News for 'Sikh MLA'

Akali Dal, Congress Leaders Visit Family of Man Killed in Gurdaspur Encounter

Akali Dal, Congress Leaders Visit Family of Man Killed in Gurdaspur Encounter

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia and Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira visited the family of Ranjit Singh, who was killed in a police encounter in Gurdaspur. Both leaders expressed their support for the family and called for an independent investigation into the incident.

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of Aiding Gangster Bishnoi

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of Aiding Gangster Bishnoi

Rediff.com2 days ago

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.

J-K assembly erupts over BJP MLA's 'nationalist Hindus' remark

J-K assembly erupts over BJP MLA's 'nationalist Hindus' remark

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir legislative Assembly was disrupted after a BJP MLA alleged the government was neglecting some Kishtwar areas because "nationalist Hindus" reside there. The remarks were deemed communal by other members, leading to a heated debate.

RJD pointed a katta at Cong's head: Modi in Bihar

RJD pointed a katta at Cong's head: Modi in Bihar

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday claimed that the Congress had been unwilling to accept Tejashwi Yadav as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) chief ministerial candidate and relented only after the Rashtriya Janata Dal pointed a 'katta', an unlicensed country-made gun, at its head.

'I'm Really Proud To Be A Brahmin'

'I'm Really Proud To Be A Brahmin'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'So my question was, 'What is it that you are proud of? What have you achieved? What is your contribution?' 'He had no answer.'

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.

'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.

Waqf amendment bill gets President's okay, old act repealed

Waqf amendment bill gets President's okay, old act repealed

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has sparked controversy and legal challenges. The Bill, passed by Parliament after heated debates, has been criticized by opposition parties as "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional". The government, however, maintains that the reform will benefit the Muslim community. Several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Bill, alleging discrimination against Muslims and undermining their religious autonomy. The Bill repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, and introduces restrictions on Waqf properties and their management, which have raised concerns about the impact on the Muslim community.

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.

Waqf Act comes into force as SC set to hear pleas

Waqf Act comes into force as SC set to hear pleas

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India will likely hear a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on April 15. The Act, which came into force on April 8, has been met with widespread criticism from various stakeholders, including politicians, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. They argue that the law is discriminatory and violates the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. The petitions allege that the amendments give the government more control over the administration of Waqf, effectively sidelining the Muslim minority from managing their own religious endowments.

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.

Unconstitutional: Roll back 4% Muslim quota in contracts, BJP asks Sidda

Unconstitutional: Roll back 4% Muslim quota in contracts, BJP asks Sidda

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The BJP has vehemently criticized the Karnataka government's decision to provide four per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, labeling it an "unconstitutional misadventure." The party has pledged to challenge the move in court and has vowed to oppose it at all levels. Meanwhile, the ruling Congress party has defended the reservation, arguing that it aligns with constitutional provisions. The issue has led to heated exchanges in the Karnataka Assembly, with both parties accusing each other of engaging in appeasement politics.

BJP mulls 2 deputy CMs in Delhi to reflect 'mini' India

BJP mulls 2 deputy CMs in Delhi to reflect 'mini' India

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The BJP is considering having two deputy chief ministers in the new Delhi government to represent the city as a "mini" India, party leaders said. The move is aimed at accommodating MLAs from different castes, communities, and regional backgrounds. The proposal is under consideration by the national leadership, which will also decide on the chief minister and other ministers. The process of government formation is expected to gain momentum after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from his foreign visit over the weekend.

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider listing for urgent hearing the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A fresh plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, claiming it was a "blatant intrusion" into the rights of a religious denomination to manage its own affairs in the matter of religion. The plea, filed by Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, argues that the amendments would distort the religious character of Waqfs and irreversibly damage the democratic process in their administration. Several other petitions have been filed in the apex court challenging the validity of the bill, including those by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan.

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

A three-judge Supreme Court bench will hear petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on April 16. The petitions, including those by politicians and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, were filed in the top court challenging the validity of the newly-enacted law. The Centre has filed a caveat in the apex court, seeking a hearing before any order is passed.

Rekha Gupta takes charge of Delhi after grand swearing-in

Rekha Gupta takes charge of Delhi after grand swearing-in

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Debutant legislator Rekha Gupta was sworn in as Delhi chief minister along with six ministers on Thursday in a grand show of strength full of colour and spectacle to mark the Bharatiya Janata Party's return to power in the city after more than 26 years.

Delhi cabinet okays Ayushman scheme, to table CAG reports

Delhi cabinet okays Ayushman scheme, to table CAG reports

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The newly-formed Delhi Cabinet in its first meeting approved the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in the national capital. The cabinet also decided to present 14 pending CAG reports in the first session of the assembly. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the previous AAP government did not allow the health scheme in the city, preventing the people from availing its benefits.

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.

Thousands Mourn Dr Singh

Thousands Mourn Dr Singh

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Dr Singh's eldest daughter Professor Upinder Singh gently reminded the gathering that this was a moment for prayer, not accolades.

India revels in Holi, Friday prayers held peacefully

India revels in Holi, Friday prayers held peacefully

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Holi was celebrated with pomp and splendor across India on Friday, with people soaking in the festivities by smearing 'gulaal' on each other and exchanging greetings and sweets. Homes and streets wore a colourful look as the revellers splashed colours and feasted on traditional delicacies. Public transport did not ply in the morning in most major cities while metro services started functioning from noon. As Holi coincided with the second Friday prayers during the holy Islamic month of Ramzan, security -- including increased patrolling and picketing -- was beefed up in several states. In Delhi, more than 25,000 security personnel were deployed. Police closely monitored about 300 sensitive areas with CCTV cameras and drones.

