
Ludhiana: Eyeing harmony with anti-sacrilege law: Arora
Citing past incidents such as the Bargari-Behbal Kalan sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib, which disturbed peace in the state, Arora said, 'With this new law, we will ensure that such acts are deterred through strict legal consequences.'
He reiterated the Mann-led government's commitment to restoring Punjab's prosperity and vibrancy. He emphasised that every decision made by the Mann-led government is driven by a commitment to the progress, welfare and betterment of Punjab's people.
Arora also issued a stern warning to those exploiting Punjab through violence, corruption or drug trafficking. 'Those who amass wealth through unlawful means will face the consequences of their actions,' he stated, reinforcing the government's zero-tolerance stance on crime and corruption.
Grewal demands inclusion of Hindu temples and idols in sacrilege Bill
Senior BJP leader and prominent Sikh figure Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal accused the AAP government of adopting a 'selective and vote-bank-driven' approach in drafting the sacrilege Bill, which is expected to be tabled during a special session of the Punjab Assembly on July 10 and 11.
Grewal urged the government to broaden the scope of the bill to protect all religious communities. 'If this government is sincere, it must include Pran Pratishthit Hindu temples and idols in the Bill. Anything less would be a betrayal to millions of Hindus whose sacred spaces have also faced repeated attacks,' he said.
'For years, Hindu temples have been vandalised and desecrated under this government's nose. The AAP dispensation has conveniently turned a blind eye. Are Hindu sentiments expendable in Punjab politics? Are they just not vote-worthy enough for the Mann government?' he questioned.
While welcoming the inclusion of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the proposed Bill, he said, 'The BJP holds the Guru Granth Sahib in the highest spiritual and national esteem.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Indian Express
23 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Over 100 arrested across UK amid protests in support of banned group Palestine Action
Over 100 people have been arrested across the United Kingdom for protesting against the government's decision to label Palestine Action as a terror group. Demonstrations in support of the pro-Palestine group were held in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol and Truro as part of a campaign led by Defend Our Juries. According to the Metropolitan police, at least 55 people were held on suspicion of terrorism offences, under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after they displayed placards supporting Palestine Action. The demonstration has been termed as the largest in Westminster. With placards which read 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,' supporters of the banned Palestine Action group were surrounded at London's Parliament Square beside the Mahatma Gandhi statue on Saturday. Police officers searched the bags of those detained, while some were carried away, a few others were handcuffed. Sky: More than 100 people protesting against the ban of Palestine Action have been arrested in towns and cities across the UK. In London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol and Truro. The group became a proscribed terrorist organisation two weeks — Defend our Juries (@DefendourJuries) July 19, 2025 Metropolitan police added that nine people were further arrested for supporting Palestine Action group, when a large-scale march was organised to Whitehall by the Palestine Coalition, The Guardian reported. One further arrest was made following the last update bringing the total to 66, the details of which are below. This will be the final post on today's protest updates thread. — Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) July 19, 2025 Defending the Palestine Action group, Defend Our Juries in a post on X stated, 'The UK government is complicit in Israel's genocide against Palestinians. They are attempting to silence those who expose this complicity.' The Prime Minister Keir Starmer-led UK government proscribed Palestine Action as a terror group under the Terrorism Act of 2000, which made the support or membership of the group a criminal and punishable offence. A report by The Guardian quoted a woman who was detained in Parliament Square and said, 'We demand that Palestine Action is de-proscribed. Our government is not only arming a genocide, they are using terrorism laws to silence people who speak out.' The Israel-Gaza war, which started with militant group Hamas' surprise attack on Tel Aviv in October 2023, doesn't seem to be moving towards a ceasefire as key demands by both the warring factions have not been agreed upon.
