Mamata Banerjee resigns from different ‘office of profit’ posts before Bengal polls

Kolkata, March 24, 2026

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday night resigned from different “office of profit” posts that she had been holding as of now amid the crucial two-phase Assembly polls in West Bengal scheduled next month.

Mamata Banerjee is a Trinamool Congress candidate from the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata.

Based on the resignation of the Chief Minister from these “office-of-profit” posts, the state administration, which is currently under the direct authority of the Election Commission of India (ECI), with the model code of conduct being in force, initiated all necessary steps to implement the resignations at the earliest, said an insider from the state secretariat, Nabanna.

“The Chief Minister resigned from various posts with immediate effect, and the departments concerned have been asked to complete the process of accepting his resignation at the earliest. Her resignation will be acceptable both for the listed posts and also for the posts that she is holding in any organisation or committee beyond that. The departments concerned have also been instructed to submit a report on the matter within a specified time frame,” the insider from the state secretariat added.

It is learnt that the state government departments where the Chief Minister had been holding the “office of profit” posts and where she had resigned include environment, forest, health, and minority affairs, among others.

Apart from that, she also resigned from the “office of profit” posts that she had been holding so far in organisations like the West Bengal Disaster Management Authority and West Bengal Public Policy and Planning Board, among others.

“The Chief Minister took the decision to resign from these posts to send a message of transparency, though there is no official binding on her to do so,” said a senior leader of Trinamool Congress and also a member of the state cabinet.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, against the Chief Minister from Bhabanipur.

Adhikari is also contesting from the Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore, where he is already a sitting and two-time legislator.(Agency)

UAPA case: Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi gets life imprisonment; two associates jailed for 30 years

New Delhi, March 24, 2026

A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment for offences including conspiracy to commit terrorist acts and waging war against the Government of India, while awarding 30-year jail terms to her associates Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen.

Pronouncing the order on the quantum of sentence, Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh of the Karkardooma Courts held that the acts of the convicts struck at the “very existence of India” and were aimed at the secession of Jammu and Kashmir, an integral part of the country.

The court stated that the material on record demonstrated they had “not abhorred violence” and had, in fact, indirectly promoted it by glorifying slain militants and propagating secessionist ideology.

“The acts of the convict brought on record may not apparently be the direct cause of inciting violence, but infusing the minds of people, particularly the youth, with the idea that Kashmir is not part of India and India has occupied the Kashmir illegally and in a hostile manner can evoke sentiments which may lead them to adopt all kinds of methods, including violence,” the court observed.

The case arose out of a 2018 investigation by the National Investigation Agency, which alleged that the banned outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), headed by Andrabi, was using social media, public speeches and other platforms to advocate for Jammu and Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan.

The prosecution placed on record various videos, online posts and other material purportedly showing the accused eulogising militants, inciting unlawful activities such as stone-pelting, and promoting narratives rooted in the two-nation theory.

Andrabi was found guilty under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including Sections 18 (conspiracy for terrorist acts) and 20 (membership of a terrorist organisation), along with IPC offences such as criminal conspiracy and waging war against the state.

Fehmeeda and Nasreen were also convicted under multiple provisions of the anti-terror law and the Indian Penal Code(IPC). Rejecting any leniency in sentencing, the court, in view of the gravity of the offences, observed that activities aimed at destabilising the nation and promoting secessionist ideology warranted stringent punishment.

Andrabi, who founded the all-women separatist outfit in 1987, was arrested in April 2018. The organisation had largely become defunct following her arrest, the court noted.(Agency)

Govt to convene all-party meet today on West Asia crisis

New Delhi, March 25, 2026

The government will hold an all-party meeting on Wednesday to brief political leaders on the evolving crisis in West Asia, amid rising concerns over its economic and security implications for India.

The meeting, scheduled for 5 pm inside the Parliament complex, will be chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to brief party leaders on the latest developments and India’s diplomatic stance.

The initiative follows statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in both Houses of Parliament, where he described the situation as an “unprecedented crisis” with potentially long-lasting consequences.

The conflict in West Asia has now entered its fourth week, disrupting key maritime trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. The tensions have contributed to volatility in global energy markets and raised concerns over supply chains and inflation, prompting the government to step up consultations with political stakeholders.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been pressing the government for a detailed discussion in Parliament on the issue. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the government’s decision to opt for a briefing instead of a full debate, arguing that the gravity of the situation warranted a comprehensive discussion in the House.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also attacked the government, alleging that India’s foreign policy has become “compromised” and driven by personal considerations rather than national interest. While welcoming the move to hold an all-party meeting, Gandhi stated that he would be unable to attend due to a prior engagement in Kerala.

