Panjab INC Chief Privilege Motion Against CM on Anti-Sacrilege Bill

Panjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann convened a session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly from 22–27 Oct. The session began on 22 Oct with a 10-minute obituary reference, after which Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan adjourned the House. On 23 Oct, the assembly passed a resolution demanding an independent inquiry into alleged irregularities in India's electoral process and voter lists under India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while expressing serious concern over complaints regarding the large-scale deletion of citizens’ names from electoral rolls and eligible voters being deprived of their voting rights. On the same day, citizens in 103 cities in 18 states protested against the Election Commission of India under the banner ‘People Against SIR’ (Special Intensive Revision of voter lists, in which 130M voters have been deleted). On day 2, Panjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Panjab Indian National Congress (INC) chief Pargat Singh, and INC Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) wore black scarves and raised slogans against the Bhagwant Mann-led government for failing to curb drug trafficking and gangsterism in the state, before staging a walkout. They held up a Laanat Patra (Letter of Shame) to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The Assembly later suspended MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira for using unparliamentary language against the Speaker, disregarding the Speaker’s authority, and disrupting proceedings. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema moved the resolution, and the Assembly passed the resolution in the absence of INC MLAs. Pargat has moved a Privilege Motion against CM Bhagwant Mann for backing away from amending the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (JJGGSS) (Amendment) Act, also known as the Anti-Sacrilege Bill. Pargat said, 'Despite unanimous agreement among MLAs in the presence of the respected Jathedar (leader) of Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Eternal Throne), the AAP government is backing away from amending the anti-sacrilege law and holding a discussion on it. The CM has also misled the Assembly regarding documents sent from the Panjab Assembly to the President’s Office. On 27 Oct, the Panjab government stopped INC MLAs from entering the Assembly premises. INC MLAs—clad in black robes and holding placards—protested outside the Assembly complex by burning brooms, the election symbol of the ruling AAP, while raising slogans against the government’s policies. The Assembly then passed five resolutions asserting Panjab’s rights over its river waters (earlier coverage).

BJP's Amit Shah | Photo by Babushahi

Shah Signals Akali-BJP Alliance; Arora says INC Will Withdraw Welfare Schemes

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has signaled the formalization of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) tie-up with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and splintered Akali Dal factions ahead of 2027 Punjab Legislative Assembly elections. Speaking in Delhi, Shah said, ‘Panjab mein is baar NDA (National Democratic Alliance) ki sarkar honey jaa rahi hai (Panjab is set to form an NDA government this time).’ Plans have been under way for SAD and Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit, revival, SAD PS) factions to join the NDA. Shah’s statement can be looked at as a formalization of this long-anticipated alliance which is yet to be officially announced. However, earlier Panjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon, Shah, and other BJP leaders had emphasized that the party will contest all 117 seats in Panjab and there was no chance of an alliance. This came after several SAD leaders from Sri Muktsar Sahib, a senior SAD leader and advocate from Moga, Ramesh Grover, joined the BJP on 22 Oct. Concurrently, fresh talks have also begun between Akali Dal Waris Punjab De (WPD) and SAD PS for an alliance, but the WPD has reportedly demanded that six senior SAD PS leaders be kept out of the electoral contest on the grounds that they do not meet the Sikh community’s expectations of Panth (Sikh Collective)-approved leadership with a clean public image. Additionally, the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee chief launched a scathing attack on Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s Panjab visits ahead of the polls, saying that Panjab politics was receiving greater priority in his political engagements. He said, ‘Haryana needs a full-time chief minister, not a part-time one.’ Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh has expressed confidence that the party will return to power in Panjab, while ruling out a BJP victory in the state. His remarks come amid political discussions over Panjab’s electoral landscape and the pre-election buzz. Furthermore, Panjab AAP chief Aman Arora asked if the Indian National Congress (INC) would continue free electricity, the USD 10K government health insurance scheme, and financial assistance for women if it wins the elections. Arora alleged that an INC government would withdraw benefits currently available; it could reintroduce toll plazas, higher electricity, and canal water (earlier coverage).

