Punjab

Anandpur Sahib Clash: Minister Bains, Akal Takht Jathedar Argue Over Roadwork and Religious Authority

Anandpur Sahib Clash: Minister Bains, Akal Takht Jathedar Argue Over Roadwork and Religious Authority

Anandpur Sahib, April 13, 2025 — A fiery confrontation unfolded today between Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, during a public event in Anandpur Sahib. What began as a question about local infrastructure turned into a charged debate over religious authority and the role of politics in Sikh institutions.The tension sparked when Jathedar Gargaj demanded answers about the long-pending construction of the road leading to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. “Minister Bains, you’ve made announcements from this very stage. When will the road actually be built?” he pressed.Bains responded…
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CM Bhagwant Mann Accuses Pratap Bajwa of Spreading Panic with Unfounded Bomb Claims, Alleges Links to Pakistan

CM Bhagwant Mann Accuses Pratap Bajwa of Spreading Panic with Unfounded Bomb Claims, Alleges Links to Pakistan

Chandigarh (National Times): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday sharply criticized Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, accusing him of spreading panic by claiming that 50 bombs had been smuggled into Punjab, a statement CM Mann dismissed as baseless and politically motivated. In an official statement, the Chief Minister alleged that Bajwa’s longstanding family ties with individuals in Pakistan were behind the sensational claim. He asserted that no intelligence agency, either state or central, had received any such inputs about explosives being brought into the state. "Perhaps Bajwa's friends across the border informed him of such a plan,” Mann…
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‘Talking About 50 Bombs, Pratap Bajwa Is Only Concerned About His Politics Not Punjab’s Peace’

‘Talking About 50 Bombs, Pratap Bajwa Is Only Concerned About His Politics Not Punjab’s Peace’

Chandigarh (National Times): The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders in Punjab have sharply reacted to the claim made by Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition, Pratap Singh Bajwa, regarding the entry of 50 grenades from across the border into Punjab. AAP leaders have accused Bajwa of having connections with Pakistan. AAP Punjab senior leader and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that Pratap Bajwa occupies a significant constitutional position, and he should refrain from making false statements. Cheema said, “If Bajwa has such information, he should immediately provide full details to the police. If he fails to do so,…
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Strict Action Ordered by Punjab Health Minister After Clash at Derabassi Hospital: “No Tolerance for Protocol Violation”

Strict Action Ordered by Punjab Health Minister After Clash at Derabassi Hospital: “No Tolerance for Protocol Violation”

Derabassi, April 12, 2025: Derabassi witnessed a tense situation after a clash broke out at the local civil hospital, prompting an immediate response from Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh. He confirmed that FIRs have been lodged against both parties involved in the incident.Reacting promptly to the reports, Dr. Singh said he contacted the Deputy Commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of SAS Nagar, directing them to take appropriate legal action. Emphasizing that all hospitals are sensitive zones, he stated that any violation of hospital protocols or damage to public property will not be tolerated—regardless of political influence…
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Punjab Disburses Rs 301 Crore Under Ashirwad Scheme to SC, BC Families in FY 2024–25

Punjab Disburses Rs 301 Crore Under Ashirwad Scheme to SC, BC Families in FY 2024–25

Chandigarh, April 12, 2025 — The Punjab Government has disbursed Rs 301.20 crore as financial assistance under the Ashirwad Scheme during the 2024–25 financial year, benefiting families from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Backward Classes (BC), Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Dr. Baljit Kaur announced.Of the total amount, Rs 198.51 crore reached 38,922 Scheduled Caste beneficiaries, while Rs 102.69 crore was provided to 20,136 families from Backward Classes.The Ashirwad Scheme offers Rs 51,000 in marriage assistance for girls from eligible families, with support available for up to two daughters. The funds are transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account…
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Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer Hails Sukhbir Singh Badal’s Return as Akali Dal President, Calls Him Punjab’s ‘Vikas Purush’

Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer Hails Sukhbir Singh Badal’s Return as Akali Dal President, Calls Him Punjab’s ‘Vikas Purush’

Chandigarh, April 12, 2025 — Youth Akali Dal President Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer congratulated S. Sukhbir Singh Badal on reclaiming the presidency of the Shiromani Akali Dal, calling it a pivotal moment for Punjab and its people. In a statement, Jhinjer described the development as a step toward restoring peace, stability, and development in the crisis-ridden state.Jhinjer said Punjab’s law and order had collapsed and only a strong leader like Badal could provide the vision and direction needed. He dubbed Badal “Vikas Purush,” the leader who could usher in growth and prosperity.Criticizing the AAP government, Jhinjer accused it of pushing the…
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Prime Accused Nabbed in Grenade Attack on BJP Leader Kalia, Punjab CM Hails Police for Breakthrough

Prime Accused Nabbed in Grenade Attack on BJP Leader Kalia, Punjab CM Hails Police for Breakthrough

Chandigarh, April 12, 2025 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday lauded the Punjab Police for cracking the grenade attack case involving BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia. The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police, in coordination with central agencies and the Delhi Police, arrested Saidul Ameen — the prime accused — from Uttar Pradesh.Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, confirmed the arrest and praised the joint operation for its swift execution.Taking to X (formerly Twitter), CM Mann applauded the police for their courage and efficiency. “Punjab Police once again proved that it is one of the most brilliant police forces in…
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Sukhbir Singh Badal Re-Elected Unopposed as SAD President

Sukhbir Singh Badal Re-Elected Unopposed as SAD President

Chandigarh (National Times): In a unanimous decision, Sukhbir Singh Badal was re-elected as the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Saturday. A total of 524 party delegates from Punjab and various other states backed his return to the top post, with no opposition filed. This marks a significant comeback for Badal, who had stepped down from the position last year. He first assumed leadership of the SAD in 2008, succeeding his father and veteran Akali leader Prakash Singh Badal. Since then, he had led the party for over a decade, playing a key role in shaping its political…
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Dalvir Goldy’s Return to Congress Sends Ripples Through Punjab Politics

Dalvir Goldy’s Return to Congress Sends Ripples Through Punjab Politics

Chandigarh (National Times): In a political twist that has taken many by surprise, Dalvir Singh Khangura, popularly known as Dalvir Goldy, has officially rejoined the Congress Party, ending his brief stint with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Goldy’s return marks the end of a year-long estrangement from Congress that began when he was denied a ticket from Sangrur ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections—a decision that led him to switch sides and align with AAP. The Sangrur ticket had instead been granted to Sukhpal Singh Khaira, despite attempts by Khaira himself to pacify Goldy and persuade him to stay.…
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Industrialists Back Sanjeev Arora, Promise ‘Return Gift’ of Victory in Ludhiana (West) Bypoll

Industrialists Back Sanjeev Arora, Promise ‘Return Gift’ of Victory in Ludhiana (West) Bypoll

Ludhiana, April 11, 2025 — Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora received strong support from the city's industrial community during a Thursday evening interaction, where manufacturers pledged to ensure his win in the upcoming Ludhiana (West) assembly bypoll. Arora, fielded by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was hailed for his proactive efforts toward industrial development.The event, hosted by the G-13 Bicycle Forum — a prominent association of small and medium bicycle manufacturers — saw industrialists unanimously endorse Arora. They appreciated his consistent accessibility and effectiveness in addressing their concerns.Harsimerjit Singh Lucky, President of the United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association (UCPMA),…
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