The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been staging a protest at Jantar Mantar for 20 days against the NEET paper leak. On Thursday, founder Abhijit Deepke pleaded with police personnel, clasping his hands and even touching their feet. He was seeking permission to set up a tent to shield the students on a hunger strike from the rain.

Deepke shared a video of the incident, writing, "Students on a hunger strike are getting drenched in the rain. I have asked police officials for permission to set up a tent at Jantar Mantar."

In another video, he accused the police of mistreating students who were attempting to bring in a tarpaulin sheet. Deepke wrote, "Male police personnel pushed female students."

**Wangchuk joins protest; demands Education Minister's resignation**

The CJP is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following allegations of irregularities in the exams and the paper leak. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has also joined the protest.
Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike since June 28. His health deteriorated on Wednesday; according to doctors, he has lost over 7 kg in 11 days, bringing his weight down to 59.4 kg.
Rishikesh, an AISA member and former JNU student leader, was admitted to RML Hospital after his health worsened; he complained of chest pain and numbness in his limbs. His 11-day hunger strike ended with his medical treatment, though four other students from the organization remain on the fast.
CJP formed after CJI's remark calling youth 'cockroaches'

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was launched following a remark by Chief Justice Surya Kant, who stated that some unemployed youths are like cockroaches that attack the system by becoming social media or RTI activists.
The very next day, on May 16, US-based Abhijit Deepke launched the CJP and created the party's social media accounts. On May 22, they demanded Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation; this online campaign garnered support from over 8 lakh people.
As of June 10, CJP had 2.27 crore followers on Instagram. This figure has now dropped by two lakh. Nevertheless, it remains higher than the BJP's 94 lakh and the Congress's 1.37 crore followers. CJP has 2.79 lakh followers on X.

Chandigarh: Former Punjab Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi appears to have stepped back after adopting a rebellious stance against Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Facing a strict warning from the party high command, Channi broke his silence on Wednesday during a media interaction.

When asked about his displeasure within the party, Channi softened his tone, stating, "My only goal is to take the Congress forward. I will not say anything else on this matter."

"Rahul Gandhi is my leader and will always remain so. All issues will be resolved soon. We will move forward according to the strategy formulated by the party." — Charanjit Singh Channi

Baghel's Stern Message: "Changing the President is Not Child's Play"

Earlier, AICC In-charge for Punjab, Bhupesh Baghel, who is on a 5-day visit to the state, sent a clear message to Channi and his supporters. Baghel explicitly stated that changing the state unit president is "not child's play" and the high command will not reverse its decision. He noted that Raja Warring enjoys the backing of 23 district presidents, who have already given their consent in a meeting.

This tough stance comes after the Channi faction alleged that Baghel had misled the high command with a false report, claiming that the party could not win the 2027 elections under Warring's leadership.

Senior Leaders React

• Partap Singh Bajwa (Leader of Opposition): Bajwa took a subtle dig at the rebels, pointing out that in the 2022 elections, despite 10 out of 22 AAP MLAs breaking away, the AAP still won 92 seats. “If senior leaders stay behind, new people will step up. The public will support whoever they have made up their minds about,” he said. He added that the rebel faction should wait a week; if their appeal is rejected, discussions can resume.

• Pargat Singh (Jalandhar Cantt MLA): Pargat Singh emphasized that this is not the time for political experiments. “The battle for Punjab is huge, and elections are very close. This is not the time to show strength through photo sessions. We should sort out our minor problems,” he remarked.

Baghel’s 3 Failed Attempts to Pacify Channi

Despite the tough talk, efforts were made to bring Channi to the table, but they fell flat:

1. The Bajwa Route: Upon reaching Chandigarh, Baghel first met LOP Partap Singh Bajwa, hoping he could mediate. Although Bajwa spoke optimistically to the media, the Channi faction remained rigid.

2. Verka’s Initiative: Working State President Raj Kumar Verka held a closed-door meeting with Channi before meeting Baghel. However, no leader from the Channi camp subsequently went to meet the AICC in-charge.

3. The "Tea" Offer: Baghel publicly stated, "If anyone invites me for tea, I will definitely go." Despite this open invitation, the Channi faction maintained its distance on the second day of the tour.

