Punjab, a state in the northern part of India, has a dynamic and complex political landscape characterized by its vibrant democracy, diverse population, and a history of both agricultural prosperity and socio-political challenges. The state's political profile is shaped by its unique cultural, religious, and economic contexts, making it a significant player in India's broader political narrative.
The political scene in Punjab is predominantly dominated by two major parties: the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), along with a significant presence of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in recent years. The SAD, in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has historically been a major force, drawing support from the Sikh community and capitalizing on issues such as Sikh rights and regional autonomy. However, the INC, with its broader national appeal, has also enjoyed significant support by focusing on issues like economic development, social welfare, and secularism.
The entry of AAP into Punjab politics has introduced a new dynamic, appealing to voters with promises of clean governance, education reform, and health care improvements. This has disrupted the traditional two-party competition, leading to a more fragmented and competitive political environment.
Punjab's politics are deeply influenced by its agrarian economy, with agricultural policies and land rights being hot-button issues. The state has been at the forefront of various farmer-led protests, especially against the central government's agricultural reforms introduced in 2020, showcasing the political mobilization capacity of its agrarian community.
Furthermore, issues such as drug abuse, unemployment, and environmental sustainability have also shaped the political discourse, with parties and leaders being evaluated on their responses to these challenges. The state's history of insurgency in the 1980s and its impact on social fabric and politics cannot be overlooked, as it still influences the political rhetoric and public sentiment to some extent.
Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Gargaj's edict against Bhagwant Mann draws support from Opposition parties including Congress, BJP and Akali Dal, with the row set to heat up Punjab politics before Assembly polls.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has rejected Akal Takht's observations on the controversial video, alleging political motives behind the criticism and defending Punjab's anti-sacrilege law.
With nearly 10% of Punjab's paddy area under hybrid varieties this year, the debate over their future has only intensified. Here’s why this controversy has become particularly intense in recent years.
Appearing before an SIT probing the 2015 Behbal Kalan police firing, former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh is learnt to have said that Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal took responsibility for it
Data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) Friday showed that air quality has deteriorated significantly due to strong upper level (700-1000 m) wind blowing towards Delhi from stubble-burning areas.
The last rites of Punjabi singer and Congress leader Sidhu Moosewala was performed at his native village Moosa in Mansa district on Tuesday with huge crowds gathering at the site. He was shot dead on May 29.
The violent clash between two groups in Patiala, with protesters waving swords and pelting stones, is the first major test for the 43-day-old Bhagwant Singh Mann government.
The call to hold a 'Bharat bandh' by protesting farmers in the national capital was met with support from all corners. A glimpse of how the agitation is playing out across the country.
Bharat Bandh, Farmers Protest Today: At least 31 organisations, under the banner of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), are participating in the agitation.
Stubble burning is the deliberate setting fire of the straw stubble that remains after wheat is harvested. The smoke from this practice is often blamed as a major factor in Delhi’s air pollution. This is what the data says.
Type ‘Nabha Jail’ in search and Punjab’s high-security prison shows up as one of the most ‘checked-in’ locations in the state. Over 150 photographs have been uploaded on the social networking site by its inmates. And it’s not just Nabha. Patiala and Faridkot jail inmates too regularly spring up on Facebook with selfies and other photographs from inside.
New Delhi, Feb 25 (ANI): Expressing solidarity with the One Rank One Pension (OROP) veterans, Punjab Congress President Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday said it is his duty to stand with them. He said he was always available for the OROP veterans. He added that this issue has been raised for a long time by the Opposition and they would continue to do so till their demands were accepted.
Chandigarh, Feb 18 (ANI): Thousands of farmers from Punjab and Haryana marched to Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki’s residence here on Thursday demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report. The situation went out of control when agitated farmers broke barricades and burnt one tractor, forcing the police to bring the situation under control. The farmers warned to stage an indefinite protest in New Delhi on March 17 if the Centre failed to concede their demands.
Ludhiana (Punjab), Feb 12: Every year Ludhiana becomes the destination for hundreds of sports enthusiasts from around the world who come to witness the Kila Raipur Sports Festival or the Rural Olympics. In the 80th edition of the rural Olympics held in Kila Raipur near Ludhiana, children, youngsters and veterans exhibited their courage and skill. The four-day sporting event from February 4-7 saw stuntmen performing daredevil acts like weight lifting with beard, pulling car with teeth, standing on a moving bike, holding ladder in mouth among others. Sportspersons displayed their agility and dexterity in a plethora of other sports like shot-put, weight lifting, paragliding and karate. The sporting event started in 1933 with only wrestling and athletics. Sports lovers from around the world flock to witness the unique sporting event. These games not only promote sportsmanship but also help develop closer people-to-people contact.
New Delhi, Jan 21 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday said Hizb-ul-Mujahideen chief Sayeed Salahuddin's claim that his outfit was responsible for the January 1 and 2, 2016 terror strike in Pathankot, Punjab, should be dismissed and disregarded. He also said that they are here because they are being fed like their pets of the Pakistan government. He has also criticised Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's 'Kashmir policy'.
When 13-year-old Sridevi and newbie Rajinikanth were completely starstruck by Kamal Haasan
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Sridevi and Rajinikanth looked up to Kamal Haasan in the early stages of their careers, with both making their debuts alongside him in Moondru Mudichu and Apoorva Raagangal, respectively. The film played a crucial role in establishing Rajinikanth as an actor and inspired both stars to chase fame and fortune like Kamal. Sridevi and Rajinikanth collaborated with Kamal Haasan in numerous films.
