VOOZH about

URL: https://indianexpress.com/profile/author/raakhi-jagga/

⇱ Read All The Stories Written by Raakhi Jagga.


skip to content
Advertisement

Raakhi Jagga

Raakhi Jagga is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Ludhiana. With over two decades of experience, she is a leading voice on the socio-economic and political pulse of Punjab, particularly the Malwa region. Professional Background Specialization: She is widely known for her extensive on-ground coverage of agrarian distress, the 1971 war history, and the industrial challenges of Ludhiana (often called the Manchester of India). Key Coverage Areas: She has been at the forefront of reporting on the Farmer Protests, the impact of drug addiction on Punjabi youth, and the intricacies of the state's rural governance (Zila Parishads and Panchayats). Reporting Style: Her work often bridges the gap between high-level policy (like the MGNREGA or central farm laws) and their raw, grassroots impact on farmers and small-scale industrialists. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her reporting in late 2025 has focused heavily on rural elections, administrative controversies, and environmental policy: 1. Rural Governance & Politics "Punjab Zila Parishad polls: How candidates are placed and funding sources" (Dec 11, 2025): A comprehensive "Explained" piece breaking down the mechanics and financial structures of the 2025 rural body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailed reporting on the AAP's dominance in the recent local polls. "Before criticising VB-G RAM G, explain Punjab's MGNREGS work days" (Dec 19, 2025): Covering the political back-and-forth between the BJP and the AAP regarding the state’s employment guarantee performance. 2. Education & Labor Protests "Why experienced teachers in Punjab are protesting against govt-mandated bridge course" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on the friction between the state government and veteran educators over new training mandates. "Punjab government cancels recruitment drive for psychologists" (Dec 21, 2025): Investigating the abrupt cancellation of a recruitment drive in favor of outsourcing. 3. Agriculture & Industry "Anti-stubble-burning move backfires: Paddy waste left to rot in Fatehgarh Sahib" (Oct 24, 2025): An investigative report on the failure of supply chains intended to move stubble to biomass power plants. "Punjab farmers forced to buy other products with subsidised urea" (Oct 16, 2025): Detailing the persistent issue of "tagging," where farmers are coerced into buying unwanted products to get essential fertilizers. "Diwali 2025: Amid date confusion, here’s when industries will celebrate" (Oct 18, 2025): A localized report on how Ludhiana's massive industrial sector navigates holiday calendar discrepancies. 4. Crime & High-Profile Incidents "Ex-Punjab IPS officer IG Amar Singh Chahal shoots himself after cyber fraud" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering the tragic fallout of a massive ₹8.10 crore cyber fraud targeting a retired high-ranking...

More From Raakhi Jagga

👁 Punjab BJP yatra

Punjab BJP flags off 8-day Ambedkar circuit pilgrimage to woo Dalit voters

June 14, 2026 15:57 IST

With Punjab having the highest percentage of Scheduled Caste residents in the country, the BJP has initiated an all-expenses-paid pilgrimage tour to five iconic locations associated with Dr B R Ambedkar's life.

Sun, Jun 14, 2026
👁 eye

The ‘healing’ politicians of Punjab 

June 14, 2026 13:41 IST

Meet Punjab’s doctor-politicians who never stopped treating patients.

Sun, Jun 14, 2026
👁 Sukhbir-Singh-Badal

A fresh probe, old wounds: Punjab’s sacrilege row simmers ahead of 2027 polls

June 14, 2026 13:09 IST

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

Sun, Jun 14, 2026
👁 Hardeep-Singh-Puri_20260430205916_20260614004818.jpg

Won’t accept younger brother role: Hardeep Singh Puri on BJP-SAD alliance buzz ahead of Punjab polls

June 14, 2026 06:18 IST

Puri’s remarks came days after SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal brushed aside speculation about the possible alliance with the BJP, saying that his focus was on strengthening his party.

Sun, Jun 14, 2026
👁 Parambans Singh Romana

Senior Akali Dal leader Parambans Singh Bunty Romana denied entry to Canada, sent back

June 13, 2026 14:36 IST

Romana was leading a 12-member delegation, including ex-MLA Kanwarjit Singh Rozy Barkandi and party leader Raju Khanna, and was the only one who was denied entry.

Sat, Jun 13, 2026
👁 Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini participates in the mega convention of the Saini community

My doors are always open for Punjabis: Haryana CM reaches out to Saini community in Rajpura

June 13, 2026 13:26 IST

The Haryana chief minister also highlighted infrastructure projects in Rajpura, claiming the proposed Mohali-Rajpura rail link was being revived and that the Central projects worth over Rs 7,500 crore were linked to the constituency.

Sat, Jun 13, 2026
👁 AAP leaders during a roadshow in Bhatinda

Mann again: Kejriwal announces CM face, hints at early elections

June 13, 2026 13:11 IST

Praising Mann’s tenure, Kejriwal described him as an honest leader whose integrity remained unquestioned throughout his term.

Sat, Jun 13, 2026
👁 london

Punjab man murdered in UK, kin seek Centre’s help to bring body home

June 13, 2026 11:47 IST

Shattered by the news, the family now seeks the Union government and social organisations' assistance to bring Gurbhej's body back home.

Sun, Jun 14, 2026
👁 kejriwal.jpg_20260613010042.jpeg

Punjab: Arvind Kejriwal declares Bhagwant Mann as CM face, hints at early elections

June 13, 2026 06:31 IST

Kejriwal also highlighted the AAP government’s welfare initiatives, including 300 units of free electricity for domestic consumers and the recently launched Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, under which health treatment worth up to Rs 10 lakh has been made available free of cost.

