Today is Sunday, April 26, 2026, and Punjab is currently in the grip of a political firestorm following the mass defection of AAP leaders to the BJP, coupled with a severe early-season heatwave.
Here are the top 10 news headlines from Punjab today:
1. AAP Files for Disqualification of 7 “Defector” MPs
Following the high-profile exit of leaders like Raghav Chadha, Harbhajan Singh, and Sandeep Pathak, the Aam Aadmi Party has formally submitted a petition to Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan seeking their disqualification under the anti-defection law.
2. Security Withdrawn for Harbhajan Singh; Center Steps In
The Punjab government has officially withdrawn the state security detail for former AAP MP Harbhajan Singh. Within hours, the Union Home Ministry responded by deploying CRPF personnel to guard his residence in Jalandhar.
3. “Gaddar” Vandalism Targets New BJP Leaders
Protests erupted across the state as AAP workers allegedly spray-painted the word “Gaddar” (traitor) on the walls and properties of MPs who switched parties, specifically targeting the homes of Ashok Mittal and Rajinder Gupta.
4. Severe Heatwave: Faridkot Hits 45.2°C
A brutal heatwave has gripped the state earlier than expected. Faridkot recorded the season’s highest temperature at 45.2°C, with 10 other districts crossing the 40°C mark. A “Yellow Alert” remains in place through April 30.
5. Sunil Jakhar Demands Probe into “Gunny Bag Scam”
Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar has written to the Union Food Supply Minister alleging massive irregularities in the procurement of old gunny bags by the state government, calling for an immediate federal investigation.
6. Police Crackdown: 291 Arrested in Anti-Gangster Drive
On Day 96 of the ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign, Punjab Police conducted 557 raids across the state, arresting 291 individuals linked to organized crime and seizing multiple illegal weapons.
7. Governor Assents to Strict Anti-Sacrilege Bill
The Governor has granted assent to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The new law provides for significantly stricter punishments for acts of sacrilege (beadbi) to ensure communal harmony.
8. CM Mann Seeks Meeting with President
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reportedly sought an appointment with the President of India to discuss the “political horse-trading” occurring in the state, a move the Akali Dal has dismissed as “political drama.”
9. National Social Justice “Chintan Shivir” Concludes
The three-day National Chintan Shivir organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment concluded today in Chandigarh, producing a new roadmap for social welfare initiatives in Northern India.
10. Narcotics Update: 95 Smugglers Held
As part of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ drive, police arrested 95 drug smugglers today, seizing 6.8 kg of heroin. The campaign has now seen over 60,000 arrests since its launch 421 days ago.
Weather Advisory: Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors between 12 PM and 4 PM due to the extreme heat. Stay hydrated!