Responsibilities of New Working Presidents Fixed

Amidst the ongoing turmoil, the party has distributed responsibilities among the newly appointed working presidents:

• Sukhwinder Singh Danny: Will work with AICC Secretary Suraj Thakur. He will oversee the 42 assembly constituencies currently managed by Thakur, along with the respective frontal organizations and departments.

• Sangat Singh Gilzian: Will coordinate with AICC Secretary Ravindra Dalvi. He has been given the responsibility of 45 assembly constituencies and the associated frontal organizations.

• Raj Kumar Verka: Will partner with AICC Secretary Heena Kawre, taking charge of 30 assembly constituencies and their related departments.

Warring’s Show of Strength vs. Channi’s Silent Protest

During the first two days of Baghel's visit, meetings were held with senior leaders, state office bearers, Election Management Committee Chairman Vijay Inder Singla, and Manifesto Committee Chairman Amar Singh. However, Campaign Committee Chairman Charanjit Singh Channi and Core Committee Chairman Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa completely skipped these meetings.

While Raja Warring’s supporters turned up in large numbers to welcome Baghel—sending a strong message about their grip on the organization—the Channi faction remained completely absent from all official programs. Sources indicate that Channi's camp refuses to share a stage with Raja Warring and insists on taking their grievances directly to the high command in Delhi.

What's Next? Wednesday is being viewed as the most crucial day, as Bhupesh Baghel is scheduled to hold one-on-one meetings with senior Punjab Congress leaders. All eyes are on whether Channi and Randhawa will finally meet the AICC in-charge or continue their boycott.

Baruipur, West Bengal: Prabhas Mandal, the prime accused in the horrific rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, was killed in a police encounter. The incident occurred when the accused allegedly attempted to flee from police custody.

According to news agency PTI, a police official stated that during the recreation of the crime scene, Prabhas Mandal snatched a police rifle. This led to an exchange of fire between the accused and the police, during which Mandal was shot. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The police had arrested two individuals in connection with the crime: Prabhas Mandal and Anand Sardar.

Gruesome Details of the Crime
The 12-year-old girl went missing on July 4, and her body was recovered from a local pond on July 5.

Police reviewed local CCTV footage, which showed four individuals taking the girl away. The preliminary autopsy report revealed horrifying details:

Cause of Death: The victim was thrown into the pond alive. Water was found in her lungs and stomach, indicating she died of drowning and severe blood loss.

Injuries: She suffered severe trauma to her head, likely from a heavy object or being slammed against a hard surface. Scratches, bite marks, and injuries to her private parts were also documented.

"He Got What He Deserved"
Following the encounter, Prabhas Mandal's mother, Sandhya Mandal, outrightly refused to claim his body.

"He has received the punishment for what he did. I do not even want to see his face, and no family member will go to collect his body." — Sandhya Mandal

She also alleged that her son was a long-time drug addict who never listened to her.

Mob Justice Claims an Innocent Life
Shortly after the girl's body was discovered on July 5, an enraged mob lynched a man named Indrajit Tanti (also referred to as Indrajit Mandal), suspecting his involvement in the rape and murder.

During a visit to the victim's family on July 7, Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that according to police briefings, the lynched youth was innocent. He met with Indrajit's family, assuring them of justice.

Chief Minister's Response & Ongoing Action
CM Adhikari outlined a five-point response to the crisis:

Zero Tolerance: Instructed the Police Commissioner (CP) and SP to ensure such incidents are not repeated anywhere in Bengal.

72-Hour Deadline: Sought a detailed investigation report from the DGP within 72 hours.

Accountability: Promised strict action against officers if even 1% negligence is found in handling the initial complaint.

Vandalism Arrests: Approximately 200 people have been identified for vandalizing public property, police vehicles, and railway tracks during protests. All will be arrested.

Political Conspiracy: Alleged that certain political parties, radical groups, and anti-national forces fueled the violence.

Political Row Escalates
The tragedy has sparked a massive political controversy in Bengal. Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Mamata Banerjee, along with party leaders, held a candle march on July 6 to protest the incident.

The TMC alleged that heavy police forces were deployed outside Banerjee's residence to prevent her from visiting the victim's grieving family.

NCW Seeks Action Taken Report
On July 6, the National Commission for Women (NCW) intervened, demanding a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) from Bengal DGP Siddharth Nath Gupta within a week. The NCW specified that the report must cover both the primary crime and the subsequent mob violence, which included the lynching of an innocent man, attacks on central forces, and the torching of police vehicles.

