The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab, in a press conference held in Jalandhar, slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his objectionable remarks about Dr. BR Ambedkar. Terming the remarks as an insult to the architect of the Indian Constitution, AAP leaders accused the BJP and RSS of pursuing an anti-Dalit and anti-Constitution agenda.

Addressing the media, AAP leader Pawan Kumar Tinu criticized the BJP and RSS, highlighting their consistent attempts to undermine the secular and inclusive values of the Constitution. He said, “Dr. BR Ambedkar spent his entire life building the Constitution, uniting a diverse nation, and ensuring equal rights for all. The BJP and RSS have repeatedly tried to demean his legacy and create apprehensions about changing the Constitution. Amit Shah’s remarks reflect their anti-Dalit and anti-reservation mindset.”

Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO also condemned the remarks, stating, “Amit Shah’s statements in Parliament were cruel and deeply hurtful to millions of Indians who revere Dr. Ambedkar as a guiding light. Baba Sahib crafted a Constitution that unified a fragmented nation and protected the rights of the downtrodden. 

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, on Tuesday visited the city and directed officers to take strict action against the perpetrators of the attack on a police station.

The visit came a few hours after an incident reported at Amritsar’s Islamabad police station at around 3 A.M.

Chairing a high-level meeting, the DGP emphasised the need for officers to use both technical and human intelligence to detect and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

He asked the officers to identify common trends and patterns in such heinous crimes and conduct investigations in a scientific manner, utilising all the technical and forensic tools for detection of crimes to ensure conviction of the accused.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner of Police (CP) 

The Shiromani Akali Dal has approached the Punjab Haryana High Court regarding the municipal elections. The Akali Dal has argued that during the nomination of Nigam Chauna, bullying was done in violation of the rules.

They alleged that no videography was done during the nominations and many people's papers were rejected and their papers confiscated. The matter will be heard on December 18 in the Punjab Haryana High Court

 In the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, Chief Minister Atishi on Monday hit out at the night stays by BJP leaders in slums as a “drama” for vote bank politics, a charge denied by the Opposition party.

Addressing the media, Atishi claimed that BJP leaders were distributing dresses and goodies in slums and making lists of voters for deletion from electoral rolls, while Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said this is an interaction exercise, especially with the youth, in slum clusters to understand their problems and solutions directly from them.

CM Atishi said, “If there is any well-wisher of slum dwellers in the city it is Arvind Kejriwal, an Indian Revenue Service officer who quit his job and served people while living, spending six months in a slum cluster in Seemapuri.”

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday announced the success of the Bill Liayo Inam Pao scheme, which has rewarded 3,592 winners with prizes of Rs 2,11,42,495 for uploading their purchase bills on the ‘Mera Bill’ app till December.

Cheema said this innovative scheme, launched in September 2023, aimed to promote tax compliance and reward honest taxpayers, has successfully encouraged consumers to upload 1,27,509 bills since its inception.

He said that the prizes of Rs 1,59,93,965 have already been distributed among 2,752 winners. “As many as 247 winners, winning prizes of Rs 15,02,010, have been declared for November 2024,” he said in a statement.

Highlighting the significant impact of the scheme in curbing tax evasion and increasing revenue for the state, Finance Minister Cheema lauded the scheme for its effectiveness in promoting transparency and accountability in tax collection.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday condemned remarks by BJP MP (Rajya Sabha) Ram Chander Jangra against farmers and the people of Punjab.

The AAP unit of Punjab said the MP's statement alleging the disappearance of 700 women during the farmers’ movement and accusing Punjabis of spreading drugs, reflects a deeply prejudiced and malicious mindset.

AAP spokesperson Neel Garg said here, “Such vile statements are not isolated incidents but part of a calculated attempt by BJP leaders to malign the image of Punjabis and farmers. Even if the BJP later distances itself by calling these personal remarks, it is evident that these statements align with the BJP’s divisive agenda and mindset.”

Garg pointed out that the farmers’ movement was a historic

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced that every woman of the capital will get monthly monetary assistance of Rs 1,000/- and this would be raised to Rs 2,100 if the party is voted to power in upcoming Assembly elections.

The big announcement, apparently inspired from schemes in other states, comes days ahead of Assembly elections in the capital, slated for February next year.