Sat, Jun 13, 2026
👁 12Romana

Akali Dal leader Parambans Singh Bunty Romana denied entry to Canada, sent back

June 12, 2026 11:00 IST

Parambans Singh Bunty Romana, who has visited Canada in the past, was to meet NRIs in Toronto and other parts of the country.

Fri, Jun 12, 2026
👁 AAP leader (2)

Young AAP leaders take charge as Bathinda, Barnala elect mayors

June 11, 2026 22:01 IST

AAP’s Padamjit Singh Mehta retains Bathinda post; former Meet Hayer aide Hasan Bhardwaj becomes Barnala’s first Mayor.

Thu, Jun 11, 2026
👁 KMSC protest in Amritsar

Punjab farmers protest: What is driving reported shortages of fertilisers?

June 11, 2026 18:32 IST

Punjab’s fertiliser demand is highly seasonal and concentrated around crop sowing periods. With the kharif season beginning, some farmers have flagged shortages at a time when global fertiliser prices have spiked.

Fri, Jun 12, 2026
👁 Bhagwant-Mann-5_20260513030331_20260607104046_20260610180423.jpg

‘Desperate bid to regain power’: Why Bhagwant Mann is talking about an SAD-BJP reunion

June 11, 2026 07:05 IST

While BJP and SAD leaders have largely avoided making definitive public statements on a possible alliance, rival parties have repeatedly raised the issue, as have BJP leaders like Capt Amarinder Singh and former Punjab chief Sunil Jakhar

Wed, Jun 10, 2026
👁 Manpreet Singh Ayali

Ayali switches to Amritpal’s party, puts panthic unity to another political test

June 09, 2026 09:47 IST

Three-time Dakha MLA’s move strengthens Amritpal Singh-linked outfit as competing Akali factions vie for leadership of Punjab’s Panthic space ahead of 2027

Tue, Jun 09, 2026
👁 Bhagwant-Mann-5_20260513030331_20260607104046.jpg

Early warning bells for AAP in Punjab? Why groups that powered its 2022 win are protesting

June 07, 2026 16:20 IST

From apprentices and Sewa Kendra workers to job aspirants and government staff, agitations by multiple groups pose a challenge for the Bhagwant Mann-led government months before elections.

Sun, Jun 07, 2026
👁 tarun chugh

BJP sends Tarun Chugh to Rajya Sabha, fuels speculation over Bittu’s Punjab role

June 04, 2026 22:38 IST

The BJP announced 11 candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections, including one candidate for a bypoll seat. Chugh, the party’s national general secretary and a prominent Punjab face in its national structure, has been fielded from Madhya Pradesh.

Thu, Jun 04, 2026
👁 AAP MLA

After release on bail, AAP Sanaur MLA Pathanmajra hints at political options beyond AAP

June 04, 2026 15:45 IST

AAP MLA Harmeet Pathanmajra has launched a constituency outreach drive after his release from jail.

Thu, Jun 04, 2026
👁 Kewal Dhillon

Kewal Singh Dhillon’s appointment revives old debate: Can BJP grow in Punjab on its own?

May 30, 2026 13:46 IST

Former chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh’s blunt reaction raises questions.

Sat, May 30, 2026
👁 transgender in punjab civic polls

2 transgender candidates script history in Punjab civic body polls

May 30, 2026 12:09 IST

In the Samana municipal council of Patiala district, transgender candidate Komal Mahant won her maiden election from Ward Number 18 on a Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) ticket by a margin of 505 votes.

Sat, May 30, 2026
👁 Untitled-design-4_20260529195725.png

BJP triples tally in Punjab civic polls: Why fifth-place finish gives it hope for 2027Subscriber Only

May 30, 2026 07:09 IST

The BJP has gone from winning just 49 wards in 2021 to crossing the 170-ward mark this year – a signal of the party’s growing influence in Punjab’s urban and semi-urban belts over the last five years

Sat, May 30, 2026
👁 Punjab ward election

Beyond the Punjab civic polls, warning signs for AAP ahead of 2027 testSubscriber Only

May 29, 2026 11:53 IST

In a place such as Bathinda, the local body poll contest appeared less between rival parties and more within the AAP itself.

Fri, May 29, 2026
👁 AAP Punjab X

Punjab Municipal Corporation Election Results 2026 Highlights: AAP takes massive lead in Punjab local polls, Congress a distant second

May 29, 2026 10:47 IST

Punjab Civic Body Polls Vote Counting | Punjab Municipal Corporation Election Results 2026 Highlights: While Shiromani Akali Dal has won 191 wards till now, the BJP has managed to get 170.

Sat, May 30, 2026
👁 Dhillon Jakhar BJP Punjab

BJP appoints first Jat Sikh president in Punjab with 2027 calculus in mind: Who is Kewal Singh Dhillon?Subscriber Only

May 28, 2026 15:46 IST

Dhillon’s elevation reflects the BJP’s plans to expand acceptability among Sikh voters in a state where it has struggled independently after the alliance with Akalis ended.

Thu, May 28, 2026
👁 election-voters-eci-x_20260501170900_20260527004500.jpg

Punjab: Clashes mar civic polls, 63.94% turnout is recorded

May 27, 2026 06:15 IST

Elections were held in 1,896 wards across eight municipal corporations — Mohali, Bathinda, Abohar, Barnala, Kapurthala, Moga, Batala, and Pathankot — besides 75 municipal councils and 20 Nagar Panchayats, officials said.

Wed, May 27, 2026
👁 poll violence

Punjab civic polls: Clashes reported across districts, Raikot Congress candidate attacked with swords

May 26, 2026 15:29 IST

The Raikot police said that the attack was linked to an earlier clash that happened on Monday between AAP and Congress workers.

Tue, May 26, 2026