Sanjeev Arora, Aam Aadmi Party's Ludhiana West by-election winner, is expected to join the Punjab Cabinet. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will reshuffle the cabinet this week, filling vacant positions and assigning new portfolios. Arora, a Rajya Sabha member, is recognized for his understanding of industry needs. Arvind Kejriwal had promised Arora a cabinet position if elected.

CM Bhagwant Mann says this process will be completed shortly to assuage the sentiments of the public and very soon a Cabinet meeting will be convened on the issue

CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Saturday challenged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to prove that Saraya Industries Limited, in which his brother-in-law and senior party leader Bikram Singh Majithia had an inherited share of eleven percent, had received even one rupee in foreign funding from 2007 to the present time. Badal was denying allegations made in the Disproportionate Assets (DA) case registered against Majithia by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau . B

CHANDIGARH: With 19 months left till the 2027 assembly elections, the Punjab Congress leadership is apprehensive that the current AAP-led Punjab government might target party leaders who are facing vigilance inquiries. Such concerns have been raised following the arrest of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia in a drugs and disproportionate assets case, while former Health Minister and AAP MLA Vijay Singla and his OSD Pradeep Kumar were given a clean chit in a corruption case registered ag

CHANDIGARH: Without naming senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said his government would not spare anyone involved in the drug trade, no matter how politically strong or influential the person may be. He said the state government had gathered substantive and irrefutable proof against those arrested on charges of running drug rackets and amassing wealth through drug mo

CHANDIGARH: The arrest of senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau has triggered a fresh wave of political mudslinging in the state. Majithia, who is also the brother-in-law of SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal, was taken into custody on Tuesday, prompting strong reactions from opposition parties who termed it political vendetta, while the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hit back, accusing critics of shielding those responsible for Punjabs drug cr

CHANDIGARH: Senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who is the brother-in-law of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, was on Tuesday arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau following a raid on his residence in Amritsar. Sources said the vigilance bureau carried out raids at 25 locations across the state. The vigilance team, led by Assistant Inspector General of Police Swarandeep Singh, raided Majithias house and seized 29 mobile phones, four laptops, two iPads, eight diari

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a cabinet expansion soon. Sanjeev Arora, winner of the Ludhiana West bypoll, will join as minister. The Aam Aadmi Party retained the Ludhiana West seat. Arora defeated Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu. Mann mentioned that there would be no changes in portfolios.

CHANDIGARH: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) retained the Ludhiana (West) assembly seat. In the by-polls, results for which were declared on Monday, party candidate Sanjeev Arora won by a margin of 10,637 votes. He polled 35, 179 votes as against the 24, 542 votes polled by his nearest Congress rival Bharat Bhushan Ashu. The BJP candidate Jivan Gupta came third with 20,323 votes. The Shiromani Akali Dal candidate Parupkar Singh Ghuman came a poor fourth. With this victory, Arora is all set to become a cabi

Former spinner and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh got tongues wagging as he recently attended a state-level function in Jalandhars Burlton Park, where Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal laid the foundation stone for a sports hub. Mann proudly pointed out to Kejriwal on the occasion that Jalandhar, which is often dubbed as the sports capital of India, is Harbhajans hometown. He showered praise on the former cricketer and described him as sada veer. It is great t

CHANDIGARH: In a first, the Punjab government on Friday approved a 14-point action plan under its Integrated State Water Plan to preserve and replenish groundwater, as the state faces an annual average water table decline of 0.7 metre. Chairing a meeting of the Water Resources Department regarding the Integrated State Water Plan, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the plan has been meticulously prepared by the department in consultation with all relevant government departments. He said the

CHANDIGARH: The voter turnout in the Ludhiana (West) assembly bypoll as per data uploaded till 7 pm was approximately 51.33%, said Punjab chief electoral officer Sibin C. As part of a new initiative, the polling data has been uploaded by the presiding officer at the polling station on the ECINET app. The voting started at all polling booths at 7 am on Thursday morning. Till 9 am, the polling percentage was just 8.50% as a few people gathered at the booths early in the morning to avoid the hot we

