Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab spokesperson Neel Garg on Tuesday lauded the launch of Punjab’s biggest-ever crackdown against organised crime, calling it a full-scale “War on Gangsters”, after the massive success of the government’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign.

At a public function in Majithia on Sunday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann delivered a clear message on faith, governance and the future of the constituency while laying the foundation stone for 23 rural link roads worth ₹11.32 crore. The Chief Minister said it would have given him heartfelt happiness if the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, considered himself as a soldier of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, but expressed concern that he instead calls himself a soldier of Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Kang said that forensic investigations by the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) of both Punjab and Delhi have conclusively established that the video in question was fabricated and maliciously edited to falsely accuse Delhi's Former Chief Minister Atishi of making derogatory remarks about Sikh Gurus. The scientific reports have made it absolutely clear that no such words were ever spoken by her.

Addressing a gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that infighting is at its peak among these parties as they lack any concrete agenda for the welfare of the people. “The opposition has no vision for Punjab. They are only waiting for their turn to loot the people and the state’s resources. Their dreams will never be fulfilled because the people of Punjab are wise and brave, and they understand the dubious character of such leaders,” he said, adding that Punjabis will never allow these forces to succeed in their nefarious designs.

The Election Commission of India is considering seeking explanations from a section of the electoral registration officers (EROs) and the assistant electoral registration officers (AEROs), who had accepted unlisted identity-proof documents during the hearing session on claims and objections to the draft voters list in West Bengal, ignoring ECI's specific instructions in the matter.

Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Monday announced that the Punjab government’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, which provides cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh, will be formally launched on the 22nd, reiterating that the scheme fulfils the commitment made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal to ensure quality healthcare for every citizen without any financial burden.

The Aam Aadmi Party has strongly condemned attempts by BJP and Congress leaders to mislead the public by casting doubts on a forensic conclusion that has already been categorically recorded by a court in the case related to the doctored video of AAP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi.

Amid controversies over the identity-proof document verification during SIR, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and the District Magistrates (DMs), who are also the District Electoral Officers (DEOs), to send separate reports on the progress of document verification daily henceforth.

The Commission, at the same time, had also directed the EROs and DEOs to follow a two-stage document verification process, the first by the EROs and the second by the DEOs, sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab State Media In-charge Baltej Pannu on Friday said that Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has himself exposed the truth behind SAD-BJP's rule from 2007-17, then failed Congress government of 2017-22 and now some of BJP’s leaders' desperation for an alliance with the Badals by admitting that drugs and gangsterism would return to Punjab if such an alliance takes place.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday underscored the need to strengthen trade relations with Canada, particularly British Columbia, to expand cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for businesses and people on both sides.

During a meeting with the Premier of British Columbia David Eby, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Canada has always been a strong partner for India and Punjab, and we deeply value this relationship. We appreciate the strong trade and investment ties between Canada and Punjab and look forward to strengthening this foundation further.” He added, “Punjab is fully prepared and enthusiastic to collaborate with Canadian businesses in sectors of mutual importance.”

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said that he had submitted his clarification to Akal Takht's acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj over his alleged remarks on the Sikh code of conduct and an objectionable video and would abide by the verdict pronounced by the Sikh clergy.

After the nearly hour-long meeting with Giani Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh Dhanaula here, Mann, in a media interaction, said: "They said they would go through the explanation and take a decision accordingly. I will abide by the verdict pronounced by the Sikh clergy."

Expressing concern over rising drug abuse among the youth in Punjab, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said that in recent years, the problem has emerged as a serious challenge, affecting the youth the most.

“This problem is impacting not only health but also the social, economic, and moral fabric of society. A lasting solution to this problem is essential for a healthy society,” she said in her address at the 50th golden jubilee convocation of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) here.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding the safety of students from the union territory currently studying in Iran.

The CM said on X, “Just spoke to EAM about the evolving situation in Iran. He shared his assessment of the ground situation & the plans that the External Affairs Ministry is working on. I’m grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests & lives of students & other people from J&K who are in Iran now”.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is concerned regarding the slow rate of verification of identification documents provided by "unmapped" voters who have participated in the current hearing sessions concerning the draft voters' list in West Bengal.

Amid this situation, the Commission has directed the District Magistrates (DMs), who are also the District Electoral Officers (DEOs), to expedite the process of document authentication, considering that the deadline for publication of the final voters list is February 14 this year.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will consider the record of election-related violence in the last seven elections in West Bengal since 2014 as the determining factor for the extent and pattern of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) deployment for the 2026 Assembly polls in the state.

These seven elections, whose poll-violence records will be under ECI's consideration, include the Lok Sabha elections in 2014, 2019, and 2024, the state Assembly elections in 2016 and 2021, and the polls for the three-tier panchayat system in West Bengal in 2018 and 2023.

Polling will be held on Thursday for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with counting of votes scheduled on Friday.

While elections were originally scheduled for 2,869 seats, 68 candidates have been elected unopposed. Consequently, voting will now take place for 2,801 seats.

The 29 corporations include two newly-formed civic bodies -- Jalna and Ichalkaranji. The list includes major cities like Nagpur, Pune, Thane, Nashik and Navi Mumbai, many of which have been functioning under administrators since their terms expired between 2020 and 2023.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified its plans to appoint 2,000 additional micro-observers for the hearing session on claims and objections to the draft voters’ list in West Bengal, and to consider a proposal to increase the number of hearing centres.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab’s Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, while praising the Punjab Police, said on Monday that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is delivering what it promises. He stated that the Punjab Police has achieved a major success by arresting all seven accused involved in the murder of Sarpanch Jarnail Singh Valtoha, shot at a palace in Amritsar, within just eight days.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said all responsible institutions that prioritise ethics, transparency and public welfare while partnering in the state’s health goals are welcome in the state.