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
23 minutes ago
- Business Standard
BJP govt transforming states into hubs of development, says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed that investments worth over ₹1 trillion have been grounded in Uttarakhand in the past two years. He stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments were committed to the development of states, enabling them to attract industries and generate employment. "Under the leadership of Modi Ji, BJP governments are transforming states into hubs of good governance and development, making them preferred destinations for investment, industry, and employment. I am delighted that in Uttarakhand, over Rs 1 lakh crore worth of investments have already been grounded in the past two years," Shah posted on X. "On this occasion, I interacted with investors and young entrepreneurs at the 'Uttarakhand Investment Festival - 2025' held in Rudrapur. In the double-engine government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand is emerging as a new hotspot for sectors ranging from tourism to healthcare, infrastructure, and food processing," he added. Earlier on Saturday, Shah addressed the 'Uttarakhand Investment Festival - 2025', organized on the occasion of the realisation of ₹1 trillion worth of investments in Uttarakhand, and the inauguration and foundation laying ceremony of various development projects worth ₹1,271 crore by the state government. The Home Minister was also felicitated by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister, who joined him for the inauguration and laying of the foundation stone for various schemes under the Uttarakhand government. Shah took a strong swipe at the Congress party, accusing them of "torturing agitators" when the people of Uttarakhand were fighting for the demand of a state. Meanwhile, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev on Saturday praised the massive success of Uttarakhand Nivesh Utsav, calling the Rs 1 lakh crore investment a "foundation stone for the state's golden future." Speaking at the investment summit held in Rudrapur, Ramdev said that Uttarakhand had emerged as a global hub for wellness, spirituality, education, and health, and that the investment push would only boost its stature further. "This festival, which gathered an investment of more than one lakh crore rupees, will lay a new foundation stone for its golden future," he told mediapersons. He later added, "An investment of more than one lakh crore rupees is a huge achievement... Today, Uttarakhand has become a huge destination for health, education, religion, and spirituality worldwide." Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that terrorism and Naxalism no longer dare to raise their heads in the country, crediting the nation's leadership for creating a secure environment that supports economic growth and investment. Dhami described the event as a historic moment for the state's development. "...Today, terrorism and Naxalism in the country dare not raise their heads. Today, the country has also set new benchmarks in the field of occasion has been marked as an important chapter in Uttarakhand's development journey. We are holding the of the Uttarakhand Global Investment Summit..." he said while addressing investors and dignitaries.


News18
37 minutes ago
- News18
BJP Banking On Bengal-Based Leaders For 2026 Poll Campaign
Last Updated: Observers suggest that this tactical pivot reflects a recognition of the need for stronger local resonance With the Bengal assembly elections to be held in 2026, both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) have demonstrably begun to lay the groundwork for what promises to be another high-stakes electoral battle. This week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Mamata Banerjee effectively set the tone for their respective parties, actively engaging in strategies designed to energise their cadres and sway the electorate. The BJP, in particular, is signalling a significant shift in its campaign playbook for West Bengal. Sources indicate a deliberate move to empower and prioritise Bengal-based leaders to spearhead the ground campaign. This strategy aims to ensure that leaders deeply rooted in the state's cultural fabric will drive door-to-door outreach and orchestrate large-scale campaign events. While national 'star campaigners" like Prime Minister Modi and union home minister Amit Shah will maintain their usual impactful visits, the party plans to reduce the reliance on leaders brought in from other states. The emphasis, this time, is squarely on Bengali or Bangla-bhashi leaders to connect more organically with the local populace. Observers suggest that this tactical pivot reflects a recognition of the need for stronger local resonance. Any election for the BJP typically involves massive logistical planning and the deployment of teams from across the country to the target state. However, for Bengal 2026, leaders with stronger Bengali connections are being strategically prioritised. Names currently circulating as potential key campaigners include Tripura chief minister Manik Saha and MP Biplab Deb, both with strong regional appeal. Assam's Pabitra Margherita, known for his Bengali heritage, is also likely to be involved, alongside Jharkhand's Annapurna Devi and former union minister Smriti Irani, who has cultivated a notable rapport with the people of Bengal. This strategic adjustment aligns with Prime Minister Modi's recent directive on Friday, urging party workers to focus intensely on the 'Bengali asmita" (pride) agenda. During a rally in Durgapur, PM Modi emphasised the BJP's commitment to Bengal's identity, history, and development, directly countering the TMC's narrative. He began his address with traditional Bengali chants of 'Jai Ma Kali, Jai Ma Durga" and accused the TMC of hindering Bengal's progress while encouraging illegal infiltration. Party insiders further affirm that the over 50 BJP MLAs currently holding seats in the assembly will play a crucial role, working diligently to retain their constituencies and serving as vital grassroots connectors in the upcoming campaign. The TMC, under chief minister Mamata Banerjee, is also actively consolidating its base, with party leaders like Abhishek Banerjee setting ambitious targets for a fourth consecutive term, promising to counter the BJP's narrative and protect Bengal's interests. view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 07:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.