CHANDIGARH: The Ludhiana (West) by-election on Thursday will be a litmus test for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party's national leadership and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as they have aggressively campaigned to retain the seat, while the Congress looks to regain its foothold over the urban constituency which it held six times in the past. While the main contest is likely to be between the AAP and Congress, the bypoll outcome will also shed light on how the BJP performs among urban voters in the

CHANDIGARH: Amritpal Singh Mehron, the main accused in the murder of Punjab-based social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, also known as Kamal Kaur Bhabi, is now being glorified as a hero in parts of Punjab. Flex-boards depicting Mehron with phrases such as Kaum Da Heera (Jewel of the Community) and Izattan De Rakhe (Protector of Honour) have appeared in Ludhiana, sparking outrage and concern. What has caused further alarm is that Malkiat Singh, the Head Granthi of the Golden Temple, has come out

CHANDIGARH: Amritpal Singh Mehron, the main accused in the murder of Punjab-based social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, also known as Kamal Kaur Bhabi, is now being glorified as a hero in parts of Punjab. Flex-boards depicting Mehron with phrases such as Kaum Da Heera (Jewel of the Community) and Izattan De Rakhe (Protector of Honour) have appeared in Ludhiana, sparking outrage and concern. What has caused further alarm is that Malkiat Singh, the Head Granthi of the Golden Temple, has come out

CHANDIGARH: Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government, claiming that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been reduced to a mere figurehead while AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal acts as the super CM, controlling key decisions and appointments in the state. Bajwa accused the government of filling top positions in the Punjab Development Commission (PDC) with individuals from outside Punja

CHANDIGARH, June 16: Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Monday wrote to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, seeking a probe under the supervision of the high court chief justice into the drug money trail to track down its powerful end beneficiaries. It is imperative to follow the money in the drug money trail, without which the exercise to root out drugs from Punjab is not only futile but a farce as well, Jakhar said. Arresting thousands of drug addicts and [] The post Drug money: Punjab BJP chief

CHANDIGARH: Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar wrote a letter to CM Bhagwant Mann demanding a 'time-bound agency or a multi-agency probe under the direct supervision of the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana HC into the drug money trail to track down the powerful and end beneficiaries. He stated that the fortunes of several Punjab politicians have improved in the last few years, as the MLAs who would come on bicycles now own luxury cars and farm houses, which cannot be a coincidence. Jakhar in t

CHANDIGARH: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta today labelled Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as a mask (mukhota) and asserted that his administration is effectively controlled by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders who have been dismissed by the electorate in Delhi. She was campaigning for BJP candidate Jiwan Gupta in the Ludhiana (West) assembly by-elections, for which polling will take place on June 19. During her address, Gupta took a dig at AAP national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister

AHMEDABAD: The BJPs sweeping victory in the 2022 Gujarat assembly elections, bagging 156 seats, was a testament to its dominance yet Visavadar in Saurashtra has stubbornly resisted the saffron surge for 18 long years. In the upcoming bypoll on June 19, the party is pulling out all the stops to break this nearly two-decade-long jinx and finally wrest control of this elusive seat. Despite the BJPs statewide sweep, Visavadar remained a glaring exception, with the Aam Aadmi Partys Bhupat Bhayani sh

CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leader and opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Monday slammed the AAP government in Punjab, accusing it of a deliberate and deceitful attempt to sideline the Punjabi language and deprive local youth of job opportunities in the recruitment for 166 posts in Sugarfed Punjab. Bajwa claimed that the AAP government initially attempted to dilute the requirement of Punjabi language proficiency by allowing candidates who hadnt passed Punjabi in Matric to appear for the exa

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a loan waiver scheme of Rs 67.84 crore, benefiting around 4,800 underprivileged families who had taken loans from the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation. This initiative aims to provide financial relief to SC and Divyangjan loanees, covering all loans disbursed up to March 31, 2020, and ensuring no further recovery proceedings.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticized the AAP government in Punjab, alleging a lack of meaningful work and dwindling public support. Saini claimed the Bhagwant Mann government failed to fulfill election promises and hasn't implemented central welfare schemes, depriving people of benefits.