The Broader Picture: India's POCSO Crisis
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), child sexual abuse remains a critical issue in India:

Annual Cases: Approximately 70,000 POCSO cases are registered every year (roughly 5,766 per month or 190 per day).

2024 Statistics: A staggering 69,191 POCSO cases were recorded, involving 70,132 minor victims. POCSO cases account for nearly 37% of all crimes against children (totaling 1.87 lakh).

Perpetrator Data: In 97% of severe POCSO cases, the accused is known to the child (relatives, neighbors, or family friends).

The Hidden Reality: Experts warn that due to social stigma and fear, the actual number of cases is likely much higher than reported figures.

New Delhi/Chandigarh: The Central Government has formed a review committee for Punjabi actor Diljit Dosanjh’s latest film, 'Sutlej'. BJP leader RP Singh confirmed that the committee was constituted following an appeal by Punjab BJP Chief Kewal Dhillon. The panel is tasked with studying the film's content, facts, and themes, as it reportedly lacked official Censor Board approval.

Originally titled 'Punjab 95', the film was released on an OTT platform under the new name 'Sutlej' after facing a three-year ban. However, it was abruptly taken down just two days post-release.

The Legacy of Jaswant Singh Khalra

The movie chronicles the life of prominent human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. During the era of militancy in Punjab, Khalra collected records from cremation grounds and municipal corporations, claiming that 25,000 youth were killed in fake police encounters and cremated as "unidentified" bodies. His revelations shook the nation but cost him his life. He was abducted from outside his Amritsar home and subsequently murdered.

A Wife’s 16-Year Fight for Justice

Following his disappearance, his wife, Paramjit Kaur Khalra, spearheaded a grueling 16-year legal battle from the trial courts to the Supreme Court. Despite alleged political apathy—including a meeting with then-CM Prakash Singh Badal, who reportedly told her to "forget the case"—she refused to back down.

"While the guilty have been punished, the mystery of exactly how my husband was murdered after his kidnapping remains unsolved to this day." — Paramjit Kaur Khalra

Timeline: The Fight for Justice

Today, Paramjit Kaur continues her husband's mission, fighting for the families of the youth who disappeared and were secretly cremated during those turbulent years.

Jakarta: Strengthening bilateral relations, India and Indonesia signed 20 key agreements on Tuesday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jakarta. The agreements were finalized during a high-level bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Strategic & Defense Milestones The most significant breakthrough of the summit was the BrahMos missile deal, which concluded after four months of rigorous negotiations. India will supply additional units of the BrahMos missile to Indonesia, making it the third international buyer after the Philippines and Vietnam. Furthermore, Indonesia has decided to procure India's 'Astra' air-to-air missile, which was recently used in Operation Sindoor.

Strengthening Democracy and Technology Showcasing the shared democratic values of both nations, an MoU was signed between their respective Election Commissions. Under this, India will assist Indonesia in developing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Highlighting technological and trade cooperation, PM Modi announced that India's UPI will soon be connected to Indonesia's payment network, streamlining cross-border business and travel. To fortify global supply chains in the tech era, the two nations signed vital agreements focusing on critical minerals, the steel sector, stainless steel, and rare earth magnets.

Global Vision and Cultural Connect Addressing the media, PM Modi emphasized the critical role of diplomacy in today's turbulent world. On the global front, he reaffirmed India's support for a 'two-state solution' and enduring peace regarding the Palestine issue. He also highlighted the synergy between the two nations regarding the Indo-Pacific region and ASEAN's central role.

"A golden era is approaching for both our nations. I am fully confident that together we will realize the dreams of 'Indonesia Emas' (Golden Indonesia) and a developed India," said PM Modi.

On the second day of his visit, President Prabowo conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honor upon PM Modi. Expressing his gratitude, the Prime Minister dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion Indians, calling it a symbol of deep historical ties.

PM Modi is scheduled to address the Indian diaspora in Jakarta on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, alongside President Prabowo, he will visit the 1,000-year-old Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta, celebrating the shared cultural heritage of the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Indonesia on Monday, marking his third visit to the country since assuming office. He was welcomed at the airport by President Prabowo Subianto. A major highlight of the bilateral meeting between the two leaders is the expected finalization of a ₹2,500 crore deal for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system.

