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Sachin Pilot to Visit Punjab, Engage with Families Affected by Gang Violence

Congress leader Sachin Pilot will meet families impacted by gang violence during his five-day Punjab tour starting October 16. Sachin Pilot to Visit Punjab, Engage with Families Affected by Gang Violence

Daily Kiran 15 Oct 2026 7:18 pm

Delhi's pollution battle could face another challenge: Punjab records more stubble fires than last year as paddy harvesting gathers pace

Punjab recorded 174 stubble-burning incidents between September 15 and October 13, 2026, up from 134 during the same period last year. Satellite monitoring detected 51 farm fire events on October 13 alone, with Amritsar and Tarn Taran accounting for most of the days cases. The rise comes as paddy harvesting accelerates, raising concerns over seasonal air pollution and Delhis winter air quality.

The Economic Times 15 Oct 2026 6:45 pm

Will form govt in Punjab 100 pc; no CM face, Congress fighting as team under 'unifying' Pargat: Sachin Pilot

Sachin Pilot asserted confidence in the Congress forming the next Punjab government, emphasizing the party's united front led by Pargat Singh. He highlighted the lack of a chief ministerial face while affirming that the party would decide leadership after elections, noting strong competition from AAP and the weakened position of SAD and BJP.

The Economic Times 15 Oct 2026 6:44 pm

Anything possible in politics: Pilot on rumours over Amarinder's return to Congress

Sachin Pilot remarked on the potential for Captain Amarinder Singh's return to Congress, emphasizing that politics is unpredictable. While Singh expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP, he has not discussed his future political plans with Pilot. Singh previously led the Congress in Punjab and left over internal conflicts within the party. He later formed the Punjab Lok Congress which did not succeed in recent elections.

The Times of India 15 Oct 2026 6:05 pm

Sachin Pilot to meet families of gang violence victims in Punjab

The News Mill

The News Mill 15 Oct 2026 5:42 pm

From Jaideep Ahlawat to Adarsh Gourav: 5 actors showcasing their range across films and streaming

Across films and streaming, several actors have built filmographies by moving between different genres, characters and storytelling formats. From crime dramas and thrillers to comedy, mythology and relationship-driven stories, these five performers have taken on roles that offer a varied look at their acting abilities. Jaideep Ahlawat Jaideep Ahlawat has moved across a range of characters during his career. In Raazi, he played intelligence officer Khalid Mir, while Paatal Lok saw him take on the role of police inspector Hathiram Chaudhary, a performance that brought him wider recognition. The two characters operate in very different worlds, allowing Ahlawat to explore contrasting approaches to authority, conflict and vulnerability. His subsequent work has continued to place him in varied dramatic settings across films and streaming projects. Suhail Nayyar Suhail Nayyar has worked across genres ranging from comedy and drama to horror and mythology. His filmography includes Udta Punjab, Hotel Mumbai, Sharmaji Namkeen and Murder Mubarak, followed by projects such as Jee Karda and the espionage thriller Saare Jahan Se Accha. His upcoming slate also includes Udta Teer, Single Papa Season 2 and Vir Das found-footage psychological horror film Baara Number. He is also part of Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana: Part Two, where he plays Sugriva. Manoj Bajpayee Manoj Bajpayees filmography includes characters that have ranged from gangsters and police officers to academics and ordinary men caught in difficult circumstances. His portrayal of Bhiku Mhatre in Satya remains among his best-known performances, while Aligarh saw him play Professor Ramchandra Siras in a restrained drama. With The Family Man, Bajpayee took on the role of intelligence officer Srikant Tiwari, balancing action and humour with the characters responsibilities at home. His performances in films such as Joram and Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai have further added to a body of work spanning very different characters and narratives. Adarsh Gourav Adarsh Gourav has moved between projects that differ in setting, tone and scale. He played Balram Halwai in The White Tiger, a role that earned him a BAFTA nomination for Leading Actor. In Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Gourav portrayed Neil, a fitness trainer navigating personal relationships and professional ambitions in Mumbai. He later appeared in Reema Kagtis Superboys of Malegaon as Nasir, a young man pursuing his filmmaking ambitions with a group of friends. Vijay Varma Vijay Varma has similarly moved between characters across genres. In Darlings, he played Hamza, while Dahaad saw him portray serial killer Anand Swarnakar. His role in Jaane Jaan was different again, with Varma playing a police investigator involved in an increasingly complicated case. These performances have allowed Varma to explore characters with contrasting shades, from unsettling antagonists to more restrained and observant personalities. His varied choices across films and streaming have become a notable part of his screen work. Also Read:From Priyanka Chopra Jonas to Ayushmann Khurrana: 5 Indian actors driving global change beyond cinema

Bollywood Hungama 15 Oct 2026 5:41 pm

Deep Money on new party anthem

Mumbai Singer Deep Money, best known for his track, Dope Shope, has opened up about his new party anthem Billo. The post Deep Money on new party anthem Billo: It blends Punjabi energy with a contemporary sound appeared first on Bilkul Online .

Bilkulonline 15 Oct 2026 5:30 pm

Sattamum Needhiyum Season 2 Trailer : Saravanan, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Lavanya and Premkumar Starrer Sattamum Needhiyum Season 2 Official Trailer

Sattamum Needhiyum Season 2: Watch the Official trailer from punjabi Web series 'Sattamum Needhiyum Season 2' starring Saravanan, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Lavanya and Premkumar. Sattamum Needhiyum Season 2 is directed by Balaji Selvaraj. To know more about Sattamum Needhiyum Season 2, watch the video. Check out the latest punjabi trailer, new series trailer, trending punjabi series trailer, Saravanan, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Lavanya and Premkumar's videos at Etimes - Times of India Entertainment.

The Times of India 15 Oct 2026 5:25 pm

'Raising voice against drugs has become death sentence': Rahul Gandhi slams Mann govt over activist's killing

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (October 15) criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta in Mansa, alleging that speaking out against...

