According to an official notice issued under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Sampla has been directed to appear before the SIT at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) Complex in Jalandhar for examination and recording of his statement.

The notice states that the SIT believes Sampla is acquainted with facts and circumstances relevant to the investigation. It also warns that failure to comply with the summons could invite action under applicable legal provisions.

Confirming receipt of the notice, Sampla said he would fully cooperate with the investigation. However, he has formally sought additional time to appear before the SIT, citing prior political engagements.

He said BJP national president Nitin Nabin is on a Punjab tour from June 20 to June 22 and that his presence is required for scheduled party programmes during that period.

At the same time, Sampla expressed surprise over the summons and maintained that he has no direct or indirect connection with the events under investigation.

“Although I have nothing to do with this case, I will certainly appear before the SIT once a fresh date is given and will help clear any doubts the investigators may have,” Sampla said.

The Behbal Kalan police firing case relates to the October 2015 incident in Faridkot district in which two protesters were killed and several others injured during police action amid protests linked to the sacrilege controversy.

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Chandigarh News (June 21):  Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring today joined the protest by the cab drivers of various app based transport companies.

The protesting drivers staged a massive protest here in support of their various demands. The main demands included increasing the fair and reducing the exorbitant commission charged by the app based companies.

Addressing the protesting drivers, Warring said that the Congress party supported their demands. He agreed with the drivers with a substantial hike in the prices of fuel, operating the cabs has not remained financially viable.

The PCC president noted that it was not only the problem of the cab drivers, but also the daily commuters who will bear the brunt of the protests. He said the private cab operators have been providing immense services to the public and it was the duty of the government to concede their demands.

Warring said that the Congress had included the welfare of the gig workers including the cab drivers in its manifesto also.

He promised that once the Congress forms government in the state, it will ensure that all the demands of the drivers of the app based transport companies will be met.

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Fatehgarh Sahib (21st June 2026): Marking a historic step towards women’s economic empowerment, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the countdown for the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna has begun, with the first installment of three months’ Satkar Rashi set to be credited directly into the bank accounts of eligible women on July 1. Under the scheme, Dalit mothers and sisters will receive ₹4,500, while women from all other categories will get ₹3,000.

During a Lok Milni programme after inaugurating various development works in Village Chanarthal Kalan of Fatehgarh Sahib constituency, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the initiative reflects the AAP Government’s commitment to ensuring dignity, financial security, and social empowerment for women, adding that the assistance will continue uninterrupted as long as the AAP Government remains in Punjab.

Addressing the Lok Milni in Fatehgarh Sahib,CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “After nine days, on July 1, women beneficiaries above the age of 18 years will receive notifications on their mobile phones informing them about the financial assistance being credited to their accounts. Women belonging to the general category will receive ₹1,000 per month while Scheduled Caste women will receive ₹1,500 per month. The money will be transferred directly into their bank accounts without any middlemen. Women who are already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible under the scheme. Nearly 97% women in Punjab are expected to benefit from this initiative and the Punjab Government has made a budgetary provision of ₹9,300 crore for it.”

The Chief Minister stated, “This financial assistance may not make women rich, but it will certainly give them dignity, self-respect and confidence. Women deserve the highest respect because they are the source of life itself. The blessings of mothers and sisters help overcome every challenge in the world. Strengthening women’s financial autonomy is essential for improving household welfare, promoting gender equity and enhancing women’s participation in social and economic decision-making. When women become financially empowered, families prosper and society moves forward.”

Speaking on another issue, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government will not allow any genuine vote to be deleted during the ongoing SIR exercise by the Election Commission of India. I want to caution the people that the BJP may try to misuse the SIR process to delete valid votes, as has happened in other poll-bound states. However, we are fully vigilant and will not allow the nefarious designs of the saffron party to succeed. Every genuine voter in Punjab will be protected.”

