News for 'punjab politics'

All Sikh MLAs, ministers to appear before Akal Takht: Punjab CM

All Sikh MLAs, ministers to appear before Akal Takht: Punjab CM

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that all Sikh MLAs and cabinet ministers will appear before the Akal Takht on June 29 regarding the anti-sacrilege law. This decision follows a closed-door meeting in Amritsar, where Mann stated that representatives would present their views in writing. The Akal Takht had summoned Sikh legislators and ministers over objections to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which it claims was enacted without consulting the Sikh Panth. Mann also addressed accusations of challenging the Akal Takht's authority and criticised political appointees for one-sided decisions.

Global Turmoil Makes Air Travel Unsafe

Global Turmoil Makes Air Travel Unsafe

Rediff.com2 days ago

The flydubai near-tragedy showed how the gratuitous conflicts their governments started in West Asia have made the world unsafe for them (and unfortunate co-passengers of other nationalities), points out Kanika Datta.

Manhunt Intensifies For Caretaker Accused Of Murdering Retired IAS Officer

Manhunt Intensifies For Caretaker Accused Of Murdering Retired IAS Officer

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Bhopal police have announced a Rs 30,000 reward for Varun Kumar, the caretaker suspected of murdering retired IAS officer Rakesh Agarwal. Kumar allegedly slit Agarwal's throat and attempted to set the house on fire before fleeing. A four-state manhunt is underway to apprehend the suspect.

LPU unrest: Highway reopens after 15-hr blockade; classes suspended

LPU unrest: Highway reopens after 15-hr blockade; classes suspended

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, protested alleged rape claims, leading to a 15-hour blockage of National Highway-44 and clashes with police. The university suspended classes and postponed exams. BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu accused the AAP government of instigating the unrest to disrupt an upcoming Amit Shah rally, while police registered a rape case and formed an SIT despite LPU calling the claims "rumours."

Satluj row: Ex-Punjab cop convicted in Khalra case untraceable

Satluj row: Ex-Punjab cop convicted in Khalra case untraceable

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Former Punjab Police DSP Jaspal Singh, a life convict in the 1995 abduction and murder of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been reported untraceable at the address provided in his jail records after being released on interim bail in May 2023, sparking a political controversy.

AAP leader shot dead by 4 armed assailants in Punjab

AAP leader shot dead by 4 armed assailants in Punjab

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Aam Aadmi Party leader Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi was shot dead by four armed assailants in Ferozepur.

AAP donations drop 68%; CJP leader, rebel MP's firm among donors

AAP donations drop 68%; CJP leader, rebel MP's firm among donors

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party's latest financial disclosures reveal a substantial 68% decline in contributions for 2025-26.

Gangster Goldy Brar in FBI's 10 most wanted list with $1mn bounty

Gangster Goldy Brar in FBI's 10 most wanted list with $1mn bounty

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The FBI has placed gangster Satinderjeet Singh, known as Goldy Brar, on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, offering a USD 1 million reward for his alleged involvement in the Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group's violent activities across North America.

Pakistan Hockey Team Yet To Get Clearance For Asian Champions Trophy In India

Pakistan Hockey Team Yet To Get Clearance For Asian Champions Trophy In India

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has stated that the national team is yet to receive government clearance to participate in the men's Asian Champions Trophy in India, refuting claims of confirmed participation.

Justice Mishra sworn in as Chief Justice despite Mann govt's objections

Justice Mishra sworn in as Chief Justice despite Mann govt's objections

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, despite strong objections from the Punjab government. The Mann government claimed the appointment bypassed constitutional norms and procedures, leading to a political tussle with the Centre, which defended the process.

Punjab AAP Accuses BJP Leader Bittu Of Hooliganism

Punjab AAP Accuses BJP Leader Bittu Of Hooliganism

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Punjab's AAP president, Aman Arora, has criticised Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu for alleged misconduct and objectionable behaviour towards police personnel in Dhuri, while Bittu accuses the AAP government of misusing the police to target BJP workers.

India secures hardened narco-trafficking kingpin's deportation from Turkey

India secures hardened narco-trafficking kingpin's deportation from Turkey

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the deportation of hardened narco-trafficking kingpin Navpreet Singh from Turkiye, hailing it as a significant achievement for the Modi government's commitment to eradicating drug cartels by 2029. Singh, who used a fake identity to smuggle drugs, was arrested by Delhi Police and remanded to 10-day custody. The government highlighted its intensified efforts to bring back fugitives, with 288 extraditions since 2019.

Punjab cop shifted as FBI probes transnational extortion racket

Punjab cop shifted as FBI probes transnational extortion racket

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A Station House Officer (SHO) in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, has been shifted to Police Lines following a fact-finding inquiry initiated by Punjab Police. This action comes after news reports linked the officer to an extortion-related investigation by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under "Operation Hard Ball," targeting India-based organised crime syndicates. The US indictment alleges the officer's involvement in a $400,000 extortion scheme using false murder charges, drawing significant political criticism.