Along with a strong public healthcare framework, the role of the private sector in diagnostics and medical services is also extremely important for residents.

The Chief Minister was addressing the inauguration ceremony of Prem Sagar Cardiac Hospital at the Vivekanand Arogya Kendra, operated by Bharat Vikas Parishad Maharana Pratap Trust in Gurugram.

Aam Aadmi Party Punjab State Media In-charge Baltej Pannu on Monday asserted that Punjab is completely safe and law & order is firmly under control, and warned that anyone who takes the law into their own hands will not be spared under any circumstances.

The Election Commission of India has cautioned the micro-observers in West Bengal of strong disciplinary action in case of any deliberate deviation from the ECI-prescribed standard operating procedure (SOP) for them.

The micro-observers have been appointed for the supervision of the hearing sessions on claims and objections on the draft voters’ list, which is the ongoing second level of the three-stage Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state.

In a landmark step towards strengthening evidence-based policy-making in Haryana, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini released the state’s first district human development report (HDR) for Sonipat – the Sonipat Human Development Report 2026.

Prepared by the Jindal Institute of Haryana Studies (JIHS) at O.P. Jindal Global University, the Report marks a significant milestone in advancing district-level development planning in the state.

The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue was inaugurated on Friday at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, by Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, along with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, marking a significant step towards empowering India’s youth to actively participate in nation-building.

Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, and Youth Affairs Secretary Pallavi Jain Govil were also present at the event.

Controversies erupted after an Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO), engaged in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal, tendered resignation from the said exercise, accusing that attempts are being made to delete names of several genuine voters from the voters' list by unnecessarily categorising them as "logical discrepancy" cases.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is unhappy over the low number of private housing complexes with 300 or more residents identified so far in Bengal for setting up polling booths for the crucial Assembly elections scheduled later this year.

Sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said that so far, only 69 such private housing complexes with 300 or more residents have been identified in West Bengal, far less than the estimated requirement.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Ashok Leyland's manufacturing plant in Lucknow on Friday. During his visit for the inauguration of the EV plant, he reviewed the production of Light Tactical Vehicles, Unmanned Ground Vehicles, Mine Protected Vehicles and Logistics Drones manufactured at the facility.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present during this visit. In his inaugural speech, the Defence Minister said, "Today in Uttar Pradesh, the government has established a Defence Corridor. Weapons and ammunition related to the armed forces are now being manufactured in Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Chitrakoot, and Aligarh. Investments of more than Rs. 34,000 crore have already taken place.

Punjab's fertile soil will not only replenish the nation's food reserves but also lay the foundation for a brighter future and better health for children studying in government schools. The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has taken a historic decision to radically transform the state's educational infrastructure by establishing nutritious gardens in 5,073 government schools. This initiative will not only free children from the cycle of malnutrition but is also a revolutionary step towards making Punjab a leading state in the country in the field of health and education.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday visited the JP Ganga Path, also known as Patna's Marine Drive, and reviewed the ongoing plantation, landscaping, and beautification work along the stretch.

During the inspection, the Chief Minister directed officials to expedite the work and ensure its completion within the stipulated timeframe.

"On Friday, I inspected the landscaping, tree plantation, and beautification work being carried out on the JP Ganga Path. I instructed the authorities to complete the work at the earliest. As this park is located along the banks of the Ganga River, special attention must be paid to public safety and convenience. I also emphasised the need to ensure road safety and smooth traffic flow. In the future, this area will emerge as a major attraction for the people," CM Nitish said.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of Kashmir said on Friday that authorities had placed him under house arrest, thereby denying him the opportunity to join congregational prayers seeking rain and snow for Jammu and Kashmir.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said on X, “Another Friday, and once again authorities denied me permission to go to Jama Masjid. It is deeply saddening that I could not lead the faithful in collective 'dua (prayer)' for rain and snow during this unusually dry winter. Our prayers remain our strength may Allah accept them.”

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Friday that the state government has adopted a strict stance on the law and order and made it clear that negligence in controlling crime would not be tolerated at any level.

The Chief Minister added that in areas where crime is not brought under effective control, accountability of the officers concerned will be fixed and, if required, stringent action such as demotion will also be taken against them.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday approached a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of misusing her constitutional position by allegedly creating hindrances to the official duties of central agency officials during raid and search operations conducted earlier in the day.

The ED alleged that while its teams were carrying out searches at the office of the India Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in the northern outskirts of Kolkata and at the residence of I-PAC co-founder Pratik Jain at Loudon Street, the Chief Minister arrived at both locations accompanied by senior officials of the West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police and allegedly removed files and electronic materials from the premises.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, while cornering the leadership the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) over the sensitive issue of the disappearance of 328 sacred swaroops, said that on one hand the SGPC claims that the Ishar Singh Committee and the Internal Committee had clearly recommended strict action against the guilty, but the biggest question is why those recommendations have not been implemented till date. Should it be assumed that the failure to take action itself was a political conspiracy to provide a safe passage to the culprits?

Stepping up Punjab’s fight against drugs, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday launched the second phase of Yudh Nashean Virudh at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, expanding the state’s ongoing crackdown into a broad-based people’s movement. Addressing a large gathering on the university campus, the AAP Chief cited concrete outcomes from the first phase, including large-scale action against traffickers, high conviction rates and growing public participation, and said Phase II would consolidate these gains to decisively dismantle drug networks across Punjab.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday held a conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) as part of preparations for the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM)-2026.

The three-day global conference is scheduled to be held from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam here.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified that the precise deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) for the forthcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal will be determined by the extent to which state police personnel can be deployed for poll-related security.

The determining factor will also be on how and where the available state police personnel will be deployed by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, for election-related security.