The Chief Minister said, “My predecessors never met the common people. They used to come out of their luxurious homes only after checking the temperature. On the other hand, I remain available to the people round the clock. Public service is not an occasional activity for me, it is my responsibility.”

Taking a swipe at previous governments, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These leaders built huge palaces by amassing enormous wealth through misuse of their official positions. The walls of those palatial residences were high and their gates remained closed to ordinary people. They remained inaccessible to the masses and ultimately the people showed them the door. When leaders stop listening to people, people eventually stop listening to those leaders.”

“The people of Punjab have repeatedly rejected those who looted them turn by turn. These leaders fooled the people for a very long time, but Punjabis are now wise enough not to be swayed by their misleading propaganda. These arrogant politicians always took the people of Punjab for granted and ultimately paid the political price for it. Today, they are baffled because people are not responding to them. Their entire agenda revolves around the welfare of their own families rather than the welfare of the people,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Continuing his attack on previous rulers, the Chief Minister said, “These leaders studied in convent schools in the hills and remained completely disconnected from ground realities. They were unaware about the money, properties and even the buses they owned. During their regimes, they exploited people by illegally seeking shares in successful ventures across the state. Such practices pushed Punjab backwards. These leaders ruined the state and their hands were drenched with the blood of Punjab’s youth.”

Highlighting the progress achieved by the present government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab’s development has been put back on track. The Punjab Government is accelerating the pace of development with every passing day. We have filled a gap of nearly seventy years and are making concerted efforts to build a Rangla Punjab.”

“The AAP Government is perhaps the first government in the country that is implementing the People’s Manifesto in its true spirit. Every genuine demand raised by the people is being translated into action. We do not make promises merely for elections. We fulfil them once entrusted with responsibility,” he added.

Taking on the Akali Dal leadership, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Sukhbir Singh Badal is not aware of the ground realities of Punjab because throughout his life he has lived in a secure environment surrounded by luxuries and opulence. He wants to attain political power in Punjab, but he is not even aware of the basic topography of the state.”

“Leaving everything aside, the former Deputy Chief Minister cannot even differentiate between the basic crops grown in Punjab. He has very little understanding of the issues concerning ordinary people. Someone who does not understand Punjab cannot provide leadership to Punjab,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister further said, “The sins committed by these leaders are unpardonable. The people of Punjab can never forgive them for their long saga of misdeeds. Those memories remain fresh in the minds of the people even today.”

“These are opportunist leaders who change their colours and their stance like a chameleon according to their convenience and political interests. They patronised gangsters in Punjab and infused drugs into the veins of the youth by shielding drug smugglers. The people of Punjab have not forgotten this reality,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

“The Akali leadership is once again building castles in the air in an attempt to mislead the people of Punjab. However, Punjabis will not be swayed by such propaganda. The people will never forgive the Akalis for their sins and will once again teach them a befitting lesson,” he added.

Referring to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I am grateful to the Almighty for blessing me with the opportunity to enact this historic legislation. Whenever incidents of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji took place, the psyche of millions of people across the world was deeply hurt.”

“The Almighty blessed me with the wisdom and strength to bring this Bill after extensive consultations with legal experts. We have drafted this law with utmost care so that no future amendment or loophole can weaken it. This legislation will act as a strong deterrent against anti-social elements and ensure that no one dares to commit such a heinous crime in future,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

“For years, people escaped punishment by claiming that their mind was disturbed or that they were mentally ill. Such arguments were often used to avoid accountability and offenders would walk free. We have taken serious note of this issue while framing the legislation,” he added.

Questioning such claims, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “If someone is genuinely mentally unstable, why does he only target Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji? Why does he not crash into a train engine or touch live electric wires? The truth is that many such incidents were deliberate and orchestrated.”

“That is why we have incorporated a provision in the law that even if a person is medically declared mentally unstable, his custodians, parents, guardians or caretakers can also face criminal charges. There must be accountability and responsibility. No loophole should be available to anyone seeking to escape punishment,” said the Chief Minister.