'Why Did US Flight Not Land In Ahmedabad?'

'Why Did US Flight Not Land In Ahmedabad?'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

'The flight did not land in Gujarat because the 'Gujarat model' would then get exposed.'

Badal dissolves SAD core committee amid rebellion

Badal dissolves SAD core committee amid rebellion

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Rebel Akali leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala slammed Badal's move, saying instead of showing "a sense of renunciation", he issued a "dictatorial order" aimed to sideline those who want a "change" for strengthening the party

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.

Punjab to have 2 deputy CMs, a Jat Sikh and a Hindu

Punjab to have 2 deputy CMs, a Jat Sikh and a Hindu

Rediff.com20 Sep 2021

Congress leader Sukhjinder Randhawa and Brahm Mohindra will be two deputies to Punjab's Chief Minister-designate Charanjit Singh Channi, said party leader Pawan Kumar Bansal.

Delhi assembly panel summons Kangana for remarks on Sikhs

Delhi assembly panel summons Kangana for remarks on Sikhs

Rediff.com25 Nov 2021

Delhi Assembly's peace and harmony committee has summoned Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut over her alleged hateful posts on social media, panel chairperson Raghav Chadha said on Thursday.

Will jailed preacher Amritpal's Khadoor Sahib entry challenge SAD?

Will jailed preacher Amritpal's Khadoor Sahib entry challenge SAD?

Rediff.com19 May 2024

Amritpal Singh, the chief of the 'Waris Punjab De' outfit, who is lodged in Assam's Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act, has thrown his hat into the ring as an Independent.

Sandeshkhali: IPS officer claims BJP workers called him Khalistani

Sandeshkhali: IPS officer claims BJP workers called him Khalistani

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

A Sikh Indian Police Service officer, who was deputed at Dhamakhali to prevent senior West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari from visiting restive Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district, got agitated after a group of activists of the saffron party allegedly hurled the 'Khalistani' jibe at him.

'Every Citizen On The Border Is A Soldier'

'Every Citizen On The Border Is A Soldier'

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

'The greatness of India can be experienced by meeting Indians on the frontiers of India.' 'Every citizen on the border is a soldier'

Jailed Amritpal Singh, Engineer Rashid take oath as LS MPs

Jailed Amritpal Singh, Engineer Rashid take oath as LS MPs

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

Singh, 31, and Rashid, 56, won the recent Lok Sabha elections from Khadoor Sahib in Punjab and Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, respectively, as Independents while being incarcerated.

BJP is running 'Operation Lotus' in Punjab: AAP

BJP is running 'Operation Lotus' in Punjab: AAP

Rediff.com28 Mar 2024

The BJP stood fourth in (the 2022) Punjab (assembly elections) after AAP, Shriomani Akali Dal and Congress. The question is why did Rinku join the BJP. His tenure as Lok Sabha MP has also ended. The BJP will also come fourth in the Jalandhar Lok Sabha polls

Trouble for Kamal Nath? MHA to reopen anti-Sikh riot cases

Trouble for Kamal Nath? MHA to reopen anti-Sikh riot cases

Rediff.com9 Sep 2019

Delhi MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa said Kamal Nath had allegedly given shelter to five people who were accused in one of the seven cases.

Assam scraps Muslim marriages act; discriminatory, says Oppn

Assam scraps Muslim marriages act; discriminatory, says Oppn

Rediff.com24 Feb 2024

The decision to repeal the Act was taken at a late-night cabinet meeting on Friday as it is an obsolete pre-Independence Act of the British for the then province of Assam, the CM said.

Former AAP MLA Alka Lamba returns to Congress

Former AAP MLA Alka Lamba returns to Congress

Rediff.com12 Oct 2019

Lamba alleged AAP supremo and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal made promises which he knew he would not be able to fulfil.

Why BJP And SAD Need Each Other For 2024

Why BJP And SAD Need Each Other For 2024

Rediff.com18 Jul 2023

For Sikhs, they say, honour is the bottom line; and whatever the state of the SAD's political fortunes today, arrogance will not be helpful in the negotiation.

SIT to reinvestigate 75 anti-Sikh riot cases

SIT to reinvestigate 75 anti-Sikh riot cases

Rediff.com12 Jun 2016

The riots that killed more than 3,000 people were in retaliation against the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.

BJP leader Navneet Rana's caste certificate gets SC nod

BJP leader Navneet Rana's caste certificate gets SC nod

Rediff.com5 Apr 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday set aside the Bombay high court verdict cancelling the caste certificate of Amravati MP and BJP leader Navneet Kaur Rana.

Sajjan Kumar instigated mob to kill Sikhs, 1984 riots victim tells court

Sajjan Kumar instigated mob to kill Sikhs, 1984 riots victim tells court

Rediff.com16 Nov 2018

'My son and my father were pulled out of the hiding place on second floor, beaten badly and were thrown down from the roof'

Milkha Singh, ex-army officer, MLA booked for brawl

Milkha Singh, ex-army officer, MLA booked for brawl

Rediff.com18 Feb 2013

Legendary athlete Milkha Singh, a Punjab Congress MLA and a former army officer have been booked by the police in Chandigarh in connection with a brawl between two groups at the Chandigarh Golf Club.

Matua community's joy over CAA turns to despair

Matua community's joy over CAA turns to despair

Rediff.com19 Mar 2024

The All India Matua Mahasangha has asked its members to apply for Indian citizenship only after the formation of a new government at the Centre.