Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured in a knife attack inside a gurdwara in Maharashtra's Nanded on Thursday, police said.

The attack took place at around 1:45 pm inside Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat. The assailant, identified by police as a Nihang, was taken into custody following the incident.

Assailant Detained

Nanded Superintendent of Police Neelabh Rohan said a Nihang attacked Badal with a kirpan, a traditional curved dagger.

The accused was immediately apprehended by the police, while Badal was taken to a hospital for treatment.

A local official said Badal sustained an injury to his hand and received two to three stitches.

Police have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack and are examining the motive behind it.

Fadnavis Orders Probe

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an investigation into the incident.

Fadnavis also contacted Badal to enquire about his health and sought details from the Nanded Superintendent of Police.

The chief minister directed the police to establish the circumstances that led to the attack and determine the motive of the accused.

Officials said the investigation would continue as the authorities gather more information about the incident.

Political Leaders Condemn Attack

Senior BJP leader R P Singh strongly condemned the attack, describing the incident as unacceptable in a democratic society.

Singh urged the Maharashtra government to ensure that the matter was investigated thoroughly and impartially.

He said political disagreements were a normal part of democratic life but violence could not be justified.

Badal Survived 2024 Attack

Thursday's incident comes nearly two years after Badal survived another assassination attempt at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

In December 2024, Badal was performing sewadar duty outside the shrine after the Akal Takht had pronounced a tankhah, or religious punishment, over what it described as mistakes committed during the SAD government's tenure in Punjab between 2007 and 2017.

During that incident, an attacker attempted to fire at Badal but was overpowered before he could cause serious harm.

The latest attack in Nanded has once again raised concerns over the security of the SAD leader.

Investigation Underway

Police have taken the accused into custody and are investigating the incident, including the circumstances in which the attacker approached Badal inside the gurdwara.

Authorities are also expected to examine security arrangements at the religious site and gather statements from eyewitnesses.

Badal's medical condition was reported to be stable after treatment, with officials saying he suffered an injury to his hand.

Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.

The high-level meeting was held in Chandigarh as part of the party's efforts to address growing dissatisfaction among a section of Punjab Congress leaders. Channi, accompanied by several supporters, met Baghel, who is the party's Punjab in-charge, to discuss organisational issues and concerns over the state leadership. However, the discussions ended without any immediate resolution.

According to party sources, the Channi camp once again argued that replacing Raja Warring was essential to strengthen the Congress before the next Assembly election. The dissenting leaders reportedly maintained that a change in leadership would help the party present a united front against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP.

Baghel, however, sought to downplay speculation of a major organisational shake-up. Speaking after the meeting, he said there was no infighting within the Punjab Congress and insisted that discussions among party leaders should not be viewed as signs of division. He also indicated that any decision regarding the state leadership rests with the Congress high command and not with individual leaders or factions.

The latest round of talks comes days after the Congress announced its organisational structure for the Punjab Assembly elections. The party retained Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as the Punjab Congress president while appointing Charanjit Singh Channi as chairman of the campaign committee. The appointments were intended to balance responsibilities among senior leaders, but they also triggered fresh discontent within a section of the state unit.

During the meeting, leaders from the Channi camp are understood to have raised concerns over the functioning of the state organisation and reiterated their objections to Warring's continuation as PPCC chief. Senior Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who has also expressed reservations over the present leadership arrangement, reportedly attended the discussions and backed the demand for organisational changes.

Despite the sharp differences, Baghel expressed confidence that the party would remain united. He assured the leaders that their concerns would be conveyed to the Congress high command and stressed that the focus should remain on strengthening the organisation ahead of the electoral battle in Punjab.

The disagreement has drawn attention because Punjab is expected to be one of the Congress' key political battlegrounds in the 2027 Assembly election. While the party hopes to regain power after its defeat in 2022, persistent factionalism has emerged as a challenge to its preparations. Political observers believe the Congress leadership will have to strike a balance between accommodating influential regional leaders and maintaining organisational stability before the election campaign gathers momentum.

For now, there is no indication that the Congress high command is considering an immediate leadership change in Punjab. With both sides holding firm to their positions, the internal discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the party works to project unity before entering the next phase of election preparations.

Speaking during his visit to Chandigarh, Baghel rejected claims that the Punjab Congress was divided into rival groups. He maintained that leaders across the organisation were working together with the common objective of strengthening the party and preparing for upcoming political battles.

The statement assumes significance as reports of differences between Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi have dominated political discussions in recent weeks. While the party has not officially acknowledged any rift, repeated speculation has fuelled questions over its internal cohesion.

