Politics

ED Raids Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel’s Residence in Bhilai Amid Political Storm

ED Raids Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel’s Residence in Bhilai Amid Political Storm

Bhilai (National Times): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted a raid at the Bhilai residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, triggering political controversy just hours before the conclusion of the monsoon session of the state legislative assembly. While ED officials have yet to confirm the specific case under which the searches were carried out, the development has drawn sharp reactions from Baghel’s camp, which has linked the action to political motives. Politically-Timed Action? A post from Baghel’s official account on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) pointed to the timing of the raids, claiming the ED's…
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Breaking: Former Akali MLA Harmeet Singh Sandhu Joins AAP Ahead of Punjab Assembly Elections 2025

Breaking: Former Akali MLA Harmeet Singh Sandhu Joins AAP Ahead of Punjab Assembly Elections 2025

Chandigarh (National Times): In a significant political development ahead of the 2025 Punjab Assembly elections, former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and three-time MLA Harmeet Singh Sandhu has officially joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Sandhu, who previously served as Chief Parliamentary Secretary and represented the Tarn Taran constituency, was formally inducted into AAP by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at a press event held in Chandigarh. Welcoming Sandhu into the party fold, CM Bhagwant Mann said, "AAP continues to strengthen its grassroots presence by welcoming clean and experienced leaders who believe in our vision for Punjab. Harmeet Singh Sandhu…
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CM Mann Introduces Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025 in Vidhan Sabha

CM Mann Introduces Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025 in Vidhan Sabha

Chandigarh, July 14, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday tabled the Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025, in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, reiterating his government’s unwavering commitment to curb incidents of sacrilege in the state.Introducing the bill on the floor of the House, Mann described the issue as deeply emotive and critical, with significant implications not only for the present but for future generations. He asserted that stringent punishment for such “unpardonable offences” was urgently needed to deter criminals.“Punjab is a sacred land of great Gurus, saints, and seers who have shown the path…
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Sonia Gandhi to Lead Congress Strategy Meet Ahead of Stormy Monsoon Session in Parliament

Sonia Gandhi to Lead Congress Strategy Meet Ahead of Stormy Monsoon Session in Parliament

New Delhi, July 13, 2025 — Congress Parliamentary Party leader Sonia Gandhi will chair a crucial strategy meeting on Tuesday to chalk out the party’s approach for the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament, as the opposition gears up for potential clashes with the government over a host of sensitive issues.The session, now scheduled from July 21 to August 21, has been extended by a week beyond its original timeline, signaling the government’s intent to push through significant legislative business. Among the key items on the government’s agenda is legislation to pave the way for private sector participation in India’s nuclear…
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Rahul Gandhi Pleads Not Guilty in Pune Court Over Savarkar Defamation Case

Rahul Gandhi Pleads Not Guilty in Pune Court Over Savarkar Defamation Case

Pune, July 11, 2025: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday pleaded not guilty in a defamation case related to his remarks against Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.The plea was entered through his lawyer Milind Pawar before Judicial Magistrate (First Class) and Special Judge for MP/MLA cases, Amol Sriram Shinde, during proceedings at the Pune court. The case was filed by Satyaki Savarkar, the grandnephew of V D Savarkar.The court formally read out the charges, to which Gandhi responded via his counsel with a plea of not guilty. Rahul Gandhi was not present…
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Speaker Kultar Sandhwan’s Emotional Appeal After Assembly passes BBMB CISF Resolution: “Punjab is the Son of Rivers”

Speaker Kultar Sandhwan’s Emotional Appeal After Assembly passes BBMB CISF Resolution: “Punjab is the Son of Rivers”

Chandigarh (National Times): In a powerful and emotional moment that resonated across party lines, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan made a stirring statement after the House unanimously passed a resolution opposing the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Though traditionally a neutral figure in legislative proceedings, Sandhwan stepped beyond the conventional role of Speaker, not politically, but emotionally, as he addressed the House and the nation with folded hands, speaking not just as a Speaker, but as a Punjabi. “A Speaker must remain neutral, but as a son of…
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Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Delivers Fiery Speech in Assembly Amid BBMB Uproar, Defends Punjab’s Water, Culture, and Artists

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Delivers Fiery Speech in Assembly Amid BBMB Uproar, Defends Punjab’s Water, Culture, and Artists

Chandigarh (National Times): Amid chaotic scenes in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha during the special session, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann delivered a fiery and wide-ranging address, hitting out at the opposition, defending Punjab’s water rights, cultural expressions, and even jumping into the ongoing controversy surrounding actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh. The session saw loud protests from Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa over a remark made by Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, who had used the Punjabi expression “dadhi muhrawa.” Bajwa objected, calling it offensive, prompting Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and CM Mann to step in and clarify that such expressions are part of Punjabi…
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CM Bhagwant Mann, Partap Bajwa Clash in Punjab Assembly; ‘12 Vaje’ Remark Sparks Uproar

CM Bhagwant Mann, Partap Bajwa Clash in Punjab Assembly; ‘12 Vaje’ Remark Sparks Uproar

Chandigarh (National Times): A heated exchange between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa led to uproar in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday, after Bajwa’s remark “12 tuhade vaje hone hai” triggered sharp protests from AAP MLAs who viewed it as an insult to Sikh sentiments. The clash began when CM Bhagwant Mann accused Bajwa of diverting attention from critical state issues. “You should raise matters that are against Punjab and Punjabis,” Mann said sternly. When Bajwa continued to speak out of turn, the Chief Minister responded, “Please sit down, it’s just 12 PM.…
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Aman Arora Hits Back at Bajwa in Punjab Assembly Over ‘Stage of Drama’ Remark, Seeks Privilege Motion

Aman Arora Hits Back at Bajwa in Punjab Assembly Over ‘Stage of Drama’ Remark, Seeks Privilege Motion

Chandigarh (National Times): The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday witnessed heated exchanges between senior leaders as the House debated a resolution against the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). The verbal showdown intensified when Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa described the Assembly as a "stage of drama," prompting sharp criticism from Cabinet Minister Aman Arora. Bajwa’s comment — “They (AAP leaders) have made this Assembly a stage of drama” — did not go down well with Arora, who immediately demanded Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan to issue a privilege motion against the…
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Harpal Cheema Slams Pratap Bajwa in Punjab Assembly Amid FIR Row, Session Extended

Harpal Cheema Slams Pratap Bajwa in Punjab Assembly Amid FIR Row, Session Extended

Chandigarh (National Times): High drama unfolded in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday as Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema launched a fierce verbal attack on Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa during the announcement of the Assembly session's extension till July 15. As Bajwa and other Congress MLAs staged a protest in the House, Cheema didn’t hold back, accusing the senior Congress leader of having deep-rooted connections with gangsters and the BJP. "Who brought Ansari into Punjab? Who fed the gangsters in Punjab? You were the one. Punjab knows it all," Cheema thundered. “You gave birth to gangsterhood in the…
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