India TV 15 Oct 2026 5:19 pm

Sachin Pilot to tour Punjab, to meet gangster-hit families

Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 15 (IANS) AICC General Secretary and in-charge of Punjab, Sachin Pilot, will undertake a five-day visit across the state from October 16 to meet families who have lost loved ones to gangster violence and the breakdown of law and order in the state, the party said on Thursday. He said his visit would cover multiple districts, comprising Moga, Bathinda, Mansa, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Amritsar. In each district, Pilot will visit homes of bereaved families, offer condolences, and listen to their accounts of the crimes and of the response they have received from the police and the state government. Many of these killings have been claimed by or linked to organised gangs. Several families have waited months, and some years, for arrests, chargesheets or a fair trial. The purpose of the visit is to give these families a voice. The Congress will carry their demand for justice to the public, to the state government and, where needed, to the courts. Pilot will highlight the steady deterioration of law and order in Punjab, which has unequivocally eroded any moral right of the current AAP government to remain in office. Newly appointed Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President Pargat Singh on October 11 assumed office in Chandigarh, pledging to fight for the rights, dignity and better future of the people of the state. Speaking on the occasion, the state Congress chief said the real strength of the state lay in its ordinary citizens: farmers who feed the country, young people struggling to secure their future, traders and business owners who contribute to the state's economy, and families aspiring to a safe, dignified and better life. He added that the Congress had a responsibility not merely to contest elections but also to become the voice of the people and stand firmly for their rights. The people of Punjab are waiting for their rights, justice and a secure future. It is our responsibility to meet the expectations of every section, from farmers to young people. The Congress is united, and our struggle is against a system that has failed to secure people's rightful entitlements, he had added.

bhaskarlive 15 Oct 2026 5:15 pm

Deep Money on new party anthem Billo: It blends Punjabi energy with a contemporary sound

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 15 (IANS) Singer Deep Money, best known for his track, Dope Shope, has opened up about his new party anthem Billo. He shared that the track brings together the distinctive energy of Punjabi music with a fresh, contemporary sound. Money said the song aims to retain the essence of Punjabi music while offering listeners a modern musical experience. Speaking about the song, Deep stated, For me, Billo is all about attitude, confidence, and celebrating life. I wanted to create something that instantly lifts your mood, a song that makes you want to turn up the volume, smile, and dance. Ive always loved creating music that people can connect with, and Billo brings together that unmistakable Punjabi energy with a fresh, contemporary sound. Sabby Airy has brought incredible energy to the music, and Akshay has captured the entire vibe beautifully on screen. Im really excited for everyone to experience it. He added, The first thing that came to me when I started composing Billo was its hook line something around Billo, with a Punjabi touch. That hook line came to me first, and Ive had many super-duper hit songs over the years. I have a great team that supports me immensely. Everyone who works with me in the studio does their job exceptionally well. Im especially thankful to my team and to Surya, who did a fantastic job with the video. A big shout-out to Akshay Agarwal, who directed the video brilliantly, and to our featured artist, Aprila, who set the dance floor on fire with her moves. The peppy number is sung, written, and composed by Deep Money. The music video, directed by Akshay Agarwal, features Aparna Reddy. Deep Money is widely known for songs such as Dope Shope, Bottle, Heeriye, Zeher, Come to Me, Milan, Disco Wich Gidda', and Jhanjhar.

bhaskarlive 15 Oct 2026 5:10 pm

Punjab bandh against Parminder Singh Jhota murder; 5-7 people detained for blocking roads in Amritsar

Punjab witnessed a shutdown on Thursday following the murder of young man Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa, with organisations staging protests and enforcing closures at several locations across the state after a video of the killing went viral on social media. In Amritsar, protesters blocked roads at multiple locations, disrupting traffic and leaving several children and three ambulances carrying patients stuck in traffic jams. Police intervened to clear the roads and ensure the safe passage of ambulances. DCP Jugraj Singh said that several children and patients, including those in three ambulances, were caught in the traffic congestion. Police personnel and the duty magistrate appealed to the protesters to clear the roads peacefully. According to the DCP, while most protesters heeded the administration's appeal and cleared the path, 5 to 7 individuals continued to create obstructions. Despite repeated warnings, when they refused to comply, the police detained them. The DCP said, We ma...

devdiscourse 15 Oct 2026 5:09 pm

Punjab Government and Police Blamed for Parvinder Jhottas Murder, Says Akali Leader Majithia

Senior Akali leader Majithia holds Punjab government accountable for the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Jhotta, questioning police failures. Punjab Government and Police Blamed for Parvinder Jhottas Murder, Says Akali Leader Majithia

Daily Kiran 15 Oct 2026 5:03 pm

TIPS Music YouTube Subscribers Reach 164.5 Million; Catalogue Crosses 54.3 Billion Views

TIPS Music's YouTube subscriber base reached 164.5 million in Q2 FY27, while cumulative views crossed 54.3 billion, as its Punjabi album Ishqnama surpassed 100 million views.

NDTV 15 Oct 2026 4:49 pm

Experience The New Punjabi Music Video 'Billo' by Deep Money

Get ready to be swept away by the latest punjabi track 'Billo' beautifully sung by Deep Money. This captivating track feature mesmerizing music given by Sabby Airy and beautiful lyrics are also penned by Deep Money. Don't miss the chance to witness Deep Money's performance in the captivating punjabi video track 'Billo'. Dive into a world of musical excellence by exploring more punjabi tracks in the music videos section of punjabi Etimes. Discover the incredible vocal talents of Deep Money. Indulge in the latest punjabi video tracks of 2026, groove to the soulful compositions by Sabby Airy, immerse in the punjabi music video tracks.

The Times of India 15 Oct 2026 4:46 pm

India works to bring home four Punjab nationals rescued in Ethiopia

India works to bring home four Punjab nationals rescued in Ethiopia

India Today 15 Oct 2026 4:42 pm

Birds in the Dark: Shashank Walia dedicates Busan award to Punjab's villagers

Shashank Walias Punjabi feature Birds in the Dark has won the Songwon Vision Audience Award - Asia at the 31st Busan International Film Festival. Produced by Reema Kaur, Hansal Mehta and Sahil Saigal, the film explores caste, gender, labour, justice and love

Mid Day 15 Oct 2026 4:35 pm

Statewide Punjab Bandh Sparks Tensions Following Murder of Anti-Drug Activist

The statewide Punjab bandh called on Thursday to protest the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota impacted normal life across several districts, giving rise to tense standoffs and traffic disruptions. The shutdown was organised to demand justice and accountability following allegations by Jhotas father, Bhim Singh, that police ignored repeated complaints regarding drug peddling [] The post Statewide Punjab Bandh Sparks Tensions Following Murder of Anti-Drug Activist appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Pragativadi 15 Oct 2026 4:27 pm

Punjab Bandh Update: Are Schools Open Tomorrow, October 16?

Is your school open after the Punjab Bandh? Get the latest updates on school closures for October 16, 2026. Check district-wise status, exam schedules, and how to verify your child's school notice before classes resume.

CareerIndia 15 Oct 2026 3:54 pm

Four Held In Delhi For Illegal Firecracker Transport

Delhi Police seized over 2,260 kg of illegal firecrackers from two vehicles in Alipur and arrested four individuals involved in transporting the consignment from Punjab for delivery in Delhi, where firecrackers are banned.

Rediff 15 Oct 2026 3:08 pm

Anti-Drug Activist's Murder Leads To Punjab Bandh

A 'Punjab Bandh' was observed on Thursday, leading to widespread closures of shops and private schools and road blockades across several districts, following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa on Tuesday. Jhota was shot by a chemist owner for questioning the sale of addictive drugs. The incident has triggered significant political backlash against the Aam Aadmi Party government, with various organisations and opposition parties demanding accountability and a CBI probe.