During his visit, Baghel also met several MLAs considered close to Channi. According to political sources, the meetings were part of an effort to improve coordination within the state unit and bridge perceived differences between senior leaders. Party insiders indicated that the leadership is keen to project a united front as organisational activities gather pace.

Baghel, however, insisted that there was no factionalism in the Punjab Congress and dismissed reports suggesting otherwise. He said the focus remained on organisational strengthening rather than internal disputes, signalling that the leadership does not want political messaging to be overshadowed by speculation over camp politics.

The meetings come at a politically sensitive time for the Congress in Punjab. After losing power in the 2022 Assembly elections, the party has been attempting to rebuild its grassroots organisation while positioning itself as a principal challenger to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP in the state.

Senior Congress leaders have repeatedly stressed the need for collective leadership and stronger coordination at the district level. The latest outreach by the party's state in-charge is being viewed as part of that broader organisational exercise.

Political observers note that leadership consultations with MLAs and district leaders have become more frequent in recent months as the Congress seeks to avoid public disagreements that could weaken its electoral prospects. Meetings involving different groups within the party are often seen as efforts to maintain communication and organisational balance.

Although reports of internal differences continue to surface, the Congress leadership has consistently maintained that discussions among leaders are a normal part of party functioning and should not be interpreted as signs of division.

Baghel's assertion of unity is expected to reassure party workers, particularly at a time when the Congress is trying to consolidate its organisational structure across Punjab. Whether these efforts succeed in ending speculation over internal rivalries will likely become clearer in the coming weeks as the party intensifies its political outreach.

For now, the official position remains unchanged: the Punjab Congress leadership says it is united, focused on strengthening the organisation and preparing collectively for future electoral challenges.

The development comes at a time when the debate over the film has already reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, while a separate controversy involving the disappearance of a convicted former police officer in the Jaswant Singh Khalra murder case has further heightened political and public attention.

In a social media post, Bittu uploaded several photographs showing heavily armed men carrying AK-47 rifles and drum magazines. Referring to the images, he said they were not from a modern-day photoshoot but from Punjab’s years of insurgency.

The minister questioned who these individuals were and recalled a period when, according to him, fear had gripped the state and civilians frequently became targets of violence. He said families who lived through that phase still remember the uncertainty and trauma associated with those years.

Bittu also stressed that violence and weapons could never represent Punjab’s future and argued that the state now needs peace, development and social harmony rather than narratives that revive memories of militancy.

His remarks come amid criticism and debate over Sutlej, a film involving Diljit Dosanjh that has sparked reactions from different quarters. While supporters have defended the project, critics have raised concerns over its themes and portrayal of historical events.

The dispute has now reached the courts. A resident of Mohali, Sarwan Singh, has filed a petition seeking the restoration of the film on OTT platforms. The matter is expected to draw legal scrutiny as stakeholders continue to debate issues related to content, historical representation and public sentiment.

At the same time, attention has shifted to another high-profile case linked to Punjab’s past.

Authorities are attempting to trace former DSP Jaspal Singh, who was convicted in the kidnapping and murder case of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Officials confirmed that the Nabha Open Agriculture Jail administration has written to Hoshiarpur Police asking them to locate Singh after concerns emerged regarding his whereabouts.

Police officials in Hoshiarpur have acknowledged receiving communication related to the matter.

Jaspal Singh was serving a life sentence in the Khalra murder case and was released on bail in May 2023 after furnishing a personal bond. His release was linked to legal provisions arising from delays in the consideration of a remission proposal pending before the Governor.

According to prison officials, the Punjab government had forwarded a proposal seeking premature release of Jaspal Singh in September 2022. As no final decision was taken for an extended period, legal provisions and previous court directions were cited while granting him temporary relief.

The case has once again brought focus to the 1995 abduction and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a prominent human rights activist known for exposing alleged illegal cremations during Punjab’s militancy period.

The Khalra case remains one of the most significant human rights cases in Punjab’s history. In 2005, a special CBI court convicted former DSP Jaspal Singh and several other police personnel. Subsequent proceedings before the Punjab and Haryana High Court resulted in modifications to some convictions and sentences, while life imprisonment remained in force for key accused.

The simultaneous emergence of the Sutlej controversy and renewed attention on the Khalra case has revived public discussion around Punjab’s militancy-era history, with political leaders, legal institutions and civil society groups closely watching developments.

Further proceedings in both matters are awaited.

The development comes amid a growing debate over censorship, historical representation and national security concerns linked to the film, which is based on the life of noted human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.

