Addressing a press conference at Chandigarh Press Club, Dr Navjot Kaur said she had already informed the public about her decision earlier in the day through a post on X (formerly Twitter). She also recently shared a poster of the nine-year-old Delhi-based party, pointing towards her formal association.

Explaining her move, she criticised the financial demands of major political parties, saying she was unwilling to spend large sums of money to secure an election ticket. “I would rather invest that money in meaningful work,” she said, adding that she has been receiving support calls from abroad as well.

Dr Navjot Kaur announced that the party aims to contest all 117 seats in Punjab. Outlining her governance vision, she said ministers would be required to submit performance reports within a month if her party comes to power. She said only experienced people would be included in the Cabinet, and portfolios would be assigned based on expertise.

Agriculture, she said, would be a central focus area. Among her more controversial proposals, she suggested allowing controlled cultivation of opium for farmers, arguing it could serve as an economic alternative.

Highlighting concerns over rising stress levels among families, Navjot Kaur proposed expanding access to counselling services to address mental health issues among youth. 

On Punjab’s ongoing drug crisis, Navjot Kaur argued that simply attempting to eliminate drug use is not enough. She stressed the importance of providing viable alternatives to prevent youth from turning to substance abuse.

Responding to questions about political leaders, she described Raghav Chadha as a “good individual” who raises important issues.

She also referred to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as “still like a sister,” indicating that personal relationships remain intact despite political shifts.

Speaking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she recalled receiving political opportunities during her earlier tenure and acknowledged the support she had experienced at the time.

Navjot Kaur stated that Navjot Singh Sidhu is currently not affiliated with any political party and has not been approached by his former party since 2022.

The decision comes just days after Paes joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi, stepping into active politics ahead of upcoming elections.

Officials said the security cover includes CISF personnel assigned to ensure his safety. The move has been taken at a time when political activity is picking up in several states, especially West Bengal.

Paes, 52, described his entry into the BJP as a responsibility and said he wants to serve the country. Earlier, he was linked with the All India Trinamool Congress, which is currently in power in West Bengal.

His joining the BJP is being seen as important, particularly with the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching. With his popularity and sports background, Paes is likely to be a key face for the party’s campaign in the state.

In the video, Chadha shared clips from Rajya Sabha sessions showing him raising several issues related to Punjab. These included concerns about the falling water table, the state’s water crisis, the demand for a legal MSP for farmers, and the need to create corridors between India and Pakistan so that pilgrims can visit important gurdwaras there, including Nankana Sahib.

Captioning the video “Picture Abhi Baaki Hai”, Chadha dismissed AAP’s claim that he had not been raising issues concerning Punjab in his speeches in Parliament.

To my colleagues in AAP who were forced to issue videos saying that “Raghav Chadha failed to raise Punjab’s issues in Parliament”, here is a small trailer…Picture Abhi Baaki Hai.

Punjab isn’t a talking point for me. It is my home, my duty, my soil, my soul❤️ pic.twitter.com/qdTMHK4sqU

— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) April 5, 2026

“To my colleagues in AAP who were forced to issue videos saying that ‘Raghav Chadha failed to raise Punjab’s issues in Parliament’, here is a small trailer…Picture Abhi Baaki Hai.

“Punjab isn’t a talking point for me. It is my home, my duty, my soil, my soul,” he said.

Chadha said that Punjab, which he represents in the Rajya Sabha, is very important to him and not just a topic for discussion. Since his removal, he and the AAP have been openly criticising each other.

Chadha said similar allegations were being repeated against him in the same language, which, according to him, was not a coincidence but a deliberate attempt to target him. He initially chose to stay silent but later decided to respond, saying that repeated false claims could be mistaken as truth.

Rejecting the charges levelled by his party, Raghav Chadha said he goes to Parliament to raise public issues, not to create disruption. “I am not there to shout, break mics or create chaos, but to speak for the people,” he said.

AAP had accused him of not supporting opposition walkouts, not signing an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner and failing to raise public issues. Refuting these claims, Chadha challenged the party to prove even one allegation. He said CCTV footage from Parliament could verify his participation in opposition protests. On the impeachment motion, he clarified that not all party MPs had signed it, as only a limited number of signatures were required.

He also dismissed allegations that he avoided raising issues out of fear, stating that during his tenure he had spoken on matters like Punjab’s water crisis, Delhi pollution, taxation and even menstrual health. He warned that he would continue to expose what he called “false narratives” against him.