Rediff 15 Oct 2026 3:03 pm

OPINION | Punjab murder: Who is stalling CBI probe?

Punjab is on the boil after the cold-blooded murder of anti-drugs activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. He was shot by a Mansa medical store owner Ashwini, who later fled to Rajasthan and was nabbed from there. The...

India TV 15 Oct 2026 2:39 pm

Will form govt in Punjab 100%; no CM face, Cong fighting as team under 'unifying' Pargat: Pilot

Congress party leader Sachin Pilot is confident of winning the upcoming Punjab elections and forming the next government. He emphasized that all party leaders are working together as a unified team under Pargat Singh's leadership. Pilot stated that the main competition will be between Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party.

The Economic Times 15 Oct 2026 2:29 pm

Activist Gunned Down, Punjab Shut Down: AAP

Punjab came to a partial standstill on Thursday as farmers, trade unions and opposition parties converged on a single demand: justice for Parvinder Singh Jhota, an anti-drug activist shot dead in Mansa, and accountability from a government that promised a drug-free state. The shooting took place on October 13. Jhota went to a chemists shop [] The post Activist Gunned Down, Punjab Shut Down: AAPs War on Drugs Stands Exposed as Farmers Turn on Mann appeared first on Tfipost.com .

TFIPOST 15 Oct 2026 2:07 pm

Punjab Bandh: Massive Traffic Jams In Mohali As Protesters Block Highways, Key Junctions

Punjab is observing a bandh on Thursday, bringing traffic to a standstill at several junctions, disrupting movement towards Chandigarh and forcing businesses to shut. With protesters blocking major roads, people are struggling to reach their destinations, while police personnel are trying

Oneindia 15 Oct 2026 1:18 pm

Season's first snowfall blankets J&K's higher reaches; snow-clearing ops begin at Pir Panjal

Srinagar , Oct 15 : The upper reaches of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the first snowfall of the season on Thursday, while fresh snowfall blanketed Gurez Valley in Bandipora district and Pir Ki Gali in the Pir Panjal Range, bringing down temperatures across the region. In Doda, snowfall and cloudy conditions covered the mountainous landscape, marking the onset of winter-like conditions in the higher reaches. In north Kashmir's Gurez Valley, fresh snowfall blanketed the mountainous region in white, with around two inches of snow recorded in the plains and four to five inches in the higher reaches. Dawar, Tulail, Bagtore, Tragbal and Razdan Top also witnessed fresh snowfall, transforming the surrounding landscape. Following the snowfall at Razdan Top and other higher reaches, the 85-km-long Bandipora-Gurez road has been closed to vehicular traffic. The snowfall has raised concerns over road safety amid falling temperatures and slippery conditions. Travellers have been advised to follow official weather and traffic advisories and avoid using the route until authorities confirm the resumption of vehicular movement. Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation's 79 Road Construction Company (RCC) initiated snow-clearing operations at Pir Ki Gali after the season's first snowfall in the Pir Panjal Range, aiming to clear the route for traffic between Poonch and Kashmir. Elsewhere, fresh snowfall in the Dhauladhar mountain range and continuous rainfall in Dharamshala have brought a sharp drop in temperatures, leaving tourists and residents grappling with unusually cold weather. Dharamshala recorded a minimum temperature of 6 degrees Celsius, while the maximum remained around 11 degrees Celsius, prompting residents and visitors to seek warmer clothing. The sudden change in weather caught several tourists unprepared. Madhav and Vishvas, who travelled to Dharamshala from Ludhiana in Punjab, told ANI that they had not anticipated such cold conditions. We were not aware that the weather would be so cold here. We never expected such conditions. The shops are still closed, and we are shivering while waiting for them to open. We will have to buy some warm clothes, which will certainly disturb our budget, they said.

RisingKashmir 15 Oct 2026 1:14 pm

Mansa SHO Suspended After Activist Killed

Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was fatally shot in Mansa by a medical store owner on Tuesday. Following demands from Jhota's family, who are refusing to perform his last rites, the SHO of City-2 police station, Beant Kaur, was suspended on Thursday. The incident, which occurred during a Facebook Live, has ignited a political controversy in Punjab, leading to a state-wide bandh call by Jhota's father, supported by various political parties and unions.

Rediff 15 Oct 2026 12:46 pm

17 children, one teacher killed after school's roof collapses in Pakistan's Peshawar

Digital Desk | Islamabad, Oct 15 (IANS) At least 17 children and one female teacher were killed and more than 30 others injured after the roof of a private school collapsed in Pakistan's Peshawar on Thursday, local media reported. Lady Reading Hospital spokesperson Muhammad Asim confirmed the casualties and said that an emergency has been declared at the hospital, leading Pakistani daily The Express Tribune reported. He said that the injured were undergoing medical treatment, with some in critical condition. Asim further mentioned that all the children were aged 13 years and below. Upon receiving the information, ambulances and disaster response vehicles reached the site of the incident and launched a rescue operation. Rescue 1122 ambulances provided first aid to over eight injured children before taking them to hospital. The rescue operation was being conducted at the site to find more people trapped under the rubble, with fears that the death toll could increase, The Express Tribune reported. Reports suggest that roof and building collapses are a recurring problem in Pakistan, where weak safety enforcement and substandard construction materials have repeatedly contributed to such tragedies. In August, a couple was killed, and their daughters were injured after the roof of their house collapsed in Islamabad after three days of heavy rainfall, another Pakistani daily Dawn reported. Earlier in June, as many as 14 children were killed after the roof of a private tuition centre in the Kahna area of Pakistan's Lahore. The incident took place less than two months after four children were killed and 20 people were injured after the roof of a classroom at a private school collapsed in Dera Ghazi Khan city of Pakistan's Punjab, Dawn reported. In a separate incident in June, a labourer was killed, and three others were injured after the roof of an under-construction building collapsed in Khawaspur locality of Gujrat in Pakistan's Punjab province.

bhaskarlive 15 Oct 2026 12:31 pm

Anti-drug activist's murder: Markets, private schools shut at many places after 'Punjab Bandh' call

Jhota's family had given the call for 'Punjab Bandh' with support from political parties including Congress, Akali Dal, BJP and Akali Dal Waris Punjab De

The Hindu 15 Oct 2026 11:55 am

Amarinder Warring a fighter, will play very important role in Punjab polls: Sachin Pilot

Like I said, he's done a lot of work for young people, he's actually encouraged them to come forward and, you know, fight the Aam Aadmi Party. But during elections, there are many things that one considers and the leadership decided that in UP and Punjab, we have to appoint new presidents, says Sachin Pilot

