Latest news with #Punjabis
News18
2 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Akal Takht seeks Jul 23 to be declared Guru Nanak Jahaz Remembrance Day
Amritsar, Jul 23 (PTI) Akal Takht's officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, on Wednesday called upon the Centre and the Punjab government to declare July 23 Guru Nanak Jahaz Remembrance Day. He said that on this day in 1914, under the leadership of Ghadar revolutionary Baba Gurdit Singh, a large group of Punjabis, mostly Sikhs, seeking a better future, arrived in Canada by ship. But in a grave violation of human rights, they were turned away, he said. On the 111th anniversary of the forced return of the ship from Canada in 1914, Gargaj said the episode has now been officially recognised in Canadian cities, such as Surrey and Vancouver, as Guru Nanak Jahaz Remembrance Day. He hailed the recognition as a significant step toward acknowledging historical truth and a proud moment for the Sikh community. The day commemorates a major struggle against racism, led by Baba Gurdit Singh, who in 1914 founded the Guru Nanak Steamship Company. He chartered a Japanese vessel from the Komagata Maru Company, renamed it Guru Nanak Jahaz, and challenged Canada's then racist immigration laws, he said. Gargaj said the journey from Hong Kong to Canada was 'deeply spiritual," marked by the presence of Guru Granth Sahib, Akand Panth Sahib, and the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) on board. Of the 377 passengers, 341 were Sikhs. He expressed regret that in India, history books still refer to the ship as Komagata Maru, despite Baba Gurdit Singh naming it Guru Nanak Jahaz, as he mentioned so in his autobiographical book 'Guru Nanak Jahaz' also. He appealed to universities, academic institutions, and gurdwara management bodies across India to correct the name of the ship to Guru Nanak Jahaz. PTI JMS CHS VN VN view comments First Published: July 23, 2025, 18:00 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.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
As Punjab BJP chief makes emotive pitch for alliance revival, mixed reactions from Akali side
There is a fresh buzz around a possible revival of the ties between the Sukhbir Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and BJP, long-term allies who fell apart during the farm law protests. The speculation isn't new. Last year too, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, talks of a SAD-BJP revival had gained traction in political circles. Back then, BJP state president Sunil Jakhar had said 'if the SAD-BJP alliance happens, it will be as per the emotion of masses'. However, the parties eventually decided to contest the Lok Sabha elections independently amid fresh farmers' protests on the Punjab-Haryana border, with the BJP-led Central government under fire for holding out on the demand for legally guaranteed minimum support prices (MSP). As the 2027 Assembly elections in Punjab draw near, the conversation around the alliance has returned, with Jakhar this time reiterating the need for a SAD-BJP partnership. 'The alliance in the state is the need of the hour as forces inimical to Punjab are once again active,' said Jakhar. Making an emotive pitch for the alliance, Jakhar said, 'Punjab is not just a state — it's a deeply emotional and self-respecting society. Punjabis are resilient, proud of their history, and driven by sentiment. But over time, they feel they have been wronged, their sacrifices unrecognised, and their contributions overlooked. They seek more than financial packages… They seek recognition, respect, and a sense of belonging.' 'Pagri means not only turban, but also symbolises 'sardari' — self-esteem. The people of Punjab need a party that speaks from the heart, not just as administrators but as one of their own. That's where the BJP needs to position itself — with young, credible, honest, and uncompromised leaders who represent the spirit of Punjab. Our focus should not be about electoral gains, but gaining the trust of Punjabis,' Jakhar added. However, not all on the Akali side have welcomed the idea. While leaders of a rebel SAD faction dismissed the alliance proposal, the Sukhbir Badal-led party took a cautious line. Daljeet Singh Cheema, a former state minister and senior leader in the Sukhbir-led SAD, said, 'Jakhar sahab's statement reflects public sentiment and his personal political experience. We too sense this sentiment — rural and urban Punjab both desire a stable and secular government. However, whether or not an alliance is formed will be decided on the party platform after evaluating many factors.' However, Charanjeet Singh Brar, a senior leader from the rebel faction of the SAD that has aligned with the Akal Takht (which is the highest seat of Sikh temporal authority and had last year held Sukhbir guilty of religious misconduct), questioned Jakhar's eagerness. 