Chandigarh: After being canceled in 2025 due to devastating floods, 'Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan' Season 4 is making a grand return. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced in Chandigarh that the sporting extravaganza will begin on September 5 in Bathinda and conclude with a grand closing ceremony on November 29 in Patiala. With the Mashal Yatra (torch relay) already underway and online registrations opening soon, the state anticipates a massive participation of nearly 10 lakh athletes this year.

Key Highlights of Season 4:

• 38 Sporting Events: Competitions will span across various age categories, from Under-14 to over 70 years.

• New Additions: Tennis Ball Cricket has been introduced to the games for the first time.

• Financial Backing for Athletes: Over the last 4.5 years, the government has disbursed over ₹135 crores in cash prizes to 40,415 athletes. Additionally, athletes heading for national and international events are now being provided upfront funding for their training—a first-of-its-kind initiative.

Punjab Leading Indian Sports: The government highlighted the state's monumental contribution to national sports, noting that four captains of major Indian national teams hail from Punjab: Harmanpreet Singh (Men's Hockey), Harmanpreet Kaur (Women's Cricket), Shubman Gill (Men's Cricket), and Talpreet Singh Brar (Men's Basketball).

Boost to Grassroots Infrastructure: To further strengthen sports at the village level, the state is constructing 3,148 sports grounds, of which 250 have already been inaugurated. Furthermore, out of a target to establish 6,000 local gyms, 500 have already been dedicated to the public.

The Election Commission has officially launched the second round of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Punjab. The draft voter list is now available online.

Voters can verify their status on the official CEO Punjab website: www.ceopunjab.gov.in.

Understanding the Online Links

When you visit the homepage, you will see specific color-coded links to help you navigate:

• Blue Link (SIR ASDD LIST): Contains the names of voters who have been deleted from the list.

• Green Link (DRAFT ROLL 2026): Contains the names of verified voters whose records are correct.

• SEARCH LIST SIR 2003: Additional search option.

How to Check Your Name in the Draft List

Option A: If you know your Booth and Part Number

1. Visit www.ceopunjab.gov.in.

2. Click on the DRAFT 2026 option.

3. Select your District and Assembly Constituency.

4. Enter the Captcha code.

5. Download the PDF according to your Part Number/Name to find your details.

Option B: If you DO NOT know your Booth and Part Number

1. First, visit the ECI portal: https://voters.eci.gov.in.

2. Click on Search Your Name in Voter List.

3. Select your State, enter your EPIC (Voter ID) number, fill in the Captcha, and click Search.

4. Note down your Booth Number and Serial Number from the results.

5. Return to www.ceopunjab.gov.in, click DRAFT 2026, fill in your Assembly and Captcha, and select your Booth Number to download the PDF.

How to Check if Your Vote Was Deleted:

Click on the ASDD link and enter your EPIC number. If your vote was cut, your name will appear. If your vote is safe, the system will display "Unidentified".

What to Do If Your Name is Missing or Deleted?

If your name is not in the draft list or appears in the deleted list, you can file a claim to have it added by filling out Form-6.

• Online/Offline Submission: Form-6 can be submitted through both online and offline modes.

• Offline Process: Collect Form-6 from your nearest BLO (Booth Level Officer) or SDM/Tehsildar office. Fill in your details (name, address, parent/spouse name) and attach proof of age, residence, and a self-declaration. Always collect a receipt upon submission.

• Special Camps: For those unable to visit the offices, special Booth-Level Camps will be held on August 16. You can check your name and submit Form-6 directly at these camps.

• Deadline: Claims and objections must be submitted by September 12. The final voter list will be published after the verification of these claims.

Key Statistics from CEO Punjab

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Anindita Mitra shared critical updates regarding the SIR process. Approximately 90.37% of forms were returned, while 20.66 lakh forms were not.

Political Impact: District-wise Vote Deletion Summary

The voter list revision has seen varied impacts across districts, affecting several assembly constituencies.

