The meeting is being held at the residence of Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjit Singh in Chandigarh and has brought together leaders associated with former Punjab Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi. The discussions are expected to play a significant role in determining the party's strategy and leadership dynamics in the state.

Before entering the meeting venue, Channi made a cryptic remark to reporters, saying, "Wait and watch which way the wind blows." His statement has fuelled speculation over the outcome of the talks and the future course of action by his camp.

Speaking to the media, Congress MLA Pargat Singh said Bhupesh Baghel would listen to the concerns of Punjab leaders before submitting a report to the party high command.

Host of the meeting, MLA Rana Gurjit Singh, said leaders who had contested the last Assembly elections had gathered to present their views before the party leadership.

He also questioned the timing of raids conducted at his business establishments, alleging that they coincided with the gathering of Congress legislators at his residence for the meeting.

Sources said a large number of Congress leaders reached the venue in what is being viewed as a show of strength by the Channi camp.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of mounting differences within the Punjab Congress over the party's leadership ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

Leaders supporting Channi are understood to have reiterated their demand that he be projected as the Congress' chief ministerial face if the party leadership is unwilling to replace Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring.

According to sources, the Channi camp believes a clear chief ministerial candidate would strengthen the party's campaign and help consolidate support ahead of the Assembly polls.

Notably, Raja Warring is not attending the meeting. Earlier, he said there was no need for the state party chief to be present at every discussion and maintained that the Congress remained united despite internal consultations.

This is a developing story. More details are awaited as the meeting continues.

The meeting comes just three days after Baghel firmly dismissed speculation about any change in the state leadership, saying the party high command's decisions are not altered repeatedly.

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring confirmed that Baghel had informed him about the scheduled interaction and said the party observer would hold separate discussions with the leaders concerned.

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Senior leaders likely to attend

According to available information, the meeting is likely to be attended by Charanjit Singh Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Rana Gurjit Singh, all of whom have so far not met Baghel during his ongoing Punjab visit.

When asked whether Channi's supporters had requested that Warring stay away from the meeting, the Punjab Congress chief said he had no information about any such demand.

Warring dismisses reports of internal rift

Responding to speculation that some leaders were unwilling to accept his continuation as Punjab Congress president, Raja Warring rejected the claim outright.

He challenged reports of dissent, asking which senior leader had publicly refused to accept his leadership. Referring to Channi, Randhawa, Aruna Chaudhary and Partap Singh Bajwa, Warring said none of them had made such a statement.

He also expressed confidence that the party leadership would soon be seen together.

"In a day or two, you will see all of us together," he said, adding that he held no bitterness towards any party colleague and believed the Congress remained united.

Baghel extends Punjab visit

Baghel, who is also the former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, arrived in Punjab earlier this week to assess the organisation's preparedness for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

Originally scheduled for a five-day tour, he has now extended his visit by three more days to continue consultations with party leaders, legislators and office-bearers across the state.

Since arriving on Monday, he has held a series of meetings aimed at strengthening the organisation ahead of the Assembly elections due early next year.

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Channi camp agrees to meet observer

Earlier this week, leaders considered close to Channi had stayed away from Baghel's meetings, reportedly because of dissatisfaction over the party's recent organisational appointments. However, on Thursday, the group softened its stand and agreed to present its concerns directly before Baghel.

Jalandhar Cantonment MLA Pargat Singh confirmed that the leaders would meet the AICC in-charge and place their views before him.

Channi is believed to be unhappy after the Congress decided to retain Raja Warring as Punjab Congress president while appointing him as chairman of the party's campaign committee.

Warring responds to Randhawa's remarks

When asked about comments made by senior leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who had suggested that Warring should introspect, the Punjab Congress chief avoided any confrontation.

Warring described Randhawa as an elder brother and a respected senior leader, saying he did not believe Randhawa was upset with him and that he would speak to him personally.

Supriya Shrinate plays down factionalism

Senior Congress leader Supriya Shrinate, who addressed a joint press conference with Warring, dismissed concerns over internal divisions within the Punjab unit.

She said differences of opinion were natural in a democratic party and reflected the presence of multiple leaders rather than factionalism.