CHANDIGARH: A political row has erupted in Punjab after a series of appointments made by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led government drew critisim from the opposition. The appointment of Shaleen Mitra, an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to former Delhi Cabinet Minister Satyendar Jain, as the OSD to Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh. This comes just days after two other Delhi-based party leaders, Reena Gupta and Deepak Chauhan, were appointed as chairpersons of the Punjab Pollution Control Board

CHANDIGARH: A day after making One Nation, One Husband remark, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today questioned the union government claim on success in Operation Sindoor. He said that for the first time in the history that any government is sending its nominees across the globe to tell everyone that they have emerged victorious in a war. He added that labelling any idea opposite to BJP's propaganda as anti-national reflects the country's sorry state of affairs. After the cabinet meeting her

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann criticized BJP's 'Operation Sindoor' campaign for the Ludhiana West byelection, questioning if it implied a 'one nation, one husband' concept. The BJP strongly condemned Mann's remarks, accusing him of mocking the operation's significance, which aimed to protect Hindu women from terrorists who used 'sindoor' as a marker for identification during a period of violence.

CHANDIGARH, Jun 3: A political controversy erupted on Tuesday over Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns one nation, one husband remark, with the BJP accusing him of insulting the widows of those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Mann Tuesday took a dig at the BJP over Operation Sindoor, accusing it of seeking votes in the name of sindoor (vermillion) and asked if it had started a one nation, one husband scheme. Calling Manns remarks disgraceful, Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu [] The post

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod to waive loans amounting Rs 68 crore taken by over 4,000 Dalit families from the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said. At a cabinet meeting chaired by Mann in Chandigarh, it was decided that loans disbursed till March 31, 2020 will be waived. Addressing the media after the meeting, the chief minister said the state government will waive the debt incurred due to loans taken by Dal

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has expressed his support for the Punjab-based franchise ahead of their most crucial season match.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar express support for their respective teams, Punjab Kings and RCB, ahead of the IPL 2025 final.

CHANDIGARH: A row has erupted after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made a controversial remark on Operation Sindoor, while accusing the BJP of politicizing it for electoral gains. After the Punjab cabinet meeting on Tuesday, CM Mann alleged that BJP workers are distributing sindoor (vermillion) to households following the success of Operation Sindoor. This is very sad. Sindoor is being mocked. Didn't you see? BJP is seeking votes in the name of Operation Sindoor. They are sending sindoor to

The BJP has strongly criticized Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's remarks regarding Operation Sindoor, labeling them as disgraceful and vulgar. Mann questioned the BJP's Sindoor distribution initiative, leading to accusations of insulting the symbol of love and sacrifice for Indian women.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann faces severe backlash from the BJP for his controversial remarks on 'Operation Sindoor,' with BJP leaders accusing him of insensitivity and disrespect towards the armed forces and religious sentiments. The BJP clarified that 'Operation Sindoor' was a response to terrorists targeting Hindus, not a government scheme.

Amid growing strains in coalition ties, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and former Delhi minister Atishi held a roadshow in Visavadar, Junagadh district, Gujarat, to campaign for AAP candidate Gopal Italia.

Arvind Kejriwal urged voters in Visavadar, Gujarat, to support AAP in the upcoming assembly bypoll. He wants to defeat BJP for allegedly poaching legislators. The Visavadar seat became vacant after the AAP MLA resigned and joined BJP. Kejriwal, Atishi, and Bhagwant Mann campaigned for AAP candidate Gopal Italia. Italia has filed his nomination.

CHANDIGARH, May 31: DGP Gaurav Yadav on Saturday said Punjab Polices anti-drug drive has achieved major success and that narcotics are no longer easily available in the state. Though the drug menace has not been completely eliminated, the drive to wipe it out will continue relentlessly, the police chief told the media here. His statement assumes significance as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on February 28 set a deadline of three months to make Punjab drug-free. Sharing details of the [] The post

CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Governments ambitious plan to acquire over 24,000 acres of land in Ludhiana for urban development meets strong opposition from Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, despite Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns assurances of voluntary participation and fair compensation. The most ambitious land acquisition initiative of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Government to acquire 24,311 acres across more than 30 villages in Ludhiana for the development of urban estat

At 25, Shubman Gill has scripted history by becoming the first India Test captain from Punjab since Bishan Singh Bedi (1976-78). Gill, who is used to seeing fans go gaga over him in the stadium, has now become the cynosure of all eyes in the states political circles. From Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring to SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, leaders cutting across party lines hailed him as the next big leader in the sport. Heartiest congratulations to all Punjabis on our Punjab

