Here are the top 10 general news headlines and major developments across Punjab on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, covering explosive political crossfires, major state policies, and public protests:
1. Opposition Explodes Over CM Sacrilege Video; SAD Demands CBI Probe, Congress Wants Resignation
The political atmosphere in Punjab reached a boiling point following the arrest of two men by the Haryana Police for allegedly fabricating cyber reports. The Congress, SAD, and BJP launched a unified assault on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) demanded an immediate inter-state CBI investigation into the money trail, while the Congress demanded Mann’s immediate resignation under the state’s new sacrilege laws.
2. “Opposition Trying to Defame Me Religiously,” Rebounds CM Bhagwant Mann
Reacting sharply to the brewing controversy, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann released a video message strongly defending himself. Mann alleged that his political opponents, unable to challenge his governance or welfare schemes, are weaponizing a fabricated video to tarnish his image and mislead the public under the guise of religious sentiments.
3. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu Tenders Written Apology to Punjab SC Commission
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu appeared before the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission following multiple summons. Bittu submitted a formal written apology for casteist remarks made during a heated verbal exchange with police officials in Dhuri back in May, stating that as a minister, he should have exercised better restraint.
4. Farmers Stage Massive Demonstrations Across 21 Districts Against Proposed India-U.S. Trade Deal
Under the banner of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), thousands of farmers and farm laborers held widespread protests across 21 districts of Punjab. Led by senior leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, protestors burned effigies of PM Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, alleging that giving the U.S. open access to India’s agri-market would devastate small-scale, unsubsidized Indian farmers.
5. Commuters Stranded as Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC Begin 3-Day Statewide Strike
Public transport across Punjab ground to a near-halt as contract workers of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC kicked off a three-day statewide strike running from June 24 to June 26. The union leaders expressed extreme frustration over the government’s failure to regularize contract employees and alleged that the state is actively promoting private operators.
6. Punjab Government Announces ₹10,000 Monthly Allowance for Village Sarpanches
In a major financial move aimed at empowering rural governance, the Bhagwant Mann administration announced a fixed monthly allowance of ₹10,000 for all village Sarpanches across Punjab. The decision comes alongside the fast-tracking of localized village infrastructure and development grants.
7. Over 24,000 Booth Officers Deployed as Punjab Launches Massive Door-to-Door Voter Enumeration Drive
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Anindita Mitra announced the launch of a month-long Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Starting June 25, over 24,453 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct door-to-door visits to verify 2.14 crore eligible voters, with a mandate that filling the enumeration form is mandatory for inclusion in the final October 1 voter list.
8. Punjab Becomes First State to Launch Skill Development for Youth in Observation Homes
In a pioneering social welfare initiative, Punjab became the first state in India to launch a dedicated, structured Skill Development Programme specifically tailored for children residing in observation and special homes. The program aims to offer meaningful vocational training to pave the way for successful rehabilitation.
9. SGPC and Akal Takht Oppose Maharashtra’s Move to Repeal the 70-Year-Old Nanded Sahib Act
Sikh religious leadership in Punjab, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akal Takht Jathedar, strongly condemned the Maharashtra government’s legislative move to repeal the Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Act of 1956. The bodies termed it a direct attack on the administrative autonomy of historical Sikh shrines.
10. Punjab Health Authorities Bust Major Illegal Sex Determination Racket in Patiala
Executing a swift undercover operation, state health department officials and Punjab Police successfully busted an illegal sex determination ring operating in Patiala. Authorities seized a hidden, unregistered ultrasound machine and registered formal FIRs against the operators under the PNDT Act.