मैं बोलना नहीं चाहता था, मगर चुप रहता तो बार-बार दोहराया गया झूठ भी सच लगने लगता।

Three Allegations. Zero Truth.

My Response: pic.twitter.com/tPdjp04TLt

— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) April 4, 2026

The controversy comes after AAP removed Raghav Chadha from the Deputy Leader’s post on April 2 and replaced him with Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal. The party also informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat not to allocate speaking time to Chadha on its behalf, though no official reason for the decision was provided.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema criticised Chadha, claiming that despite being elected by Punjab MLAs, he failed to raise key issues related to the state in Parliament. He alleged that Chadha did not speak on matters such as pending Rural Development Fund dues, GST-related financial losses and relief funds announced during floods.

Cheema further accused him of distancing himself from the party and not standing with Punjab during difficult times. He even suggested that Chadha had compromised on important issues, calling it a betrayal of both the party and the people of Punjab.

Raghav Chadha, who has been a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab since 2022, has a term till 2028. 

Seven judicial officers held hostage

The incident took place at the Kaliachak 2 Block Development Office on Wednesday evening. Seven judicial officers, including three women, were confined inside the office for nearly eight hours by a large group of protesters. The officers were engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of the Assembly elections.

Protest over voter list deletions

The protesters alleged that names of genuine voters had been removed from the electoral rolls. The issue triggered unrest in several districts, including Malda, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Purba Bardhaman, where demonstrations, road blockades and tyre burning were reported.

Multiple arrests made

The police have so far arrested 33 persons in connection with the incident. Among those detained is ISF candidate Maulana Muhammad Shahjahan Ali Qadri from the Mothabari Assembly seat.

Supreme Court terms incident ‘deplorable’

The Supreme Court strongly criticised the incident, calling it “deplorable” and a “well-planned attempt” to obstruct judicial functioning. The court observed that such actions amount to challenging its authority, as the officers were carrying out duties on its behalf.

Central forces to be deployed

The court has directed the Election Commission of India to deploy central forces at all locations where judicial officers are handling voter-related cases. 

In a direct swipe, Delhi unit president Saurabh Bhardwaj accused Chadha of growing increasingly reluctant to speak against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Bhardwaj said, "We are Arvind Kejriwal's soldiers. Fearlessness is our primary identity. If someone is afraid of Narendra Modi, will they fight for the country?" 

Just saw ur video Raghav bhai.
I just want to say - “जो डर गया, समझो मर गया” pic.twitter.com/cgXN9cI4aG

— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) April 3, 2026

"For the past few years, you have become afraid, Raghav. You are afraid to speak against Modi. You are afraid to raise the real issues of the country," he said, signalling deepening unease within the party ranks.

He also questioned Chadha’s conduct in Parliament, saying that since the party gets limited time to speak, it should be used to raise important national issues.

“In that time, we can either fight to save the country or talk about making samosas cheaper at airport canteens,” Dhanda said.

“In that time, we can either fight to save the country or talk about making samosas cheaper at airport canteens,” Bhardwaj said.

He further alleged that Chadha refused to sign a resolution against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Bhardwaj's sharp attack attack comes shortly after Raghav Chadha posted a video message on X claiming that despite being silenced by his own party but remained undefeated. 

It is learnt that Nitish Kumar may resign as Chief Minister soon after returning to Patna, possibly on or after April 12. This could lead to the formation of a new government in Bihar. His move to the Rajya Sabha has sparked fresh discussions about who will be the next Chief Minister.

Who will be Bihar's next CM?

Within the BJP, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is being seen as a strong contender for the top post. Union Minister Nityanand Rai is also among the possible names. The final decision is expected to be taken by the party’s central leadership.

Meanwhile, sources from JD(U) say the party may demand a larger role in the new Cabinet. There is also talk about a possible key role for Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar.

Even after stepping down, Nitish Kumar will continue to get ‘Z Plus’ security, the highest level of protection, as confirmed by the Bihar Home Department.

Addressing a Sainik Samman Sammelan in poll-bound Kerala, Rajnath Singh assured that there is no shortage of fuel or gas in the country. He said India is fully prepared to deal with any possible disruption in energy supplies due to the ongoing tensions in West Asia.

He said PM Narendra Modi is actively engaging at the diplomatic level to protect India’s interests in the Gulf region. 
During his speech, Rajnath Singh appealed to voters to support the BJP in the upcoming state elections, saying it is capable of bringing positive change to Kerala. He referred to the party’s promises as “Modiyude guarantees,” highlighting the Prime Minister’s leadership as dependable. He described Modi’s leadership as “24-carat gold,” saying it has proven its strength over time.