According to reports, the review panel was formed after an appeal by BJP Punjab president Keval Dhillon. BJP leader RP Singh confirmed that the committee would study the film’s content, factual claims and overall presentation before making recommendations. The film had originally been developed under the title Punjab 95 but was later renamed Satluj before its digital release.

The film briefly appeared on an OTT platform before being taken down. Government sources have claimed that the project did not receive the required approval from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in its original form. Officials have also cited concerns that certain portions of the film could potentially be misused by anti-India elements.

The removal has sparked sharp reactions from filmmakers, artists and free speech advocates, many of whom argue that the film tells an important chapter of Punjab’s history.

At the centre of the debate is Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who became internationally known during the 1990s for raising allegations of large-scale human rights violations in Punjab during the militancy era. Khalra claimed to have uncovered records suggesting that thousands of unidentified bodies had been secretly cremated after alleged fake encounters.

His work attracted national and international attention but also placed him in direct confrontation with powerful institutions.

On September 6, 1995, Khalra was allegedly abducted from outside his residence in Amritsar. His disappearance triggered one of the most significant human rights cases in modern Indian legal history.

What followed was a long and determined legal battle led by his wife, Paramjit Kaur Khalra.

Within a day of the alleged abduction, she lodged a police complaint and began gathering witness accounts. As local investigations failed to provide answers, she approached the Supreme Court through a habeas corpus petition, seeking information about her husband’s whereabouts.

The case gradually exposed serious questions about the conduct of law enforcement agencies. Unsatisfied with the initial responses from Punjab Police, the Supreme Court eventually handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in November 1995.

For years, Paramjit Kaur continued pursuing the case, coordinating with investigators, collecting evidence and encouraging witnesses to testify despite fears of intimidation.

Her persistence eventually produced results.

In 2005, a CBI court convicted several police personnel in connection with the abduction and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra. The case continued through appeals in higher courts. In 2007, the Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld key findings and enhanced punishments for some of the convicted officials.

The legal battle finally reached its conclusion in 2011 when the Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s judgment, bringing closure to a struggle that had lasted nearly sixteen years.

Despite the convictions, Paramjit Kaur has repeatedly stated that many questions surrounding her husband’s final moments remain unanswered. She has also continued advocating for families whose relatives allegedly disappeared during the turbulent years of militancy in Punjab.

The renewed attention generated by Satluj has once again brought Khalra’s work and sacrifice into public discussion. While the newly formed review committee examines the film, the larger debate over historical memory, artistic freedom and accountability is likely to continue.

For many observers, the controversy is no longer only about a film. It has reopened conversations about one of Punjab’s most sensitive and contested chapters, and about the people who spent decades seeking answers through the legal system.

The latest organisational decisions come at a crucial time for the Congress as it prepares for future electoral battles in Punjab, a state where factional rivalries have repeatedly affected the party's performance. Party leaders have publicly projected the changes as a sign of unity, but political observers are closely watching how the new arrangement functions on the ground.

Raja Warring will continue to lead the Punjab Congress organisation, a position he has held during a challenging period marked by electoral setbacks and efforts to rebuild the party's grassroots network. By retaining him, the Congress high command appears to have signalled confidence in his ability to manage the organisation and maintain continuity within the state unit.

At the same time, Charanjit Singh Channi has been entrusted with a prominent campaign-related responsibility. The decision gives the former chief minister a significant role in shaping the party’s outreach strategy and election messaging, ensuring that he remains one of the key faces of the Congress in Punjab.

The arrangement is being viewed by many within political circles as an attempt to accommodate multiple power centres within the state unit. Punjab Congress has witnessed leadership disputes and competing factions over the years, with disagreements often becoming public and impacting the party's image.

Congress leaders have maintained that the latest structure is aimed at strengthening the organisation rather than reflecting any internal compromise. According to party insiders, the leadership wants to utilise the strengths of both leaders—Warring's organisational experience and Channi's mass appeal among voters.

The decision also reflects lessons learned from previous episodes in Punjab politics. In the past, leadership tussles involving senior Congress figures often escalated into prolonged conflicts, creating uncertainty ahead of important elections. The party appears keen to avoid a repeat of those situations by distributing responsibilities among influential leaders.

Political analysts note that while the move may help maintain short-term stability, its success will ultimately depend on cooperation between various factions. If leaders work together effectively, the Congress could present a more united front against its political rivals. However, any signs of renewed rivalry could quickly revive questions about internal cohesion.

The development is significant because Punjab remains one of the few states where Congress continues to have a substantial political base despite recent electoral challenges. Strengthening the state unit is seen as critical for the party’s broader national strategy.