Baghel reiterates high command's stand

On Wednesday, Baghel had categorically ruled out any reconsideration of Raja Warring's appointment as Punjab Congress president. He remarked that once the party high command had taken a decision, it could not be changed repeatedly, dismissing suggestions of a leadership rethink.

Baghel also maintained that the Congress remained united in its objective of returning to power in Punjab and said the party respected every leader's contribution.

Unlike other political parties, he said, the Congress encouraged open discussions and valued differing opinions instead of functioning through one-way directives.

Background to the leadership row

On July 1, the Congress announced that Amrinder Singh Raja Warring would continue as the president of the Punjab Congress while appointing Charanjit Singh Channi as chairman of the party's campaign committee.

A few days later, Channi attended a meeting in Mohali along with several sitting and former MLAs, where leaders urged the party high command to reconsider the decision and appoint him as the state unit chief.

While acknowledging that differences of opinion existed, leaders, including Pargat Singh and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, have repeatedly maintained that the Congress remains united and that its primary focus is to return to power in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

The notice, issued by Punjab Congress Disciplinary Committee chairman Avtar Henry, directs Jalalpur to explain within three days his statements made in the media against Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal and Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel. The party has warned that disciplinary proceedings may follow if a satisfactory reply is not submitted within the stipulated period.

Jalalpur had made the remarks while attending a meeting convened at former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi's residence in Morinda, where several Congress leaders gathered ahead of Baghel's visit to Punjab.

The disciplinary action comes against the backdrop of an open display of factionalism within the Punjab Congress.

Former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi stayed away from the meeting called by Bhupesh Baghel and instead held a separate gathering with his supporters at his Morinda residence. Following the meeting, Channi left for Delhi, where he is expected to meet the Congress high command. Leaders aligned with Channi also refrained from receiving Baghel upon his arrival, highlighting the widening divide within the state unit.

Political equations within the Punjab Congress continue to shift, with Channi reportedly receiving the backing of MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, six MLAs and newly appointed working president Sangat Singh Gilzian.

Meanwhile, state Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has publicly received support from only one MP, Dr Amar Singh, while no MLA has openly endorsed his leadership so far.

The Congress leadership has deputed Bhupesh Baghel to Punjab for a five-day organisational tour aimed at addressing internal grievances and restoring unity.

Baghel said he would meet district Congress committees, newly constituted organisational bodies, Youth Congress representatives  and senior party leaders over the coming days before speaking publicly on the developments.

Responding to speculation over the Morinda meeting, Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring sought to dismiss reports of a major split.

He described the gathering at Channi's residence as a routine meeting of Congress leaders held to strengthen the organisation and urged the media not to exaggerate differences within the party.

According to Warring, discussions among senior leaders are ongoing and the Congress leadership remains committed to presenting a united front.

The meeting, which continued for several hours, was attended by nearly 24 sitting and former Congress MLAs, four former ministers, district leaders and hundreds of party workers. The gathering came days after the Congress high command decided to retain Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), a move that had disappointed a section of the party leadership that was expecting Channi to be given the responsibility.

Following detailed discussions, the leaders decided to constitute a committee that will represent the concerns of Punjab Congress workers before the party's central leadership. They also authorised Channi to take future decisions on behalf of the group, while giving the Congress high command one week to address their concerns.

Among those present were former ministers Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Rana Gurjeet Singh, Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria, Bharat Bhushan Ashu and OP Soni. Several former legislators, including Mohammad Sadique, Gurpreet Singh Kangar, Gurkirat Singh Kotli, Tarsem Singh Attari and Harminder Singh Gill, also attended the meeting. Balkaur Singh, father of late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, was also present. However, senior Congress leaders Pargat Singh, Sukhpal Singh Khaira and former Assembly Speaker KP Rana were not part of the gathering.

Former Punjab Youth Congress president Barinder Singh Dhillon said the newly formed committee would place the concerns of party workers before the high command. According to him, many workers felt that their views had not been adequately reflected in the recent organisational decisions, and the committee would seek to ensure those concerns were heard.

Senior Congress leader Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa clarified that the meeting should not be viewed as a confrontation with the party leadership.

Channi chose not to address the media after the meeting, but his decision to remain silent has added to political speculation over the direction the party could take in the coming days.

What was expected to be a routine organisational reshuffle has instead snowballed into a test of the Congress high command's authority.