Parvinder Singh Jhota's widow Manpreet Kaur & father Bhim Singh | Photo by The Tribune

CBI Takes Over Jhota Probe; Stalemate Over Cremation, Police Surrounds Mansa

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the probe into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. The CBI registered a fresh First Information Report on 21 Oct and visited Jhota’s residence in Mansa to record his family’s statements. The development came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Jhota’s family and criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government over the state’s drug crisis. Panjab Finance Minister clarified that though the CBI does not have 'general consent' to probe cases in Panjab, its involvement in the Jhota murder is a 'specific case'. On 6 Nov 2020, when the Indian National Congress was ruling Panjab, the state had revoked the 'general consent' to the CBI under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, asking the agency to seek prior consent from the state government on a case-by-case basis. The Panjab government has also suspended Mansa Deputy Superintendent of Police Harjinder Singh Gill and Drug Inspector Naresh Kumar for inaction against the illegal sale of pharmaceutical drugs. The Punjab Pharmacy Council has canceled the license of pharmacist Ashwani Kumar, who shot Jhota. Jhota's widow, Manpreet Kaur, has questioned the demolition of pharmacist Kumar's shop, saying, 'It could have been crucial evidence in the case.' Jhota’s family has still not cremated his body. After meeting the Panjab government panel on 23 Oct, Jhota's family and the Jhota Action Committee announced that they would not allow a post-mortem examination until their key demands, including the resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, were met. Their other demands are: a post-mortem examination by a team of senior doctors from Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh; security for the family; the installation of a statue of Jhota in Mansa; action against medical stores found violating the rules; and a debate on drugs in the Assembly. Meanwhile, on 27 Oct, 35-year-old Dajit Singh from Bhamme Kalan village, Mansa district, died of drug overdose. When Jhota's father Bhim Singh went to bring the man’s body to where Jhota's family and supporters were sitting on vigil, the police intervened and forcibly took away the body. Police have surrounded Mansa to prevent more supporters from gathering and are arresting activists (earlier coverage).

Pregabalin sales discontinued in Panjab | Photo by NDTV

PCA Discontinues Sales of All Habit-Forming Drugs

After anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota's murder, Panjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh—himself a medical doctor—warned that action would be taken against pharmacies found violating prescription and sale regulations. The minister said the Health Department was keeping a close watch on around 35K pharmacies across the state to check the alleged over-the-counter sale of Pregabalin—a neurological prescription medicine. He also directed the Drug Wing of the Food and Drug Administration to conduct regular inspections with police assistance, so that no medicine dealer operated without a valid license or sold life-saving medicines without a doctor’s prescription. On 25 Oct, the Punjab Chemists Association (PCA) decided to discontinue the sale of all habit-forming medicines, including Pregabalin, across the state with immediate effect. The PCA communicated the decision to unit presidents, secretaries, and members of the association, directing them to ensure strict compliance and inform chemists in their respective areas. Vice-President PCA, Sudarshan Chaudhary, said licensed chemists had to follow lengthy procedures to maintain records of psychotropic medicines, yet they were being branded as drug peddlers. The decision is likely to affect other patients as well, including diabetes and a host of other illnesses. Pregabalin, among other medicines, is prescribed for chronic neuropathic pain, and its sudden unavailability at retail chemists could create difficulties for patients depending on it. When asked about the impacted patients, Chaudhary said that under the present circumstances, the government should make these medicines available through government-run outlets. PCA said the decision was taken to demonstrate its commitment to responsible pharmacy practices and the fight against drug abuse while safeguarding the reputation of legitimate chemists. The move to ban prescription medicines is similar to when, in 2018, then Chief Minister Amarinder Singh of the Indian National Congress had banned the sale of over-the-counter syringes. Amidst mounting criticism, the CM had to withdraw the ban. Meanwhile, the Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav has proposed amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, urging the union government to grant police officers joint enforcement powers along with drug inspectors. He has also written to Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan governments to stop illegal pharmaceutical supply lines (earlier coverage).

