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: Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, brother-in-law of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on Wednesday for allegedly laundering more than Rs 540 crore of drug money, was on Thursday sent to a seven-day vigilance remand by a court in Mohali. The court order came two-and-a-half hours after Majithia was brought into the court complex. Speaking to the media, Ferry Sofat, the advocate representing the Vigilance Bure

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

Chandigarh, Jun 25: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau on Wednesday conducted raids at 25 locations in the state, including the residence of senior Akali leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia in Amritsar, sources said. Majithia is facing probe in a 2021 drugs case. However, it is still unclear in which connection the raid was conducted at the residence of Majithia, who is the brother-in-law of Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal. Majithia and his wife Ganieve Kaur Majithia, who []

CHANDIGARH: The infighting and factionalism within the Congress appear to have cost the partys candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu dearly in the Ludhiana (West) assembly bypoll. Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa were noticeably absent from the campaign. Despite Ashus aggressive campaign efforts, he only managed to get 24,542 votes in this bypoll -- a 27.22 per cent vote share, which is less than the 28.06 per cent vote sh

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: Former Chief Minister of Gujarat and Punjab Affairs-in-charge of BJP Vijay Rupani, who was among the 241 passengers killed in the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, has been involved in Punjab politics for the last three years. In fact, he re-scheduled his visit to London from June 5 to June 12 due to the Ludhiana (West) by-elections. The constituency goes to polling on June 19, and the result will be announced on June 23. Rupani was specifically brought by th

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: Veteran Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Union minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa passed away on Wednesday evening at 89 after a prolonged illness, marking the end of an era in Punjab's political landscape. He had parted ways with the SAD led by Sukhbir Singh Badal and was with the party's rebel faction. Dhindsa died at Fortis Hospital in Mohali. He was suffering from severe pneumonia and cardiac complications. He is survived by his wife, son Parminder Singh Dhindsa, who was f

CHANDIGARH: In a fresh controversy, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Friday decided to put on hold its decision to display a portrait of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in the Central Sikh Museum at the Golden Temple complex. This comes after Balwant Singh Rajoana, who is currently in a Patiala jail after being convicted for the assassination of then Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, objected to the move in a letter. SGPC Secretary Partap Singh said that in the rece

CHANDIGARH: A religious dispute has escalated between the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, and Takht Patna Sahib, after the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones) of Takht Patna Sahib defied a decree issued by the Akal Takht. They declared its acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib head Tek Singh Dhanaula as tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) for actions allegedly hurting the sanctity and dignity of Takht Patna Sahib. In response, the Akal Takht Secreta

Shiromani Akali Dal supremo Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his strong and clear-headed approach in dealing with the enemies of peace across the border.

CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack on a gurdwara in Poonch by Pakistan forces during cross-border shelling that led to the death of three Sikhs. At least 12 people, including four children, were killed and 57 others injured as the Pakistan Army carried out heavy artillery and mortar shelling on forward villages along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. The intense shelling from across the border started shortly after Indian

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

Sukhbir Singh Badal has been re-elected president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister heads the century-old party when it faces its worst crisis yet and strives to regain its footing in state politics. Badal talks to Harpreet Bajwa about his challenges and what went wrong with his partys relations with the BJP. Excerpts: Former Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal is back in the saddle. Has he weathered all storms? Were the last few months tough-going? SAD and its

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

CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal said no gangster or drug smuggler would remain in Punjab once SAD is back in power in 2027. He also assured government jobs for Panjabis. Addressing a gathering on the occasion of Baisakhi at Talwandi Sabo, Sukhbir said, I am committed to making Punjab the number one state in the country. I am also committed to augmenting the social welfare schemes and giving relief to the weaker sections. Sukhbir spoke about safeguarding the in

CHANDIGARH: Congress General Secretary and the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Punjab in-charge, and Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Bhupesh Bhagel, firmly said that 'indiscipline' in the party will not be 'tolerated' at any cost. He also said that the party had already started working on strengthening the organisation across the State. Bhagel said that no matter how big a leader may be, he cannot be 'bigger' than the party. He made it categorically clear that action would be taken again

Sukhbir Singh Badal was elected president of the Shiromani Akali Dal again in the party's general delegate session that took place in Amritsar on Saturday.

Amritsar, Apr 12: Sukhbir Singh Badal was elected president of the Shiromani Akali Dal again in the partys general delegate session that took place in Amritsar on Saturday. Badals name was proposed by partys working president Balwinder Singh Bhundar while party leader Paramjit Singh Sarna seconded it. The session for electing SADs new president was held at the Teja Singh Samundari hall in the Sri Darbar Sahib complex here. Several senior party leaders including Badals wife and Bathinda MP Harsim

Sukhbir Singh Badal has been re-elected as the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The party announced this on social media, expressing hopes that he will protect the rights of the Panth and Punjab. Badal, son of the late Parkash Singh Badal, previously served as Deputy Chief Minister and is seen as a key strategist within the party.