Taking another swipe at the Akali leadership, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “When they were in power, they never showed any sincerity in enacting such a law. The truth is that their intentions were flawed. Sacrilege incidents occurred during their tenure and they failed to provide justice. They allowed such incidents to take place because they wanted political gains from them.”

“They admitted their mistakes before Sri Akal Takht Sahib but later denied them publicly. Those who can lie before the Takht can never be loyal to anyone. The people must remain cautious of such leaders whose only objective is to attain power and plunder the state,” he added.

The Chief Minister further said, “The Akalis misused religion for their vested interests. The Jathedars are appointed from the pockets of the Akalis and therefore many of them are indulging in politics. These people have no agenda for Punjab. Their sole objective is to defame me by hook or by crook. However, the people know their true character and will never be swayed by such theatrics.”

Turning his attention towards the Congress, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Congress party is on its deathbed and will soon become irrelevant because it has neither a vision for Punjab nor a roadmap for the future. Its only objective is to assume power and plunder the wealth of the state, but that dream will never be fulfilled.”

“The Congress is a divided house. It is collapsing because of its own infighting. The irony is that senior Congress leaders who come to Punjab to unite these squabbling factions are not even aware of how to pronounce the names of the leaders they are trying to reconcile. Such is the condition of the party today,” he added.

Highlighting welfare initiatives of the state government, the Chief Minister said, “Every single penny of the state exchequer is being utilised for the well-being of the people. More than 90% households in Punjab are receiving free electricity. Farmers are receiving power supply during daytime, something that was unprecedented in the past.”

“At a time when public assets across the country are being handed over to a select few corporate friends by the Union Government at throwaway prices, the Punjab Government created history by purchasing a private thermal plant and naming it after Sri Guru Amardass Ji. This reflects our commitment towards protecting public assets and serving the people,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Speaking about healthcare reforms, the Chief Minister said, “The Punjab Government has launched Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh for every resident family in Punjab.”

“It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab has become the first state in India to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage. This historic initiative has significantly reduced the financial burden on families while ensuring quality healthcare services for everyone. The scheme is aimed at providing universal healthcare to every family in Punjab and people have already availed free treatment worth more than ₹650 crore under it,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

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Jalandhar News (June 21): Nitin Nabin, National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said that Punjab not only protects India’s borders but also safeguards the soul of India. Bringing Punjab out of the present crisis and making it secure, prosperous and strong is the core agenda of the BJP. He was interacting with saints and spiritual leaders from across Punjab during the Sant Sammelan in Jalandhar.

He said Punjab is not merely a state; it is the land of the Gurus’ teachings, the penance of saints, and the blood of martyrs. It represents a living tradition of service, dedication and sacrifice.

He said that Punjab is currently grappling with the menace of drugs, and appealed to every Gurdwara committee, Ashram, Dera head and temple committee to take a pledge to help people come out of addiction. He added that it has been India’s tradition for saints to guide society. If all religious organisations come forward, no force can stop Punjab’s situation from changing.

Nitin Nabin said the Sikh tradition gives the message of “Na Ko Bairi, Nahi Begana” (No one is an enemy, no one is a stranger). This is the true spirit of Punjab, and this is the true spirit of India.

He said that Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught all humanity the values of unity and equality. This land bears witness to the penance of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and bows to the supreme sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. It carries the immortal message of the bravery of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the unparalleled sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, and Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all).

He said every grain of Punjab’s soil reminds us that a nation is not sustained merely by power; it is shaped by the values imparted by saints, and the soul of India resides in them.

Nitin Nabin further said that rulers may change, but the soul of India has never changed. Whenever society has gone astray, saints have shown the right path. Whenever darkness increased, saints lit the lamp of hope, and whenever divisions arose in society, saints worked to unite people.