The all-party meeting comes a day after Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level security review attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, and senior officials, including DRDO Chairman Dr Samir Kamat, to assess the evolving regional situation.

With geopolitical tensions escalating and their global fallout becoming more pronounced, the meeting is expected to serve as a key platform for the government to brief opposition leaders and seek broader political consensus on India’s approach to the crisis.(Agency)

Punjab’s Youngest Beneficiary, 1-Year-Old Child Receives Life-Saving Care Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna

Chandigarh, March 25, 2026

With a growing number of newborns and young children accessing treatment under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is ensuring that medical care begins without delay during critical moments.

In Sri Muktsar Sahib, a 1-year-old child, Khwaish, was admitted with pneumonia requiring urgent medical attention. In many such cases earlier, families would have had to arrange funds, complete documentation, or wait for approvals before treatment could begin. However, under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, that gap has been removed.

With the Sehat Card already in place, treatment was initiated immediately at Deep Hospital under Dr. Monika Garg, without any upfront payment. The family did not have to arrange money or go through verification steps, allowing doctors to begin treatment at a critical time. In cases involving young children, even short delays can lead to complications, but immediate access to treatment ensured that the child received timely care and recovered safely.

Similar instances are being reported from districts such as Sangrur and Mansa, where newborns requiring specialised care, including treatment for low birth weight and other critical conditions, are receiving medical attention under the scheme without financial barriers. The increasing number of such cases reflects how access to treatment is becoming faster and more seamless for families across Punjab.

Highlighting the impact of the scheme, Punjab Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Balbir Singh said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna ensures that treatment is not delayed by financial or administrative hurdles. In cases like this, where a young child required urgent care, even a short delay can have serious consequences. The scheme removes that risk entirely.”

The scheme provides cashless health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family annually, enabling access to treatment across empanelled government and private hospitals. With more than 26 lakh Sehat Cards already issued, patients are accessing treatment at over 900 empanelled hospitals, supported by more than 2,300 medical packages.

The growing number of newborn and child cases being treated under the scheme reflects a shift towards faster, more accessible healthcare delivery, where treatment begins without financial hesitation. The Punjab Government continues to encourage residents to enrol for the Sehat Card at designated centres to avail cashless treatment benefits under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.

Punjab Police arrest rape accused MLA Pathanmajra after six months on the run

Chandigarh, March 25, 2026

Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested rape accused and fugitive Punjab MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, who dramatically escaped from the police custody in September last and had been evading arrest since then.

This is the second arrest of an AAP-ruling legislator this week. Earlier, former Transport Minister Laljit Bhullar was arrested on Monday in an abetment to suicide case of a government official.

Earlier, the trial court in Patiala on October 9, 2025, dismissed the anticipatory bail plea, for the second consecutive time, of Pathanmajra, who had been on the run after being booked in a rape case on September 2, 2025.

The police registered a case against the first-time legislator from Sanaur on September 1, 2025, on charges of rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation. The 50-year-old legislator had fled from his relative’s house at the Dabri village in Karnal on September 2, 2025, minutes after a Punjab Police team arrived to arrest him in connection with a rape case.

Pathanmajra has been denying police claims that bullets were fired at policemen, who had come to arrest him.

In two video messages released from an undisclosed location, Pathanmajra had hit out at AAP’s Central leadership, alleging that he was being targeted by the “Delhi lobby” and had to flee after learning that he would be killed in a “fake encounter”.

He had criticised his own government over the handling of floods in Patiala. He accused senior officials of the Irrigation Department, including a senior IAS officer, of ignoring repeated requests to desilt rivers to prevent flooding in villages.

Earlier, the state police had booked 15 aides of the absconding MLA for ‘harbouring’ him. The Haryana Police have also registered a case against the AAP legislator and his relative, Gurnam Singh Laadi, for obstruction of discharge from official duty, escape from custody, and other charges.

Residents of Dabri village in Karnal alleged that 14 members of Laadi’s family were “picked up” by Punjab Police teams in connection with the case. (Agency)

Ajj Da Hukamnama – Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar – March 25, 2026

Many Hollow Claims, But Ground Reality Tells a Different Story: Malvinder Kang on Finance Bill 2026

New Delhi/Chandigarh, March 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament Malvinder Singh Kang launched a scathing attack on the Union Government while speaking on the Finance Bill 2026, stating that the government’s claims of economic strength and reforms over the last decade stand completely disconnected from the ground reality.