Districts with the HIGHEST Vote Deletions (45 Total Seats):

(Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Mohali, Patiala)

Districts with the LOWEST Vote Deletions (13 Total Seats):

(Malerkotla, Mansa, Pathankot, Barnala, Fatehgarh Sahib)

Chandigarh/Mohali: In collaboration with the Punjab Government, the religious play 'Humare Ram' is set to be staged across 12 cities in the state. The series of performances will begin on August 7, with the inaugural show taking place at Amity University in Mohali. A total of 41 shows will be organized statewide under this initiative.

Cities Hosting the Play The play will be staged in the following cities:

• Mohali

• Bathinda

• Ferozepur

• Hoshiarpur

• Gurdaspur

• Jalandhar

• Pathankot

• Amritsar

• Patiala

• Khanna

• Ludhiana

• Sangrur

Free Entry for the Public To make the play accessible to everyone, free passes will be provided to the audience. These passes can be booked online via BookMyShow or through the Sanatan Sewa Samiti.

65% Audience Comprises Youth Deepak Bali, Chairman of the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board, shared that there is massive demand for this show, and the government secured the dates with great difficulty. The opening shows will be held in Mohali for the first two days.

• The best auditoriums across the state have been selected for the performances.

• The play will feature all the Kands (chapters) of the Ramayana.

• Notably, around 65% of the audience attending this play consists of the youth.

Political Significance: Focus on 22 to 45 Decisive Seats Political analysts view this move as the Punjab Government's strategy to consolidate the urban and Hindu vote bank. To achieve this, the government is organizing several religious events, including 'Ek Naam Bhole Ke Naam', Hanuman Chalisa Path, and now the staging of 'Humare Ram'.

According to NRI journalist Jagdeep, an expert on state politics, the Hindu electorate plays a decisive role in about 22 to 45 out of the 117 assembly seats in Punjab. Hindus constitute approximately 38.5% of the state's population, making them the second-largest religious and political group in Punjab after Sikhs (who make up about 58%).

Latest Update: Severe weather conditions have triggered unprecedented warnings across the region, bringing life to a standstill and raising imminent flood concerns.

Key Highlights:

• First-Ever Red Alert: The Meteorological Department has issued its first red alert for heavy rain and lightning in Punjab and Chandigarh.

• Rising Dam Levels: Continuous rainfall has pushed the water levels at Bhakra and Pong Dams closer to the danger mark.

• Tragic Loss of Life: A family of five, including an 8-month-old infant, died after their car plunged into a gorge on the Pathankot-Chamba National Highway.

• Himachal Flash Floods: Widespread devastation reported in Chamba; over 250 roads closed across the state.

Weather Warnings & Advisories

For the first time, a Red Alert has been issued for Punjab and Chandigarh, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by severe lightning. The Meteorological Department predicts this weather pattern will persist until July 31.

Authorities have issued strict advisories urging residents to:

• Avoid taking shelter under trees or utility poles.

• Stay away from waterlogged areas.

Additionally, an Orange Alert has been issued for the districts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr (SBS Nagar), Rupnagar, and Mohali. These areas face a high risk of heavy downpours, thunderstorms, lightning, and severe waterlogging.

Looming Flood Threat in Punjab

The incessant rain has significantly elevated water levels in major reservoirs, sparking fears of potential flooding in Punjab:

• Bhakra Dam: The water level has reached 1595.38 feet, which is just 84 feet below the danger mark of 1680 feet.

• Pong Dam: The current water level stands at 1331.58 feet, leaving a buffer of just 58.42 feet before it hits the danger mark of 1390 feet.

According to experts, if the current weather persists, the Bhakra Dam could reach its danger mark in 20 to 30 days, while the Pong Dam could reach its limit in 15 to 25 days. Should this happen, authorities will be forced to open the floodgates, significantly increasing the risk of widespread flooding in Punjab.

Tragedy on the Highway: Family of 5 Killed

The torrential rains claimed the lives of an entire family in neighboring Himachal Pradesh. A car skidded off the wet Pathankot-Chamba National Highway and plunged into a deep gorge.

All five occupants, whose bodies were trapped inside the vehicle, perished. The deceased have been identified as car owner Bachchan Singh, his son Ripan (who was posted at the Pong Dam in the police department), his daughter-in-law Rimpi, his niece Kirti Rana (who worked privately in Chandigarh), and his 8-month-old grandson.