The Hindu 15 Oct 2026 11:40 am

Punjab Congress President Accuses Anti-Drone Officer of Drug Trafficking

Punjab Congress leader Paragat Singh claims a police officer assigned to an anti-drone system was caught trafficking drugs, raising concerns over drug control efforts. Punjab Congress President Accuses Anti-Drone Officer of Drug Trafficking

Daily Kiran 15 Oct 2026 11:38 am

Punjab Police Arrests Key Suspect Gurdeep Singh in Tarn Taran Murder Case

Punjab Police have arrested Gurdeep Singh, the main suspect in a murder case from Tarn Taran, following a coordinated operation with Haryana authorities. Punjab Police Arrests Key Suspect Gurdeep Singh in Tarn Taran Murder Case

Daily Kiran 15 Oct 2026 11:19 am

Shutdown across Punjab after anti-drug activist Jhota's killing: Markets closed, schools shift to online class

The state of Punjab has been observing a state-wide bandh on Thursday, October 15 over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. The markets and shops in various places inAmritsar, Mansa, Barnala, Ferozepur are...

India TV 15 Oct 2026 11:16 am

Punjab Bandh Over Anti-Drug Activist Murder Disrupts Transport, Markets Shut

Shops, markets and bakeries remained closed across parts of Punjab as a statewide bandh over the murder of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota affected transport services, with protesters demanding justice and action against officials.

NDTV 15 Oct 2026 11:06 am

Punjab bandh: Markets shut, schools closed over anti-drug activist's murder

Markets at many places remained shut, and private schools in several districts were closed in Punjab on Thursday in view of a bandh called over the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. Jhota's family had given the call for 'Punjab Bandh' with support from political parties including Congress, Akali Dal, BJP and Akali Dal Waris Punjab De; farmers' body Samyukta Kisan Morcha and other farmers' unions; and state government employees' unions. Jhota, known for raising his voice against drug abuse and illegal sale of addictive substances at chemist shops, was shot in broad daylight at a busy marketplace in Mansa town on Tuesday. Ashwani Kumar, the medical store owner who allegedly opened fire on Jhota, was taken into custody from Rajasthan's Salasar on Wednesday. Following the bandh call, shops and markets remained shut at several places, including Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur and Mansa. However, emergency services remained operational. Many private schools in Hoshiarpur, Jaland

Business Standard 15 Oct 2026 10:45 am

'Anything is possible in politics': Pilot on Captain Amarinder's Congress return speculation

Sachin Pilot addressed speculation regarding Captain Amarinder Singh's potential return to the Congress party. Singh has recently expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP and indicated challenges he is facing. Pilot acknowledged Singh's contributions to Punjab and his stature in politics. While there is speculation regarding Singh's future, no direct discussions have occurred between them. The political landscape in Punjab may continue to change as circumstances evolve.

The Economic Times 15 Oct 2026 10:20 am

Pak Drone Drop: Rajasthan Cops Suspected Drugs, Found Ready-To-Use Bomb

Investigators suspect the consignment may have been intended for a terror attack, possibly during the festive season or in the run-up to elections in Punjab

NDTV 15 Oct 2026 10:16 am

Punjab Bandh Over Anti-Drug Activists Murder; Heavy Police Deployment in Amritsar

Police said adequate security arrangements had been made to maintain law and order during the bandh

Deccan Chronicle 15 Oct 2026 9:26 am

Punjab, Chandigarh weather today: Check latest updates on orange alert, hail and thunderstorms

Punjab and Chandigarh are under an IMD orange alert for Thursday, October 15, as thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms are forecast. A yellow alert has been issued for Friday. The weather warning comes as harvested paddy lies exposed at grain markets across Punjab, raising concerns about crop damage. Conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.

The Economic Times 15 Oct 2026 9:20 am

Farmers Protest Against Drug Abuse in Amritsar, Call for Punjab Shutdown

Farmers in Amritsar staged a protest against drug abuse and government policies, calling for a statewide shutdown in Punjab. Farmers Protest Against Drug Abuse in Amritsar, Call for Punjab Shutdown

