Rahul Gandhi blaming BJP for his own failures: Anurag Thakur
Digital Desk | Hamirpur, Nov 4 (IANS) BJP MP and former Union minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of questioning democratic institutions and electoral processes whenever his party faces electoral defeats. Speaking at the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) public outreach march in Hamirpur town in Himachal Pradesh under the partys campaign, Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy), he said that instead of accepting the people's mandate, the Congress leadership was attempting to create confusion and undermine public confidence in the electoral system. The programme began with a parliamentary constituency-level workers conference, attended by state party President Rajeev Bindal and Hamirpur MP and former Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur. Both leaders addressed party workers and called for strengthening the organisation at the grassroots. Many party workers from Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, Dehra, Dharampur, and other areas participated in the outreach march. Referring to elections in Bihar and Kerala following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, Thakur questioned the Congress position on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and electoral outcomes. He asked whether the Kerala Chief Minister would also be expected to resign following an electoral defeat if the Congress's allegations regarding EVM-based elections were accepted. He challenged the party to clarify whether its allegations were genuine or whether states like Karnataka and Kerala should respect electoral mandates. Highlighting the Congress's poor performance in student politics, Thakur also referred to the party's student wing's electoral setbacks at Panjab University in Chandigarh and Delhi University in Delhi. He accused Rahul Gandhi of shifting responsibility for the party's organisational shortcomings and political failures onto the BJP instead of undertaking introspection. Taking a swipe at the Congress-led rally in Delhi, Thakur said that despite claims of mobilising approximately one million people, the actual turnout was reportedly much lower than projected. He maintained that repeated electoral defeats reflected the electorate's rejection of the Congress's political approach. He further said that questioning constitutional institutions without credible evidence could weaken public trust in democratic processes. Thakur urged BJP workers to take the party's message to every household and counter what he described as the Congress's misleading narrative.
Pragati Nagpal, who has been gaining recognition for her singing talent, is now set to explore a new avenue with her big-screen debut in the upcoming film Party Animals. The singer recently gave audiences a glimpse of her character, Zahra, describing her as a lively and free-spirited girl. Adding to the moment, music composer and singer Himesh Reshammiya extended his wishes to Pragati, congratulating her on the new milestone. Pragati took to her social media handle to introduce her character from the film, giving audiences a glimpse of what they can expect from her on-screen appearance. Himesh Reshammiya also shared the glimpse on his social media account and congratulated the singer. Extending his wishes, HR wrote, Super congratulations and best wishes always! @pragatinagpal! For those unfamiliar with Pragati's journey, she previously shared the stage with Himesh Reshammiya during his Cap Mania Tour, where she performed alongside the singer. Described as a Gen-Z performer, Pragati brings a vibrant personality and a distinct desi touch to her work. Originally from Chandigarh, she has been pursuing her musical ambitions in Mumbai while working towards establishing herself in the entertainment industry. Pragati began her musical journey with the song Useless Bhawra and subsequently released several other tracks. With Party Animals, she is now making her transition from music to acting. The film will see her sharing screen space with influencer and actor Viraj Ghelani, marking another step in her career. Directed towards a theatrical audience, Party Animals is scheduled to release in cinemas on November 20, 2026. With Himesh extending his support and Pragati preparing for her first big-screen appearance as Zahra, the film marks a new chapter in the singer's professional journey. Also Read : Himesh Reshammiya says he doesnt use Auto-Tune 90% of the time; explains why the technology has become essential in music recording
Diwali gift for employees: Punjab CM announces release of DA instalment
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 4 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced the release of a three per cent dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees and pensioners, providing financial relief to nearly eight lakh beneficiaries. He described the decision as a Diwali gift for government employees and pensioners. The Chief Minister announced that the DA instalment release would be added to the December instalment. In September, the Punjab government decided to increase DA by eight per cent for employees and pensioners. Appreciating the contribution of employees in the functioning of government administration, CM Mann said that the government employees are the backbone of the administrative machinery and play a vital role in delivering government services and welfare schemes to the people. The Chief Minister said that the state government values the hard work and dedication of its employees. The government believes that employee satisfaction is very important for providing better services to the people. He said that the decision to release the three per cent dearness allowance instalment has been taken with the aim of fulfilling the long-pending demand of the employees. CM Mann also congratulated the government employees and their families on this announcement. Earlier, after a meeting between the Chief Minister and representatives of various employee and pensioner organisations in Chandigarh on September 18, the DA rate was increased from 42 per cent to 50 per cent. The enhanced allowance was effective from September 1. That decision followed prolonged discussions between the government and employee unions, which had been demanding the release of pending DA instalments and the resolution of other service-related issues. The September announcement had also come after weeks of agitation by government employees over pending allowances and other demands. Employee organisations had been pressing the government to release outstanding DA instalments. However, several issues, including restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and other service-related demands, remain subjects of discussion between employee organisations and the state government.