The Kerala Assembly elections, which will be held for 140 seats, are scheduled for April 9.

Meanwhile, two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers carrying around 94,000 tonne of fuel have safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz on March 30. With this, the total number of such vessels to cross the route has reached six.

The ships, BW TYR and BW ELM, are expected to arrive in India soon. BW TYR is likely to reach Mumbai, while BW ELM is heading towards New Mangalore and is expected to dock on April 1.

The move comes amid Chadha’s continued silence on key developments surrounding the AAP and its top leadership, signalling a possible rift in the party.

Notably Chadha also did not publicy react a court cleared AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and others of all charges in the Delhi excise policy case in February.

He also remained absent from key party events including Arvind Kejriwal's press conference following his acquittal a 'jan sabha' at Jantar Mantar where the AAP chief launched a sharp attack on the ruling BJP.

Once considered a close aide of AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Chadha has been associated with the party since its inception. He has served as the party’s national treasurer and is a member of its Political Affairs Committee, the highest decision-making body. He has also played a role in coordinating the opposition INDIA bloc.

This is not the first time Chadha has been flayed for his delayed response. Earlier he cited recovery from eye surgery in the UK for his silence over Kejriwal's arrest in the liquor scam case ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. 

Phoolka officially joined the BJP at its headquarters in the presence of key leaders, including Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, working president Ashwani Sharma and Union minister of state Ravneet Singh Bittu.

A well-known lawyer in the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court, Phoolka has earned respect for his long legal battle seeking justice for victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He began his political journey in 2014 with the AAP, contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Ludhiana. Later, he won the Dakha seat in the 2017 Punjab Assembly elections and also served briefly as the Leader of Opposition.

However, Phoolka stepped away from active politics in 2017 to focus on his legal work. He resigned as an MLA in 2018 and officially left the AAP in early 2019, choosing to dedicate his time fully to legal causes.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Raghav Chadha said that fathers should not be forced to choose between their careers and family responsibilities. He said it was an essential reform to support both the mother and the newborn during and after childbirth.

Raghav Chadha said while both parents are congratulated when a child is born, the burden of care largely falls on the mother. 'Fathers must play an equal role, especially during the early stages of a child’s life," he added.

The AAP MP also emphasised that a husband’s presence after childbirth is important not just for emotional support but also for actively sharing parenting duties.

Earlier, the Supreme Court of India had echoed similar views. A Bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan observed that although a mother’s role in a child’s upbringing is vital, a father’s role is equally significant and should not be overlooked. The court noted that parenting is a shared responsibility and fathers should be given the opportunity to be actively involved in a child’s early development.

Currently, India does not have a law mandating paternity leave in the private sector. While maternity leave is regulated under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, there is no similar provision for fathers.

Chadha also highlighted global practices, noting that countries such as Sweden, Iceland and Japan provide paternity leave ranging from 90 days to as much as 52 weeks. He added that with nearly 90 per cent of India’s workforce employed in the private sector, most fathers currently do not have access to such benefits.

The decision will pave way for the JD(U) supremo's resignation from the CM post, so that he can begin his stint as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

"Yes, he is doing so. Everyone wanted the same (that he should not resign from the CM post), but he did not agree," the JD(U) MLA said in a byte shared by wire agency ANI on X.

The development comes amid mounting speculation that Nitish Kumar is hesitant to relinquish his role as chief minister and move to the Rajya Sabha, a shift many political analysts believe would reduce him to a largely symbolic figure and weaken his party’s regional clout. Earlier this week, his former ally-turned-opponent, RJD working president Tejashwi Yadav, alleged that Kumar had “no desire” to enter the Rajya Sabha and was “compelled” to do so at the behest of the JD(U)’s key ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly further accused the saffron party of attempting to “wipe out” the JD(U).

Nitish Kumar, Bihar’s longest-serving chief minister, was elected to the Rajya Sabha on March 9. Responding to the development, Yadav remarked that although Kumar remains the JD(U)’s national president, the party is no longer under his control but is instead being run by a group closely aligned with the BJP.

"We have always been saying that the BJP wants to finish off the JD(U). Nitish Kumar has been forced to enter the Rajya Sabha as part of this design. He had no wish to relinquish the chief minister's post," the former deputy CM was quoted as saying.