He further said that the scheme, dubbed as ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’ has been approved by the Delhi cabinet, leading to enhancement of the monthly amount from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,100.

Addressing the people, the AAP chief said that since election dates will be announced in the capital in next few days, transfer of money couldn't be done now, however the registration process for availing the benefits under the scheme will begin from tomorrow.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Wednesday that his party will go solo in the upcoming Assembly elections in the national capital and there was no possibility of any alliance with the Congress.

Setting aside the murmurs of an alliance between Congress and the AAP, Kejriwal posted on X that his party will be fighting the elections on its own.

"Aam Aadmi party will be fighting this election on its own strength in Delhi. There is no possibility of any alliance with congress."

For the past some time there were speculations that the two would be joining together to take on the BJP in Delhi. It was said that the Congress and AAP were in the final stages of an agreement for an alliance.

The Congress and its allies in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday moved a no-confidence motion against Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, with INDIA bloc members formally submitting a proposal to this effect to the Secretary General of the upper house.

The opposition alleged that the Chairman has been conducting the proceedings of the upper house in a highly partisan manner, leaving them no choice but to take this unprecedented step.

Congress members maintained that such biased handling of Rajya Sabha proceedings undermines the democratic process, prompting the INDIA bloc parties to collectively bring the motion forward.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Monday reached out to the 22,000 contractual employees of Delhi Transport Corporation and assured them of a pay hike, regularisation of service, posting in depots close to their homes and re-skilling of drivers in running e-buses as the CNG fleet gets phased out.

Addressing a press conference, CM Atishi said a proposal is being sent to Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena for offering grade pay, in place of the current daily wage of Rs 843 or Rs 21,900 monthly, translating into a monthly salary of Rs 32,900 for contractual drivers and Rs 29,000 for contractual conductors.

“Hopefully, this proposal will be cleared soon and in a month or two, contract drivers and conductors will start getting regular grade pay, along with annual increments,” said CM Atishi, adding a proposal for regularisation of service of contractual staff will also be sent to the L-G.

After several schools in Delhi received bomb threats on Monday morning, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a scathing attack on the Centre and Union Home Minister, questioning the law and order situation in the national Capital.

Over 40 schools in the national Capital, including DPS RK Puram and GD Goenka School in Paschim Vihar, received bomb threats via E-mail.

The threats caused panic during the bustling morning hours as students were arriving at their schools, parents were dropping off their children, and staff were preparing for the day.

Authorities quickly evacuated students and staff as a precautionary measure, intensifying concerns about the security of educational institutions in Delhi.

AAP National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the deteriorating law and order situation in the national Capital.

His remarks came after a shocking shootout in Shahdara, Delhi, where a 52-year-old businessman, Sunil Jain, was killed by two bike-borne assailants when he was returning home after a morning walk.

Taking to X, Kejriwal wrote, "Amit Shah ji has ruined Delhi. He has turned Delhi into a jungle raj. People are living a life of terror everywhere. BJP is no longer able to handle the law and order situation in Delhi. The people of Delhi will have to unite and raise their voices."

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj also condemned the incident, labelling Delhi a "crime capital."

 AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday that the party has accepted Shahdra MLA and Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel's request for retirement from electoral politics due to health issues.

Kejriwal said the party has decided not to field Goel in the upcoming Assembly elections on his request.

He also hit out at BJP leaders who have criticised the AAP-led Punjab government for "deteriorating" law and order, citing the attempt on the life of Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal.

"I compliment Punjab Police for avoiding a big incident and want to request BJP leaders and media to also highlight the deteriorating law and order in Delhi and the threats to women, children and businessmen from shootouts and murders," said Kejriwal.

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha today criticized the government's proposed Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak-2024, while discussing the Indian Aviation Bill 2024 in Parliament. He raised important issues related to air travel and emphasized the need to make air travel more accessible and affordable for the common people.

He emphasized the importance of a robust transportation system for the nation's progress, stating, "When the speed of travel increases, the nation moves forward."

Chadha pointed out that increased airfares have made travel unaffordable for the common man.

He cited examples like ticket prices on common routes like Delhi to Mumbai and Patna have soared to Rs. 10,000–Rs. 14,500. He also cited the example of the Maldives, saying that while the government is promoting Lakshadweep instead of the Maldives, the airfare to the Maldives is Rs. 17,000, whereas the fare to Lakshadweep is Rs. 25,000. He remarked, "The country's progress will accelerate only when air travel becomes faster and more affordable."