Chandigarh [India], November 4: Maintaining its position as the top-most university, Chandigarh University has yet again emerged as India's Number 1 Private University in India for the fourth consecutive year in the latest edition of prestigious QS Asia University Rankings 2027. Earlier, Chandigarh University had secured the 1st rank among all private universities in India in 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions of the QS Asia University Rankings.
ED searches two houses of AAP legislator Amandeep Arora in Punjab's Moga
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 4 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at the two residences of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) woman legislator Amandeep Kaur Arora in Punjab's Moga. According to initial reports, ED officials reached the legislator's premises early in the morning and launched a search operation. The development has drawn attention in Punjab's political circles, particularly with the Assembly elections approaching. However, the exact nature of the investigation, the case prompting the searches and the specific allegations, if any, against the MLA were not immediately clear. There was no immediate official statement from the Enforcement Directorate detailing the purpose of the operation or confirming whether any documents, cash or other material had been seized. The searches are likely to trigger a political response from the ruling AAP and opposition parties in Punjab. Further details are awaited as the operation progresses. Arora is the AAP MLA from Moga and also heads the party's women's wing in Punjab. She has recently received the party's nomination again from the constituency for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. On October 31, the Aam Aadmi Party released its first list of 40 candidates for the 2027 Assembly elections. However, no official information has established any connection between her electoral nomination and the agency's searches. Party leaders alleged that the raid was aimed at pressuring her to join the BJP or the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), citing the case of Jalalabad MLA Raminder Singh Awla. Meanwhile, party workers arrived at the spot after learning about the raid and began protesting. They raised slogans against the EDs action. A large number of police personnel were stationed outside the house to maintain order. The workers alleged that the raid was being carried out at the BJPs direction. They claimed the BJP had little political presence in Punjab. Both the Akali Dal and the BJP do not have a potential candidate to field from Moga, either jointly or separately, said a close aide of the lawmaker.
ED raids Moga AAP MLA Amandeep Kaur Arora's residence
Rahul Gandhi to hold Insaaf Rally in Punjabs Sangrur today
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 4 (IANS) Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will address the party's Insaaf Rally in Sangrur district of Punjab on Wednesday, with state Congress leaders describing the event as an important platform to raise issues concerning the rights, future and justice of the people of Punjab. Punjab Congress President S. Pargat Singh said Rahul Gandhi's visit would provide fresh direction and momentum to the party's election campaign from the Malwa region, while sending a message to party leaders and workers to gear up for Mission 2027. Pargat Singh reviewed the preparations for the rally and said that people across Punjab were eagerly looking forward to Rahul Gandhi's arrival. AICC general secretary Sachin Pilot has been regularly visiting the rally venue in Sangrur, along with other Congress leaders to review preparations. Rahul is expected to target the alleged failures of the AAP-led Punjab Government. In a post on X, the Punjab Congress earlier said: Rahul Gandhi is coming tomorrow to Sangrur in Punjab - a hope for Punjab Everyone, please make sure to reach Fagguwala village at 10 AM in the morning. The state Congress president said the Insaaf Rally would serve as a decisive platform in the party's fight for Punjab's rights, future and justice. He noted that the Malwa region holds considerable significance in Punjab politics, with its Assembly constituencies playing an important role in determining election outcomes. According to Pargat Singh, taking the election campaign forward from Sangrur would form an important part of the Punjab Congress' strategy as the party prepares for the 2027 Assembly elections. He said the party would focus on strengthening its grassroots engagement with the public and effectively highlighting issues concerning the people of Punjab. Strengthening the party organisation, mobilising workers and consistently raising public concerns would remain among the key priorities ahead of the 2027 elections, he added. Pargat Singh further said Rahul Gandhi's visit would encourage party leaders and workers to come together and intensify their election preparations.