Sukhbir Singh Badal has been re-elected as the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), marking another term for the party's current working president, Balwinder Singh Bhunder.

CHANDIGARH: A last took place outside the residence of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia in Punjab's Jalandhar district, causing panic in the area. Deputy Commissioner of Police Manpreet Singh said forensic teams have reached the spot to collect samples. A loud sound was heard at around 1 am outside Kalia's residence near Shastri Market in Jalandhar, police said, adding that no one was hurt in the incident. No one was hurt in the incident, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Manpreet Singh, adding, Th

Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticizes SAD leaders for causing a ruckus over Bikram Singh Majithia's scaled-down security. While the Punjab Police assured that adequate security remains, SAD members, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, condemned the move, calling it dangerous and targeted by the AAP government.

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal accused the AAP government in Punjab of targeting Bikram Singh Majithia by withdrawing his Z+ security cover. Badal linked this to a broader conspiracy and an alleged assassination attempt on his life.

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government has withdrawn the Z-plus security cover of senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia . He is the brother-in-law of Sukhbir Singh Badal, the former president of SAD. Sources said that orders were given to withdraw all 35 security personnel and vehicles assigned to Majithia. The security personnel were instructed to leave the city where Majithia was visiting with his family and report back to their parent units immediately.

CHANDIGARH: Slamming the fourth budget presented by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regime in Punjab, the opposition Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as well as farmer leaders accused the government of neglecting critical issues and failing to deliver on key promises, especially the monthly allowance for women. Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa termed the budget a plethora of lies and deceitfulness. It has been an extremely disap

Narain Singh Chaura, accused of firing at Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, was granted bail by the Additional Sessions Judge of Amritsar court. Chaura, who has been in jail for four months, will be released after the court order is received.

The Additional Sessions Judge of Amritsar court granted bail to Narain Singh Chaura, who was accused of firing at Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on December 4 last year.

CHANDIGARH: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has decided that rules regarding the qualification, appointment, jurisdiction and retirement of the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib will soon be established and a high-level committee will be formed. The termination of the services of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and Takht Kesgarh Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh sparked controversy and outrage in the Sikh community. It was also seen to be undermining the Akal Takht's sanctity. SGPC pres

CHANDIGARH: Opposition parties on Wednesday condemned the detention of several farmer leaders including Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, calling it a cowardly act of the AAP-led Punjab government. Several farmer leaders including Pandher and Dallewal were detained in Mohali while returning from a meeting with a central delegation, as the Punjab Police evicted farmers from Shambhu and Khanauri protest sites and began clearing the roads, which were blocked for more than a year. Cond

CHANDIGARH: A day after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive committee rejected his resignation, Harjinder Singh Dhami has agreed to resume his duties as SGPC chief. His decision came after a closed-door meeting with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) working president Balwinder Singh Bhundar and party leader Sukhbir Singh Badal in Hoshiarpur. Dhami, who had resigned on 17 February, clarified that he had not withdrawn his resignation but that the SGPC executive had rejected it. Fo

CHANDIGARH: Fissures have developed in the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Badal family over the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) interim committees decision to remove the Jathedars of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, and Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Sultan Singh. Former party president Sukhbir Singh Badals brother-in-law, Bikram Singh Majithia, a senior leader of the party whose great-grandfather Sundar Singh Majithia was the first president of SGPC, along with six other leaders,

CHANDIGARH: A day after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) terminated the services of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and also Takht Kesgarh Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh from their posts, both Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring termed it as an act of vengeance (badlakhori). The Akal Takht in Amritsar and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib in Rupanagar district are two of the five seats of temporal authority of

CHANDIGARH: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Friday terminated the services of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and Takht Kesgarh Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh. The Akal Takht in Amritsar and the Takht Kesgarh at Anandpur Sahib are two of the five seats of temporal authority of Sikhism. The move may adversely affect the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) which is already facing an erosion of its support base. Now, all three Sikh Jathedars who declared the then SAD president Sukh

CHANDIGARH: Ahead of the Chandigarh Chalo call given by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the farmers will march towards the city on March 5. SKM had spearheaded the 2020-21 farmers' protest. The talks between the farmer leaders and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann remained inconclusive on March 3. Punjab Police, in a 'midnight' operation, conducted raids at residences of several farmer union leaders across the state and detained them. Meanwhile, the opposition party leaders slammed Punjab Chief M