Punjab

Rebel Akali Dal Faction Gathers in Amritsar to Elect New Leadership, Challenging Sukhbir Badal’s Grip

Rebel Akali Dal Faction Gathers in Amritsar to Elect New Leadership, Challenging Sukhbir Badal’s Grip

Amritsar: A major showdown in Punjab’s Sikh politics is set to unfold today as a breakaway faction of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), backed by the Akal Takht’s five-member Bharti Committee, convenes in Amritsar to choose a new party president for what they are calling the “revived” Akali Dal. The meeting, taking place at Burj Akali Phoola Singh, is being presented by dissidents as the rebirth of the “true” SAD — a direct challenge to the long-standing leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal, who they accuse of leading the party into political decline and defying key religious directives from the Akal…
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Punjab & Haryana HC Quashes RTI Ban on Activist Manjinder Singh, Affirms Citizens’ Right to Information

Punjab & Haryana HC Quashes RTI Ban on Activist Manjinder Singh, Affirms Citizens’ Right to Information

Chandigarh, August 10, 2025 – In a landmark decision likely to impact RTI interpretation nationwide, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has struck down the Punjab State Information Commission’s order barring activist Manjinder Singh from filing RTI applications for one year.The court reaffirmed that even frequent RTI applicants cannot be denied their statutory rights without clear proof of wrongdoing, reinforcing transparency and accountability in governance.The ban, issued on January 8, 2025, by State Information Commissioner Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, followed hearings on around 70 RTI appeals filed by Singh. The Commission accused him of submitting “fabricated” applications aimed at harassing officials,…
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Punjab CM Mann Vows Crackdown on Drug Smugglers, Says No Special Jail Treatment

Punjab CM Mann Vows Crackdown on Drug Smugglers, Says No Special Jail Treatment

Dhuri (Sangrur), August 10, 2025 – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday issued a tough warning to drug smugglers during his visit to Dhuri constituency, making it clear that political connections will no longer act as a shield against the law. While he refrained from taking any names, his statement was widely interpreted as a veiled attack on senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia.“If anyone is found responsible for pushing the youth of Punjab towards drugs, they will face the consequences. On the basis of evidence, they will be sent directly to jail,” Mann asserted. Adding a sarcastic twist,…
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Two Punjab Soldiers Killed in Kulgam Encounter Given Final Salute

Two Punjab Soldiers Killed in Kulgam Encounter Given Final Salute

National Times Bureau :- In an encounter with terrorists in Akhal Jungle of Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir, two soldiers from Punjab—one each from Khanna and Fatehgarh—were martyred. Their bodies were brought to their respective villages on Sunday for the last rites. The body of Sepoy Harminder Singh reached his ancestral village Badinpur at 10:20 AM. The entire area echoed with slogans praising the brave martyr. Wrapped in the national tricolor, people gathered in large numbers to pay their respects. Local MLA Gurinder Singh Gary Baring, SDM Chetan Bangar, and DSP Gurdeep Singh also arrived to honor the fallen soldier.…
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CM Mann Reviews Development Progress in Sunam Constituency

CM Mann Reviews Development Progress in Sunam Constituency

Satoz, August 10, 2025 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday visited the Sunam constituency to assess the progress of ongoing development projects. Joined by local authorities and development department officials, he reviewed the status of key schemes, their impact on residents, and future plans for the region.The inspection included road repair works, water supply initiatives, sewer system upgrades, enhancements in healthcare services, and new projects in educational institutions. Locals shared their suggestions and concerns, with the Chief Minister assuring swift redressal.CM Mann said the government is committed to completing every project on schedule with high-quality standards so that…
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Giani Harpreet Singh Set to Become New President of Rebel Shiromani Akali Dal

Giani Harpreet Singh Set to Become New President of Rebel Shiromani Akali Dal

National Times Bureau :- Giani Harpreet Singh is likely to be appointed as the new president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Rebel faction). Senior leaders have agreed to support him, and a final decision is expected in tomorrow’s committee meeting. Earlier, Giani Harpreet Singh had announced on social media that he was stepping back from the race and supported Bibi Satwant Kaur for the post. However, party leaders have now convinced him to accept the presidency. Bibi Satwant Kaur remains a key contender, but the party is expected to finalize the leadership soon.
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Major Crackdown on Drug Peddlers in Moga: Police Conduct Intensive Search Operation

Major Crackdown on Drug Peddlers in Moga: Police Conduct Intensive Search Operation

National Times Bureau :- In a determined push to make Punjab drug-free, the Punjab Government and Punjab Police have intensified their ongoing campaign against narcotics. As part of this drive, Moga Police on Sunday morning carried out a large-scale CASCO operation in Sadda Wali Basti and several other areas of the district. The operation was led by Punjab ADGP Shiv Kumar, Moga SSP Ajay Gandhi, along with all DSPs and SHOs of the district. Around 200 police personnel were deployed, conducting door-to-door searches at suspected hideouts of drug traffickers. ADGP Shiv Kumar stated that several drug peddlers in Moga district…
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Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Announces ₹1 Crore Ex-Gratia for Families of Soldiers Martyred in Kulgam Encounter

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Announces ₹1 Crore Ex-Gratia for Families of Soldiers Martyred in Kulgam Encounter

Chandigarh, August 9, 2025 – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of two soldiers from the state during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district.In a post on X, Mann saluted the courage and dedication of the soldiers, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh from Manupur village in Khanna and Sepoy Harminder Singh from Badinpur village in Mandi Gobindgarh, who lost their lives while serving the nation. “We express our heartfelt condolences to the families. We salute the spirit and bravery of the soldiers who were martyred for the defence of the…
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Harsimrat Kaur Badal Ties Rakhi to Brother Majithia in Nabha District Jail

Harsimrat Kaur Badal Ties Rakhi to Brother Majithia in Nabha District Jail

National Times Bureau :- The festival of Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated with great enthusiasm in the new district jail of Nabha. Sisters are tying rakhis (sacred threads) on the wrists of their brothers who are inmates in the jail. The Punjab government has given special permission to celebrate Raksha Bandhan inside the jail. Today, from 9 AM to 5 PM, the process of tying rakhis is taking place in the jail. The jail administration has made special arrangements to keep the atmosphere happy and to strengthen the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. On this occasion, Harsimrat Kaur Badal,…
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Big news – Armed Attack on Former Akali Sarpanch’s Home in Amritsar

Big news – Armed Attack on Former Akali Sarpanch’s Home in Amritsar

National Times Bureau :- Amritsar’s Ramnagar Colony, former Akali sarpanch Kamal Bengali’s house was attacked by armed assailants. During the assault, Kamal Bengali’s nephew was shot in the chest, while the attackers also used swords, glass bottles, and stones. The incident created panic in the area. Kamal Bengali said that he had been receiving extortion threats for some time, and once again, the attackers came to his home warning that if the money was not paid, there would be consequences. Kamal Bengali alleged that the attackers first came to target his son and tried to attack him with a sword.…
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