The News Mill
Boy who thrashed KG girl in school needs treatment, says report
Show-cause notice to Barinder Dhillon over Cong Bhawan altercation
High Court directs Punjab, UT police chiefs to ensure peaceful last rites of Daljeet Singh under security
Festive season crackdown in Haryana: 50,000kg adulterated sweets, paneer destroyed
From burning to earning: Rajs hunger for fodder fetching high straw prices for Haryana farmers
Congress launches Vote Bachao-Desh Bachao Chaupal from CM Sainis home turf
Prove corruption charges against me or quit politics: CM Mann to Opposition
Himachal CM unveils Rs 419cr water, public works projects in Bhatiyat
Rahul coming to Punjab to warn divided unit to unite: Jakhar
In Chamba, CM announces civil court for Chowari, cash assistance for poor women
6-fold rise in a day: Farm fires jump from 98 to 584 in Punjab
Speaker accepts Jouramajras resignation; Samana seat declared vacant
Channis claims on state lottery operations baseless: Cheema
HC orders fresh autopsy of Punjab man in Chandigarhs PGI amid familys drug-overdose claim
Haryana CM OKs 9 projects worth Rs 424 crore
Stubble fire row flares as Delhi AQI worsens; Khanna worst-hit in Punjab
Vashishth takes over as PGIMS Rohtak director after HC stay on Singhals reappointment
Mera Ghar Mere Naam: 2.2L property cards issued, as Punjab steps up drive
Ex-girlfriend held for 5cr extortion bid in Bishnoi gangs name
Missing link: Pkl govt schools lack counsellors
Congress man killed in axe attack over land dispute
Festive rush: Chandigarh gets special train to Patna
12.25cr bridge to end monsoon roadblocks at Sukhna Choe
Haryana aims to double exports in five years, says Saini
School horror: Boy Needs Treatment, Says Report
In Haryana, registration now must for all travel agents
CHB opens 6-month window for old GPA property transfers
2 city residents lose over 6L in online scams
3 snatching incidents in 24 hrs, knife flashed in one
Make market parking free till Diwali: Foswac
Got an idea? PUs new school will help turn it into enterprise
Seizure of 25K live cartridges from an SUV in Jhajjar triggers concern
HC orders fresh autopsy of Daljit today, cremation without politicians
Haryana OKs new land pooling policy; owners to get 50% of saleable area
Woman arrested from Karnal in Tiger Shroff firing case
Haryana to hold special assembly session on Nov 26
RBI starts 3 surveys to capture inflation expectations, consumer confidence
Reserve Bank on Tuesday announced three key surveys to capture inflation expectations of households and gauge consumer confidence in the country- the studies that provide input for bi-monthly monetary policy. The central bank has announced the launch of the November 2026 round of the Inflation Expectations Survey of Households (IESH). The November 2026 round of the survey is being launched. The survey aims at capturing subjective assessments on price movements and inflation, based on their individual consumption baskets, it said. The study will be conducted across 19 cities -- Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Raipur, Ranchi and Thiruvananthapuram. In another statement, the RBI said the Urban Consumer Confidence Survey seeks qualitative responses from households regarding their sentiments on the general economic situation, employment scenario, price level, households'
AAP flays BJP for blaming Punjab's farmers for Delhi's pollution
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 3 (IANS) Punjab Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Baltej Pannu on Tuesday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for blaming Punjab's farmers for Delhi's pollution while conveniently ignoring the substantial efforts made by the Bhagwant Mann-led government and farmers to manage paddy stubble. Taking a direct aim at the Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Media In-charge Pannu said that BJP leaders are making Punjab's farmers scapegoats instead of addressing the multiple sources of pollution in the national capital. Pointing out that Parliament's data recorded an 80 per cent decline in stubble-burning incidents in Punjab last year and that the state government has deployed more than 21,000 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines, the AAP leader challenged the Delhi Minister and other BJP leaders to visit Punjab and witness the ground reality instead of spreading propaganda. He also reminded the Centre that it had refused to share the financial burden of stubble management despite the state government's offer, asserting that BJP leaders must answer for Delhi's pollution instead of shifting the blame onto Punjab's farmers. Even before the paddy harvesting season had properly begun, certain leaders had started running a campaign to defame Punjab for Delhi's pollution. How can smoke from Punjab supposedly cross Haryana and reach Delhi through some imaginary pipeline so quickly? BJP leaders are conveniently ignoring the multiple sources