The strongest signal has come from former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. Instead of quietly accepting his appointment as chairman of the party's campaign committee, Channi has chosen to demonstrate his political strength by convening an emergency meeting of his loyalists at his residence in Morinda.

The gathering is not merely a courtesy meeting. With sitting MPs, MLAs, former legislators and influential party leaders in attendance, it carries the unmistakable message that Channi believes he commands a support base substantial enough to challenge the party's leadership decisions.

Leaders close to Channi have openly argued that sidelining him from the state presidency could damage the Congress' electoral prospects, suggesting that his leadership is essential if the party hopes to return to power.

At the same time, another development has added to the unease within the Congress. Senior leader and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who was made chairman of the party's core committee instead of being entrusted with the state leadership, reportedly travelled to Delhi to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Whether the meeting carries political significance or is being overinterpreted remains uncertain. However, in the current political climate, such developments inevitably fuel speculation about growing discontent and possible realignments.

At the same time, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has, however, clarified that "The meeting was pre-scheduled for today in connection with my representation on the deteriorating law and order in the State of Punjab."

The larger issue for the Congress is not individual ambition; it is the recurring inability to manage competing centres of power.

For years, the party has struggled with factional politics in Punjab. Leadership disputes have repeatedly overshadowed organisational work, allowing rivals to capitalise on Congress' internal divisions. Instead of presenting a united alternative to the ruling establishment, the party once again finds itself consumed by questions over who should lead rather than how it intends to govern.

Retaining Raja Warring may have provided continuity, but it has also revived unresolved rivalries. If influential leaders feel overlooked despite their political standing, symbolic appointments may not be enough to contain resentment.

The optics are particularly damaging. Public displays of dissatisfaction, emergency strategy meetings and reports of senior leaders exploring conversations outside the party all weaken the Congress' claim of being ready for the 2027 electoral contest.

Political parties rarely suffer because disagreements exist; they suffer when disagreements become public demonstrations of competing authority. That appears to be the stage the Punjab Congress is entering.

The coming weeks will determine whether the high command can restore discipline and rebuild consensus or whether the current unrest develops into a wider organisational crisis.

For now, the Congress' biggest political challenge in Punjab does not appear to be defeating its opponents; it is convincing its own leaders that they remain part of the same team.

The strategy marks a significant departure from the party's 2022 campaign, which revolved largely around Arvind Kejriwal and the promise of bringing the much-publicised "Delhi model" to Punjab. At the time, Bhagwant Mann was projected as the chief ministerial candidate, but it was Kejriwal's image and political appeal that dominated the campaign narrative.

Today, however, AAP finds itself in a very different position.

After more than four years in power, the party can no longer rely on promises and political slogans. It must now answer difficult questions about governance, delivery and accountability. By projecting Mann as the sole face of the government and the 2027 campaign, AAP is effectively asking voters to judge its entire record through one individual.

That is where the risks begin.

The new slogan, "Punjab da eko naara, Bhagwant Mann dobara", may be aimed at showcasing confidence, but it also exposes the party's growing dependence on a single leader. Instead of highlighting a broader team, institutional achievements or a long-term vision for Punjab, AAP appears to be turning the election into a referendum on Mann himself.

This comes at a time when the Chief Minister is facing one of the most challenging phases of his political career.

The controversy surrounding the alleged sacrilege video and the sharp criticism from the Akal Takht have created a political storm that refuses to die down. Whether justified or not, the issue has damaged the government's narrative and given the Opposition a powerful political weapon.

The Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP and Congress have all found common ground in targeting Mann's leadership.

What is particularly striking is AAP's response. Instead of addressing concerns through wider engagement or course correction, the party has doubled down on projecting Mann even more aggressively through public outreach programmes, government events and social media campaigns.

The move raises an uncomfortable question: is AAP showcasing confidence in its Chief Minister, or does it simply lack an alternative political narrative?

The government's supporters often point to recruitment drives, infrastructure projects and welfare initiatives. However, critics argue that Punjab continues to struggle with pressing issues such as unemployment, drug abuse, agrarian distress, fiscal pressures and concerns over law and order. These are challenges that cannot be overshadowed indefinitely through political branding.