Strategic Defense Partnership If finalized, Indonesia could become the second international customer for the BrahMos missile, following the Philippines. Developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the BrahMos is recognized as one of the fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles in the world. Additionally, the development of the Sabang Port remains a key agenda item, aimed at strengthening maritime connectivity, logistics, and security, given its proximity to India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Cultural and Historical Bonds Beyond defense, the visit highlights the 2,000-year-old cultural ties between the two nations. Despite being the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, Indonesia’s heritage is deeply influenced by Hindu-Buddhist traditions. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit the 9th-century Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The influence of Indian culture is also evident in local traditions like the Ramayana-based dance dramas, and the historical depiction of Lord Ganesha on Indonesian currency.

Visit Milestone This trip marks Prime Minister Modi’s 102nd foreign visit and his third trip to Indonesia. He previously visited the country in May 2018 and again in September 2023 for the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit.

Chandigarh: A 54-year-old two-story building suddenly collapsed in Chandigarh's Industrial Area Phase-2 on Saturday, trapping the building owner and laborers under the debris. Police teams rushed to the spot immediately upon receiving the information.

All individuals trapped in the rubble have been safely evacuated. While four people were rescued earlier in the day, two more were pulled out at 9:45 PM. The latter two were transported to the hospital wrapped in white sheets. According to sources, they are feared dead, though official confirmation is still awaited.

Ramesh, a survivor who was pulled from the debris, stated that around 20 to 25 people were inside the building. At approximately 4:20 PM, they felt a tremor similar to an earthquake, and the building instantly collapsed. To rescue those trapped, the NDRF was called in. JCB machines were used to remove the lintel/roof to ensure airflow and save lives.

NDRF official Sanjeev Kohli reported, "We have rescued two people from the debris; one was unconscious, while the other was responsive. Our team successfully secured the lintel." The entire rescue operation lasted for about 5.5 hours.

MPS Chawla, President of the Industry Association, noted that the building was quite old. Located at Plot No. 28/9 in the Industrial Area, scrap work was being conducted on the premises. He attributed the roof's collapse to the building's age.

Built in 1972, Rented Out 15 Days Ago According to available information, the commercial building was allotted and constructed in 1972. It was rented out just 15 days ago, and work was actively underway. Continuous rain over the past two days reportedly caused dampness and seepage, which ultimately led to the structural failure. The two individuals trapped inside later in the evening were identified as Tarun Kaushik and Tarun Jain, both residents of Meerut, UP.

Delay in Informing NDRF The incident occurred around 4:20 PM. Police and Civil Defence teams arrived promptly and initiated the rescue operation. However, the NDRF was not informed immediately. They received the distress call around 6:45 PM—nearly two and a half hours after the collapse—after which NDRF teams arrived and took charge of the situation.

Mayor Comments on the Incident Chandigarh Mayor Saurabh Joshi stated that six to seven people were inside the building at the time of the collapse. Four were rescued safely, and while two remained trapped at the time of his statement, he mentioned their condition was stable. He confirmed it was an old building undergoing renovation work. However, when questioned about the Civil Defence team's delay in notifying the NDRF, the Mayor declined to comment.

In a major crackdown on cross-border terrorism, the Union Government on Saturday designated 23 individuals as terrorists under anti-terror laws. Among those named is an operative involved in conducting reconnaissance on the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the RSS headquarters in Nagpur.

The operative has been identified as Mohammad Musadik, a close relative of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed. While official sources confirmed Musadik's involvement in the recce of these high-profile targets, details regarding the exact timeline and whether he executed the surveillance himself or orchestrated it through local modules remain undisclosed.

Links to Banned Terror Outfits

According to the government, all 23 individuals on the updated list are associated with banned Pakistan-backed terrorist organizations, including:

• Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)

• Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)

• The Resistance Front (TRF)

• Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD)

These individuals have been actively involved in recruiting youth for terror cells, facilitating illegal infiltrations into India, plotting high-value attacks, terror funding, and smuggling arms and ammunition across the border.

Demographic Breakdown of the Terrorists

Of the 23 newly designated terrorists:

• 6 are natives of Jammu and Kashmir.

• 17 are Pakistani nationals (with 7 operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and 10 based in mainland Pakistan).