of pollution in the national capital. Several reports and even discussions in Parliament have established that stubble burning is not the only cause of Delhi's pollution, he said. Citing the Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav's statement in Parliament, Pannu added, Stubble-burning incidents in Punjab declined by 80 per cent last year due to improved management and sustained efforts. The Bhagwant Mann government has further strengthened these efforts this year, with more than 21,000 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines purchased for stubble management. These include 14,274 Super Seeders, which have emerged as the most popular machines among farmers, along with Mulchers, MB Ploughs and Baling Machines. Punjab ranks among the leading states in the country in the use of agricultural machinery. He said that farmers are increasingly taking advantage of government subsidies ranging from 50 to 80 per cent to purchase these machines. Many farmers and private operators are also renting out machinery, making it accessible to more cultivators. Across major highways connecting Zirakpur to Bathinda, Chandigarh to Ludhiana, Mohali to Sirhind and on the Amritsar highway, large quantities of paddy stubble can be seen collected and compressed into bales. These bales are being transported to industries and used as raw material rather than being burnt in fields, Pannu said. He also asked that why is Haryana, despite having fewer stubble-management machines than Punjab, not being subjected to the same scrutiny? Travelling from Punjab to Delhi takes at least four to five hours by road. The simplistic claim that smoke from Punjab directly reaches Delhi is an attempt to mislead people rather than an evidence-based explanation, he added.
Ranji Trophy: Pradosh, Ajith Ram pile more misery on Chandigarh
The former registers a double ton while the latter brings up his maiden First Class hundred as the visitor declares its first innings at 571 for seven before reducing the host to 49 for three at close on day two
Meghalaya Lok Bhavan celebrates foundation day of 15 states, UTs
Shillong, Nov 3: Meghalaya Lok Bhavan on Tuesday organised a grand cultural programme to commemorate the foundation and statehood days of 15 States and Union Territories, celebrating Indias unity in diversity. The states and UTs celebrated were Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya [] The post Meghalaya Lok Bhavan celebrates foundation day of 15 states, UTs first appeared on Highland Post .
Contempt notice to Punjab Chief Secy over failure to clear DA arrears of employees
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 3 (IANS) The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday issued a contempt notice to Punjab Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha over the states failure to comply with judicial directions for the payment of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears to government employees and pensioners. The court, expressing strong displeasure over the continued non-compliance with its earlier orders, directed Sinha to file his response by November 17, explaining the steps taken by the government to implement the directions. The development came during a hearing in a contempt petition filed by government employees and pensioners alleging that the government had failed to release their outstanding DA and Dearness Relief (DR) instalments despite clear judicial instructions. The Chief Secretary appeared before the court during proceedings. However, the government's explanation regarding the delay in implementing the orders failed to satisfy the court. The government informed the court that it had challenged the High Court's earlier directions before the Supreme Court and that procedural defects in its appeal had been rectified. It also indicated that the matter was likely to come up for hearing before the apex court shortly. However, the High Court made it clear that merely filing an appeal before the Supreme Court does not suspend the operation of its judgment. Unless the Supreme Court stays the directions, the state government remains legally bound to comply with them. The court also questioned the government's failure to take concrete steps towards clearing the outstanding dues, particularly when repeated opportunities had already been granted. Tuesdays proceedings stem from an August 3 judgment of the High Court, which directed the state government and the Punjab State Power Corp Ltd (PSPCL) to release all pending DA and DR instalments to their employees and pensioners at rates equivalent to those applicable to All India Services officers serving in Punjab, in accordance with the Central Government pattern. The court had directed that the payments be released within a fortnight. It had further stipulated that any delay beyond the prescribed deadline would attract simple interest at six per cent per annum until the actual payment was made.