AAP also continues to battle a perception problem. Since coming to power, the party has repeatedly faced accusations that key decisions are influenced by its central leadership. Ironically, the current effort to establish Mann as an independent Punjabi leader reflects an acknowledgment that this perception still exists among sections of the electorate.

The bigger concern for AAP is that by concentrating its campaign around one individual, it leaves itself vulnerable. If voters are unhappy with the government's performance, there will be no buffer and no alternative face to absorb the political damage. Every criticism of governance will inevitably become a criticism of Bhagwant Mann.

The Opposition understands this reality. That is why its attacks are increasingly directed at Mann personally rather than at the AAP organisation. The strategy is simple: weaken the face, and the campaign weakens with it.

As Punjab moves closer to election season, AAP's decision to place all its political chips on Bhagwant Mann may prove either its greatest strength or its biggest miscalculation. For now, the party appears convinced that Mann remains its most valuable asset.

The real question is whether Punjab's voters still share that belief.

The development comes just days after Captain Amarinder Singh publicly indicated that he had not been consulted before the BJP leadership appointed Kewal Singh Dhillon as the party's Punjab unit president. It also follows remarks by former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who suggested that the veteran leader was in touch with the Congress.

As per a report in The Tribune, he dismissed any possibility of a return to his former party. Captain Amarinder said the meeting with the BJP leadership had been planned for some time. He said he had sought an appointment with Shah and was given time immediately.

As per The Tribune, Captain Amarinder said discussions centred on Punjab and the BJP's future strategy in the state. According to him, the interaction focused on how the party could broaden its support base and strengthen its organisational presence.

When asked whether the talks involved possible alliances ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, Captain Amarinder Singh said no such discussion took place.

The former chief minister also noted that he had not met the party's top leadership for some time and used the opportunity to discuss issues concerning Punjab in detail.

Speaking to reporters, Hooda described Captain Amarinder as a senior Congress leader and an old colleague, adding that the two share a long-standing association. His comments have triggered fresh debate over whether efforts are underway to bring the veteran Punjab leader back into the party he once led.

The speculation comes at a time when Capt Amarinder has repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction with the functioning of the BJP, the party he joined after parting ways with Congress in 2021.

Growing signs of discontent

In recent months, Captain Amarinder has publicly contrasted the working styles of Congress and the BJP. He has said that during his years in the Congress, the party leadership regularly sought his views on Punjab-related matters, whereas decisions in the BJP are often taken centrally without consulting state leaders.

The former CM has also pointed to what he described as a lack of personal outreach from BJP leaders. Captain Amarinder recently revealed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had personally sent him birthday wishes and later conveyed condolences following the death of his cousin. According to him, no similar gesture came from BJP leaders.

His remarks have been viewed by many political observers as a sign of growing unease within the saffron party.

Differences over Punjab BJP leadership

Captain Amarinder Singh has also expressed reservations about the appointment of senior leader Sunil Jakhar’s successor and the broader leadership structure of the Punjab BJP. Earlier, he questioned the selection of party president Kewal Singh Dhillon, arguing that the leadership should have consulted experienced state leaders before taking such decisions.

He maintained that while Dhillon remained active in politics, his grassroots performance did not justify the expectations attached to the role.

Alliance question remains a point of friction

Another issue believed to be causing differences is the BJP's electoral strategy in Punjab. Amarinder has consistently advocated exploring an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal to strengthen the opposition space in the state.

However, BJP leaders have repeatedly asserted that the party is preparing to contest all 117 Assembly seats on its own, leaving little room for alliance discussions at present.

BJP dismisses speculation

Responding to the debate, Punjab BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal played down Hooda’s remarks, saying that being in contact with someone does not automatically indicate political negotiations.

He noted that Hooda had merely stated that Amarinder remained in touch with Congress leaders and cautioned against reading too much into the comment.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Sukhbir Singh Badal said with the support of 51 Independent councillors, the total number of wards won under the SAD leadership had increased to 243. The party had originally secured victory in 192 wards on its own symbol.

The SAD chief also claimed that the party had secured a complete majority in nine municipal committees, compared to six won by the Congress and two by the BJP. The committees where the SAD secured a majority include Maluka, Kot Shamir, Bhagta Bhaika, Bhucho, Nathana, Lehra Mohabbat, Sangat, Kot Fatta and Rahon.