With the inclusion of these 23 names, the total number of individuals officially designated as terrorists by the Government of India has risen to 80.

Connections to Major Terror Attacks

Official sources revealed that several newly listed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were key conspirators behind major strikes in Jammu & Kashmir, specifically the 2016 Nagrota Army Camp attack and the 2022 Sunjwan attack.

The Nagrota Attack (2016): On November 29, 2016, three heavily armed terrorists disguised in military uniforms stormed an army camp in Nagrota, Jammu. Seven Indian Army personnel lost their lives before all three terrorists were neutralized. Investigative agencies later traced the handlers back to JeM.

The Sunjwan Attack (2022): On April 22, 2022, terrorists ambushed a bus carrying CISF personnel in the Sunjwan area of Jammu. A CISF ASI was martyred, and several others were injured. While TRF initially claimed responsibility, subsequent investigations exposed a deeper cross-border network operating from Pakistan.

The monsoon has officially covered almost the entire country, leaving a trail of destruction, heavy flooding, and disrupted lives. From Gujarat to Jammu & Kashmir, relentless rains have triggered flood-like situations, landslides, and severe waterlogging.

Gujarat: 19 Rescued from Floodwaters] While parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan await the full arrival of the monsoon, pre-monsoon and early showers have already caused severe flooding in Gujarat. In the Mendarda area, near Samadhiyala village, four vehicles got trapped in raging floodwaters. Prompt action by rescue teams saved 19 lives from the site.

Maharashtra: Bhiwandi Submerged, Two Injured in Thane In Maharashtra’s Bhiwandi, markets were completely shut down after being submerged under nearly 3 feet of water. Locals were seen wading through waist-deep water to cross roads. Meanwhile, in Thane's Kalwa area, a massive tree collapsed onto two-wheelers at Kharegaon Naka amid heavy downpours, leaving two people injured. The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and the fire brigade rushed to the spot to clear the debris and restore traffic.

Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh: Flooded Hospitals and Tragic Mishaps
In Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur, heavy rains flooded the minor OT of the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, forcing authorities to shift patients to safer wards.

A similar scene unfolded in Uttar Pradesh, where rains lashed over 20 districts. At Kanpur's GSVM Medical College, the campus turned into a lake, leaving cars and bikes half-submerged.

In Madhya Pradesh, heavy rainfall was reported across 26 districts, including Bhopal and Indore. In Ujjain, a youth was swept away along with his motorcycle while attempting to cross a flooded culvert.

Jammu & Kashmir: Landslides Block Highways
Up north, heavy rains triggered a massive landslide in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday morning, leading to the complete closure of the crucial Ramnagar-Udhampur road.

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) National President and Union Minister Chirag Paswan reached Bilauti village in Bhojpur today to meet the grieving family of Bharat Tiwari, who was recently killed in a controversial police encounter.

Upon reaching the village amid tight administrative security, Paswan knelt to offer floral tributes to Bharat Tiwari's photograph. In a deeply emotional moment, Bharat Tiwari’s mother, Asha Devi, broke down in tears. The Union Minister consoled her, wiping her tears and assuring the family that justice would be served.

"Protectors Cannot Become Killers": Chirag Paswan

Speaking to the media after meeting the family, Chirag Paswan strongly condemned the police action.

"The way some administrative officers murdered Bharat Tiwari cannot be tolerated in a democratic and civilized society. If those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting people commit such acts, the public will lose faith in the law. The guilty policemen must be strictly punished," Paswan stated.

He further emphasized that shooting innocent people under the guise of a uniform is entirely illegal and that the culprits will not be spared at any cost.

Family Relies on Assurances of Justice

Following the meeting, Bharat Tiwari's parents expressed hope for accountability:

• Mother Asha Devi: Stated that Chirag Paswan has assured them of complete justice and promised a thorough investigation into the matter.

• Father Kashinath Tiwari: Shared that they had a detailed conversation with the Union Minister, who assured them that the action taken against the culprits would set a strong precedent for the world to see.

Matter Raised with Home Minister Amit Shah

Prior to his Bhojpur visit, Chirag Paswan met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday. During the meeting, he briefed the Home Minister on the Bharat Tiwari encounter and demanded swift justice for the victim's family. Additionally, Paswan raised the issue of the recent murder of two youths from the Paswan community in Rajgir.