The all-party meeting lasted for nearly two hours. Leaders from across party lines were present. Rijiju said opposition leaders raised questions over geopolitical situation. However, they extended full support to the government in managing the crisis.

Energy supply fully secure: Govt

It is learnt that the Centre conveyed that India has sufficient fuel reserves amid the ongoing crisis and that the ongoing supply arrangements were sufficient to meet domestic demand. 

The govt also discussed concerns with regard to the availability of LPG and safety of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. It was told that four vessels carrying energy supplies are expected to arrive within the next few days.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of safeguarding citizens during uncertain global conditions. 

At the same time, Opposition leaders questioned the reasons behind recent strikes on Iran.  The issue of Pakistan acting as a mediator was also taken up. 

Concerns over public anxiety linked to Covid-related remarks were raised. The Centre said there was no widespread panic but assured that any such concerns are being monitored.

Pathanmajra had been declared a proclaimed offender by the court and faces serious charges, including sexual assault, cheating and criminal intimidation. He had been absconding since September 2 last year, following which a lookout circular was issued against him. 

It is learnt that the arrest was made following a carefully planned and covert operation led by the Patiala Police. The accused was reportedly apprehended from a location near Patiala.

It is being suspected that Pathanmajra had briefly left the country and re-entered India via Nepal to avoid detection. There are also indications that he may have initiated contact to facilitate his surrender.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Varun Sharma stated that the breakthrough came after a 48-hour intensive operation led by SP Vaibhav Chaudhary. Police teams had been tracking the MLA across seven states, conducting multiple raids, but he managed to evade capture until now.

Second MLA arrested in 48 hours

This marks the second arrest of a sitting or former legislator in Punjab within the last two days. Earlier, former minister Laljit Singh Bhullar was taken into custody in connection with an abetment to suicide case.

Lalu Prasad Yadav's plea was dismissed by Justice Ravinder Dudeja, who termed it “devoid of merit”. The petition also urged to set aside three chargesheets filed by the CBI between 2022 and 2024, along with related court orders. A detailed judgment is yet to be released.

In the plea, Lalu Prasad Yadav argued that the FIR and the probe were legally flawed. He claimed that the CBI did not obtain mandatory sanction under the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, the Delhi High Court rejected this argument and said the agency had secured the required approval and the probe was valid.

Notably, the CBI had registered an FIR naming Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, their two daughters and several unidentified public officials and private individuals on May 18, 2022. At present, all accused are out on bail.

The alleged land-for-jobs scam is linked to Group D appointments in the West Central Zone of Indian Railways in Jabalpur during Yadav’s tenure as railway minister between 2004 and 2009. Investigators say jobs were given in return for land parcels, which were transferred by candidates or their families to Yadav’s relatives or close associates.

During the call, PM Modi expressed hope that the festive season would bring peace, stability and prosperity to the region. He also raised concern over recent attacks on important infrastructure, stating that such incidents could affect regional stability and disturb global supply chains.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of keeping international trade routes open and safe. He stressed that freedom of navigation must be protected and that shipping lanes should remain secure for smooth movement of goods.

This was the second conversation between the two leaders since tensions in West Asia escalated on February 28. Earlier, Modi had shared his concern about rising violence, including loss of civilian lives and damage to infrastructure. He had also underlined the need to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and uninterrupted supply of goods and energy.

Meanwhile, India continues to stay in touch with countries in the Gulf region. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has also been in regular contact with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the evolving situation.

Concerns over shipping have increased as more than 20 Indian vessels are currently stuck in the Persian Gulf due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. However, in a recent development, two Indian LPG carriers managed to pass through the route successfully.

Jaishankar has clarified that India does not have any fixed arrangement with Iran for ship movement, and each case is handled separately. He added that ongoing talks with Iran are helping ensure safe passage for vessels, as seen in the recent transit of gas carriers.

Polling in the state is scheduled to take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes will be held on May 4.

Addressing the media, Mamata Banerjee launched a strong critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Central government, alleging attempts to interfere in state affairs and weaken democratic structures. She claimed there were efforts to “disenfranchise citizens” and warned that a potential delimitation exercise after the elections could impact political representation in Bengal.

Expressing confidence about the national political scenario, she said the ruling party at the Centre may face public disapproval. She also accused the Centre of undermining public sector undertakings, alleging that key assets were being handed over to a select few industrialists.

