Punjab

The Punjab Congress blamed the BJP for rising atrocities against the Dalit community, citing incidents like a murder and attacks on officials. They demanded strict SC/ST Act enforcement, independent investigations, and reforms to end caste discrimination, accusing the BJP of hypocrisy and fostering division.

A dispute over the management of Gurdwara Baba Namdev in Fazilka resulted in a physical clash between two groups, leaving three injured. The fight, which involved weapons, stemmed from a four-year-old disagreement. One group, led by Paramjit Singh, claimed the other attacked them. The other group wanted to hold elections. Police are investigating.

A Muktsar biomass plant closed due to low power purchase rates, raising fears of increased stubble burning during Diwali. Baler owners are worried about losses and potential rate cuts if other plants also cease operations. They've sought government intervention.

Rajasthan Police arrested two Punjab youths in Sriganganagar and seized 1.492 kg of heroin worth Rs 7.5 crore. The heroin, dropped by Pakistani smugglers via drone, was collected by the youths on the orders of a Punjab-based smuggler who communicated via WhatsApp. The youths were directed by Jashanpreet Singh to collect the drugs.

Hanumangarh police seized 31.6 quintals of poppy husk hidden in a truck en route from Rajasthan to Punjab. Three individuals were arrested. The truck and an escort car were also seized near Kohlan village. Authorities noted the Amritsar-Jamnagar highway is increasingly used for drug smuggling.

Amritsar traders are optimistic about resuming trade with Afghanistan through the Attari border after talks between Afghan and Indian officials. The border's closure increased prices of Afghan goods like dry fruits, but reopening could lower costs and boost sales, especially during the festive season.

Party's state vice-president Subhash Sharma writes to CM

The BSF has arrested roughly 350 smugglers in Punjab since January 2024, primarily in high-risk border districts. Pakistani smugglers use drones and GPS. Most arrests occurred within the original 15km jurisdiction despite extended operational reach. BSF combats cross-border smuggling with increased surveillance and joint operations.

A man died and four others were injured in a car collision in Muktsar. Ferozepur police arrested three drug peddlers with 1.13 kg of heroin. A murder victim in Barnala was cremated, and three suspects are in custody. A constable recruitment rally in Jalandhar has begun, with over 17,000 candidates expected.

He urged the govt to not safeguard its favoured officers but stand with the bereaved family

Inducted into SAD by Sukhbir Badal at Tarn Taran rally

Commission chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi to visit bereaved family on October 13

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused barred his wife from visiting the gurdwara and tore the Gutka Sahib kept at home

Despite repeated assurances, the accused neither sent Gaganjit Singh abroad nor returned the money

Duo have 17 NDPS and Excise Act cases registered against them

7 teams consisting of 200 government officers, including those from food supply, the mandi board, and police, have started checking trucks

The BJP blames Punjab's AAP government for the recent floods, calling it a 'Mann-made disaster.' They accuse the government of mismanagement, corruption, poor preparedness, and failure to utilize central funds and address illegal sand mining, leading to widespread damage. They point to the absence of state leaders during the crisis.

Punjab will hold religious and cultural events in November to honor Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom. Celebrations include Kirtan Darbars, Nagar Kirtans, and a digital exhibition. A grand finale will be held at Anandpur Sahib with a special assembly session.

Amritsar, founded by Guru Ramdas, celebrates his birth anniversary. The city's layout, established by Guru Ramdas and Guru Arjan Dev, retains its historical character despite modernization. Originally named Ramdaspur, Amritsar, with its distinct neighborhoods and markets, has rebuilt itself after invasions, embodying faith and community spirit.

Rajinder Gupta, the AAP candidate, filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha bypoll. The vacancy arose after Sanjeev Arora's resignation, following his Ludhiana (West) election win. Gupta was supported by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other AAP leaders. The election is on October 24.

Sukhbir Singh Badal of SAD urged the Centre to commute Balwant Singh Rajoana's death sentence, citing his 29 years in jail and the Sikh community's sentiment. He referenced a central government notification from 2019. Badal also criticized the AAP government's energy policies, calling them gimmicks.

No assurance on case against MLA

AAP accuses the BJP of enabling caste-based discrimination in BJP-ruled states, including in Haryana. They cite an IPS officer's suicide note alleging harassment and discrimination by senior officers. AAP claims rising crimes against Scheduled Castes and Tribes in BJP-governed states, accusing the BJP of anti-Dalit sentiment.

The Congress party launches its campaign for the Tarn Taran bypoll, fielding Karanbir Singh Burj. They aim to unite the party and leverage secular credentials against the SAD, focusing on gangsterism and drug issues. A multi-cornered contest includes AAP, BJP, and Waris Punjab De. The Congress is also collecting signatures against alleged 'vote theft.'

Independent councillors withdrew support for AAP's Sangrur Municipal Council president, potentially causing the party to lose control. Ten councillors have now withdrawn support, citing dissatisfaction. AAP, despite having key figures from the district, secured only seven seats in elections.