US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio & Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in Mumbai | Photo by The New Indian Express

India-US Close to Finalizing BTA, Says Trump; Farmers Warn of Resistance

US President Donald Trump on 19 Oct said India and the US were ‘pretty close’ to finalizing a trade deal after more than a year of negotiations. He added that the agreement ‘could be a much different kind of deal’. He said, ‘They want to make a deal. We’re going to make a deal. Pretty close, yeah.’ US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also described the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) as ‘incredibly close’ during his recent India visit. On 21 Oct, Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions in Mumbai, reviewing the full scope of India-US relations and committing to an early conclusion of the proposed BTA. The Ministry of External Affairs said, ‘They welcomed the progress made in negotiations on the India–US BTA and reaffirmed their commitment to working towards its early conclusion.’ On the US’ earlier decision to target countries importing Russian oil with up to 100% tariffs and whether it could affect economic ties, Rubio said, ‘I mean, it can…None of these tariffs are done to punish or to harm India.’ Speaking on the US administration’s visa restrictions, he said, ‘We are trying to fix 20 years of neglect of an immigration system that was simply not being enforced, and that’s not targeted at India.’ Allaying Indian concerns on the Trump administration’s relations with Pakistan’s generals, Rubio added, ‘What everyone should be assured of in India is that our relationship, not just with Pakistan but with any country in the world, will never come at the expense of other relationships. We don’t view it that way in our relationship with India.’ Meanwhile, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) warned of ‘militant resistance’ from farmers if the Bharatiya Janata Party government proceeded with the proposed India-US trade deal, alleging that concessions to the US would threaten agriculture in India and lead to greater corporate consolidation in the sector. AIKS urged the government to reject the proposed BTA, arguing that farmers would be unable to compete with ‘heavily subsidized’ American agricultural producers. Samyukt Kisan Morcha (United Farmers Front) has also termed the BTA a ‘death warrant’ for farmers. In Panjab, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and other farmer unions have been protesting against the proposed BTA since August (earlier coverage).

Jeffrey Epstein & Hardeep Singh Puri | The News Minute

Photos of Puri & Epstein Surface as Rubio Visits Jamnagar

Opposition leaders in India are demanding explanations after photos of Indian Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein began circulating on social media on 21–22 Oct. Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi alleged that the photos had been released a day after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s India visit as ‘blackmail’. Gandhi said, ‘Rubio goes to Mumbai. The US DoJ (Department of Justice) releases a picture of Epstein and Puri. Dear BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) workers, which anti-national traitor do you think they're blackmailing?’ The Indian National Congress (INC) alleged that ‘Modi-Shah's complete silence’ points to their ‘criminal indifference’ towards the issue. However, the photos are from dataset 9 released by the DoJ in January that began surfacing recently, although the DoJ had 'redacted, censored, or temporarily/permanently removed' a huge number of these pictures. At least 10 photos taken from various angles show Epstein and Puri seated at a table, seemingly alone, deep in conversation. The photos appear to contradict Puri’s February claim that he met Epstein only as part of a delegation. Puri’s office claimed that the minister could not recall, almost ten years later, which meeting the photograph showed or whether others were present before or after it was taken. Meanwhile, Rubio arrived in Mumbai on 20 Oct, on his second trip to India in 2026, where he met Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and some of India's top business leaders. His official itinerary did not include New Delhi, which raised questions from the opposition. Rubio officially ended his trip in Jamnagar, Gujarat—home to the world's largest oil refinery owned by one of Asia's richest men, Mukesh Ambani. Experts say the Trump administration is under pressure to keep fuel prices in check ahead of November's US midterm elections, while rising tensions in West Asia threaten global energy supplies. India's ability to process large volumes of crude oil offers Washington a potential way to ease pressure on the fuel markets. Rubio had earlier called India a ‘refining superpower’ and said the US wanted Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) to process more Venezuelan oil. RIL was once among the largest buyers of Venezuelan crude before US sanctions disrupted trade. After Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured in a US intervention on 3 Jan and Washington eased sanctions on India's energy sector, RIL has re-emerged as a major importer (earlier coverage).