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal has been assassinated. Former terrorist Narayan Singh Chaura tried to shoot Sukhbir Badal at Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Punjab. Chaura was arrested by security personnel.

Gunshots were fired in the premises of Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar where Akali leaders including party president Sukhbir Singh Badal are 'serving' under the sentences handed down by Sri Akal Takht Sahib on December 2.

The video of this entire accident is going viral on social media. In this video, a person comes close to Sukhbir Singh Badal and pulls out a gun, while people present near him catch the person. Meanwhile he fires several times.

The Delhi High Court on Monday agreed to examine a plea filed by senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia against the trial court’s decision taking cognisance of the prosecution complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged liquor policy scam case.

A bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri issued notice and sought response from the federal anti-money laundering agency in the matter.

In his petition, Sisodia contended that the trial court took cognisance of the alleged offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) without any prior sanction having been obtained by the ED for prosecution.

The plea added that the trial court should have not taken cognisance of ED's prosecution complaint without sanction since he held a public office at the time of the commission of the alleged money laundering offence.

Former Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal arrived at Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar on a wheelchair today, ahead of the much-anticipated Tankhaiya verdict.

The Akali leader, seen in a wheelchair, was accompanied by several senior SAD leaders and party supporters as he made his way to the highest temporal seat of the Sikh community.

The visit comes amid significant speculation regarding the decision by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib on the charges against Sukhbir Singh Badal. The matter pertains to alleged violations of Sikh religious norms during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab. Badal had earlier sought forgiveness and expressed his willingness to accept the Takht’s directive with humility.

In the first major reshuffle of Indian Administrative Service officers since Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini assumed office for the second time in October, 44 IAS officers, including Ashok Khemka, have been transferred.

Khmeka, the 1991-batch officer, who is considered close to Transport Minister Anil Vij, has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary (Transport). Khemka is known as the most transferred IAS officer in the country, with over 55 recorded transfers in his career spanning three decades.

The government on Sunday night transferred 44 IAS officers.

Anurag Rastogi, the 1990-batch officer, who was given the charge of Chief Secretary three days ago, has been posted as the Financial Commissioner (Revenue). He would continue to hold the charge of Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) as well.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was “attacked” with water by a protestor on Saturday while he was undertaking a padyatra in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar colony. The attacker was detained by police.

The attacker was identified as Ashok Jha. The reason behind the “water attack” was not clear.

AAP supporters blamed BJP workers for the attack, a charge dismissed by the Delhi BJP which questioned why only Kejriwal gets targeted ahead of elections, despite enjoying a security cover.

The AAP said in a social media post claiming that even a former CM of Delhi is now not secure in the city.

Due to the constant initiative by Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha in Parliament, the central government has decided to bring back historical artifacts related to Maharaja Ranjit Singh from abroad. 

This initiative is seen not only as an effort to preserve India’s history and heritage but also as a major achievement for Raghav Chadha.

AAP National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday hit out at the BJP-led Central government and Home Minister Amit Shah for failure to maintain law and order in the national Capital which, he said is witnessing Mumbai-style gang wars and a spurt in murders.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Kejriwal said, “Over the past year-and-a-half, law and order in Delhi has collapsed. Businessmen are getting extortion calls, women are facing eve-teasing and there is a spurt in murders, making Delhi one of the most unsafe cities to live in.”

Highlighting comments like Delhi becoming the “rape capital of the world”, Kejriwal shared crime data and said that in 2022 as many as 501 murders were reported in the city, which was among the highest in the past few years.

“In the last three months, at least 20 people were killed in gang wars in the trans-Yamuna area,” he said.

“Delhiites are living in fear. They are afraid of being harmed by criminals,” he said, adding that when people made him the Chief Minister 10 years ago and asked him to improve hospitals and power supply he delivered on the promise.

Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is celebrating her 34th birthday today. On this occasion, CM Mann also shared a picture with his wife on social media and wished her health, progress and mutual love.

The Chief Minister tweeted, My life partner Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Maan Happy birthday to.. May God bless you with health, progress and mutual love.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Dr. Gurpreet Kaur got married on July 7, 2022. CM's wife is the youngest of three sisters. One of his sisters lives in America while the other is settled in Australia.