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government on Wednesday suspended Senior Superintendent of Police of Fazilka, Varinder Singh Brar, a day after four personnel of the Cyber Crime Police Station were arrested on allegations of extortion from a minor accused. An officer stated that action against Brar followed an investigation into allegations of corruption linked to the bribery case involving the four officers. The case came to light when Dharminder Singh, the father of a 17-year-old, approached Chief Minis

Chandigarh, May 28: The Punjab government on Wednesday suspended Fazilka Senior Superintendent of Police Varinder Singh Brar, a day after four police officers were arrested in a bribery case, sources said. A station house officer and three other police personnel were arrested in Fazilka on Tuesday for allegedly accepting Rs 1 lakh bribe. The case came to light when Dharminder Singh, father of a 17-year-old boy, approached Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann with evidence of bribe demands by the Cyber C

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday urged the Centre to install 50 additional drone jammers along the states 553-km border with Pakistan, citing rising drone threats. His request came during the 10th governing council meeting of NITI Aayog chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann voiced strong objections at the Niti Aayog meeting regarding water sharing disputes with Haryana, citing a biased approach from the Centre. He criticized the deployment of CISF at Bhakra Nangal dams and demanded reconsideration of water allocation, emphasizing Punjab's water scarcity and the need for equitable distribution from the Yamuna.

CHANDIGARH: Taking part in the meeting of the 10th Governing Council of the Niti Aayog on Saturday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reiterated that Punjab has no surplus water for other states. Mann said that in the wake of the grim water situation in the state, the Yamuna-Sutlej Link (YSL) canal should be considered for construction instead of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. He said the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers are already in deficit and water should be diverted from surplus to deficit bas

CHANDIGARH: Three people have died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor at Basti Jodhewal in Ludhiana, just days after the hooch tragedy in Amritsar in which 27 people lost their lives. Confirming the deaths, Ludhiana police commissioner Swapan Sharma said, Prima facie, four men were together last night, of which three who had consumed liquor have died. Autopsy reports are awaited to know the cause of death. A case has been registered against unidentified persons at Basti Jodhewal Police St

CHANDIGARH: Amid the ongoing dispute between Punjab and Haryana over the allocation of water, a new controversy has emerged as the Union government has decided to deploy the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the Nangal Dam. This move has sparked a fresh confrontation between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government and the BJP-led Union government, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday declaring that his state will strongly oppose the decision. CM Mann made it cl

CHANDIGARH: With the beginning of the new water-sharing cycle, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) on Wednesday released water from the Bhakra-Nangal dam to Haryana. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said the state government will flag the issue of reconstitution of BBMB in the Niti Aayog meeting slated for Saturday. The ruling AAP, which generally preferred to stay away from the matters related to water and religion while in power in Delhi, has now given in to the idea of increased political mileage

CHANDIGARH: Private traders have bought 10.79 lakh metric tonnes of wheat this rabi season in Punjab, the highest ever purchase by the private sector, paying about Rs 200 more than the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers. The highest purchase by private players was from Sangrur, home district of chief minister Bhagwant Mann. As per official data with the state food and supplies department, a total of 130.5 lakh tonnes of wheat have been procured across the state till May 15, the last day of p

The intensifying hostilities between India and Pakistan last week prompted Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to change his travel plans and get into immediate action. According to sources privy to the development, Kataria contacted the Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police of border districts to assess the ongoing situation. Following this, the Governor convened an all-party meeting and organised a sarva dharma gathering at the Raj Bhawan on Satu

MLA Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh criticises own government even as CM Bhagwant Mann urged to take full responsibility; calls for probe and accountability intensify

CHANDIGARH: As the death toll in the Amritsar hooch tragedy rises to 27, Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla has demanded an inquiry by a sitting Punjab and Haryana High Court judge. He alleged a dangerous collusion between drug cartels, certain senior police officials, and Punjab government authorities. Ruling Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Amritsar North and former IPS officer Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh also slammed his own government, alleging that those involved in the illicit liquor trade had become a