The family was returning home on Monday night after the infant underwent ear surgery at PGI Chandigarh.

Flash Floods Devastate Himachal Pradesh

In Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, heavy rains triggered massive flash floods. Residents were forced to flee their homes at midnight to save their lives.

The deluge of water and debris has caused severe damage to homes and businesses, with one house's entire ground floor completely buried in mud. In the Sarol neighborhood, approximately 10 vehicles were heavily damaged, while several others were swept away by the raging floodwaters.

The catastrophic weather has paralyzed transport networks, shutting down more than 250 roads across the state, including the crucial Pathankot-Bharmour National Highway.

Stay tuned to our website for further updates, and please follow local authority guidelines to stay safe during this extreme weather.

Amritsar/Mohali: The Punjab Police recently presented gangster Jobanjit Singh, alias Billa, who was recently deported from Indonesia, before the Baba Bakala Sahib court. Following the hearing, the court remanded the accused to police custody for eight days. The police will now interrogate him to dismantle his criminal network and determine their next course of action.

Brought to India Under 'Operation Nomad Hunt' According to the police, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in coordination with central intelligence agencies, brought Jobanjit Billa back to India under 'Operation Nomad Hunt.' The accused had been on the run for a long time, prompting an Interpol Red Corner Notice against him. Additionally, five Interpol references were issued to secure his arrest.

Arrested in Jakarta via Red Corner Notice Reports indicate that Billa was apprehended at the Jakarta International Airport in Indonesia on July 20, acting on the Interpol Red Corner Notice. After completing the necessary legal procedures, he was flown to Mumbai. From there, the Punjab Police brought him to Mohali on transit remand.

Fake Passports and International Hideouts Police investigations have revealed that the accused managed to acquire a passport using forged documents with an address based in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Using this fraudulent passport, he fled India in January 2025. During his time as a fugitive, he constantly changed his hideouts across multiple countries, including Angola, Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Indonesia.

A History of Over 25 Cases, Including Four Murders Jobanjit Billa has a notorious criminal record. According to the police, more than 25 criminal cases are registered against him, including four charges of murder, attempt to murder, extortion, and violations under the Arms Act. He is also a prime accused in the firing incident at Homeland Heights Society in Amritsar. The Punjab government had announced a bounty of ₹5 lakh for his arrest.

What's Next in the Investigation? During the eight-day remand, investigators will interrogate Billa regarding his gang's operations, the individuals who facilitated his escape abroad, the network behind his forged documents, and his involvement in various criminal activities across Punjab. Officials are optimistic that this interrogation will lead to significant revelations about other gang members and their international syndicates.

New Delhi/Chandigarh: Ahead of a crucial Punjab Congress meeting in Delhi today (July 21) chaired by state in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, a video of former Chief Minister and MP Charanjit Singh Channi has gone viral, hinting at underlying internal rifts. The footage, reportedly from the Parliament premises during the first day of the Monsoon Session (July 20), shows senior Congress leaders ostensibly ignoring the former Punjab CM.

In the video, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are seen conversing, accompanied by party general secretary KC Venugopal. When Charanjit Singh Channi arrives, he bypasses the Gandhis and instead stands behind with Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla. Notably, neither Rahul nor Priyanka Gandhi appears to acknowledge Channi's presence during the interaction.

The Battle for the 'Real Boss' of Punjab Congress

The viral video has surfaced on the very day the Congress high command is set to resolve the leadership dynamics for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The high-stakes meeting at Indira Bhavan, convened by Bhupesh Baghel, will bring the top brass of the Punjab Congress—including State President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Charanjit Singh Channi, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, and Sukhjinder Randhawa—under one roof.

This marks the first face-to-face encounter between Channi and Warring since their factionalism became public knowledge. While the official agenda is election preparation, party sources indicate that clear boundaries will be drawn for all leaders.

What to Expect from the Delhi Meeting:

• Warring to Retain Control: The Congress high command and Rahul Gandhi are reportedly not in favor of major organizational changes before the elections. Amarinder Singh Raja Warring is expected to retain the state presidency, keeping overall command of the election campaign and committee coordination.

