hit back at Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Rahul alleged that 25 lakh votes were stolen in Haryana through 5.21 lakh duplicate voters, 93,174 invalid voters, and 19.26 lakh bulk voters.

EC reschedules UP, Punjab, Kerala bypolls to Nov 20

EC reschedules UP, Punjab, Kerala bypolls to Nov 20

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

Nine seats are going to polls in Uttar Pradesh, four in Punjab and one in Kerala.

Shiv Sena leader attacked in Punjab, 2 held; security officer suspended

Shiv Sena leader attacked in Punjab, 2 held; security officer suspended

Rediff.com6 Jul 2024

Opposition parties targeted the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led state government over the law and order situation and demanded that he step down on moral grounds.

True Stars Never Die

True Stars Never Die

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

'I have always broken my image every time I went on screen. I don't know what it means to be a Greek God but people used to call me one.'

BJP leader to sue Kejriwal, Mann for Rs 50 cr each

BJP leader to sue Kejriwal, Mann for Rs 50 cr each

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Parvesh Verma on Wednesday said he will file a Rs 50 crore defamation suit each against AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for levelling "false allegations against" and claiming he called Punjabis a "threat" to the country.

Kejriwal says he won't go to Rajya Sabha, hails AAP victories

Kejriwal says he won't go to Rajya Sabha, hails AAP victories

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday hailed the party's performance in the Gujarat and Punjab bypolls, calling them a 'semi-final to 2027' and a clear sign that voters would reject both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress.

PM security breach: BJP wants Punjab home minister, DGP sacked

PM security breach: BJP wants Punjab home minister, DGP sacked

Rediff.com6 Jan 2022

Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party leaders met the governor in Chandigarh on Thursday, demanding the dismissal of the state's home minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and the police chief over the security breach during the prime minister's visit to Punjab.

Assembly bypolls in UP, Punjab, Kerala rescheduled

Assembly bypolls in UP, Punjab, Kerala rescheduled

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

The Election Commission on Monday rescheduled from November 13 to November 20 the assembly bypolls to all nine and four seats in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, respectively, and one seat in Kerala in view of festivals, an official statement said.

BJP leader bids Rs 2 cr for sarpanch post in Punjab

BJP leader bids Rs 2 cr for sarpanch post in Punjab

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

The auction, a violation of democratic norms, has been condemned by several political leaders. Elections to gram panchayats in Punjab will be held on October 15.

Shots fired, cop hurt as rape accused AAP MLA flees

Shots fired, cop hurt as rape accused AAP MLA flees

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra on Tuesday allegedly escaped the police out to arrest him in a rape case

'No one will dare to hold the BJP flag in Punjab'

'No one will dare to hold the BJP flag in Punjab'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2021

'BJP leaders are trying to save their lives in Punjab.'

ABVP sweeps Hyderabad University students' union poll

ABVP sweeps Hyderabad University students' union poll

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

ABVP won all six posts -- president, vice-president, general secretary, joint secretary, cultural secretary and sports secretary -- in the elections held on September 19, a press release said.

Pakistan using terrorism as state policy against India since 1947: Report

Pakistan using terrorism as state policy against India since 1947: Report

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Records stretching back to 1947 suggest a consistent strategy by Pakistan's military and intelligence apparatus, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), of using terrorism as a state policy against India.

'Pakistan Working Committee': BJP slams Cong for doubting Balakot strike

'Pakistan Working Committee': BJP slams Cong for doubting Balakot strike

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The BJP on Saturday accused the Congress of repeatedly supplying "oxygen" to Pakistan, and slammed the opposition party for its leader Charanjit Singh Channi's remarks questioning the veracity of Balakot air strikes after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that the Congress is full of pro-Pakistan leaders who make statements against India's interests, and mocked the party for its letter that had advised its functionaries to toe the official line on the issue. Patra also criticized other Congress leaders for their comments on the Pulwama and Pahalgam terror attacks, accusing them of lowering the morale of the armed forces. He further slammed the Congress for claiming credit for the government's announcement of the caste census and said the party never carried out the exercise during its over 60-year stint in power.

Mamata Ready To Take On BJP For 2026

Mamata Ready To Take On BJP For 2026

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

The TMC-led West Bengal government has already started laying the groundwork for the election, setting the tone with the recent Bengal Global Business Summit and the state Budget.

'Disillusioned' by Congress, ex-Punjab minister joins BJP

'Disillusioned' by Congress, ex-Punjab minister joins BJP

Rediff.com18 Jan 2023

Badal, who served as the finance minister in the previous Congress government, said, "Seven years ago, I merged the People's Party of Punjab with your party. I did so with immense hope and an expectation of being integrated into an organisation with a rich history that would allow me to serve both the people of Punjab and its interests to the best of my ability."