Punjab news & politics
The latest news from Punjab, where Bhagwant Mann (AAP) is Chief Minister. Most covered in the last 30 days: protest opposition, crime violence, corruption scam.
Justice Sheel Nagu recuses from Punjab appeal over CBI probe into Mann's office
On October 9, 2026, Justice Sheel Nagu recused himself from a State of Punjab appeal against a High Court order for a CBI probe into corruption allegations linked to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s office. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleged irregularities involving the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). On October 5, Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra ordered the investigation following Nikhil Saraf's petition.
Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh farmers burn 29 million metric tons of paddy straw
Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh farmers burn 29 million metric tons of paddy straw, causing smog and soil depletion. Following the PPSSWA 2009, harvest timing shifted, making burning necessary due to narrow windows and high costs for Happy Seeders. While CPCB deployed squads in 2025, a reported 90% reduction may be inaccurate because farmers burn at night to evade NASA satellites.
Bhagwant Mann accuses BJP of using CBI for election campaign after camp office raid
On October 8, 2026, Bhagwant Mann accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of using the CBI to launch an election campaign after a raid at his camp office. The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the probe into corruption allegations involving an officer on special duty and other public servants. The CBI booked six persons for allegedly manipulating postings and policy matters.
Pargat Singh to prioritize restoring "Punjab brand" before 2027 assembly election
Newly appointed Punjab Congress chief and hockey legend Pargat Singh told NDTV he will prioritize restoring the "Punjab brand" before the 2027 assembly election. He called the 1984 anti-Sikh riots a mistake, noting Rahul Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh spoke on it. Singh plans to address policing, agriculture diversification, education curriculum, and the drug crisis through sports.
Food safety officer suspended after 26 penal actions and action against adulterators
Abhinav Kumar, a 42-year-old food safety officer, was suspended on October 1st by IAS officer Kanwal Preet Brar. Protesters in Ferozepur and farmer organizations burned effigies of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging the suspension followed his actions against adulterators. Kumar, who joined the health department in 2009, has faced penal action 26 times over a 17-year career.
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring resigns as Punjab Congress chief to Rahul Gandhi
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring resigned as Punjab Congress chief on October 2, 2026, handing his resignation to Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. He was succeeded by Pargat Singh. During street protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, police detained Rahul Gandhi near the Shangri-La hotel. Warring, Udai Bhanu Chib, and Deepender Singh Hooda were also present during these events.
Supreme Court orders fresh elections in 50 Punjab municipal wards within six weeks
The Supreme Court, including Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana, ordered fresh elections in 50 municipal wards in Punjab (28 in Patiala, 22 in Moga) within six weeks. The court accepted Nirmaljit Kaur's commission report regarding widespread obstruction during the December 21, 2024, polls. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal confirmed the state has no objection.
Supreme Court adjourns Punjab appeal against CBI probe into Bhagwant Mann's office corruption
On Thursday (October 8, 2026), the Supreme Court adjourned Punjab’s appeal against a High Court order directing a CBI investigation into corruption allegations linked to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's office. Justice Dipankar Datta stated Justice Sheel Nagu would study the file. On Tuesday (October 6, 2026), the CBI booked six people for allegedly manipulating postings and policy matters for pecuniary benefits.
Harmanpreet Kaur relinquishes captaincy to Smriti Mandhana after leading India to 2025 ODI title
Harmanpreet Kaur relinquished her captaincy across all formats to Smriti Mandhana during a review meeting with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and coach Amol Muzumdar. After leading India to the 2025 ODI World Cup title, the 37-year-old stepped down despite wanting to lead in ODIs and Tests. The move follows her 2017 century against Australia and a recent dip in form.
Smriti Mandhana replaces Harmanpreet Kaur as India’s all-format captain after decade of leadership
Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as India’s all-format captain on October 6, 2026, after a decade of leadership. Following discussions with Smriti Mandhana, Amol Muzumdar, and Devajit Saikia, Mandhana replaced her. Kaur led India to their first World Cup title in November 2025 by defeating South Africa. Her tenure included winning the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates and gold at the Asian Games in Japan.
Court sets aside 50 Punjab municipal ward elections over alleged assault and bogus voting
A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana set aside elections in 50 municipal wards in Punjab on September 28. The court ordered fresh polls within six weeks following a report by Nirmaljit Kaur. The order addressed allegations of physical assault, snatching nomination papers, and bogus voting in the Aam Aadmi Party-ruled Patiala Municipal Corporation and Moga district councils.
Omani co-pilot attacks Captain Smit Machchhar with crash axe on flydubai flight FZ1073
Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital after being attacked by his Omani co-pilot with a crash axe on flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30. The Israel-bound plane carrying 174 passengers descended over 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet. Two reserve pilots landed the aircraft at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