LPU suspends classes as anti-rape protests turn violent

LPU suspends classes as anti-rape protests turn violent

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, engaged in violent protests, vandalising property and clashing with police over unverified claims of a female student being raped on campus. The unrest led to the suspension of classes and postponement of exams, while police registered a rape case and formed an SIT, despite the university denying the allegations as 'rumours'.

111 MPs, MLAs changed parties after winning elections since 2022: ADR

111 MPs, MLAs changed parties after winning elections since 2022: ADR

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

An analysis by ADR and National Election Watch reveals that 111 MPs and MLAs changed parties after winning elections between 2022 and 2026. Nagaland and West Bengal recorded the highest number of switches. The report also highlights party-level impacts and suggests reforms to the anti-defection framework.

Bihar cops begin probe as more molestation videos emerge

Bihar cops begin probe as more molestation videos emerge

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Bihar police are investigating multiple past incidents of molestation and moral policing across several districts, including Kishanganj, Banka, and Samastipur, following recent public outrage. These cases, some months or even a year old, involve vigilante groups harassing individuals, often for inter-faith interactions, and have led to arrests and significant political controversy.

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A retired 70-year-old IAS officer, Rakesh Agarwal, was found dead with his throat slit at his Bhopal residence. Police suspect his househelp, Varun, who joined two days prior and is now missing. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured strict action, while the Congress party has criticised the state's law and order situation following the incident.

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A retired 70-year-old IAS officer, Rakesh Agarwal, was found dead with his throat slit at his Bhopal residence. Police suspect his househelp, Varun, who joined two days prior and is now missing. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured strict action, while the Congress party has criticised the state's law and order situation following the incident.

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A retired 70-year-old IAS officer, Rakesh Agarwal, was found dead with his throat slit at his Bhopal residence. Police suspect his househelp, Varun, who joined two days prior and is now missing. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured strict action, while the Congress party has criticised the state's law and order situation following the incident.

Police Probe Murder Of Retired IAS Officer In Bhopal, Househelp Suspected

Police Probe Murder Of Retired IAS Officer In Bhopal, Househelp Suspected

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A 70-year-old retired IAS officer, Rakesh Agarwal, was found dead with his throat slit at his home in Bhopal. Police suspect his househelp, who has been missing since the incident. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has condemned the killing and assured swift action, while the opposition has criticised the state's law and order situation.

Punjab Minister: 'Very Wrong To Ban Satluj'

Punjab Minister: 'Very Wrong To Ban Satluj'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

'Propaganda films that the BJP makes, whether it's The Kerala Story or others, are shown wherever elections occur as part of their propaganda. But real-time human rights violations... If such things don't come on a public platform, how will correction occur?'

Inmate's Viral Video From Hoshiarpur Jail Triggers Political Outcry

Inmate's Viral Video From Hoshiarpur Jail Triggers Political Outcry

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A video of an inmate from Hoshiarpur Central Jail alleging harassment and demanding money from staff has gone viral, leading to an official inquiry and a political backlash against the Punjab government.

Punjab Police Raid Akali Leader's Home In Arrest Attempt

Punjab Police Raid Akali Leader's Home In Arrest Attempt

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab Police conducted raids at the residence of SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia and others for allegedly storming a police station and attempting to free a detainee. The Akali Dal alleges political vendetta, while police assert that action will be taken regardless of status.

Pakistan Requests Asian Hockey Federation To Shift Champions Trophy Matches From India

Pakistan Requests Asian Hockey Federation To Shift Champions Trophy Matches From India

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Pakistan has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation to move its Asian Champions Trophy matches from India to a neutral venue, citing a "sensitive bilateral situation" and security concerns. The tournament is scheduled for October 27 to November 5 in Mohali and Jalandhar. This request follows earlier claims of Pakistan's participation and past withdrawals from events in India.

Punjab CM rejects 'Guru Dokhi' tag, claims video is fake

Punjab CM rejects 'Guru Dokhi' tag, claims video is fake

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly refuted the 'Guru Dokhi' edict issued by the Sikh clergy, asserting that the controversial video at the heart of the dispute is not him and accusing religious bodies of political manipulation.

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal sustained a minor injury to his right hand after being attacked with a kirpan by a Nihang member inside a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. The assailant has been arrested, and SAD leaders are demanding a CBI probe into what they term an intelligence failure.