'Why is Sunil Jakhar in such a hurry for an alliance when the Akali Dal is at its all-time low? What about unresolved issues — the control of gurdwara committees in Haryana and Delhi, Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences but remain in jail, and the pending Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections for over 15 years?' Brar said. A senior leader from the same rebel faction, speaking on condition of anonymity, also challenged Jakhar's contention that the 'public sentiment and political situation is similar to that of 1996', the year the SAD and BJP first came together. 'How can Jakhar equate the 1996 conditions with today? Back then, the SAD was strong and the BJP was emerging. Now, the SAD is at its weakest while the BJP is at its peak nationally. Is this eagerness for an alliance with the Akali Dal or the Badal family?' the leader said. The SAD-BJP alliance was first forged in 1996, at a time when Punjab was recovering from a period of Khalistani militancy. In the 1997 state elections, the alliance won a thumping majority with 95 seats in the 117-member Assembly. After the alliance broke in 2020, the parties contested the 2022 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha polls independently, but neither tasted success. Though the BJP's vote share has improved over the years, it has not translated into seats. Since falling out of power in 2017, the SAD's influence and vote bank have eroded as it faced a series of controversies – from the sacrilege cases in 2015 to last year's standoff between Sukhbir and the Akal Takht. In the 2022 Assembly polls, the SAD and BJP won three and two seats respectively. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the SAD won only one seat while the BJP failed to win any. In subsequent bypolls too, the two parties failed to make an impact. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said they were not worrying about the old allies coming together. Neel Garg, senior AAP spokesperson, said, 'Zero plus zero equals zero. Since 1996, when the alliance was formed, Punjab has seen a downfall in farming, panthic norms, and federal values. The Akali Dal hit rock bottom due to incidents like the Bargari sacrilege, where culprits were never arrested. The BJP's role in pushing the three farm laws led to the loss of over 750 farmers' lives. Punjab hasn't forgotten and won't forgive.' Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring echoed the AAP's sentiments. 'Sunil Jakhar has a hidden alliance with the Akali Dal already… Why did the BJP break the alliance with the SAD in the first place? Earlier they thought they could do something on their own in Punjab, and now that they are being shown the ground realities by voters … they have started remembering communal harmony all of a sudden. The Akali Dal is already dead and hence zero plus zero is equal to zero only.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
4 villages get vacuum tankers from Seechewal
Ludhiana: MP and environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal Monday provided vacuum tankers to four villages in the district using his MPLAD fund. It will benefit Bhukhri Khurd, Bhamia Khurd, Amar Colony, and Guru Ramdas Colony. Earlier, dairy waste and cow dung from these villages would flow directly into the Buddha Dariya. With the vacuum tankers, the wastewater will now be collected and disposed of in open fields, thereby preventing the Buddha Dariya from getting polluted. A grant of Rs 15 lakh was allocated for the tankers, which were formally handed over to the sarpanch of the villages in a ceremony attended by the MP, Buddhewal sugar mill chairman Zora Singh Mundian, and mayor Inderjit Kaur Gill. Sarpanch Satpal Singh of Bhukhri Khurd village, Balwinder Singh Virk of Guru Ramdas Nagar Colony, Kulwant Singh of Bhamia Khurd, and Rajinder Singh Hundal of Amar Colony thanked Seechewal for the initiative. Seechewal said, "The Buddha Dariya belongs to all Punjabis, and it is our collective duty to keep it clean. This river has been blessed by Guru Nanak, which makes it as sacred as the Holy Bein. That is why it is being cleaned with the same reverence and dedication."