Sukhbir Singh Badal further stated that the SAD emerged as the leading party in terms of votes polled in several committees, including Faridkot, Mehraj, Majitha and Maur. He alleged that in some places, SAD candidates were declared defeated despite receiving the highest number of votes.

Citing an example from Zirakpur, he claimed that a SAD candidate was shown as having secured the highest votes in the Returning Officer’s certificate but was later declared defeated in favour of an AAP candidate. He also alleged similar irregularities in Malout, Muktsar and Kot Fatta.

Expressing satisfaction over the party’s performance, the SAD president said the party had performed better than the Congress despite facing political pressure and administrative hurdles. He alleged that the AAP government attempted to block SAD candidates by rejecting nomination papers and misusing police machinery during the elections.

“SAD contested 1,251 seats, nearly 300 fewer than the Congress, which fought 1,550 seats. Despite this, the Congress could win only around 150 more seats than SAD,” he said.

Sukhbir Singh Badal also accused the Bhagwant Mann-led government of political vendetta against SAD leaders and workers. Referring to the recent case registered against senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia, he termed the action politically motivated.

He alleged that while no action was taken against AAP leader Talbir Gill in a separate incident involving the release of a worker from police custody, false cases were being registered against Bikram Singh Majithia to target opposition leaders.

The SAD leader said public resentment against the AAP government was growing due to alleged repression and police action against Akali workers in places like Faridkot and Majitha. He asserted that the people of Punjab would give a strong response to the ruling party in the upcoming Assembly elections.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by the Chief Minister in Chandigarh.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the Cabinet approved reducing the required experience for promotion from Election Kanungo to Election Tehsildar from 15 years to 12 years.

The amendment was made because seven posts of Election Tehsildar are lying vacant in the department. With the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls currently underway and Assembly elections approaching, the government said there is an urgent need to fill these posts to ensure smooth election-related work.

At present, no serving Election Kanungo qualifies for promotion under the existing rule requiring 15 years of experience. By reducing the experience requirement to 12 years, eligible officials will now be able to get promoted and help strengthen the department’s workforce.

Cabinet approves Water Resources Department report

In another important decision, the Cabinet also approved the Annual Administrative Report of the Department of Water Resources for the year 2025-26.

The report contains details related to the department’s administrative functioning and achievements during the financial year. The approval will help in proper documentation and review of the department’s work.

The meeting will be held at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at 4 pm and is expected to be attended by five senior leaders from Punjab.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, party general secretary K C Venugopal and Punjab affairs in-charge Bhupesh Baghel will also participate in the discussions.

The development comes shortly after the Punjab BJP announced its new state president, following which the Congress appears to have intensified its political activity in the state. Party sources indicated that organisational restructuring and leadership-related issues could come up for discussion during the meeting.

According to sources, the Congress leadership wants to consult senior state leaders before taking any major decision regarding the Punjab unit.

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, former Punjab chief minister and MP Charanjit Singh Channi, MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and senior leader Vijay Inder Singla are expected to attend the meeting.

The meeting also assumes significance as the results of the urban local bodies elections are scheduled to be declared on Friday.

Earlier, the Congress high command had held a similar meeting on January 22 at Kharge’s residence, where speculation regarding a leadership change in Punjab was dismissed. At that time, K C Venugopal had reportedly cautioned party leaders over factionalism and advised them against making public statements that could harm the party’s image.

Sources said the high command had also expressed displeasure earlier after around 30 Punjab Congress leaders sought a separate meeting with the central leadership over internal party matters.

The elections witnessed an overall voter turnout of 63.94%, registering a sharp decline of 9.59% compared to the 73.53% polling recorded during the 2021 civic body elections. Political observers believe lower voting in urban areas and major municipal corporation regions could significantly impact the final outcome.

Counting is underway for 7,555 candidates contesting across 1,896 wards in 9 Municipal Corporations, 76 Municipal Councils and 21 Nagar Panchayats across Punjab. A total of 79 candidates had already been elected unopposed before polling.

According to final figures released by the Election Commission, Nagar Panchayats recorded the highest turnout at 76.18%, while Municipal Corporation areas witnessed the lowest voting percentage at 59.91%. Municipal Councils registered 65.06% polling.