CHANDIGARH: Despite the death of 176 people in hooch tragedies across Punjab since 2020, successive state governmentsirrespective of partyhave failed to create any mechanism to prevent the diversion of industrial methanol, which has been used as the key ingredient in all these incidents. Sources said the spurious liquor was manufactured locally using methanol as a base. To produce the deadly concoction, bootleggers use lahan (raw material), methanol, fermented fruits like oranges and jamun, coar

CHANDIGARH: The death toll in the Amritsar hooch tragedy has risen to 21, with 10 others hospitalised after consuming spurious liquor in five villages of the Majitha area in Punjab. Ten people, including the main supplier and the alleged kingpin, were arrested in connection with the incident. Along with the suspension of four officers: Deputy Superintendent of Police, Station House Officer (SHO), besides Majitha sub-division excise and taxation officer (ETO) and excise inspector. Sources reveale

CHANDIGARH: The Yudh Nashian Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign by the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government has come under fire from opposition parties after 21 people died in a hooch tragedy Tuesday (May 13). Calling the campaign mere political theatre, the opposition has demanded a judicial inquiry monitored by a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. While holding CM Mann directly responsible for the tragic incident, Leader of the Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa said, Chief Mini

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a Rs 5 lakh ex gratia from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the family of Sukhwinder Kaur. He expressed deep sorrow over Kaur's death.

CHANDIGARH: In a sharp escalation of the ongoing water dispute between Punjab and Haryana, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today accused the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) authorities of attempting to release additional water to Haryana. For the third time in fifteen days, Mann visited the Nangal Dam and warned the BJP and BBMB that any such attempt could create a major law and order problem in the state, adding that both would be held responsible. He stated that if any BBMB officer now

The Punjab government has announced it will release extra water to Rajasthan to meet the military needs at the state's border. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized Punjab's commitment to national interests, stating that the state is willing to support the military not only with water but also with sacrifices if necessary. The decision reflects a collaborative approach to national security.

Punjab is on high alert after explosions and drone incursions. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urges calm and warns against approaching explosion sites. Several districts experienced loud blasts and unidentified objects crashing. Air raid sirens sounded, and markets closed as a precaution. Indian Air Defence intercepted drones from Pakistan. Tensions are high following recent strikes on terror launchpads.

CHANDIGARH: In a significant move amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday announced that the state government would procure its own anti-drone systems for surveillance and defence along the international border. After a cabinet meeting, Mann said nine anti-drone systems would be deployed across the 532-km-long border stretch from Pathankot to Abohar. We will buy our own anti-drone system as we have six border districts. Anti-drone syst

Following military escalation between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has urged citizens to remain calm and disregard rumors, assuring sufficient oil supplies. The state is on high alert, cancelling civil servant leaves and enforcing blackouts in several cities. Anti-drone systems will be deployed to counter smuggling in border regions.

The calls to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma came shortly after PM Modi spoke with Gujarat CM

CHANDIGARH: A day after the Punjab and Haryana High Court restrained Punjab government from interfering in the operation and functioning of the Nangal dam and Lohand control room, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) chairman Manoj Tripathi was held hostage by the ruling AAP protesters. The high-voltage drama ensued when AAP supporters led by state education minister Harjot Bains stopped BBMB chairman Manoj Tripathi by staging a dharna on the road leading to the dam and later locked him up in

Punjab is on high alert. This follows Indian armed forces strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and PoK. All public events are cancelled in Punjab's border districts. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann postponed anti-drug events. The strikes were in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Punjab Police is supporting the Indian Army. The government urges public adherence to safety orders.

CHANDIGARH: Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, civil defence mock drills will be held at 20 places in Punjab, besides several locations in Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh on Wednesday, as per instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). In Punjab, the mock drills will be held in Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Batala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Adampur, Halwara, Patiala, Pathankot, Barnala, Mohali, Faridkot, Kotkapura, Rupnagar, Bhakr

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab police continued their statewide crackdown against protesting farmers associated with farmer unions Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) who were prevented from reaching Shambhu police station on the border with Haryana for a day-long dharna. A strict warning was issued by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann against any sort of road or rail blockade apart from plans for protests or strikes causing inconvenience to the general public. All road

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab police have placed under house arrest senior farmer leaders and activists, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal, on the eve of Tuesdays protest outside the Shambhu police station announced by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM Non-Political). The protest is against the alleged injuries sustained by farmers in police action at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders on March 19. Sources said a police team reached Dallewals village in Faridkot early Monday morning. They asked him to stay ind