He said that Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas (Together with all, development for all, trust of all, efforts by all) is our pledge, embodying the great principle of Sarbat da Bhala. We want to provide Punjab with a governance model where every religion, every sect, every dera and every community moves forward with equal dignity and respect.

A Punjab where there is peace in society, brotherhood among people, and where the hands of the youth hold education and employment—not drugs.

This appeal is not political. As a humble servant, I stand before all of you saints seeking your guidance so that we can build a Punjab where the teachings of Nanak resonate, where society is shaped by the principles of Guru Ravidas Ji, where the dignity of Maharishi Valmiki is upheld, and where the sacrifice of Baba Jiwan Singh inspires the youth.

On this occasion, Kewal Singh Dhillon, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, former Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, Avinash Rai Khanna, Rajya Sabha MP Vikram Sahney, and BJP Punjab State Media Head Vineet Joshi, along with several other leaders, were also present.

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Punjab E News (21st June 2026): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday urged the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to ensure a thorough investigation into the fake video campaign targeting the Punjab Chief Minister, saying the forensic examination of more than 1,100 frames has conclusively established that the person seen in the video is not the Chief Minister. AAP Punjab Media In-Charge Baltej Pannu said the focus must now shift to identifying the actor featured in the video, those who produced and directed it, and the individuals who financed what he described as a well-planned conspiracy.

The AAP Punjab Media In-charge also called upon the Jathedar Sahib to summon Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and seek answers on how he appeared to possess information about the video before others, while noting that Punjab AAP President Aman Arora and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema have already submitted relevant evidence to the Director General of Police (DGP) and demanded a comprehensive probe into the entire matter.

In a statement, AAP Punjab State Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has consistently stated that the video is not genuine and that a detailed forensic examination has already proven that he has no connection whatsoever with it. “The investigation analyzed more than 1,100 frames of the video and clearly established that the person shown in it is not CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. The forensic examination has categorically ruled out any connection of the Chief Minister with the video,” he said.

He respectfully appealed to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to ensure a thorough probe into the matter and identify every individual involved in the production of the video. “Several questions now need answers. Who was the actor featured in the video? Who produced it? Who directed it? And most importantly, who financed this conspiracy? The truth must come out and all those responsible must be identified,” said Baltej Pannu.

He asserted that there is sufficient evidence available to warrant a comprehensive investigation into the entire matter. Baltej Pannu informed that Punjab AAP President Aman Arora and Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema had recently met the Director General of Police and submitted all relevant information, demanding a proper investigation to uncover every person involved in the conspiracy. “The evidence has already been handed over to the police authorities. We expect a fair and impartial investigation so that every individual associated with the creation, promotion and financing of this fake video campaign is identified,” he added.

Baltej Pannu further appealed to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to summon Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and seek clarification from him regarding his statements on the issue. “If Sukhbir Singh Badal was saying that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had claimed the video was AI-generated, where did this inside information come from and how did he obtain it? These questions must be answered. The source of such information and the circumstances under which it reached him should also be examined,” said Baltej Pannu.

Reiterating the party’s position, Baltej Pannu said that the truth behind the fake video campaign must be fully exposed and that all those responsible for creating, promoting and financing it should be identified through an impartial and comprehensive investigation.

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The viral document allegedly stated that the appointment had been approved by the Congress high command and that an official communication had been issued by AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal. However, no official confirmation was issued by the party.

Senior Congress leaders clarified that the letter was fabricated and appeared to have been created with the intention of spreading misinformation. They urged party workers and supporters not to rely on unauthenticated documents circulating on social media.

The development comes on a day when the Congress high command had summoned Punjab’s top party leaders to New Delhi for discussions. Senior leader Rahul Gandhi also held a meeting with Punjab Congress leaders regarding organisational matters and the party’s future strategy in the state.

Despite speculation surrounding the leadership change, the Congress has not yet made any official announcement regarding the appointment of a new Punjab Congress president. Party sources indicated that consultations are still underway and a final decision is awaited.