Controversy Surrounding DSP Rajesh Sharma’s Posting

The encounter has sparked a wider political debate in Bihar, particularly regarding the reinstatement of accused officers.

Reacting to the recent posting given to accused DSP Rajesh Sharma, Bihar Minister Madan Sahni made a critical statement in Darbhanga: "While it is the government's decision to make postings, when someone is accused in such a massive incident that has deeply saddened people across the country, their posting should have been avoided. Keeping the gravity of the allegations in mind, he should not have been given a posting at this time."

After the Trinamool Congress in Bengal, the Punjab Congress is now facing a major internal rebellion. In a dramatic turn of events, Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa secretly reached Delhi and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During this visit, he was spotted alongside BJP Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh, sparking heavy speculation of a potential split.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi has opened a front against the Congress high command after being denied the position of Punjab Congress President.

Channi Calls Emergency Meeting in Morinda

Expressing his dissatisfaction, Channi called an emergency meeting of Congress leaders at his residence in Morinda. The meeting saw a massive show of strength, with 25 prominent leaders, including three sitting MLAs, in attendance.

Key Leaders at Channi's Residence:

• Sitting MLAs: Tript Rajinder Bajwa, Kala Dhillon (Barnala), and Rana Gurjit (Kapurthala).

• Former Ministers & Senior Leaders: Former Deputy CM OP Soni, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Gurkirat Kotli, Gurpreet Kangar.

• Other Prominent Attendees: Nazar Singh Manshahia, Davinder Singh Ghubaya, Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Lakhbir Lakha, Tarsem DC, Darshan Brar, Harminder Singh Gill, Madan Lal Jalalpur, former Youth Congress President Barinder Dhillon, Kamaljit Karwal, and former MP Mohammad Sadique.

The Root Cause: Retaining Raja Warring

The primary trigger for the rebellion is the Congress high command's decision to retain Ludhiana MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) Chief ahead of the February 2027 assembly elections.

Channi's name was reportedly finalized for the state president post, but the sudden decision to retain Warring and appoint Channi merely as the Campaign Committee Chairman has left the former CM deeply offended. According to sources, Channi has not even formally thanked the high command for his new role.

Reactions and Internal Discord

A close aide of Channi, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the former CM is furious over the snub and is preparing for a direct confrontation. "He wants to do a show of strength to make the high command realize his political weight," the aide stated.

What the Leaders Are Saying:

• Darshan Brar (Former MLA): Stated bluntly that without making Channi the state president, the Congress cannot form the government in Punjab.

• Tarsem DC (Former MLA): Claimed the people of Punjab want to see Channi as the Chief Minister. However, in a contrasting statement to the media, he also claimed he wasn't officially invited by Channi, was unaware of the agenda, and suggested everyone should accept the high command's responsibilities and work together.

• Kuldeep Singh Vaid (Former MLA): Maintained a neutral stance, urging that the high command's decision must be respected and accepted by all factions.

With multiple factions displaying open dissent, the Congress high command faces an uphill battle to unify the Punjab unit ahead of the crucial 2027 state elections.

The first batch of pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu at 4:00 AM on Thursday. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the devotees, who set out for the holy cave of Baba Barfani amidst resounding chants of 'Bam-Bam Bhole'.

This 57-day-long pilgrimage will officially commence on July 3, operating through both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, and will conclude on August 28 (Raksha Bandhan).

Strict Registration and Preparations

• Only devotees who had pre-registered, acquired their RFID cards, and successfully completed their e-KYC were permitted to join the first batch.

• So far, approximately 4 lakh (400,000) pilgrims have registered for the Amarnath Yatra this year.

• The administration has finalized all necessary arrangements—including security, medical facilities, and transportation—to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

• On Wednesday, LG Manoj Sinha visited the base camp to personally review the security, medical setups, lodging, electricity and water supply, as well as the help desks.

Char Dham Yatra: Badrinath Surpasses Kedarnath in Footfall

Simultaneously, the Char Dham Yatra is witnessing a continuous rise in devotee numbers. A notable shift in pilgrim trends has been observed over the last 20 days.

While Kedarnath led by over 2 lakh visitors until May 31, the trend shifted by the third week of June, with Badrinath taking the lead by June 30.