Daily Kiran 15 Oct 2026 9:03 am

Business Not at Ease

Prescript: The World Bank which developed the concept of the Ease of Doing Business in 2003 officially discontinued it in 2021 because of major data manipulations. During 2024-2026, the Bank rolled out a redesigned framework, Business Ready (B-READY) which shifts the focus from narrow regulatory checkboxes to evaluating a countrys business environment, balancing the ease of commercial operations with public interest protections like environmental sustainability and labour rights. Historically placed in the lowest tier of Emerging Business Ecosystems in India, J&K climbed rather dramatically to 5th rank in the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in 2025. It was designated as a Top Achiever by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade at the national Udyog Samagam after scoring top marks in 4 out of 5 critical reform categories. Spurred on by this success, the government introduced the J&K Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026. The Bill, which was endorsed by industry, trade and commerce bodies, has generated a well-informed debate among diverse stakeholders. Ideally, such a bill should have been put out for formal public consultation instead of taking an internal departmental route with a compressed legislative timetable. In the context of this debate, it might be useful to spell out that Ease of Doing Business is a horizontal clearance law. It is about reducing the time, cost and uncertainty of complying with rules that already exist; licences, inspections, information demands, timelines for decisions. EoDB sets the procedural floor. The directional ceiling will, hopefully, be set in the forthcoming Industrial Policy, 202635. It will identify priority sectors or activities, offers capital subsidies, tax or GST-linked benefits, interest subvention, land on preferential terms, or infrastructure. The distinction is important because a lot of what is applauded or apprehended from the EODB is neither its remit nor a consequence. Much of the public anxiety and expectation is from the wrong instrument. The J&K Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026, complies with the Centres Deregulation 2.0 push. As a result, the structure of the local economy and the nature of business activity have not shaped the design and contents of the J&K EoDB. Instead of making an EODB relevant for Kashmirs businesses, the working policy has been plagiarised from the Punjab EoDB Act. Punjab and Kashmir are chalk and cheese. One is a diversified economy with a broad manufacturing base and excellent market connectivity, and the other is a landlocked services-heavy, driven by horticulture and crafts with a thin micro-scale industrial sector. In Punjab, what impairs the ease of doing business are classic industrial speed breakers: factory licences, building approvals, inspections and land-use changes. The businesses in Kashmir, on the other hand, faces different binding constraints because most of the value and employment comes from primary production and services. Also, it is the informal household sector and not the estates and park-based enterprises that is driving businesses. To put it starkly, the EoDB is designed to helps a factory that is waiting on a building or trade licence. It does nothing for an orchardist whose constraint is a truck that has to clear the Banihal axis in time. Not a word about easing exports or negating the cost of being landlocked. In short, EoDB ought to have followed the actual structure of production, employment and trade of the local economy. Easing business is not only in relation to governmental intervention and interface but also alleviate structural constraints. A region specific EoDB law will still be primarily a process statute, but its definitions, tracks, timelines and supporting provisions will be relevant for the local economy. Of course, clearance delays matter in Kashmir too. But for a majority of business the unease comes from logistics, seasonal access, and land scarcity. While the EoDB speeds permissions, and sets rules to reduce bureaucratic delays, what it leaves completely unattended is the nature of business, local ownership, size class of business, and ESG. These are relevant and hence sensitive. For instance, anyone who files a Declaration of Intent is treated the same, whether a Srinagar workshop, a Jammu trader or an outside investor. There is no local-founder preference, no differential land term, no reserved park plots, and no scoring of proposals by local ownership. The preference for locals in employment that the EoDB has is enabling rather than operative. The Executive Committee may order that every enterprise with more than 10 employees to reserve a percentage of vacancies for domicile candidates. But without fixing any percentage in the Bill. Worse still, units with 10 or fewer workers which is the bulk of J&K establishments are outside even this power. Better to keep the employment-reservation power but make the percentage and the exemption process statutory and uniform and exempt local enterprises below a turnover threshold. In some instances, like the deemed registration of doctors and third-party certifiers already registered in another state or UT, makes outside professionals easier to use, not local ones. Why? The idea and intent have to be to give local enterprises concrete process benefits. Local enterprises being ones with majority ownership or control is by domicile individuals, cooperatives or producer companies. For example, priority in the 7- or 10-day tracks when capacity or plots are limited, or a longer inspection moratorium; four years instead of three. There has to be policy signalling. In addition to ownership, the EoDB simplifications should be stratified by size. Kashmir industry is overwhelmingly micro; it contributes 60 percent of industrial investment and close to 90 percent of industrial employment. The Bill must have size tools. This could include introducing a turnover band, a micro-versus-medium fee, no working-capital or inspection rule scaled to a 2-to-10-person workshop. Third, a lighter path should be created for a household enterprise as against a park-based plants. The fast lane in the EoDB Act is location: an approved industrial park gets three days; a unit outside waits ten times more! In a place where most units are not in parks, the size structure of the business and the speed structure of the Bill point in different directions. Fourth, a big fillip could have been given to logistics, which doesnt even find a mention in the bill. The District Empowered Committee, for instance, could be empowered to have an access protocol; priority movement windows, coordination with security forces, traffic and disaster authorities. This will ensure export goods movement (and closures) are managed by rule rather than ad-hoc orders of security forces. The instances of apples rotting on the road because of security forces movement are too many to recount. Finally, environment in the EoDB is a retained constraint, not an incentive. That is deregulation of process, not a green preference. To go green has to be incentivised by fast tracking operational permissions, provide renewable-energy setoffs, give longer moratorium for effluent or energy standards and emissions. These clauses remain inside a process statute: they accelerate and structurally favour the home-grown businesses and land-efficient projects that the local economy needs. Postscript: Domain experts have red flagged the EoDB Act enabling executive relaxations to bypass statutory Master Plans which risk environmental vulnerability. Valid as these concerns may be, they demand serious introspection, not shooting the messenger as has been done by the industry bodies. Despite elaborate master plans, beginning with the Srinagar Master Plan 197191 nearly fifty years ago, the city has seen only haphazard growth, illegal colonies, encroachments on government land, and development in flood-prone or ecologically sensitive areas. What gives? Their practical contribution has been marginal because of implementation and enforcement shortfalls. The contention is not to support wanton development but to introspect how master plans should be redone as living, enforceable frameworks that protect Kashmirs fragile ecology and mitigate disaster risks. Rigid paper blueprints, as the Master plans have been, are meant to be bypassed. The author is a Contributing Editor of Greater Kashmir.

Greater Kashmir 15 Oct 2026 7:00 am

Navratra festival 2026 at Katra: Former winner enthrals audience in devotional song competition

Jammu, Oct 14: All India Devotional Song Competition, being organised as a part of Navratra Festival 2026, at Katra entered its third day on Wednesday. The contest is being organised by SMVD Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Department of J&K Tourism, PTC Network in association with SMVD Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, J&K Bank, Nice Gems, Nidheesh Builders Jammu Private Limited, 92.7 Big FM, Yog Ashram Complex with the active support of district administration and the local hosts. Third day of contest was inaugurated at Yog Ashram Complex in the evening by lighting of a traditional lamp by Rakesh Dubey, CEO PatniTop Development Authority, in presence of Gopal Singh, CEO Katra Development Authority, Rajesh Raina Assistant Director Tourism, former winner of All India Devotional Song Competition Rajan Gill, Swami Yoganand ji Maharaj, Kirti Khajuria chairman All India Devotional Song Committee and president Hotel and Restaurant Association Katra (HRAK) Rakesh Wazir, senior vice president HRAK Virender Kesar, Subhash Kumar, Gopal Singh and others. On the third night, Aditya from Jammu bagged first position, whereas second position was bagged by Ojasvi Sharma from Udhampur and third position was shared by Barbee Staniz Edzes from Jammu and Vicky Gill from Karnal Haryana among the 13 auditioned participants. The winners were provided with the cash prizes of 10,000, 5,000 and 3,000 by the distinguished guests. The competition was adjudged by the panels of experts in music including Dr Surinder Sharma Head of the department Government Degree College Sanjoli Himachal Pradesh; C L Verma, ex-chairman, Post Graduate University of Himachal Pradesh and Anupama Sharma, Professor Music Government College for Women (GCW) Parade, Jammu. Former winner Rajan Gill enthralled the audience with his powerful voice. The proceedings of the competition were conducted by Rakesh Wazir, who is also the chairman of the competition committee. Wazir informed that on October 15, 2026, renowned singer Johny Sufi will perform in the event besides acting as judge in the competition. He further said that renowned singers including Shanker Sawhny, Suraj Singh, Naveen Punjabi, Sonali Dogra besides others will also perform in the event. The live telecast of the event is available on PTC Punjabi Gold from 9 pm onwards daily.

Greater Kashmir 15 Oct 2026 6:51 am

Italy Honours Sikh Soldiers Who Fought Against Nazi Forces in World War II

The sacrifices of Sikh soldiers who fought against Nazi Germany during the Second World The post Italy Honours Sikh Soldiers Who Fought Against Nazi Forces in World War II appeared first on Khalsa Vox .

Khalsa Vox 15 Oct 2026 6:02 am

From National-Level Boxer to Anti-Drug Campaigner: The Life of Parvinder Singh Jhota

Before becoming a prominent voice against drug abuse in Punjab, Parvinder Singh Jhota was The post From National-Level Boxer to Anti-Drug Campaigner: The Life of Parvinder Singh Jhota appeared first on Khalsa Vox .