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party has fielded the maximum number of candidates, followed by Congress, BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal. The election results are expected to provide a major political indication ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly polls.

Security has been tightened at counting centres after incidents of clashes, stone-pelting and tension were reported during polling in several districts.


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The controversy intensified when Bazigar, while speaking casually during the gathering, remarked that if there was any shortfall, “they would manage it by shutting the gates,” though he added that there would be no violence involved. The statement quickly drew criticism from opposition parties, who accused the ruling party of undermining democratic values.

Kulwant Singh Bazigar is the AAP MLA from the Shutrana Assembly constituency in Patiala district. Soon after the video gained attention, both Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal launched attacks on the ruling party and the state government.

The Punjab Congress alleged that the state was witnessing politics driven by pressure tactics and misuse of power. The party questioned what kind of message such remarks from elected representatives would send to voters and demanded an immediate probe by the Election Commission.

Senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia also criticised the AAP government, questioning why the party would need to talk about booth management if it was truly confident of public support. He accused AAP of trying to bring intimidation-based politics into Punjab.

In the video, Bazigar is also heard saying that he had learned such political tactics from opposition parties themselves. However, the MLA has not issued any official clarification on the matter so far. Reports said attempts were made to contact him, but he did not respond to calls.

Punjab’s civic elections will be held on May 26, with voting scheduled from 8 am to 5 pm. Counting of votes will take place on May 29. Elections will be conducted for eight municipal corporations, 76 municipal councils and 21 nagar panchayats across the state.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the message carried a chilling warning, suggesting that he had only a few days left to live and hinting at an imminent attack. The language used in the message was described as both alarming and offensive, triggering immediate concern among political circles.

This is not the first time Majithia has been targeted in such a manner. Officials indicate that previous threats were also traced back to the same suspicious foreign number, making the pattern more worrying for security agencies. The repeated use of a single source has intensified the urgency of the investigation.

Following the incident, law enforcement authorities were promptly informed. The cyber cell has initiated a detailed probe to trace the origin of the message and  identify the network involved. Investigators are also examining whether the number is being masked through digital tools to conceal its true location.

In a video statement, the woman said she had recently purchased a piece of land that includes a closed school building located along the Fazilka-Ferozepur road. The property lies directly opposite the MLA’s newly built residence on the outskirts of the town.

According to her, the issue began after the deal was finalised and property rates in the area reportedly increased. She alleged that she and her family were then pressured to cancel the agreement, claiming that the MLA intended to acquire the same property. She further accused that when her family refused, they were subjected to threats and later implicated in what she described as a “false case.”

She also claimed that on April 18, a large police team, including several Station House Officers, visited her residence in her absence and allegedly intimidated her husband.

The woman’s brother, Gagan Chawla, who is currently undergoing training after being promoted from Assistant Sub-Inspector to Sub-Inspector, was also named in the alleged case.

Reacting to the development, Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa criticised the ruling party, accusing it of misusing power. In a post on social media platform X, he termed the incident another example of alleged attempts by those in authority to take control of land and intimidate those who resist.

However, Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy has firmly denied all allegations. He stated that he has no interest in the disputed property and has neither harassed anyone nor tried to influence the deal. According to him, the matter is purely a dispute between the current buyer and the previous owners, and he has no role in it.

According to sources, ED teams from Delhi reached the locations early in the morning, around 7.30 am and conducted coordinated searches across at least nine sites, including properties in Gurugram. Security personnel were deployed outside Mittal’s residence, where he was present during the operation.

Probe Linked to Alleged Financial Irregularities

Officials familiar with the matter indicated that the investigation pertains to suspected financial transactions involving Mittal and his son. While the ED has not yet issued an official statement detailing the case, sources suggest the investigation is connected to alleged money laundering activities.

Political War of Words Intensifies

The searches have triggered a sharp political confrontation between the AAP and the BJP.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the Centre of misusing investigative agencies ahead of elections. In a social media post, CM Mann alleged that the raids were part of the BJP’s strategy for the upcoming Punjab Assembly polls, describing the move as “typical” of the ruling party’s tactics.

Responding to the allegations, Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu hit back at the AAP leadership, accusing the party of corruption. He asserted that investigative agencies were acting against wrongdoing and that accountability would be ensured under the Centre’s governance framework.