• Placating the Channi Faction: To balance the power dynamics, the high command may offer Channi a more prominent role in ticket distribution. He might also receive reassurances that his name will be considered for the Chief Ministerial face if the party secures a majority.

• All Eyes on Body Language: With both leaders in the same room, political observers will closely monitor the body language of Warring and Channi to gauge whether the internal conflict has been genuinely resolved or merely postponed.

• No Immediate CM Face Announcement: KC Venugopal is expected to deliver a clear message: the sole focus right now is winning the election. Announcing a CM face prematurely could shift focus from the organization to individual ambitions.

• Final Warning Against Indiscipline: The high command is prepared to issue a stern warning against public bickering. Any public statements, factionalism, or questioning of leadership post-meeting will invite strict disciplinary action. The party wants to operate strictly on a "One Command, One Message" strategy.

• The Ultimate Game Plan: The party aims to strike a balance between organizational stability and electoral appeasement. By keeping Warring at the helm of the organization and giving Channi a say in future ticket distribution, the high command's formula is clear: "One Command, Respect for All."

NEW DELHI / CHANDIGARH: Amid a brewing rebellion within the Punjab Congress, senior party leader Rahul Gandhi rushed to meet national president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi immediately after returning from his foreign trip. The two top leaders are set to deliberate on a crucial assessment report submitted by AICC Punjab In-charge Bhupesh Baghel, which will ultimately dictate the future course of the party in Punjab.

Bhupesh Baghel had recently concluded a high-stakes 6-day tour of Punjab to assess internal friction. He submitted his findings to Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, who has already held preliminary discussions with Kharge. The final decision on the fate of the state unit now rests with Rahul Gandhi.

Bhupesh Baghel's Verdict: No CM Face for Punjab

In a massive blow to the dissident faction, Bhupesh Baghel took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to clear the air. He explicitly stated that the Congress party will not project any Chief Ministerial face in Punjab.

"The Congress party has only one face in Punjab, and that is Rahul Gandhi," Baghel declared.

This statement has flatly rejected the ongoing demands from the rebel camp to project former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi as the face of the party. Earlier, Baghel had also firmly shot down the demands to replace the current Punjab Congress chief, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring.

Channi Camp Digs in Heels, Demands Meeting with Rahul Gandhi

Meanwhile, the internal rift has widened as the Charanjit Singh Channi faction prepares to move its base to Delhi. The camp is eagerly waiting to secure an appointment with Rahul Gandhi to present their side of the story.

During the final meeting of Baghel’s Punjab tour, leaders from the Channi camp made it explicitly clear that they are deeply dissatisfied with Amarinder Singh Raja Warring's leadership.

• Senior leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa reportedly stated that the party cannot function under a "compromised leadership."

• Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa also urged the high command to urgently reconsider the state leadership structure.

Silence in the Rebel Rank Ahead of Delhi High Command Meet

With Bhupesh Baghel leaving Chandigarh for Delhi without offering an immediate resolution, Punjab Congress remains a divided house. For now, top leaders of the Channi faction have reportedly issued internal directives to maintain strict silence and avoid speaking to the media until they get an audience with Rahul Gandhi.

With the high command firmly backing Raja Warring and ruling out a regional CM face, all eyes are now on Delhi to see how Rahul Gandhi handles the mounting pressure from Punjab's veteran leadership.

Chandigarh: The threat of a split looms over the Punjab Congress ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. A crucial meeting lasting nearly two hours took place between the rebel Congress faction led by former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi, and AICC in-charge Bhupesh Baghel at Rana Gurjit's residence in Chandigarh. Baghel, who arrived about an hour and fifteen minutes late for the scheduled 11:00 AM meeting, is set to leave for Delhi today.

"Will Protect Everyone's Interests," Says Baghel

Following the meeting, Bhupesh Baghel addressed the media, stating:

"I have been in Chandigarh for 5 days and have met all the leaders. Today, I was invited by Rana Gurjit. I spoke to all our colleagues; they shared their views. No one has any objection to the party high command's decisions."

Baghel added that he assured the leaders that, as the in-charge, he would safeguard everyone's interests. "Those who are capable of winning will definitely get tickets. No one should feel they lack backing. I will submit my complete report to the high command," he stated.