The viral letter sparked widespread discussion across political circles in Punjab before being dismissed as fake by senior party functionaries.

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Party workers accorded a warm welcome to Nabin upon his arrival. He later inaugurated the BJP’s new office building in Ludhiana and participated in a series of meetings focused on organisational expansion and election preparedness.

According to party leaders, the interaction programme includes workers considered the backbone of the organisation, ranging from mandal-level office-bearers to senior state leadership. Leaders who have previously contested elections have also been invited to take part in the discussions.

BJP workers welcomed the national president at Jalandhar Bypass Chowk before accompanying him in a convoy to the venue. Following the inauguration of the new office building, Nabin was scheduled to address party workers and leaders and discuss strategies aimed at strengthening the BJP’s presence across Punjab.

The visit is being seen as part of the BJP leadership’s broader push to consolidate the party’s organisation in the state ahead of future electoral battles.

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The meeting assumes significance as Dr Johal has long advocated structural reforms in Punjab’s agriculture sector. During the farmers’ agitation against the three farm laws, he had argued that providing a legal guarantee for the procurement of 23 crops would be financially challenging for the government and instead stressed the need for crop diversification.

Dr Johal had also proposed the widely discussed “Johal Plan” aimed at reducing Punjab’s dependence on the wheat-paddy cycle. Under the plan, he recommended shifting nearly 20 per cent of the area under paddy cultivation to alternative crops to address environmental and economic challenges facing the state.

Sources said the BJP chief is expected to seek Dr Johal’s views on Punjab’s agricultural crisis and explore possible solutions for the sector. Discussions are also likely to focus on long-term reforms, diversification strategies and measures to improve farm sustainability.

Political observers believe the meeting comes at a time when the BJP is attempting to rebuild its connect with Punjab’s farming community following tensions that emerged during the farm laws controversy. There is speculation that the Centre could announce agriculture-related initiatives for Punjab ahead of the Assembly elections in an effort to address farmers’ concerns.

Meanwhile, some events of Nitin Nabin’s three-day Punjab tour have reportedly been cancelled due to a meeting scheduled in Delhi. A dinner programme with party leaders in Chandigarh on the final day of the visit has also been dropped. However, his interaction with Dr Johal remains part of the official itinerary.

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PunjabENews (20th June 2026): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has strongly opposed the proposed ‘Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhiniyam Bill, 2025’ (Higher Education Bill), warning that the legislation could make higher education more expensive, weaken opportunities for students from ordinary families and diminish the ability of states to address local educational needs. In a detailed letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the Centre to reconsider the Bill and hold wider consultations before implementing reforms that could significantly alter the higher education landscape.

Emphasising that crores of parents across the country pin their hopes and dreams on their children’s education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said higher education must remain a pathway of opportunity for the child of a farmer, labourer or shopkeeper, not become a burden on families. He asserted that India’s progress depends on making higher education more accessible, affordable and inclusive through greater investment in universities, infrastructure, faculty and research, rather than measures that could increase costs and centralise decision-making.

In his letter, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that he is writing not merely as the Chief Minister of Punjab but as a representative of crores of parents across India whose biggest hopes are linked to the education of their children. “Every family wants its child to receive quality education, stand on his or her own feet, secure dignified employment and contribute to the progress of the nation. That is why education is not merely an administrative subject; it is a question concerning India’s bright future,” he said.

The Chief Minister said, “I initially hoped the proposed legislation would strengthen the quality, accountability and global competitiveness of higher educational institutions. However, after carefully studying the Bill, I have serious concerns that it seeks to centralise most important decisions relating to higher education, with far-reaching consequences for students, teachers, universities and state governments.”

Raising his first major concern, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Bill appears to focus more on centralisation of power than on improving educational quality. “The success of an education system depends upon how effectively it understands the needs of students, teachers and local communities. In a country as vast and diverse as India, every state faces different social, economic and educational challenges,” he said.

