Punjab Year-End 2025: Floods, farm protests, crime, politics and tragedies that shaped the state
Punjab Year-End 2025: The year 2025 proved to be one of the most turbulent periods for Punjab, marked by devastating floods, political flashpoints, law-and-order challenges, farmer agitations, controversial arrests and the loss of several prominent personalities. From natural disasters to human tragedies and political confrontations, the state witnessed events that left a deep impact on its social and political landscape.
Deadly Floods Ravage Punjab
Punjab faced one of its worst natural disasters in decades as catastrophic floods during August and September claimed more than 50 lives and caused massive destruction. Districts, including Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka and Tarn Taran, were among the worst affected.
The state government estimated losses at around Rs 13,500 crore, covering crop damage, destruction of over 30,000 houses, roads and public infrastructure. In September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation and announced Rs 1,600 crore in additional assistance, besides Rs 12,000 crore already available with the state.
However, political friction followed. The AAP government passed a resolution in a special Assembly session, criticising the Centre for not announcing a special relief package. The BJP countered, claiming Punjab already had sufficient disaster funds and accused the state government of mismanagement. The Centre later clarified that Rs 480 crore had already been released, with funds being provided continuously.
Farmers Evicted, Highways Reopened
In March, the Punjab Police evicted protesting farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points, reopening the Shambhu–Ambala and Sangrur–Jind highways, which had remained blocked for over a year. The move sparked political debate and criticism from farmer bodies, though it restored key traffic routes.
Illegal Immigration and ‘Donkey Route’ in Focus
Punjab remained in the spotlight as several batches of illegal Indian immigrants, including many youths from the state, were deported from the United States. In February, US military aircraft landed at Amritsar airport, carrying deportees who were handcuffed and shackled, following a crackdown under the Trump administration.
The deportations highlighted the dangerous ‘donkey route’, an illegal migration pathway used by aspirants risking their lives to chase the American dream. Many returned burdened with debt, leaving families devastated.
Law and Order Under Scrutiny
The AAP government faced sharp criticism over deteriorating law and order. The year saw a rise in extortion threats, firing incidents at business premises, gang-related violence, and grenade attacks on police stations, intensifying public concern over safety.
In March, a major controversy erupted after a Punjab Police team allegedly assaulted a serving colonel and his son in Patiala over a parking dispute. The incident drew national attention, with the family demanding justice.
Political Developments and Bypoll Wins
On the political front, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP strengthened its position by winning the Ludhiana West and Tarn Taran Assembly bypolls, followed by victories in zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections, ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.
Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu triggered a storm with her remark that the “chief minister’s chair costs Rs 500 crore”, leading to her suspension from the party. She later said Navjot Singh Sidhu would return to active politics only if declared the party’s chief ministerial face.
High-Profile Arrests Shake the State
In a major development, Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on June 25 in a disproportionate assets case, involving alleged laundering of Rs 540 crore of drug money. Majithia dismissed the case as political vendetta.
Another headline-grabbing incident occurred in October, when the CBI arrested Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar in a corruption case. Raids led to the recovery of Rs 7.5 crore cash, 2.5 kg gold, documents of 50 properties, luxury vehicles, watches and other assets.
Security Alert After Operation Sindoor
Punjab’s border districts were put on high alert in May after Indian armed forces conducted Operation Sindoor, carrying out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK. The operation followed the April 22 Pahalgam Terror Attack, which killed 26 people.
Water Dispute With Haryana
In April, tensions rose after Punjab refused to release additional water to Haryana from the Bhakra dam, stating the neighbouring state had exhausted its share. The dispute later reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Student Protests at Panjab University
In November, students protested against the Centre’s decision to restructure Panjab University’s Senate and Syndicate. Leaders from AAP, Congress, SAD and farmer organisations extended support. The Centre eventually withdrew the move, and the Vice President, as PU Chancellor, approved the Senate election schedule.
Loss of Icons and Cultural Figures
The year also witnessed the loss of several well-known personalities:
Fauja Singh (114), the world’s oldest marathon runner, died in July after being hit by an SUV in Jalandhar.
Veteran Akali leader and former Union minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa (89) passed away in May.
Popular Punjabi actor Jaswinder Bhalla (65) died in August following a brain haemorrhage.
Actor-singer Rajvir Jawanda (35) died in October after a road accident in Himachal Pradesh.
The death of Bollywood legend Dharmendra in November sparked widespread mourning, especially in his native village in Ludhiana district.
Hooch Tragedy in Amritsar
In May, a hooch tragedy in Amritsar claimed over 20 lives, once again exposing the menace of illicit liquor in the state.
- PTC NEWS