The Bhakra Dam | Photo by The Tribune

Govt. Banks On Retired Doctors; Bhakra Dam Turns 63 as Challenges Mount

Grappling with a shortage of doctors in government hospitals and a lack of regular recruitment since 2022, the Panjab Health Department is turning to its retired workforce. The government has invited applications for 78 consultant posts reserved exclusively for retired government specialists. The decision underscores the government’s continued reliance on temporary arrangements to plug critical gaps in public healthcare, rather than filling specialist positions through regular appointments. Panjab has 2,098 sanctioned posts for medical specialists, of which around 1,000 are occupied, leaving a vacancy rate of 47%. Meanwhile, contractual workers of Panjab Roadways and PEPSU Road Transport Corporation called off their indefinite strike on 24 Oct following a meeting with Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in Patiala. Bus services resumed in most parts of the state after employee unions withdrew their protest following written orders from the government addressing their demands. Concurrently, the Bhakra Dam marked its 63^rd dedication day to India on 22 Oct. However, the dam faces mounting administrative, manpower, and operational challenges. Panjab holds 52% of Bhakra Beas Management Board’s share, but has struggled for two decades to fill its quota—1,486 technical posts remain vacant against a sanctioned strength of 3,297 employees. Moreover, a Central Electricity Authority inspection report in March flagged heavy silt accumulation, inadequate desilting, and aging machinery at Dehar, Himachal Pradesh. Estimated generation losses stood at USD 13.64M at market replacement power rates and USD 3.34M at tariff rates. The units were commissioned between 1977–1983, and the machinery has also exceeded its original design life. Concurrently, two weeks after approving the Ranjitgarh Development Authority (RDA) Bill, 2026, for the planned, sustainable, and ecotourism-oriented development of the Ranjit Sagar Dam and Shahpur Kandi Dam areas, the Panjab government has identified 476.87 acres for tourism hubs and is looking to attract USD 210M in private investment. Additionally, the Ludhiana-based Public Action Committee has asked the National Highways Authority of India to immediately halt construction of reinforced cement concrete retaining walls in the Beas riverbed along the Kullu-Manali highway, warning that the work could alter the river’s flow, increase erosion, and raise downstream flood risks. It also warned that it would approach the National Green Tribunal if the authorities failed to respond satisfactorily (earlier coverage).

Gagan Jindal and Sahil Kumar Jindal | The Indian Express

Shootings in Moga & Tarn Taran; Eight Laborers Killed by Speeding Car

Assailants in a black SUV shot dead two cousins, 44-year-old Sahil Kumar Jindal alias Landi and 32-year-old Gagan Jindal, at Angadpura locality, Moga, on 25 Oct. At least three others were injured in the attack. On 26 Oct, Panjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said, they have arrested five accused in connection with the case and that further probe is underway. He said, 'The preliminary investigation indicates that the motive behind the incident is an old rivalry between Landi and the Kuljeet group. Both parties have a previous history of fights and quarrels. It was a local inter-gang rivalry.' Concurrently, on 22 Oct, two masked men shot dead a daily wager, 45-year-old Kuldeep Singh, at Naushehra Pannuan town, Tarn Taran district. Kuldeep was returning home after work with his brother, Baj Singh, when he stopped at a shop on his way to his village. Two men arrived on a motorcycle and shot him after confirming his identity. Meanwhile, a speeding car hit eight Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (an employment guarantee scheme that continues despite being scrapped) laborers while they were resting and drinking water along the Jakhal-Lehra road near Alisher village, Sangrur district on 19 Oct. Of the deceased, six were women, and two were men. Police arrested the car’s driver, identified as Pargat Singh, a resident of Raidhrana village, Sangrur district. After four days of intense protests, the committee formed to demand compensation for the deaths and the state government has reached a compromise, agreeing to pay USD 10.5K to the family of each victim and USD 2.1K to each injured person. A committee member, Gobind Singh Chhajli, said the agreement was reached in a meeting between committee members and Sangrur Deputy Commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur. Meanwhile, a 25-year-old woman, Simarjit Kaur, from Sangrahur village, Faridkot district was allegedly held captive for about two years in Malaysia after traveling there in search of employment. After Faridkot Member of Parliament Sarabjit Singh Khalsa intervened, she returned home safely. Khalsa urged the youth and families seeking employment abroad to verify job agents to avoid falling prey to travel scams (earlier coverage).