The Chief Minister observed that it was natural to expect legislation on higher education to focus on quality, research, innovation, employability and global competitiveness. However, after studying the Bill, it appeared that its primary objective was to concentrate policy-making powers, standards, regulations, recognition mechanisms and appellate powers in the hands of the Union Government. “Education is a subject in the Concurrent List of the Constitution. Therefore, while minimum national standards may be desirable, states must retain the freedom to develop systems according to their own circumstances and needs. Unfortunately, this Bill appears to disturb that constitutional balance,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further stated that his concern is not merely about the rights of states but also about the future of crores of students. “Every state in India is battling different challenges. Some are dealing with unemployment, others with skill development needs, industrial requirements or migration of talent. Border states like Punjab face even more complex realities,” he said.

The Chief Minister noted that state governments develop courses, skill programmes, industry collaborations and employment-oriented initiatives according to local requirements through universities and colleges. “If most educational decisions are taken by institutions sitting in Delhi, states will gradually lose their ability to understand local realities and design solutions accordingly. As a result, higher education risks becoming centralised and losing its practical relevance,” he said.

Drawing attention to the dangers of excessive centralisation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann referred to the functioning of central institutions such as the National Testing Agency (NTA). “Recent years have raised serious questions regarding examination management, transparency and credibility. When central institutions themselves are struggling with such challenges, it is legitimate to ask whether further centralisation of higher education is really the right direction,” he said.

The Chief Minister asserted that the better path would be greater cooperation between the Centre and the states. “Successful models developed by different states should be shared across the country. Decision-making should become more participatory and collaborative. Unfortunately, this Bill appears to move in the opposite direction,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also expressed concern that the proposed legislation could make higher education more expensive. “While studying the Bill, an important question emerged before me. If most powers are concentrated with the Union Government, if the role of state governments continues to shrink and if central regulatory control over state universities and colleges increases, where will the financial resources required for the operation and development of these institutions come from?” he asked.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the Bill does not provide a satisfactory answer to this question. “If decision-making powers are centralised while adequate financial support is not guaranteed, universities will inevitably face pressure to raise revenues. This could lead to higher fees, greater dependence on self-financed courses and increased reliance on private investment,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann warned that the burden of such a model would fall most heavily on middle-class, lower-middle-class and poor families. “Higher education should be a pathway of opportunity. It should not become a privilege available only to those who can afford it,” he said.

The Chief Minister also raised concerns regarding the gradual privatisation of higher education. “After studying the Bill, it appears that India’s higher education system may slowly be pushed towards a model where public institutions become weaker and dependence on the private sector steadily increases,” he said.

He warned that if policy-making, regulation and control become completely centralized without clear financial responsibility, public universities could increasingly be forced to depend upon private institutions and private capital. “The direct impact of such a shift will be borne by lakhs of students whose parents continue to make tremendous sacrifices to send them to colleges and universities,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that in a country like India, higher education should be strengthened as a right rather than being restricted by economic barriers.

The Chief Minister urged the Union Government to withdraw the Bill in its current form and undertake a comprehensive review. “India does not need legislation that further centralises higher education. What we need is a framework that allows universities and colleges to connect more effectively with the needs of their regions, industries, societies and youth,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann observed that most institutions of higher education are established, operated and funded by state governments. Therefore, reforms should move in a direction that grants states greater authority, greater flexibility and greater responsibility. “States must be empowered to develop educational systems according to the aspirations and requirements of their youth. At the same time, the Union Government should focus on increasing investment in higher education rather than expanding regulatory control,” he said.

The Chief Minister referred to the objectives of the National Education Policy, 2020, which sought to raise the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education to 50 % by 2035. “To achieve that goal, universities, colleges, research institutions and technical institutes need more resources, stronger infrastructure, modern laboratories, quality faculty and adequate research funding. They do not need additional layers of control,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that if the Union Government genuinely wishes to make India a developed nation, it should prioritise educational investment over administrative centralisation. “Universities should be given resources, autonomy and opportunities instead of additional controls. This is not merely a question of Centre-State relations. It is a question concerning crores of students, their families and the future of India,” he said.