Their marriage became a topic of much discussion. He often shares pictures with his wife on social media. Their pictures go viral as soon as they hit social media.

Showcasing the education model of the AAP government in the national Capital, Chief Minister Atishi said on Tuesday that it was only in Delhi where a curriculum of patriotism is taught in government schools, apart from other subjects.

Addressing NCC cadets at the launch of an underground shooting range in Rohini, CM Atishi said many talented people are unable to pursue shooting due to the high cost involved.

“With such ranges, no economic constraint would be able to prevent them from winning medals for the country,” CM Atishi said, adding that another shooting range would be inaugurated soon at Kalkaji.

The Delhi Chief Minister said she would look forward to felicitating NCC cadets who, after training at the new shooting range, would win international medals in coming years.

Assuring 47,000 NCC cadets in Delhi of full support in coming times, CM Atishi said education’s purpose is not just to find a job.

In celebration of the appointment of a new president and working president of the party, as well as the significant victories in three seats in the by-elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will take out a Shukrana Yatra from Patiala to Amritsar on November 26.

AAP leader and Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh shared this information with the media during a press conference at the party office in Chandigarh. He informed that the Yatra will begin from the famous Kali Mata Temple in Patiala and will pass through Sri Darbar Sahib, Durgiana Temple in Amritsar, and end at Shri Ram Teerth Temple. AAP Punjab General Secretary Harchand Singh Barsat, party spokesperson Bikram Jeet Passi, and AAP leader and chairman Amandeep Singh Mohi were also present at the press conference.

The state election machinery is all set for a smooth and peaceful counting of votes in 288 Assembly constituencies across Maharashtra to be held on Saturday.

Buoyed by a record 66 per cent polling against 61.1 per cent in the 2019 Assembly elections, the office of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said that the counting of votes will start at 8 a.m. at all polling stations. During this process, the counting of postal ballots will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the counting of votes on EVMs at 8:30 a.m.

MahaYuti comprising BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP and Maha Vikas Aghadi consisting of Congress, Shiv Sena UBT and NCP-SP are engaged in a fierce fight for supremacy.

The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday released its first list of 11 candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in Delhi. The party has fielded turncoats Anil Jha from Kirari and Veer Singh Dhingan from Seemapuri. Apart from them, the party has fielded, Brahma Singh Tanwar from Chhatarpur, Deepak Singla from Vishwas Nagar, Sarita Singh from Rohtas Nagar, BB Tyagi from Laxmi Nagar, Ram Singh Neta Ji from Badarpur, Zubair Chaudhary from Seelampur, Gaurav Sharma from Ghonda, Manoj Tyagi from Karawal Nagar and Sumesh Shokeen from Matiala.

As disposable income and private consumption surge, the average price of homes sold in top seven cities was Rs 1.23 crore in the first six months this fiscal, against Rs 1 crore in the corresponding period of FY24, an increase of 23 per cent (year-on-year), according to a report on Wednesday.

There have been record new launches and sales of costlier homes across these cities amid escalating demand for luxury homes after the pandemic, as per the Anarock Group data.

“Over 2,27,400 units worth approximately Rs 2,79,309 crore were sold across the top 7 cities between April and September 2024. Contrastingly, the corresponding period of FY2024 saw approx. 2,35,200 units worth Rs 2,35,800 crores sold,” said Anuj Puri, Chairman, Anarock Group.

Despite a three per cent drop in overall unit sales, the total sales value outstripped that of a year ago by 18 per cent -- clearly underscoring the unrelenting demand for luxury homes, he added.

The Shiromani Akali Dal's (SAD) working committee on Monday unanimously appealed to party President Sukhbir Badal to reconsider his resignation, asserting that if he did not accept its request, the entire committee would resign en masse.

The committee, while expressing confidence in his leadership, said he should continue to steer the party as its President.

"This is the need of the hour," it said in a resolution.

The committee members also asserted that they were aware that a conspiracy had been hatched against the party and that its main purpose was to render the party leaderless.

"We will not allow such a conspiracy to succeed at any cost. Sukhbir Badal is our leader and will continue to be our leader."

Biman Bose, the veteran CPI(M) leader and chairman of the Left Front in West Bengal has been hospitalized after he complained of high fever and acute uneasiness since Monday night.