Younger Sidhu doing brother Sidhu Moosewala's signature pose in Toronto, Canada | Photo by India Weekly

Daler Reprimanded, Diljit’s Delhi Show On & Moosewala’s Hologram Tour Paused

A controversy erupted during Panjabi singer Daler Singh alias Daler Mehndi's concert, at the cultural evening of the historic Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri, Uttarakhand, on 18 Oct. Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister and Narendra Nagar Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Subodh Uniyal, expressed displeasure that the singer did not perform live but lip-synced. The minister hinted that Mehndi was inebriated during the Navratri (Nine Pious Nights) event. Responding, Mehndi's brother, singer Amrik Singh alias Mika Singh, said his brother does not drink but was unwell and had performed despite his health because he had made a commitment. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to Mika and stressed that the matter be settled amicably. Meanwhile, after initially denying permission for singer Daljit Singh Dosanjh alias Diljit Dosanjh’s concert to be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi on 30 Oct, Delhi Police finally granted permission. The concert is part of Diljit’s Aura India Tour. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South District), New Delhi, Anant Mittal had said, 'In view of the specific threat-related inputs, coupled with the multifarious security and law & order commitments arising out of the ongoing festive season,' the request cannot be granted. The concern was the Indian National Congress's rally calling for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation at Ram Lila Grounds on 1 Nov. Former president of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, Manjit Singh GK, had criticized the denial, linking it to the Indian government not allowing the movie Satluj's release. Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Delhi asked, 'If security was the concern, why was the issue not addressed with proper planning?' Furthermore, singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu alias Sidhu Moosewala's father Balkaur Singh paused his posthumous hologram tour on 18 Oct. After two successful Canadian shows, the late Panjabi rapper's ‘Signed to God’ hologram tour, Balkaur returned to Panjab in solidarity with anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota’s death, who was murdered on 13 Oct. However, Lawyers for Human Rights International (LFHRI), Chandigarh, had filed a complaint on 17 Oct over a video showing Moosewala’s 2.5-year-old younger brother mimicking gunfire sounds and gestures at a Toronto concert on 9 Oct. LFHRI general secretary Navkiran Singh sought parental counseling, measures to prevent similar gestures, and monitoring by child protection authorities (earlier coverage).

The Darien Gap is one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes | Photo by The Print

10.

The Craze of Migration Out of Panjab & the Risks It Entails

In Feb 2025, after a US military plane with 104 Indians landed in Amritsar—the first set of deportations under the Trump administration—many wondered if the great migration out of Panjab would end or slow down. However, months later, three deported from Bagrian, Kapurthala district, packed their bags again for Spain. The deportations have not ended the migration story, but merely altered its direction. A travel agency representative speaking anonymously, says that deportation from the US does not bar an applicant from seeking and getting a Schengen visa for Europe, but it could lower their chances. Another travel agent said those who left for Europe may have had to take the illegal route. He says, ‘Spain has become a preferred destination because it is easy to arrange a tourist visa there for around USD 10K. This is much cheaper than going to the US or Canada. Later, it is easy to extend the visa and even get a work permit. Besides, the borders are very fluid, and the boys from Panjab often move to Portugal or even Italy.’ In Bagrian, almost every household has one or two members living abroad. 42-year-old Maninder Singh, who belongs to the Dalit Mazhabi (marginalized caste) community, worked as a doctor’s assistant at a clinic. For better opportunities for his children, he decided to try his luck in the US in 2025. He took a loan of USD 31,517. Maninder was illegally crossing into the US from Mexico when he was held by US Border Patrol agents. A month after leaving home in January 2025, he returned to Bagrian. He is now employed as a farmhand near Barcelona but could only travel again after mortgaging his house. His wife Amandeep says, ‘He calls regularly from Spain and says he will soon start sending money.’ Meanwhile, his family survives on his parents' old-age pension, free rations, and the USD 31.52 that Amandeep and her mother-in-law have received since July under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna (welfare scheme for women). Amandeep is a university graduate but can’t work because she runs the house. In Panjab, one in seven households has a family member living abroad. Families take huge risks and spend an average of USD 30K to send their kids abroad by illegal means. Also, 20% of families have sold their assets like land to fund these journeys (earlier coverage).

Notes

Updates

CA: 15 Panjabi-origin candidates win British Columbia polls as Conservatives sweep Surrey (earlier coverage).
IN: Work hit as govt employees in Panjab go on two-day mass casual leave (earlier coverage).
TH: Panjab-origin volunteers bring hope to flood-hit nation.

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Panjab INC Chief Privilege Motion Against CM on Anti-Sacrilege Bill