Khalsa Vox 15 Oct 2026 6:01 am

Our Youth Must Be Protected from Falling Prey to Khalistani Activities

Punjab is the land of the great Sikh Gurus, saints, spiritual leaders, brave warriors, The post Our Youth Must Be Protected from Falling Prey to Khalistani Activities appeared first on Khalsa Vox .

Khalsa Vox 15 Oct 2026 6:00 am

Punjab Government Allocates 97.6% of SC Welfare Budget, Says Minister Baljeet Kaur

Punjabs Baljeet Kaur highlights significant budget allocation for SC welfare amid calls for transparency and accountability. Punjab Government Allocates 97.6% of SC Welfare Budget, Says Minister Baljeet Kaur

Daily Kiran 15 Oct 2026 1:04 am

Punjabi Morcha scores major victory; Govt assures official language status in J

Written assurance given in Srinagar talks; Morcha to announce formal withdrawal of agitation at press conference on Thursday Jammu Tawi/Srinagar, October 14: The All J&K Sikh Sangats Punjabi Morcha has achieved a significant breakthrough, with the government providing a written assurance regarding the inclusion of Punjabi as an official language of Jammu and [] The post Punjabi Morcha scores major victory; Govt assures official language status in J&K appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 15 Oct 2026 12:54 am

All opposition parties, farm unions back Punjab Bandh

The Times of India 15 Oct 2026 12:27 am

Killing puts spotlight on easy availability of habit-forming drugs; Punjab steps up chemist checks

Pregabalin Restrictions To Kick In On Nov 12

The Times of India 15 Oct 2026 12:23 am

Messi Bouli Strikes Late As Punjab FC Edge Odisha FC In Indian Super League

Punjab FC began their Indian Super League 2026-27 campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Odisha FC in New Delhi on Wednesday.

NDTV 15 Oct 2026 12:21 am

Smuggled fuel adds to UPI woes: Punjab petrol dealers

The Times of India 15 Oct 2026 12:16 am

Abhishek Sharmas luxurious Amritsar home is worth up to 8 crore, featuring a lush garden, grand entrance, wooden swing and spacious living room

Abhishek Sharma, a promising talent in Indian cricket, lives in a stunning bungalow situated in Amritsar, Punjab. The property is valued between 6 crore and 8 crore and boasts a grand entrance. Inside, the warm wooden decor in the spacious living room ensures it is bathed in natural light, while a dedicated puja room highlights his cultural values.

The Economic Times 15 Oct 2026 12:15 am

After High Court Rap, Central Agency Probes Alleged Illegal Mining In Punjab's Hoshiarpur

The probe is likely to examine allegations of excavation to depths of 100 to 110 feet in parts of the district, with claims that hills were levelled or disappeared due to mining.

NDTV 15 Oct 2026 12:12 am

Punjab Activist Murder: Bhagwant Mann Says Zero Tolerance For Drugs

Reaffirming the government's zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, the Chief Minister said no drug peddler, regardless of their influence or power, will be spared, as protecting Punjab's youth from the drug menace remains a priority.

NDTV 15 Oct 2026 12:00 am

Drugs and bullets: on narcotrafficking and targeted killings in Punjab

Punjab is seeing a rise in narcotrafficking and targeted killings

The Hindu 14 Oct 2026 11:31 pm

Raj arms haul linked to suspected Punjab police attack

The Times of India 14 Oct 2026 11:24 pm

I will continue saving Punjabs youth: Father of Slain Anti-Drug Activist Parminder Singh Jhota

I will continue saving Punjabs youth: Father of Slain Anti-Drug Activist Parminder Singh Jhota

NDTV 14 Oct 2026 11:18 pm

Punjab: House Of Man Accused Of Killing Anti-drug Activist Demolished

Punjab: House Of Man Accused Of Killing Anti-drug Activist Demolished

NDTV 14 Oct 2026 11:18 pm

Political Tensions Rise in Punjab Following Parvinder Singh Jhotas Murder

The murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota sparks political controversy in Punjab, with the Akali Dal supporting a state-wide shutdown. Political Tensions Rise in Punjab Following Parvinder Singh Jhotas Murder

Daily Kiran 14 Oct 2026 11:09 pm

Punjab Minister Reveals Rs 429 Crore GST Scam

Punjab's Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced the unearthing of a Rs 429.30 crore GST fraud, leading to an FIR in Ludhiana. The investigation, initiated after intercepting a vehicle on September 30, revealed a syndicate of 62 interconnected firms across multiple states using non-genuine documents to evade taxes.

Rediff 14 Oct 2026 11:08 pm

CBI cracks down on Punjab govt, seeks files from 15 departments in corruption probe

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into alleged corruption involving postings, transfers and policy decisions across 15 key departments of the Punjab government. The agency has sought confidential records and important...

India TV 14 Oct 2026 11:06 pm

ISL: Punjab FC Edge Odisha FC in Dramatic Season Opener

Punjab FC secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Odisha FC in their Indian Super League campaign opener. Messi Bouli scored a stoppage-time winner after both teams were level at 1-1 at half-time, giving Punjab FC an early lead and then the decisive goal.

Rediff 14 Oct 2026 10:57 pm

Gujarat CM urges Chandigarh students to share states development story

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 14 (IANS) A 40-member student delegation from Chandigarh is visiting Gujarat to study its culture, industrial development and technological initiatives under the Centres 'Yuva Sangam' programme, with the students meeting Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. The delegation, accompanied by institutional representatives, is in Gujarat from October 10 to 16 as part of Yuva Sangam, an initiative under the Union Ministry of Educations Department of Higher Education to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding among young people from different states and Union Territories. During their meeting with Patel, the students were encouraged to maintain a positive outlook and share their experiences of Gujarats development with people in their home state. The chief minister also highlighted the features of Gujarats development model under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The interaction was attended by the chief ministers Chief Advisor, Hasmukh Adhia, and Secretary Ajay Kumar. Yuva Sangam is part of the Centres Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, which seeks to strengthen national unity and encourage young people to understand the diversity, traditions and development experiences of other parts of the country. The programme is structured around five themes tourism, traditions, progress, people-to-people connect and technology. Through visits to different states, students are given opportunities to learn about local customs, historical heritage, development models, industrial achievements and technological advancements. Gujarat Central University is hosting the Chandigarh delegation and facilitating its exposure to the states historical and tourist destinations, local culture and traditions, industrial development and government initiatives. The programme also seeks to establish lasting relationships among students from different parts of the country and encourage dialogue on the role of technology and innovation across sectors. As part of the reciprocal exchange, a 50-member delegation of students from Gujarat will visit Punjab from October 22 to 29. The students were selected through a prescribed process from around 5,000 applications received for the programme. The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, will serve as the nodal institution for the Gujarat delegations visit to Punjab.