Raising concerns over election preparedness, the Chief Minister questioned the large-scale transfer of officials ahead of the polls. She argued that such administrative reshuffles could disrupt essential services, including the distribution of ration. Mamata Banerjee also criticised the deployment of observers unfamiliar with local conditions, saying it could affect ground-level governance during the election period.

In a sharp escalation of her remarks, she alleged that the Centre’s actions resembled an “undeclared President’s Rule” in the state. She accused the leadership under Narendra Modi of indirectly exerting control over Bengal’s administration.

Framing the election as more than a state contest, Mamata urged voters to unite, describing the polls as part of a broader political and ideological struggle. She expressed confidence that the electorate would respond decisively.

Earlier, on March 16, a court in Dera Bassi had sentenced Sohi and two others to two years of imprisonment after holding them guilty under provisions related to cheque dishonour.

Advocate Vikramjit Passi, representing Sohi, confirmed that the sessions court has not only stayed the lower court’s verdict but also admitted their appeal. A detailed order from the court is still awaited, which will clarify the grounds for the relief granted. Sohi is a practising lawyer by profession.

Background of the case

The case stems from a complaint filed in November 2018 by Kamaljit Singh, brother of a former Zirakpur sarpanch and councillor. According to the complaint, Sohi and his associates—Jatinder Singh and Nashtar Singh—were partners in a real estate firm named Platinum Smart Builders. The firm had proposed a residential project called Silver City in Rajpura.

iThe complainant alleged that he was persuaded to invest in the project with the promise of being allotted several residential and commercial plots. As part of the deal, he reportedly made a payment of ₹7 crore via cheque in December 2017.

However, the agreement was later cancelled, and the accused allegedly issued a cheque of Rs 3 crore in January 2018. The complainant further claimed that additional amounts, including R 25 lakh and Rs 1.5 crore, were collected from him under the pretext of developing the project.

After prolonged hearings, the trial court found the evidence presented by the complainant credible and convicted all three accused under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, which deals with cheque bounce offences. Each was awarded a two-year sentence, with provisions for sentence reduction if any prior imprisonment was established.

Anmol Gagan Maan, a prominent AAP leader, joined the party in 2020 and won the Kharar Assembly seat in the 2022 Punjab elections by a margin of over 37,000 votes. She was later inducted into the state Cabinet but was removed during a reshuffle in September 2024. She briefly distanced herself from the party before rejoining.

Expressing gratitude over his appointment, Pandori thanked senior party leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia, along with the party high command for placing their trust in him.

He assured that he would carry out his responsibilities with full dedication and commitment. Pandori also pledged to work tirelessly to take the party’s policies and upcoming programmes to every household, strengthening the party’s base at the grassroots level.

The appointment is being seen as part of the party’s efforts to reinforce its organisational structure in urban areas ahead of upcoming political engagements.

Speaking to mediapersons outside Parliament, Kangana Ranaut alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s conduct lacks decorum. She claimed that his way of interacting, including using casual language and interrupting interviews, creates unease. Drawing a comparison, she said he should take cues from his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, whose public behaviour she described as more composed.

Her comments come in the backdrop of a recent controversy linked to Rahul Gandhi’s protest at the Parliament complex on March 12, where he was seen sitting on the steps near Makar Dwar while having tea and snacks. The incident drew criticism from several quarters, with a group comprising 84 former bureaucrats, 116 ex-servicemen and four lawyers issuing an open letter demanding an apology, alleging that the act undermined the dignity of Parliament.

The remarks by Kangana Ranaut triggered strong reactions from Congress leaders. Party MP S  Jothimani criticised Kangana Ranaut, saying her statements reflect poorly on her own conduct. She added that being a celebrity or dressing well does not define a person’s character, and questioned Kangana Ranaut’s authority to comment on Rahul Gandhi.

Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring also weighed in, taking a dig at the BJP MP. He remarked that Kangana appears to view Parliament as a film set, where appearances matter more than substance. He defended Rahul Gandhi, stating that he attends Parliament for political work, not performance.

The issue has also drawn attention from senior political figures. Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda recently wrote to Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, urging her to advise party MPs to maintain parliamentary discipline. In his letter, Gowda expressed concern over recent protests during the Budget Session, including slogan-shouting, displaying posters and demonstrations within the Parliament premises.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also criticised Rahul Gandhi during a public rally in Guwahati on March 15. Shah said that Parliament is the highest democratic institution and questioned the appropriateness of staging protests while eating snacks at its entrance. He added that such actions could negatively impact India’s image globally.