High Court Watchman Recruitment 2026: Job seekers looking for government employment opportunities with basic educational qualifications have a new recruitment opportunity. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has announced a recruitment drive to fill 22 Watchman (Chowkidar) positions at its Chandigarh...
Chandigarh woman's office Diwali dance to 'Jhalla Wallah' goes viral
Special Exhibition on 1984 Sikh Genocide Held at Panjab University by Student Organisation Saakhi
Student organisation Saakhi organised a special exhibition at Panjab University, Chandigarh, from October 31 to November 3, 2026, to raise awareness about the 1984 Sikh genocide and its historical aspects. The post Special Exhibition on 1984 Sikh Genocide Held at Panjab University by Student Organisation Saakhi appeared first on Sikh Siyasat News .
Highland Group Celebrates Diwali with Channel Partners, Highlights Progress at Highland Mayfields
The gathering in Chandigarh brought together business associates as the group reiterated its commitment to delivering Highland Mayfields in 2027. Chandigarh: Highland Group hosted a Diwali celebration and channel partners meet at JW Marriott, Chandigarh, on October 31, bringing together its business associates for an evening of festive celebrations and discussions around the groups ongoing []
Denied boarding amid Dubai floods: Emirates, Yatra ordered to pay Rs 1.88 lakh
The Chandigarh consumer commission has reaffirmed its earlier decision, holding Emirates Airlines and Yatra Online responsible for the boarding denial faced by Raghav Jain and his wife. Their travel to Italy was hindered by unexpected floods in Dubai, and they were forced to buy new tickets at a premium price. Moreover, they incurred extra expenses due to hotel cancellations. The commission ordered the companies to compensate them with Rs 1.
3 AAP MLAs join BJP, say party can pull Punjab out of trouble
Amit Shah to lead BJPs Karnal padyatra on Nov 5; Archana Gupta reviews prep
Im not a pandit: Badal on SAD-BJP alliance prospects
Cheema says AAP to field him from Dirba, Aman Arora from Sunam again
Man sentenced to 20 years in jail for sexual assault on 10-year-old stepdaughter
Pilot targets AAP over law and order ahead of Rahul Gandhis rally
Pressured into same-sex marriage, schoolgirl dies by suicide
Panchkula school assault: Boy in observation home after psych examination
Saini woos Punjab industrialists, assures support for investments
HC sets aside tribunal order, awards Rs 8L compensation to train accident victims family
Speaker accepts resignations of Pathanmajra, Kunwar Vijay Partap; declares their seats vacant
Majithia claims collusion, says AAP shielding drug case accused
Punjab minister meets Jhotas family three weeks after murder
AAP a sinking ship, more likely to quit: Pargat, Bajwa
2 days after returning from rehab, youth dies of drug overdose in Nabha
2027 Punjab polls one vs all: Mann
Sukhu targets BJP, vows to safeguard Himachals wealth
I am not a pandit: Sukhbir on SAD-BJP alliance
SAD govt to reserve tender quota for Made in Punjab goods: Sukhbir
CM reviews development works at AIMSS Chamiyana, meets ailing MLA Nand Lal
2 yrs, 122 days of protests later, PU still awaits Senate
Crackers allowed only from 8pm to 10pm on Diwali
Rs 500 dispute ends in murder, 2 get life term
One held 20-year-old vendors hands while other stabbed him; court rejects leniency plea
NRIs 2020 complaint reopened, bizman booked
Extra coaches planned on 6 trains for festive rush
Waiting lists touch 300-400 on some routes; move aimed at passengers headed to UP, Bihar
3 booked for Rs 5.6L Canada visa fraud
Gurgaon court takes cognisance of ED complaint against Punjab minister in Rs 103cr laundering case
Kataria shares festive cheer at welfare homes
Roadways strike brings bus services to a halt across Hisar, Sirsa and Hansi
Maj Malviya takes charge as Punjab guvs ADC
Harmonica players set to strike a nostalgic note
MC poll candidates can spend up to Rs 7.5L on campaign
SEC fixes expenditure ceiling; candidates must file audited expense details within 15 days of result declaration
6.7cr fraud accused faked disappearance, held
Rs 4cr cyber fraud trail leads cops to Ranchi bizman