CHANDIGARH: Amid a stand-off between Punjab and Haryana over water-sharing, the AAP-led Punjab Government today passed a resolution in the one-day special assembly session vowing not to spare even a single drop of water from its share for the neighboring state of Haryana. The resolution also demanded the reconstitution of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and annulment of the Dam Safety Act, 2021. It further stated that Punjab will no longer accept any decisions made by the BBMB regarding

CHANDIGARH: A day ahead of the protest announced by Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM Non Political) outside the Shambhu police station, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal was placed under house arrest at his village in Faridkot district. Many other farmer leaders and activists across the State have been detained and placed under house arrest to prevent any law and order issues. Sources said that a police team reached Dallewals village early on May 5 and was asked to stay indoors for at least three to

Amid the escalating water-sharing dispute with Haryana, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday stated that Punjab has no surplus water to spare, emphasising that legal and data-driven evidence supports the state's stance.

Punjab Legislative Assembly convened a special session to address water sharing issues with Haryana after the BBMB's decision to release additional water. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called the session to safeguard Punjab's water rights, supported by unified opposition from all political parties. Concerns over water quality and the Dam Safety Act were also raised during the session.

Dharamshala, May 5: Amid the escalating water-sharing dispute with Haryana, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday stated that Punjab has no surplus water to spare, emphasising that legal and data-driven evidence supports the states stance. Speaking to reporters, Mann clarified that there is no dispute over water, as Punjab has already fulfilled its obligations to Haryana. There is no dispute regarding water. Legally and according to data, it is in favour of Punjab. We have allotted Harya

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted that the state lacks surplus water to share with Haryana, citing legal and data-driven evidence. He highlighted Punjab's improved canal infrastructure and increased water usage, rejecting Haryana's request for additional water.

CHANDIGARH: Amid the ongoing stand-off between Punjab and Haryana over water sharing, senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala on Sunday questioned the silence of the Union government on the issue. He also urged the Centre to instruct the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government in Punjab not to obstruct Haryanas water allocation. Surjewala questioned why the Narendra Modi-led NDA government is not issuing written orders to the Mann government under Article 257 of the Constitution, which deals wit

CHANDIGARH: Amid an escalating water war between Punjab and Haryana, the Punjab Police has taken control of the regulator gates at the Bhakra Nangal dam and has deployed its personnel there. The incident comes despite the Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan asking the state government to withdraw its police personnel. The BBMB chairman reportedly wrote of a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to deploy Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel to guard the dam. Sources claimed th

CHANDIGARH: The stand-off between Punjab and Haryana over water sharing intensified on Saturday with an all-party meeting in Haryana asking the AAP government in the neighbouring state to allow the release of water from the Bhakra dam unconditionally. This came a day after an all-party meeting in Punjab backed the state government's refusal to release more water to BJP-ruled Haryana. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, after chairing the all-party meeting on Saturday, hit out at the Punjab

Chandigarh, May 3: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday urged youngsters to idolise sportspersons such as Milkha Singh instead of singers who promote drugs through their songs. The senior AAP leader was addressing a gathering during the Walk for Drug Free Chandigarh an anti-drugs campaign launched by Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini were also present. Mann spoke about his governm

CHANDIGARH: Cutting across political lines, all Punjab parties on Friday unanimously decided not to spare a single drop of additional water to Haryana from the Bhakra dam. Following an all-party meet over sharing of water with Haryana as per the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) order, leaders said an all-party delegation is likely to meet Prime Minister Modi over the standoff. The two hour meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was attended by the representatives of the seven

CHANDIGARH: Amid an escalating row with Punjab over the sharing of water, the Haryana government on Friday announced its decision to approach the Supreme Court over the matter. Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Shruti Choudhry said that the process to move the Supreme Court has already been initiated. If this issue is not resolved, we will approach the Supreme Court. We have complete records and data on Haryanas water receipt, and all relevant facts will be presented before the cou

CHANDIGARH: In a rare display of political unity, all recognised political parties in Punjab on Thursday unanimously declared that not a single drop of extra water would be given to Haryana from the Bhakra Dam. The decision came after the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) ordered the release of 8,500 cusecs of water to the neighbouring state, triggering tensions. An all-party delegation is now likely to seek an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the issue. The two-hour al