bhaskarlive 14 Oct 2026 10:31 pm

Punjab FC Claims Thrilling 2-1 Victory Over Odisha FC in ISL Opener

Punjab FC started their ISL campaign with a dramatic 2-1 win against Odisha FC, thanks to a last-minute goal from Messi Bouli. Punjab FC Claims Thrilling 2-1 Victory Over Odisha FC in ISL Opener

Daily Kiran 14 Oct 2026 10:29 pm

First-minute punch, last-gasp winner: Messi Bouli seals Punjab FC's 2-1 win vs Odisha

First-minute punch, last-gasp winner: Messi Bouli seals Punjab FC's 2-1 win vs Odisha

India Today 14 Oct 2026 10:27 pm

ISL: Boulis brace helps Punjab edge Odisha

The Hindu 14 Oct 2026 9:50 pm

Mobile Phones, Drugs Smuggled Into Punjab Jails. 22 Named In Police Cases

The allegations point to the possible involvement of prison personnel in facilitating the entry of contraband in exchange for money from inmates or their families.

NDTV 14 Oct 2026 9:28 pm

Call for Statewide Shutdown in Punjab Following Anti-Drug Activists Murder

Punjab faces a statewide shutdown in response to the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jota, sparking protests and demands for accountability. Call for Statewide Shutdown in Punjab Following Anti-Drug Activists Murder

Daily Kiran 14 Oct 2026 9:03 pm

Assailants robbed cash by injuring one

The Times of India 14 Oct 2026 8:39 pm

Constable With Anti-Drone Unit Held With Heroin

A Punjab Police constable, part of the state's anti-drone system in Tarn Taran, was apprehended by the Border Security Force with 15 kg of heroin. The Narcotics Control Bureau has been informed, and an investigation is underway.

Rediff 14 Oct 2026 8:08 pm

Ranji Trophy: Bengal Thrash Delhi, Haryana Prevail; Karnataka, J&K Settle For Draws

Debutant Ankur Paul: Bengal opened their 2026-27 campaign in the Ranji Trophy with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Delhi, while Haryana defeated Himachal Pradesh by seven wickets as the opening round of the domestic first-class tournament concluded on Wednesday. Defending champions Jammu and Kashmir were saved by rain after a dramatic second-innings collapse against Madhya Pradesh, while Karnataka fought back against Andhra to secure a draw. Bengals bowlers dismissed Delhi for 277 in their second innings before the visitors chased down the target of 89 in just 15.3 overs to collect six points from their Group C encounter. Pradipta Pramanik claimed three wickets for 72 runs, while Amir Gani and Sumanta Gupta picked up two wickets each. Debutant Ankur Paul scored 38, and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran remained unbeaten on 34 to guide Bengal to victory. Haryana, meanwhile, completed their chase of 71 in 18.1 overs after resuming at 26/3 on the final day. Himanshu Rana scored 37, while Dheeru Singh remained unbeaten on 24 as the pair added 51 runs to secure the Group D victory. Haryana had taken a 43-run first-innings lead before bowling Himachal Pradesh out for 113 in their second innings, with Anshul Kamboj claiming four wickets. Defending champions Jammu and Kashmir suffered a dramatic collapse against Madhya Pradesh in Srinagar, slipping to 12/5 while chasing a challenging target after the visitors declared 249/6 in their second innings. J&K recovered to 88/7, but rain and bad weather stopped play, allowing the hosts to escape defeat. Madhya Pradesh earned three points for their 76-run first-innings lead. Karnataka also had to settle for a draw against Andhra in Group B after conceding a 144-run first-innings lead. Andhra posted 418 in reply to Karnatakas 274, but the visitors fought back through a determined second innings, declaring at 337/9 with veteran Karun Nair playing a key role. Andhra finished at 104/4, earning three points against Karnatakas one. In other Group A results, Baroda defeated Goa by an innings and 135 runs after posting 472/8 declared and dismissing their opponents for 199 and 138. Mahesh Pithiya took five wickets in Goas first innings, while Bhargav Bhatt claimed four in the second. Vidarbha beat Puducherry by 160 runs after setting a target of 291. Vidarbha defeated Puducherry by 160 runs in another Group A fixture. After scoring 428 in their first innings and declaring at 175/3 in the second, Vidarbha bowled Puducherry out for 313 and 130. Maharashtra began their Group C campaign with a 127-run victory over Services in New Delhi. Prithvi Shaw scored 70 off 73 balls, while Ankit Bawne made a major contribution with the bat as Maharashtra posted 333 in their first innings. Services managed 227 in reply, and despite Maharashtra being dismissed for 141 in their second innings, the visitors were bowled out for 120 while chasing 248. In another Group B fixture, Saurashtra took three points after securing an 80-run first-innings lead over Chhattisgarh. Ravindra Jadeja scored 102 and later claimed three wickets as Chhattisgarh were dismissed for 312 in response to Saurashtras 392. Saurashtra then reached 229/1 declared in their second innings, with Chirag Jani scoring an unbeaten century, before the match ended in a draw. Punjab also secured three points against Assam in a drawn Group B encounter. Assam scored 373 in their first innings, but Punjab responded with 478/6 declared to take a 105-run lead. Debutant Vihaan Malhotra scored 103, while Emanjot Singh Chahal remained unbeaten on 114 to help Punjab recover from a middle-order collapse. Assam finished at 157/6 in their second innings. Jharkhand earned three points against Kerala in Group C after building a sizeable first-innings lead. Jharkhand scored 587, with centuries from Shikhar Mohan, captain Virat Singh and Aditya Singh. Kerala replied with 395, with Abhishek P. Nair scoring 126, but failed to avoid the follow-on. Kerala were 62/2 in their second innings when the match ended in a draw. Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu also played out a draw in Group D, with Rajasthan securing an 89-run first-innings lead. Rajasthan made 363 before Tamil Nadu were dismissed for 274, losing their last five wickets for just 10 runs. Tamil Nadu reached 73/0 in their second innings before the teams agreed to a draw. Uttarakhand took three points after securing a first-innings lead against Railways in another drawn fixture. Uttarakhand scored 470, while Railways were bowled out for 278. Railways reached 272/4 in their second innings before the match ended. Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu also played out a draw in Group D, with Rajasthan securing an 89-run first-innings lead. Rajasthan made 363 before Tamil Nadu were dismissed for 274, losing their last five wickets for just 10 runs. Tamil Nadu reached 73/0 in their second innings before the teams agreed to a draw. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 14 Oct 2026 7:50 pm

Mansa Murder: Drug Crusader Killed, Shop Set Ablaze As Protests Erupt

Parvinder Singh Jhota, known for speaking out against drugs in Punjab, has been shot dead in Mansa after a confrontation with a medical store owner over alleged drug sales. The incident, streamed on Facebook Live, also left four others injured. The killing triggered angry protests, with a mob setting the accused's shop on fire, while authorities demolished parts of his house over alleged unauthorised construction. The main accused, Ashwani Kumar, has been arrested in Rajasthan. As the BJP and Congress target Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over Punjab's law and order situation and anti-drug campaign, Mann has condemned the killing and promised strict action.