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Punjab CM Mann slams opposition for misleading people on land pooling policy
Dhuri (Sangrur), July 21 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday called his government's land pooling scheme 'pro-farmer" and 'development oriented", and slammed the opposition parties for 'misleading" people about the ambitious policy. Mann also urged people not to get swayed away by the 'misleading propaganda" of the rival parties about the land pooling scheme, reiterating that his government will not forcibly acquire land from the farmers. The AAP government in Punjab has been facing flak from the opposition parties, which dubbed the land pooling policy a 'looting" scheme to 'rob" farmers of their land. Addressing a gathering here after disbursing grants worth Rs 31.30 crore to 70 villages under the Dhuri assembly segment for development works, Mann slammed the opposition for 'hoodwinking" facts to misinform people about the scheme just for 'vested political interests". The chief minister said there will be no forcible acquisition of land under the new land pooling scheme, which will immensely 'benefit" the farmers of the state. Mann also said that people are aware of the 'dubious character" of the opposition leaders, who 'backstabbed" Punjabis on several issues. The land pooling policy is aimed at creating a perennial source of income for the farmers and making them an active partner in the growth and progress of the state, he said. No forcible acquisition of land will take place and only those farmers who agree with the policy will give their land, Mann added. According to the policy, the farmers will get commercial and residential plots under the scheme. 'There is no forcible acquisition. There is no bar on the land registry. If anybody wants to give land, he can give. He will get 1,000 square yards of residential plot and 200 square yards of commercial plot under the scheme," Mann said. 'If you have given your land, you can do farming till the government develops the land," he added. 'Do not believe in rumours being spread by the opposition parties. We want Punjab's success," Mann said, as he targeted the opposition parties for criticising his government over the land pooling scheme. Mann also said that commercial property in planned colonies to be carved out under the land pooling scheme will be a permanent asset for the farmers. The state government's new policy is aimed at giving impetus to the overall growth of the state, he said, adding that the scheme will benefit the common man by giving a major fillip to the overall development of Punjab. The state Cabinet last month gave its nod to the land pooling policy and asserted that 'not even a single yard will be forcibly acquired from the land owners". Under the land pooling policy, a land owner will be given 1,000 square yards of residential plot and 200 square yards of commercial plot in fully developed land in lieu of one acre of land, the state government said earlier. It also said the policy was designed to foster transparent and planned urban development across Punjab. Speaking on the ongoing anti-drug drive, Mann said it will act as a catalyst to wipe out the blot of drugs from the state. Under the campaign, the state government has already broken the backbone of the drugs trade, Mann claimed. The big fish involved in the drug trade have already been put behind bars, he added. PTI CHS ARI view comments First Published: 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.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Azad Group joins SAD, Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa to contest Tarn Taran bypoll
Jhabal (Tarn Taran): Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday announced Azad Group president Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa as the party's candidate for the Tarn Taran bypoll, marking the merger of the grassroots group into the SAD. The merger is a shot in the arm for the SAD in the rural, border constituency. Addressing a rally where he made the announcement, Sukhbir said Randhawa, along with 43 serving sarpanches, eight municipal councillors, and several former sarpanches and chairmen, had joined the SAD. He also declared Randhawa as the party's halqa in-charge for Tarn Taran. The bypoll was necessitated by June 27 passing away of AAP MLA Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal. The Election Commission is yet to announce a date for the bypoll, but the AAP, the BJP and the SAD have already started work for the electoral contest. Three-time MLA Harmeet Singh Sandhu joined the AAP last week, while BJP announced former minister Surjit Kumar Jyani as its in-charge for the constituency just a day later. Sandhu had quit SAD in 2024. At the rally in Tarn Taran's Jhabal village, Sukhbir said senior SAD functionary Gulzar Singh Ranike would be the in-charge for the bypoll campaign. He appealed to Punjabis to unite under the Akali flag to counter "outside forces" who wanted to loot the state. "These forces were behind the 2015 acts of sacrilege which were committed with the sole aim of weakening SAD. We have already called for an independent probe into these sacrilege cases as it feels that only a free-and-fair probe can unmask AAP's role in these heinous incidents," Sukhbir said. He said the AAP's role in the incidents of sacrilege was evident from the conviction of its legislator for sacrilege of the Quran. Randhawa said parties often neglected Punjab after coming to power and accused AAP govt of handing over the state's control to Delhi.