He is 84 now. According to party insiders, Bose returned to Kolkata from an organizational tour in North Dinajpur and Malda districts in the northern part of West Bengal on Monday evening.

“He started feeling uneasy when he was in Malda only. But, ignoring the discomfort, completed the party program there and came back to Kolkata. From Monday night, his fever and uneasiness increased. But he initially refused to be admitted to the hospital. Later after being convinced by the party leaders he agreed,” said a state committee member of CPI(M) in West Bengal.

Confirming the development, CPI(M)’s state secretary in West Bengal and the party politburo member Md Salim said that Bose will undergo some medical tests following which his exact medical ailments will be known.

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday administered the oath of office to Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in a swearing-in ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

Justice Khanna will be the 51st CJI and will have around six months in office.

As a Supreme Court judge, he has been part of the landmark judgments on Article 370, decriminalisation of adultery, the electoral bonds scheme, EVM-VVPAT tally etc.

On October 24, the Centre cleared the appointment of Justice Khanna to the highest judicial office of the country after then CJI D.Y. Chandrachud had recommended him as his successor last month.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday kicked off campaigning for the upcoming Assembly by-elections in Bihar, scheduled for November 13, focusing on the Tarari and Ramgarh constituencies.

He will be campaigning alongside JD(U)'s National Working President Sanjay Jha and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, with support from senior BJP leaders and other NDA allies.

His campaign will extend to Belaganj and Imamganj on November 10, as he rallies support for the BJP candidates in these competitive constituencies.

In Tarari, the BJP has nominated Vishal Prashant, the son of muscleman Sunil Pandey.

The stage is all set for a big celebration of democracy in Punjab as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will administer the oath of office to newly elected sarpanches at a function in Ludhiana on Friday, an official statement said.

This is the first-of-its-kind function organised by the state government to strengthen democracy at the grassroots, it said.

In the recently-concluded polls, 13,147 sarpanches of Gram Panchayats have been elected in 23 districts, out of which the newly elected 10,031 sarpanches of 19 districts will be administered oath at the function by the Chief Minister.

Meta has announced to extend ban on new political ads on Facebook and Instagram even after the US presidential election on November 5.

In its political ads policy update, Meta has extended ban on new political ads past Tuesday, the original end date for the restriction period.

“The restriction period for ads about social issues, elections or politics is being extended until later this week,” said the social media platform.

“As a reminder, ads that have run prior to 12:01 AM PT on October 29, 2024 and served at least one impression will be allowed to continue while the restriction period is in effect with limited editing capabilities,” said Meta.

Meta, however, did not specify the day it will lift the restriction.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has been appointed as the Chairman of Gurugram District Public Relations and Grievances Committee, the government said on Monday.

According to the notification issued by the Chief Secretary’s Office, Energy Minister Anil Vij has been appointed as Chairman of District Public Relations and Grievances Committees of Kaithal and Sirsa, while Development and Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar will handle Hisar and Rohtak, Industry and Commerce Minister Rao Singh will look at Nuh and Faridabad and Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda will oversee Bhiwani and Jind districts.

Likewise, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Vipul Goel has been given the responsibility of Rewari and Panchkula districts, Cooperation Minister Arvind Sharma of Mahendragarh, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana has been given the responsibility of Charkhi Dadri and Jhajjar districts, Public Health Engineering Minister Ranbir Gangwa has been given the responsibility of Ambala and Karnal districts.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received a significant boost for the Chabbewal Assembly by-election, while dealing Congress a major setback. On Saturday, Kulwinder Singh Rasulpuri, the constituency in-charge for Congress in Chabbewal, and Gurpreet Singh, the grandson of former MLA Chaudhary Ram Charan, joined AAP.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, with Hoshiarpur MP Dr. Rajkumar Chabbewal, formally welcomed both leaders into the party.

Kulwinder Singh Rasulpuri had been associated with the Congress party for about 35 years. He was promised a ticket by the Congress party for the by-election after Dr. Rajkumar Chabbewal left the party, but Congress didn't fulfill its promise. Disappointed, he left the Congress to join the AAP. He served as the Vice President of the Punjab Congress Trading Cell and as Vice president of the District Congress Committee Hoshiarpur. He was also the president of the Sarpanch Union in the Mahilpur block for 20 years. Him joining AAP is a major blow to the Congress party.