Channi Faction's Show of Strength and Demands

Despite the high command’s instructions for Channi to meet with only 2-3 leaders, around 80 leaders from his faction gathered, putting on a massive show of strength.

• Primary Demand: The rebel faction demanded that if Charanjit Channi is not appointed as the state president, he must be declared the Chief Ministerial face for the 2027 elections to consolidate votes in Punjab.

• The high command has already clarified that Amarinder Singh Raja Warring will not be removed from the president's post. Notably, on Channi's condition, PPCC President Raja Warring was not invited to this meeting.

Raja Warring's Response & Zira’s Cryptic Post

While the meeting was underway, PPCC President Raja Warring downplayed his absence, stating, "I am not attending the meeting. The General Secretary in-charge acts as a mediator. It is not necessary for the president to go everywhere. There is unity in Congress, which is why this meeting is happening."

Meanwhile, Warring loyalist and former MLA Kulbir Singh Zira shared a cryptic photo with the caption: "No matter how many jackals and other animals are in the jungle, there is only one lion. Even alone, he rules the entire jungle." This is being seen as a direct message amidst the political tussle.

2 Major Developments Before the Meeting

1. Support from Buta Singh's Family: On Friday, the son of late former Union Home Minister Buta Singh met Channi in Morinda and publicly demanded that Channi be made the CM face. This move is seen as a pressure tactic, especially after Raja Warring's recent objectionable comments about late Buta Singh during the Tarn Taran by-election.

2. Baghel’s Stern Warning: Before the meeting, Baghel sent a clear message to the Channi faction that strict action would be taken if lines were crossed. Terming it "not a child’s play," Baghel made it clear that the high command's decision is final.

Why Did Baghel Meet Channi After 4 Days?

The Channi faction is reportedly unwilling to fight the 2027 elections under Raja Warring's leadership. When the high command retained Warring, the disgruntled Channi faction initially boycotted Baghel and sought a direct meeting with Rahul Gandhi. Denied an immediate appointment, the high command instructed both Channi and Baghel to hold this meeting. Baghel will now submit his report to Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and KC Venugopal.

Expert Opinion: "Congress Cannot Sideline Channi"

• Prof. Dr. Krishan Kumar Rattu (Political Expert): Charanjit Singh Channi is a prominent Dalit-Sikh leader. Keeping the 32% Dalit vote bank in Punjab in mind, it is not easy for the Congress high command to sideline him.

• Pramod Batish (Senior Journalist): No final decision will come from this meeting as Baghel lacks the authority to resolve the Channi faction's core grievances. If the high command does not find a middle ground after consulting Rahul Gandhi, the party may head towards a split.

A massive political storm is brewing in Punjab just ahead of the 2027 Assembly Elections. Internal friction within the Punjab Congress has wide open, forcing the party high command to make a sudden intervention!

Punjab Congress Chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring confirmed on Friday that AICC General Secretary In-charge, Bhupesh Baghel, is rushing to meet former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Saturday, July 11.

"This high-stakes meeting comes right after rumors of severe groupism and infighting started circulating, following recent organizational changes within the state unit.

Just a day earlier, senior heavyweights including Charanjit Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Pargat Singh, and Bharat Bhushan Ashu held a secret closed-door meeting, sending shockwaves through the party line. Although leaders like Sukhjinder Randhawa claim that 'opinions may differ, but Congress is completely united,' insiders reveal that the anger among senior leaders runs incredibly deep."

Addressing the media, state chief Raja Warring explained that Bhupesh Baghel will first hold one-on-one personal chats with individual disgruntled leaders before putting everyone at the same table. Warring expressed confidence, stating that everyone will see a completely united front in the next one to two days.

Meanwhile, senior MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh added fuel to the fire, stating that Congress leaders will not sit idly by if democratic principles within the party are compromised, hinting that they might even approach the courts or launch a massive program to handle the current situation."

Now, the million-dollar question is—will Bhupesh Baghel's mega entry extinguish this political fire, or will the internal feud worsen as the 2027 elections draw closer? What are your thoughts on this situation? Drop your opinions in the comments below, and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for the fastest political updates from Punjab!"

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.

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.

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.