Politics

Punjab Receives ‘Severely Flooded’ Status from Centre, Paving Way for Greater Relief

Punjab Receives ‘Severely Flooded’ Status from Centre, Paving Way for Greater Relief

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In a major acknowledgment of the devastation caused by recent torrential rains, the central government has officially classified Punjab as a “severely flooded” state. The designation follows detailed field visits by Union Ministers Jitendra Singh and Jitin Prasada to the worst-affected regions of Pathankot and Gurdaspur, where they reviewed the extensive damage caused by the flooding. The announcement is expected to significantly boost the state’s access to central assistance, especially in the form of long-term financial support for rebuilding critical infrastructure. Punjab, which is grappling with the aftermath of one of its most destructive floods in decades,…
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President Droupadi Murmu to Visit Dera Beas for Two-Day Tour in Punjab

President Droupadi Murmu to Visit Dera Beas for Two-Day Tour in Punjab

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): President of India, Droupadi Murmu, is scheduled to visit Dera Radha Swami Beas in Punjab on September 27 as part of the annual Vikhe Bhandara celebrations. Her stay will extend until September 28, with the President expected to arrive at the Dera premises via a special helicopter. During the visit, President Murmu is slated to meet Dera chief Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon and senior officials, including Sir Jasdeep Singh Gill. The discussions are expected to revolve around the Dera’s social welfare initiatives, including educational programs, healthcare projects, and other community service activities. In view of the visit,…
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Dispute Over Siropa to Rahul Gandhi at Amritsar Gurdwara; SGPC Begins Inquiry

Dispute Over Siropa to Rahul Gandhi at Amritsar Gurdwara; SGPC Begins Inquiry

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): The presentation of a Siropa to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his recent visit to Gurdwara Baba Budha Sahib Ji has triggered a fresh controversy in Punjab. Gandhi, who was in the state on September 15 to review flood-hit areas, was felicitated by gurdwara management representatives, a move that has since drawn criticism from Sikh organizations. Following the uproar, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has taken official notice of the matter. SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami confirmed that an investigation is underway. “Our code of conduct clearly states that Siropas are reserved for spiritual figures,…
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Supreme Court Partially Stays Provisions of Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025

Supreme Court Partially Stays Provisions of Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India on Monday stayed the implementation of certain provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, citing concerns over constitutional propriety and the separation of powers. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih issued interim directions while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the validity of specific amendments introduced in the 2025 legislation. Five-Year Religious Practice Clause Put on Hold The Court stayed the operation of the clause under Section 3(1)(r), which required an individual to have practiced Islam for at least…
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Rahul Gandhi Arrives in Amritsar to Evaluate Flood Impact in Punjab

Rahul Gandhi Arrives in Amritsar to Evaluate Flood Impact in Punjab

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi reached Amritsar on Monday to conduct a firsthand review of the widespread damage caused by recent floods across Punjab. The state continues to face severe challenges, including extensive waterlogging, damaged roads and infrastructure, and disruption to daily life in several districts. Gandhi’s visit is seen as a response to mounting concerns about the scale of devastation and the pace of government relief measures. During his stay, he plans to visit some of the hardest-hit areas, meet with families displaced by the floods, and engage with local officials and…
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Son of Former Education Minister Mohinder Singh KP Dies in Jalandhar Road Tragedy

Son of Former Education Minister Mohinder Singh KP Dies in Jalandhar Road Tragedy

Jalandhar (Gurpreet Singh): A devastating road accident in Jalandhar claimed the life of Richie KP, son of senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Punjab Education Minister Mohinder Singh KP, late last night. The incident took place near Mata Rani Chowk in the Model Town area, where a collision involving four vehicles occurred. Richie was among those seriously injured in the crash. Eyewitnesses reported a loud impact followed by scenes of chaos as bystanders rushed to help the victims. According to preliminary information, Richie KP sustained severe head injuries in the collision. He was quickly taken to a nearby hospital,…
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Sunil Jakhar Challenges Punjab CM Over Mismanagement of SDRF Funds

Sunil Jakhar Challenges Punjab CM Over Mismanagement of SDRF Funds

National Times Bureau :- Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar on Saturday accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of mismanaging the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), citing a recent CAG report. According to the report, Punjab had received Rs 9,041.74 crore in SDRF allocations up to March 31, 2023, and with subsequent releases over the next three years, the total fund amounted to Rs 12,000 crore. Jakhar claimed that the state government had failed to utilize the funds appropriately, in violation of central government norms. He added that both the Chief Minister and state ministers had acknowledged this lapse. Jakhar urged the…
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Arrest Warrants Issued Against AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and Associates in Patiala Case

Arrest Warrants Issued Against AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and Associates in Patiala Case

Patiala (Gurpreet Singh): The legal troubles of Aam Aadmi Party legislator Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra have deepened, with police issuing arrest warrants against 16 people linked to him, including his son Harjashan Singh alias Jashn and personal aide Gurpreet Singh Gurri. Others named include AAP’s district youth chief Amar Singh Sanghera along with several associates. The FIR, registered at Civil Lines police station in Patiala, accuses the group of harbouring the absconding MLA, obstructing police action, and disturbing peace. Pathanmajra, who is wanted in connection with a rape case, remains untraceable despite searches being carried out in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and…
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Vice President to Receive Enhanced Security, CRPF Commandos to Provide ‘Z+’ Cover

Vice President to Receive Enhanced Security, CRPF Commandos to Provide ‘Z+’ Cover

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is set to take over the personal security of the Vice President of India, who will now be safeguarded under the ‘Z+’ security category. The arrangement follows fresh inputs from the Intelligence Bureau and subsequent directions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). As per officials aware of the matter, while Delhi Police will continue to manage the outer perimeter and regulate entry points, the CRPF’s elite protection unit will be tasked with providing close-quarter security. The handover could take place as soon as Wednesday, sources indicated. ‘Z+’ protection…
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Vice Presidential Poll Underway: CP Radhakrishnan and Sudarshan Reddy in Direct Contest; Key Parties Stay Neutral

Vice Presidential Poll Underway: CP Radhakrishnan and Sudarshan Reddy in Direct Contest; Key Parties Stay Neutral

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Voting for the election of India’s next Vice President began Tuesday morning, with lawmakers from both Houses of Parliament heading to cast their votes in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes political event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to vote as polling commenced at 10:00 AM. The electoral contest pits the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee CP Radhakrishnan, a 68-year-old veteran politician, against the opposition-backed candidate, 79-year-old former Supreme Court judge B. Sudarshan Reddy. Polling will continue until 5 PM, after which counting is scheduled to begin at 6 PM. 781 MPs…
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