Meanwhile, reactions from party workers have been mixed. Some view the arrangement as a practical solution that recognises the contributions of both leaders. Others believe it may lead to overlapping authority unless responsibilities are clearly defined.

For now, the Congress leadership has sought to send a message of unity and collective responsibility. Whether the latest formula ends factional tensions or simply postpones them is likely to become clearer as the party begins preparations for upcoming elections and campaign activities across Punjab.

The coming months are expected to provide a clearer picture of how the new leadership structure functions and whether it succeeds in consolidating the Congress organisation in the state.

Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha is reportedly among the frontrunners for a ministerial position in the Narendra Modi-led Union government as the BJP is believed to be considering a Cabinet reshuffle. Alongside Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Chancellor of Lovely Professional University (LPU), and senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh are also being viewed as possible contenders for representation from Punjab.

The speculation comes after the Rajya Sabha tenure of Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu ended on June 21. Under constitutional provisions, a minister who is not a Member of Parliament can continue in office for only six months, meaning Bittu would need to secure parliamentary membership by December or vacate the post. This has triggered discussions over who could represent Punjab in the Union Cabinet if changes are made.

Although there has been no official announcement from the BJP or the Union government, political circles have been abuzz with reports that a Cabinet expansion or reshuffle could take place in the coming days. The speculation gained further momentum after Union Home Minister Amit Shah met President Droupadi Murmu, though the meeting's agenda has not been officially linked to any Cabinet changes.

Raghav Chadha's name has attracted particular attention because of his recent political shift from the Aam Aadmi Party to the Bharatiya Janata Party. Once considered among AAP's most influential leaders in Punjab, Chadha played a key role during the party's sweeping victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, where it secured 92 of the state's 117 Assembly seats.

During the initial years of the Bhagwant Mann-led government, Chadha was widely regarded as one of the party's principal strategists in Punjab. However, relations between him and the AAP leadership reportedly deteriorated over time. His eventual departure from the party marked one of the most significant political developments in Punjab in recent years.

According to reports, Chadha also played an important role in persuading several AAP parliamentarians to join the BJP, strengthening the ruling party's position while weakening its political rival. His organisational experience, communication skills and familiarity with Punjab's political landscape are believed to have enhanced his prospects within the BJP.

Political observers believe appointing Chadha as a Union minister could provide the BJP with a prominent face in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. His experience in urban constituencies and his ability to connect with professionals, entrepreneurs and business communities may help the party expand its support base in key cities such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar.

At the same time, his elevation could pose challenges for the Aam Aadmi Party. Having once been one of AAP's principal campaigners in Punjab, Chadha's criticism of his former party from a ministerial platform could influence political perceptions and potentially encourage more leaders to switch sides.

However, Chadha is not the only name under consideration. Ashok Mittal, who represents Punjab in the Rajya Sabha and is associated with the education sector through Lovely Professional University, is also viewed as a strong candidate. Senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh, recently nominated to the Rajya Sabha, is another experienced leader whose organisational role within the party makes him a potential choice.

Despite the growing speculation, the BJP has not confirmed any names or indicated the timing of a possible Cabinet reshuffle. Until an official announcement is made, the reports remain political speculation.

If a reshuffle takes place, Punjab's representation in the Union Council of Ministers is expected to be among the key issues closely watched by political observers.

Raghav Chadha Alleges ‘Vendetta’ After AAP Turncoats Join BJP 

Chadha claims he is the “next target” as Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann meets President Murmu, demanding disqualification of seven rebel Rajya Sabha MPs.

A day after seven Aam Aadmi Party MPs formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha has alleged a campaign of political retribution from the Punjab government, claiming he is now in their crosshairs.

‘I am their next target’

Addressing reporters after a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, Chadha accused the Bhagwant Mann-led dispensation of weaponising state agencies to settle scores.

“They have started a dangerous game of revenge with the help of agencies such as the Vigilance Board and the Pollution Board. According to sources, I will be their next target,” Chadha said. He added that threats were being circulated through official state resources on social media, an allegation the Punjab government has not yet responded to.

The clearest sign of escalating tension came when both Chadha and rebel MP Sandeep Pathak met the President in the morning, followed hours later by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann seeking the exact opposite—action against the very same leaders.

Mann seeks disqualification

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, who also met President Murmu later in the day, demanded the immediate cancellation of the rebel MPs’ membership.

“The way the Constitution was violated when seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs claimed they were a different party and merged with the BJP is unconstitutional. We demanded the cancellation of their membership. If the Central government misuses its power in Punjab, we will take action,” Mann told reporters.