Kang said that while the Finance Minister has made tall claims about economic progress, the real picture of the country’s economy is deeply concerning.

“If we look at the last ten years, inflation is at one of the highest levels in the country’s history, and the Indian Rupee has weakened drastically, crossing alarming level of 90 against the US Dollar. The same people who once promised petrol at ₹60 have now pushed prices beyond ₹100, with diesel also becoming increasingly expensive,” he said.

Highlighting the plight of farmers, Kang said that the promise of doubling farmers’ income has completely failed. “In the last decade, instead of income doubling, input costs have doubled or even tripled. From pesticides to fertilizers, everything has become costlier, pushing farmers into deeper distress,” he added.

He further pointed out the stark contrast between macroeconomic claims and individual prosperity. “We are told India is among the top five economies in the world, but our per capita income ranking has slipped to 142. Poverty is increasing, and inequality is widening,” Kang said.

Raising the issue of corporate favoritism, Kang alleged that loans worth over ₹16 lakh crore of big corporates have been written off as NPAs, while farmers continue to struggle even for Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantees. “This clearly shows who the government stands with,” he remarked.

Kang also strongly criticized the Agniveer scheme, calling it a blow to the youth of the country. “Young people who once prepared to serve the nation in the armed forces are now left uncertain about their future.

This policy has pushed many towards frustration and gangsterism,” he said, adding that regions like Haryana are witnessing a worrying trend where unemployed youth are drifting in the wrong direction.

On international trade, Kang raised serious concerns about the India-US trade discussions and their potential impact on Indian farmers.

“This deal is a direct attack on the livelihood of our farmers, especially those involved in dairy, apple farming in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, and maize producers. Instead of strengthening our agricultural backbone, the government is exposing farmers to unfair global competition,” he warned.

He also highlighted the issue of cross-border trade through Punjab. “Trade worth thousands of crores continues through Mumbai-Karachi routes benefiting big corporates, but the Amritsar-Lahore (Wagah Border) trade route remains shut.

If opened, it can transform the economic condition of farmers across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana,” Kang said. “The reason it remains closed is clear, because it would empower ordinary farmers instead of big corporate houses.”

Taking on the government over social security, Kang criticized the lack of any concrete step towards restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). “There is no provision to ensure post-retirement security for employees. The government has failed to provide stability to the common man’s future,” he said.

He further alleged that the weakening of welfare schemes like MGNREGA has severely impacted rural livelihoods. “MGNREGA was a lifeline for millions of labourers, but its dilution has taken away basic income security from the poorest sections,” Kang stated.

Summing up his remarks, Kang said, “Scrapping MGNREGA is an attack on labourers, the Agniveer scheme is an attack on youth and employment, and trade policies like the India-US deal are an attack on farmers’ livelihoods.

The country cannot move forward on the basis of media narratives and hollow claims. Real development will only happen when the farmer who feeds the nation, youth who protects the borders, and the worker who builds the economy are secured and empowered.”

A Budget of Magical Figures, In Reality Injustice to the Nation, Farmers and Punjab: MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla

Amritsar, March 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Member of Parliament from Amritsar, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, while speaking during the Budget Session in Parliament, strongly criticized the Central Government and termed the budget as a “budget of magical figures.” He said that while people are fighting inflation, the Army is confronting China, the media is fighting Pakistan, and the BJP is only fighting elections.

He stated that for the past several years, the government has been misleading the people of the country through manipulation of figures, whereas on the ground there is neither visible development nor any relief for the common man.

Aujla said that the BJP government calls itself a “Vishwaguru,” but the current situation reflects that the country’s policies are under external pressure. He alleged that international agreements are compromising India’s interests, directly impacting the economy and farmers.

Betrayal of Farmers

MP Aujla said that in 2014, big promises were made to double farmers’ income, implement the Swaminathan Commission report, and guarantee MSP, but none of these promises have been fulfilled to date. He said that due to expensive diesel, GST on tractor parts, and rising input costs, farmers are in deep distress, while the budget offers no meaningful relief.

Continuous Discrimination Against Punjab

Aujla alleged that Punjab, which plays a crucial role in the country’s food security and border security, has been neglected in the budget.

No special industrial package has been announced for Punjab.
No provision has been made for the development of border areas and agricultural diversification.
There is no clear account of the Rs 30,000 crore cash credit limit.

He said that the burden of this will fall on future generations.