Recent Leadership Change in Rajya Sabha

The raids come shortly after Mittal was appointed as AAP’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha. The leadership reshuffle had taken place less than two weeks ago.

Who is Ashok Mittal?

Ashok Mittal is an education entrepreneur and the founder-chancellor of Lovely Professional University, one of India’s largest private universities based in Punjab’s Phagwara.

He began his career assisting in his family’s sweet business, which later expanded significantly. Over the years, Mittal diversified into the automobile sector, securing dealership networks before entering the education field.

In 2001, he established an educational institution that later evolved into LPU, which now spans hundreds of acres and hosts thousands of students from India and abroad. Mittal entered Parliament as a Rajya Sabha MP in 2022.

The ED searches were still underway at the time of filing this report. Further details are awaited as officials continue to examine documents and electronic records seized during the raids.

Noni Mann, a prominent political figure in Punjab and son of former Ferozepur MP late Zora Singh Mann, was arrested in November 2025 in connection with a firing incident that took place during the October 2024 panchayat elections in Fazilka.

Earlier, his bail plea had been rejected by a Fazilka court in December, following which he approached the High Court seeking relief.

 The case pertains to alleged clashes and firing reported during the panchayat polls, which had drawn significant attention in the region.

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.

The motion was moved by AAP MLA  Saravjit Kaur Manuke and supported by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Saravjit Kaur Manuke alleged that Khaira had used derogatory language against women in his post and demanded that the Congress leader issue a public apology.

I’ve learnt that @AamAadmiParty has created ruckus in the Vidhan Sabha today over my below post where a Youtuber questioned the morality of @AAPPunjab volunteer women dancing on the announcement of Rs 1000 recently !

He said probably these women have forgotten the brutality… pic.twitter.com/bOkTGZaka1

— Sukhpal Singh Khaira (@SukhpalKhaira) March 10, 2026

The issue triggered heated exchanges inside the House. Before the motion was formally taken up, AAP legislators, including Inderjit Kaur, Jeevan Jyot Kaur and minister Aman Arora, gathered near the Speaker’s Chair and raised slogans against Khaira.

Following the debate on the motion, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan conducted a voice vote. He gave Congress MLAs three opportunities to register their response during the voting process. However, the Congress members remained silent. The Speaker then clarified that their silence would be treated as opposition to the motion, after which the censure motion was declared passed.

Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Khaira’s remarks has also reached the Punjab State Women Commission. The commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the issue and issued a notice to Sukhpal Singh Khaira, directing him to appear before it and present his explanation regarding the alleged remarks.

Speaking at an event in Coimbatore, she claimed that Rahul Gandhi’s inaction was weakening the Congress in Punjab. She alleged that members of his close circle were engaged in selling party tickets, while he remained unaware of the situation on the ground.

“Rahul Gandhi speaks well and raises meaningful issues, but there is a vast difference between what he says and what he does,” Navjot Kaur Sidhu said. She stated that for the past eight months, she had been seeking time to meet him to highlight what she described as the deteriorating condition of the party in Punjab.

#WATCH | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: On Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Former Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu says, "Rahul Gandhi talks good. He talks sense. But what he does and what he says is very different. For the past eight months, I have been asking for a time… pic.twitter.com/9eY8nKezrM

— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2026

According to her, she wanted to inform Rahul Gandhi that the leadership appointed in the state was not doing justice to Punjab and that the party structure was being damaged. She further alleged that electoral tickets had already been distributed in an improper manner.

In her remarks, she questioned Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, suggesting that a leader must remain connected with grassroots realities. She said that anyone occupying a key position must understand what is happening at the ground level rather than relying solely on advisers.

She also expressed disappointment over what she described as unfulfilled political assurances. She claimed that promises made to her and her supporters were not honoured and accused certain party leaders of engaging in corrupt practices while publicly speaking against corruption.

Drawing a comparison, Navjot Kaur Sidhu referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that leaders must maintain personal integrity if they wish to raise questions about corruption in others.

Her remarks come amid continuing tensions within the Punjab Congress, where factionalism and leadership disputes have surfaced repeatedly over the past few years.

The Congress party has not yet issued an official response to her statements.