The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has temporarily suspended its ‘Vibe Punjab Di’ events, which were planned to gain Gen Z support ahead of the 2027 state polls. The SAD had planned to organise similar events at other locations in the state but was forced to put the programme on hold following the dance controversy.
The party took the decision amid social media backlash over a dance performance by an anchor at the Moga event, which critics called “inappropriate” for a Panthic party. Earlier, the party had termed an event held in Patiala as “successful”.
Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has become unusually active on the press conference front – far more active than during his tenure as state chief. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah seems unable to make up his mind about the much-awaited cabinet expansion. Despite announcing it several times over the last eight months, the expansion was put off once again last week. The CM indicated that the expansion would take place soon after the GST Council meeting in Delhi, but did not go through with the promised reshuffle. The apparent reason is too many aspirants for a limited number of cabinet positions – more than a dozen contenders, including half a dozen senior legislators and former ministers, for just three vacant cabinet berths.
The Aam Aadmi Party’s recent decision to change halka in-charges ahead of the 2027 assembly elections has led to rifts within the party in the Doaba region. Addressing a dharna organised by Jhota’s supporters in Mansa, the Jalandhar Cantt MLA paid tribute to Jhota and then criticised the AAP government for failing to curb drug trafficking. However, when he expressed his disagreement with the culture of demolishing properties as a means of delivering justice, the gathering hooted Pargat Singh to show its disapproval. The ruling party has replaced in-charges in three constituencies – Jalandhar Cantt, Jalandhar North and Kapurthala. After AAP’s state general secretary Deepak Bali replaced Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, a former chairperson of the Improvement Trust, as the halka in-charge of Jalandhar Cantt, her supporters, including some sarpanches, threatened to launch a stir against the party leadership. Recently, Dinesh Dhall, who was replaced by Jalandhar mayor Vineet Dhir as constituency in-charge of Jalandhar North, also switched to the BJP. The Nayab Singh Saini government in Haryana has sought the repatriation of certain IAS officers presently serving on central deputation. it is learnt that the new principal secretary to the chief minister (PSCM) could be selected from these IAS officers While the move appears to stem from a shortage of experienced officers. The post of PSCM, an IAS cadre post, became vacant last month following Arun Gupta’s retirement. Another key officer serving the state administration is also reportedly on his way out.
Newly appointed Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh was left red-faced on Wednesday after he spoke against the Mansa district authorities for partially demolishing the residence of Ashwani Kumar, who is accused of killing anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.