The Chief Minister said India’s progress depends upon enabling the dreams of ordinary families. “When the son of a farmer becomes an engineer, when the daughter of a labourer becomes a doctor and when the child of a small shopkeeper becomes a scientist, India moves forward. Our education system should make such dreams easier to realise, not more difficult,” he said.

Reiterating his appeal, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the Union Government to withdraw the Bill and replace it with a framework that makes education more accessible, affordable, high-quality and responsive to the needs of states. “Nations do not become great by exercising control over education. Nations become great by investing in education,” he concluded.

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PunjabENews (20th June 2026): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu on Saturday said that the video presented by the Jathedar before Sri Akal Takht Sahib has completely exposed the false narrative and misinformation campaign being run by the Shiromani Akali Dal over the viral fake video controversy. Baltej Pannu said the footage clearly shows that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had categorically stated before Sri Akal Takht Sahib that the person seen in the viral clip was not him and that the video was fake. He added that two separate forensic investigations examining more than 1,100 frames have also established that the individual in the video does not match CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, vindicating the Chief Minister’s stand from day one.

Baltej Pannu further said that while the truth has now come out in the open, Sukhbir Singh Badal must explain how he repeatedly claimed to know what transpired during the meeting and where he obtained such inside information. He also said that neither Congress nor BJP has any moral authority to sermonise on issues concerning Sikh institutions given their historical roles relating to Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

In a statement, AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said that for several days, Akali Dal Chief Sukhbir Badal repeatedly claimed that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had admitted before the Jathedar that the video was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, the video presented by the Jathedar clearly shows that the Chief Minister consistently described it as a fake video. “Sukhbir Badal must explain how he obtained information about what transpired during the meeting. If he was claiming that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the video was AI-generated, where did this inside information come from?” he asked.

The AAP Punjab Media In-charge said that the 2 forensic investigations conducted by nationally recognised labs have conclusively confirmed that the individual appearing in the viral clip does not match CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. “The findings are based on an examination of more than 1,100 frames, which clearly demonstrate that the person seen in the video is not the Chief Minister. The investigation has completely exposed the falsehoods being circulated by Shiromani Akali Dal leaders,” he said.

Baltej Pannu said that after the Jathedar presented the video, it has become evident that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann was speaking the truth all along, while those attempting to mislead the public have been left without answers.

Targeting Sukhbir Badal over his announcement of a proposed “Dharamyudh Morcha”, Baltej Pannu said that the Shiromani Akali Dal leader appears eager to launch another agitation but has little understanding of the history and significance of such movements. “Sukhbir Badal once remarked that Baltej Pannu would explain Sikh history to him. I challenge him to debate Sikh history anywhere and at any time. His statements repeatedly demonstrate a lack of understanding of the very history he seeks to invoke,” said Baltej Pannu.

Referring to the delegation led by Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Harpal Singh Cheema that met the Director General of Police, Baltej Pannu said the party had demanded a fair and comprehensive investigation into the entire conspiracy. “We told the DGP that the truth must come out completely. The investigation should identify the actor featured in the video, the producer behind it, the director involved, and those who financed its creation and circulation. Every individual connected with this conspiracy must be identified,” said Baltej Pannu.

Baltej Pannu also criticized the Congress and BJP over their historical positions concerning Sikh institutions. He said Congress was responsible for the destruction of Sri Akal Takht Sahib during Operation Blue Star. He further referred to BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani’s book ‘My Country My Life’, claiming that the book contains references praising the action and stating that pressure had been exerted on then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to proceed with it. “Given this history, people should carefully evaluate the positions taken by both Congress and BJP on issues concerning Sikh sentiments and institutions,” added Baltej Pannu.

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