Threat to Industry and Youth

Aujla said that slogans like “Make in India” have remained merely symbolic. Due to foreign agreements and policies, pressure on Indian industries is increasing, reducing employment opportunities for the youth. He demanded that Punjab be given a special industrial package similar to neighboring states.

Neglect of Education and Sports

He said that especially in border areas, the education infrastructure has become extremely weak. Due to a lack of schools and inadequate budget, the future of poor children is at risk. He also demanded the establishment of a sports university in Amritsar, stating that players from Punjab are bringing laurels to the country but are not receiving adequate facilities.

Public Troubled by Inflation and Rising Debt

Aujla said that the country’s debt is continuously increasing and inflation has broken the back of the common people. Rising prices of fuel, gas, and essential commodities are affecting every section, yet the budget does not present any concrete policy to tackle this issue.

Stalled Projects and Rising Corruption

He also raised concerns over incomplete projects of the National Highways Authority, stalled infrastructure works, and increasing corruption. He demanded the early completion of pending educational and broadcasting projects in Amritsar.

MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla stated that this budget is neither in the interest of farmers, nor for the development of Punjab, nor for the common citizens of the country. He urged the Central Government to consider ground realities and formulate transparent and people-centric policies to ensure overall development of the nation.

Aman Arora Kicks-Off 3-Day “Kaarvaan 2026” at Dav College

Chandigarh, March 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training Minister and State President of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Mr. Aman Arora kicked-off the three-day cultural extravaganza “KAARVAAN 2026” at DAV College, Sector-10, here. The opening day was imbued with a profound sense of patriotism, with the institution paying solemn tribute to Shaheed Bhagat Singh on his martyrdom day.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Aman Arora lauded the institution for its commitment to cultural excellence and nationalistic values. He emphasised the relevance of Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s ideology in today’s context, urging students to look beyond textbooks to imbibe the revolutionary’s ideology of defiance against injustice.

He stated, “On this solemn day, we’re renewing a pledge, not just remembering martyrs. Shaheed S. Bhagat Singh fought for freedom from colonial rule and dreamed of a nation free from exploitation, hunger and inequality. KAARVAAN 2026 shows DAV College nurtures citizens with a conscience. I urge the youth to carry forward this ‘Kaarvaan’ to build ‘Rangla Punjab’ and a strong India our martyrs envisioned.”

The ceremony was further elevated by Ms. Gurjeet Kaur Dhatt, the niece of Shaheed S. Bhagat Singh, who shared an emotional tribute, reflecting on the personal sacrifices and enduring ideals of her illustrious uncle, leaving the audience visibly moved.

Principal Dr. Mona Narang extended a warm welcome, while setting the stage for an evening that balanced the gravitas of history with the dynamism of youth.

The cultural performances echoed the nation’s core values, with Saptak’s patriotic medley setting the tone. Gurwinder and Karshubhjeet Singh’s powerful rendition of “Bhagat Singh di Vaar” brought the revolutionary’s spirit alive. The gripping patriotic dance-drama, heartfelt poetry by Gurpreet Kaur and Gurkamal Singh and singer Manna Mand’s electrifying performance left the audience enthralled.

Member of the Governing Body Principal R. C. Jeevan also presented on the occasion. The event was meticulously coordinated under the guidance of Dr. Sumita Bakshi (DSW), Dr. Purnima Sehgal (Additional DSW), and Dr. Manminder Singh Anand (Deputy DSW).

Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan Unveils Official Punjab Vidhan Sabha Diary for 2026

Sandhwan unveils the 2026 Legislative Assembly Diary

Chandigarh, March 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

The Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, today presided over the official unveiling of the Punjab Legislative Assembly Diary for the year 2026 at the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat.

During the presentation, Speaker Sandhwan emphasized that the 2026 edition has been curated by the Secretariat to serve as a comprehensive institutional resource. He noted that the diary is designed to facilitate the systematic organization of legislative duties, providing members and officials with a streamlined tool for both daily parliamentary functions and long-term strategic planning.

“This publication transcends its role as a daily planner; it is an essential compendium of significant information that will prove indispensable for the efficient conduct of legislative affairs throughout the coming year,” the Speaker remarked.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished officials and legislators, including S. Kulwant Singh Pandori, Honorable Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Ram Lok Khatana, Secretary, Punjab Vidhan Sabha,

Surinder Singh Moti, Secretary to the Speaker and Maninder Singh, OSD to the Speaker.

The 2026 Diary is expected to serve as a primary reference point for all administrative and legislative schedules within the Punjab Vidhan Sabha for the duration of the year.