NDTV 14 Oct 2026 7:49 pm

BJP to prepare roadmap for 2027 Assembly polls in Punjab

Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 14 (IANS) Ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, the senior leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold a state executive meeting in Sangrur town on October 16. According to the partys state General Secretary Anil Sareen, the meeting, to be held under the leadership of state chief Kewal Singh Dhillon, will focus on preparing the partys roadmap to contest elections in all 117 Assembly constituencies of Punjab. Union Minister Jitendra Singh will also attend the meeting. He said the meeting would deliberate on the prevailing political, economic and social situation in Punjab. Party leaders will discuss key public issues and determine the BJPs priorities for the upcoming Assembly elections. Farmers concerns, the growing drug menace, pending dearness allowance (DA) of government employees, the deteriorating law and order situation, womens safety and related issues, and Punjabs economic condition will be among the major topics of discussion. Resolutions on various issues concerning the state will also be passed, he said. Besides the state president, Punjab BJP in-charge Satish Poonia, co-in-charges Varinder Sachdeva and MPs Alka Gurjar and Tarun Chugh are likely to address various sessions at the meeting. Senior BJP leaders will assess the prevailing situation in the state, review the partys organisational preparedness and deliberate on a strategy to strengthen its presence across all 117 Assembly constituencies in Punjab. The discussions will help outline the key issues the BJP intends to prioritise ahead of the elections. At a rally in Jalandhar on September 30, Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised to make Punjab free of the illicit chitta (synthetic drug) trade before December 31, 2029, saying the BJP would contest the next Assembly elections in the state primarily on the issue of a drug-free Punjab. Addressing a massive anti-drug rally, he had urged the mothers and the youth of Punjab to extend support to the BJP in the next Assembly elections by voting for the lotus symbol, promising to free the state from the illicit drug trade. Why has the need arisen today to make Punjab drug-free? Because the Aam Aadmi Party government has allowed the chitta trade to operate openly, he had said.

bhaskarlive 14 Oct 2026 7:13 pm

If Congress accepted SIR in Punjab, why object in other states: BJP

Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 14 (IANS) Former Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday accused the Congress of targeting constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission after losing its support base across the country. Speaking to the media outside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, he said the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls had been completed in the state without the same Congress raising any objection to the exercise. Jakhar praised the Chief Electoral Officer for completing the revision of electoral rolls in accordance with the rules. Sharing voter figures from the Assembly constituencies represented by the current and former Punjab Congress presidents, the Chief Minister, the Finance Minister and the AAP president, he said none of these leaders had raised any objection neither in their own constituencies nor in the state. Jakhar said political parties had collectively appointed 89,000 booth-level agents (BLAs) for the SIR exercise. According to him, the Election Commission shared information with these agents at every stage and obtained their written agreement regarding the process. He claimed that throughout the exercise not a single eligible voter in Punjab had come forward to say that their name had been wrongly deleted from the electoral rolls. The BJP leader said the Congress leaders were nevertheless travelling to Delhi to protest against SIR. He added that AAP leaders had also protested against the exercise in Chandigarh on October 10, while representatives of both parties had thanked the Chief Electoral Officer on October 12. Jakhar said the Opposition was turning the exercise into a political issue to regain its lost support, even though, according to him, it was being conducted through a uniform procedure across the country and similar exercises had taken place several times before. He alleged that Congress lacked workers at grassroots in most states and had failed to appoint BLAs in those areas. Instead of strengthening its organisation, he said, the party was concentrating its efforts on weakening constitutional institutions. If SIR has been completed properly in Punjab, how can the same exercise, conducted under the same rules, be wrong in other states? Jakhar asked. He urged the Opposition to bring forward any case in which an eligible voters name had been wrongly deleted. He reiterated that eligible voters could still have their names added to the electoral rolls. SIR does not mean deleting votes; it means correcting and updating electoral rolls, he said. Taking a dig at Congress leaders in the Rajya Sabha, who are still calling the shots in the party, Jakhar said those who had spent their entire political careers in the Upper House without ever contesting an election knew little about how voters were registered.

bhaskarlive 14 Oct 2026 7:13 pm

No one will be let off hook: Punjab AAP on anti-drug activist murder case

Punjab AAP General Secretary Baltej Pannu defended the state administration's handling of the murder case of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota, saying that arrests regarding the case were made within the stipulated time. This has been the policy of Bhagwant Mann from the very beginning; it is a zero-tolerance policy that if anyone is involved in the drug trade, engaged in illegal activities, or taking the law into their own hands, none of our ministers, MLAs, or leaders has ever obstructed the process, nor will they ever do so. If someone takes the law into their own hands as the individual from Mansa did, the police do their job,

devdiscourse 14 Oct 2026 7:11 pm

Punjab AAP vows strict action in anti-drug activist murder case

The News Mill

The News Mill 14 Oct 2026 7:03 pm

No one will be let off hook: Punjab AAP on anti-drug activisit murder case

Punjab AAP General Secretary Baltej Pannu defended the state administration's handling of the murder case of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota, saying that arrests regarding the case were made within the stipulated time. This has been the policy of Bhagwant Mann from the very beginning; it is a zero-tolerance policy that if anyone is involved in the drug trade, engaged in illegal activities, or taking the law into their own hands, none of our ministers, MLAs, or leaders has ever obstructed the process, nor will they ever do so. If someone takes the law into their own hands as the individual from Mansa did, the police do their job,

devdiscourse 14 Oct 2026 7:01 pm

Mad Sandhu murder case: Key accused Jobanpreet Singh held from Mumbai; 3 pistols recovered

In a major breakthrough in the Mad Sandhu murder case, Counter Intelligence (CI) Jalandhar, in coordination with the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has apprehended a key operative from Chembur in Mumbai, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday. The arrested accused, identified as Jobanpreet Singh, is a resident of village Jandoke in district Tarn Taran. Police teams have recovered three sophisticated pistols, including one 9MM Glock, one 9MM Beretta and one .30 bore PX5, along with five magazines and 11 live cartridges from his possession. On October 3, two motorcycle-borne assailants had opened fire at social media influencer Madhu Sudan Singh alias Mad Sandhu on Loharka Road in Amritsar, resulting in his death. A Case FIR no 186 dated 03.10.2026 under sections 103 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act was registered at Police Station Cantonment at Commissionerate Amritsar. Earlier, two of his...

devdiscourse 14 Oct 2026 6:57 pm