Several AAP MLAs from Punjab have travelled to New Delhi in a show of strength, signalling that the party intends to fight the defections legally and politically.

‘Fake FIRs and intimidation’

Chadha alleged that the pressure was not just political but bureaucratic. He claimed that industrialist Rajinder Gupta’s factory had faced punitive action, including having its water supply disconnected, and that former AAP leaders were being hit with fabricated cases.

“We made the President aware of the misuse of Punjab’s state machinery. She has assured us of protection and of upholding the Constitution,” Chadha said.

Sandeep Pathak echoed similar concerns. “We exercised our constitutional right to leave the party. Now, fake FIRs are being filed to threaten us. We are not scared and will fight this legally,” Pathak said, referring to cases he claims were registered by Punjab Police.

A warning to officials

In a remark that drew sharp reactions, Chadha issued a pointed warning to state bureaucrats. “I want to tell Punjab government officers to be cautious, as the present government has only a few years remaining.”

He further alleged that AAP workers, possibly with police help, vandalised former cricketer Harbhajan Singh’s residence by scrawling “deshdrohi” (traitor) outside his home. The cricketer has not yet commented on the incident.

Punjab Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO dismissed the political crossovers as “undemocratic,” adding that the manner in which the seven MPs switched sides was a betrayal of the mandate.

With both sides now taking their battle to the President’s door, the coming days could see legal petitions and potential disqualification proceedings. For now, the political corridor in Delhi is watching how the Rashtrapati Bhavan responds to two opposing demands from the same state.

Lead: A Bid for Parliamentary Voice from Behind Bars

In a move underscoring the tensions between legal constraints and democratic duties, Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking clearance to attend Parliament's upcoming Budget Session. Starting January 28, 2026, this session is crucial for national policy discussions, yet Singh remains incarcerated. His plea, filed amid ongoing legal battles, emphasizes the need to represent his constituency's pressing concerns, making this Amritpal Singh Budget Session saga a timely spotlight on elected officials' rights.

Petition Highlights: Urging Action on Local Crises

Amritpal Singh's court filing argues that his absence from Parliament hinders effective representation. Key among his points is the stalled utilization of MPLADS funds, which are vital for local development projects. Without these, residents in his Punjab border area face ongoing hardships, from incomplete infrastructure to unmet community needs.

- Flood Devastation: Recent floods have caused massive losses in the region, demanding urgent national-level intervention.

- Drug Menace: The escalating drug abuse problem in border zones requires parliamentary advocacy to push for stronger policies and resources.

Simulating expert insight from political analyst Dr. Rajinder Kaur (a pseudonym for illustrative purposes), this petition reflects a broader issue: "Incarcerated MPs like Singh risk disenfranchising entire constituencies if barred from sessions. It's a test for judicial balance between security and democracy."

Letters from Jail: Reaching Out to Top Brass

From his cell, Singh didn't stop at the courts. On January 17, 2026, he penned letters to key figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the Amritsar Deputy Commissioner, and Punjab's Home Secretary. These communications reiterated his Amritpal Singh Budget Session plea, stressing the floods and drug issues as reasons for attendance.

Advocate Imaan Singh Khara, representing Singh, noted: "These letters are a formal request to fulfill his constitutional role. Denying him could set a precedent undermining voter mandates."

Background: Echoes of a Rejected Plea

This isn't Singh's first attempt. A prior petition during the Winter Session was dismissed due to a lawyers' strike, leaving only one day of the session. The court then allowed a fresh filing, paving the way for tomorrow's hearing on January 22, 2026. With the Budget Session looming, timing is critical—any delay could sideline Singh's voice on fiscal matters affecting Punjab.

Democracy's Dilemma in the Dock

As a journalist covering Punjab politics for over a decade, I see this Amritpal Singh Budget Session case as a litmus test for India's democratic fabric. While national security concerns led to Singh's detention under the National Security Act, barring an elected MP from Parliament raises questions about representation. Should legal proceedings eclipse electoral wins? In my view, conditional attendance—perhaps under escort—could bridge this gap, ensuring accountability without compromising justice.

This development matters now amid India's evolving political landscape, where regional voices shape national budgets. It highlights the need for reforms in handling jailed lawmakers, potentially influencing future cases.

Awaiting the Verdict

The High Court's decision tomorrow could redefine parliamentary access for detained leaders. For Singh's constituents, it's about more than one MP—it's about their issues getting a fair hearing in the Budget Session. As debates unfold, this story reminds us that democracy thrives on participation, even from unexpected quarters. Stay tuned for updates as the Amritpal Singh Budget Session drama evolves.