Pakistan Demands Asian Champions Trophy Be Moved From India

Pakistan Demands Asian Champions Trophy Be Moved From India

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Pakistan has requested the Asian Hockey Federation to move its Asian Champions Trophy matches from India to a neutral venue, citing a "sensitive bilateral situation" and security concerns. Hockey India has rejected this demand, stating there will be no change in venue for the tournament scheduled in Mohali and Jalandhar from October 27 to November 5. Pakistan's participation remains uncertain, with potential replacements like Bangladesh and Oman being considered.

Ravneet Bittu Accuses AAP's Arora Of Lowering Political Discourse

Ravneet Bittu Accuses AAP's Arora Of Lowering Political Discourse

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has launched a strong attack on Punjab AAP chief Aman Arora, accusing him of lowering the standards of political discourse by resorting to personal attacks against his family instead of answering questions on governance.

Satluj Review: Brave Political Drama

Satluj Review: Brave Political Drama

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Satluj is a chilling reminder of what happens when a state is allowed to become judge, jury and executioner, asserts Sreeju Sudhakaran.

BJP to leverage BRICS Summit success in poll campaigns

BJP to leverage BRICS Summit success in poll campaigns

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The successful hosting of the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi has provided a significant boost to the BJP, offering a timely opportunity to strengthen its narrative against the opposition ahead of crucial assembly elections next year. BJP sources highlight the BRICS grouping's strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and the consensus declaration as major diplomatic victories for the Modi government, countering criticisms of its foreign policy. The party plans to leverage these outcomes during its month-long Seva Sankalp campaign to connect with various sections of society.

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticises the AAP-led Punjab government for political instability and lack of industrial development, while promoting Haryana's investor-friendly policies and industrial growth initiatives.

Bhagwant Mann Accuses BJP of Political Vendetta After ED Raids on Punjab Minister

Bhagwant Mann Accuses BJP of Political Vendetta After ED Raids on Punjab Minister

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has criticised the BJP-led central government following ED raids on state minister Sanjeev Arora, alleging political harassment and misuse of central agencies.

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Fraud Allegations

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Fraud Allegations

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including premises linked to an alleged associate of a Punjab Aam Aadmi Party functionary, as part of a money laundering probe against two realty groups accused of fraudulent land use changes and investor fraud.

Raghav Chadha's name added to voter list, AAP cries foul

Raghav Chadha's name added to voter list, AAP cries foul

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

A political controversy has erupted over the inclusion of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha's name in Delhi's electoral rolls. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged procedural irregularities, questioning how his name appeared in the Rajinder Nagar constituency's voter list despite the draft rolls showing fewer entries. Poll officials confirm Chadha's name was added through the updation process after being removed from Punjab's rolls, while Chadha dismisses AAP's claims as a 'bitter ex' reaction.

Nagarmal Bajoria, man who contested around 300 elections, dies at 97

Nagarmal Bajoria, man who contested around 300 elections, dies at 97

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Nagarmal Bajoria, a 97-year-old Bihar businessman known as "dharti pakad" for contesting nearly 300 elections, has passed away. A Partition refugee, Bajoria challenged prominent leaders including Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, aiming to raise public awareness about the electoral process rather than seeking power. His unique campaign style and unwavering spirit left a lasting impression.

Punjab Activist's Murder Triggers Opposition Fury

Punjab Activist's Murder Triggers Opposition Fury

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The murder of a Jalandhar-based RTI activist has sparked outrage and political condemnation in Punjab, with opposition parties criticising the AAP government's handling of law and order.

CCTV footage puts Punjab cops in focus in Mann video probe

CCTV footage puts Punjab cops in focus in Mann video probe

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Gurugram Police are set to summon two Punjab Police officials for questioning regarding their alleged involvement in arranging a "fabricated" forensic report for a controversial video linked to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The investigation follows the arrest of two individuals and a complaint alleging coercion to produce a predetermined forensic outcome. This development is part of a larger political controversy surrounding an alleged objectionable video of CM Mann.

Saini Targets Rivals, Courts OBCs in Punjab

Saini Targets Rivals, Courts OBCs in Punjab

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini addressed the 'Saini Samaj' in Punjab, appealing to the OBC community ahead of the upcoming state elections. He criticized rival parties for neglecting OBCs and highlighted the BJP's commitment to their welfare.

ED Conducts Raids In Punjab Over Realty Fraud Case

ED Conducts Raids In Punjab Over Realty Fraud Case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including premises linked to an official in the CMO, as part of a money laundering probe against realty groups accused of fraudulent land use changes and investor fraud.

Akali Dal Leader Flags 'Horrific' Killing Video To Punjab Police

Akali Dal Leader Flags 'Horrific' Killing Video To Punjab Police

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia has sent a video clip linked to the killing of an assistant sub-inspector to the Punjab director general of police. The video allegedly shows the officer being shot at point-blank range.