CHANDIGARH: The Union Government has postponed the scheduled May 4 meeting with Punjab-based farmer unions after the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) insisted on excluding representatives of the Punjab government from the discussions. The Centre, in response, urged the farmer leaders to reconsider their stance, emphasising the importance of state participation in a federal setup. A letter in this regard was sent by Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Agricul

CHANDIGARH, May 1: Amid escalating tensions between Punjab and Haryana over sharing of water, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday asserted that his government will not allow the release of more water to the neighbouring state, claiming it has already utilised its share. He also hit out at the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for its decision to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana and said robbery of Punjabs rights will not be tolerated, and the board has no [] The post No water to H

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann declared his government won't release more water to Haryana, asserting the state has used its full share. This escalates a water-sharing dispute, especially after the BBMB decided to release 8,500 cusecs to Haryana, a move Punjab opposes. Mann accuses Haryana and Rajasthan of 'thuggery' and hints at an all-party meeting to address the crisis.

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Government has called an all-party meeting on Friday and convened a special assembly session on Monday to discuss the issue of Haryana being allocated additional water from the Bhakra Dam by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). An emergency meeting of all ministers and MLAs was held this evening, headed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, to discuss the emerging situation following the BBMBs order to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryan

The political row over sharing the Bhakra dam water escalated on Thursday after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted that his government will not tolerate obbery of their rights.

CHANDIGARH: The water-sharing dispute between Punjab and Haryana has intensified, with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) transferring its Director of Water Regulation, Akashdeep Singh, a Punjab cadre officer, and replacing him with Sanjeev Kumar from the Haryana cadre, an unexpected move that has escalated tensions between the two states. Punjab has reacted strongly by stepping up security at the regulator end of the Nangal dam amid fears of a law and order problem following the BBMBs deci

The BBMB's decision to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana has sparked strong opposition from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who termed it a obbery of Punjab's rights. Mann asserted that Punjab will not tolerate this move, accusing the BJP-led Centre and Haryana of uniting against Punjab.

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini appealed Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to provide more water from the Bhakra reservoir. However, Mann refused and said the water was need for Punjab farmers.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini urged Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann to provide drinking water to Haryana or the excess Bhakra reservoir water will flow to Pakistan.

CHANDIGARH: Amid a fresh row over water sharing between Punjab and Haryana, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday asked the Centre to fill up Punjab's reservoirs by diverting the water flowing to Pakistan, now that the Indus Waters Treaty is in abeyance. Mann said the BJP is claiming that it will not allow water flow to Pakistan. Then you give that water to us, fill our dams and we will give it to Haryana, he said. He said that the Union government should divert the waters of Chenab, Jh

CHANDIGARH: Punjab BJP president, Sunil Jakhar, asked Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to lead an all-party delegation to Jammu and Kashmir to show solidarity towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In a heartfelt video statement tagged on this social media handle, X, Jakhar said, The attack in Pahalgam has shaken all of us, not just as citizens of this country, but as human beings. Reflecting on Punjabs painful history as it has suffered the scars and shadows of terrorism for decades, he emphasise

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann convened a high-level security meeting to bolster security across Punjab and ensure the safe return of stranded residents from Kashmir. Uttar Pradesh has also issued a high alert, directing heightened vigilance, especially in sensitive areas and border districts, with increased security measures at key sites and transportation hubs.

CHANDIGARH: Punjab has issued a red alert after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir where 26 tourists were killed, with checking and patrolling being intensified at interstate and inter district crossings. Security has been enhanced at tourist spots, religious places and more than 160 institutions in the state where students from Kashmir are studying. The state government has also increased the security of individuals at high risk and increased patrolling around their residence

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann convenes a high-level security meeting. Top police and civil administration officers are expected to attend the meeting at the CM's residence. Punjab is on high alert after the terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir. Mann condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act and an attack on humanity.

CHANDIGARH: The opposition parties in Punjab including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)- led government of unleashing ax terrorism on the trading community. The opposition alleged that the government had directed all excise and taxation officers (ETO) of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) wing to carry out at least four raids every month. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal claimed that the AAP government led