The political landscape in Punjab was extremely volatile on Friday, May 1, 2026, as the state observed International Labour Day amidst a high-stakes legislative showdown and a major administrative shake-up.
Here are the top 10 Punjab news headlines for Friday, May 1, 2026:
Legislative & Political Storm
1. Mann Government Wins Confidence Motion with 88 Votes
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann successfully proved his majority in a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today. The confidence motion was passed with the support of 88 AAP MLAs, while the BJP boycotted the session and Congress staged a walkout.
2. Two Non-Bailable FIRs Filed Against MP Sandeep Pathak
In a move that has sparked “vendetta” allegations, Punjab Police registered two FIRs under non-bailable sections against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak shortly after he defected from AAP to BJP. Charges reportedly include corruption and alleged sexual exploitation.
3. BJP Holds “People’s Assembly” Outside Vidhan Sabha
While the official session was underway, the BJP organized a parallel “Janta Di Vidhan Sabha” nearby. Led by Sunil Jakhar, the party symbolically “passed” a no-confidence motion against the AAP government, calling the official session a “procedural sham.”
4. Speaker Rejects “Dope Test” Demand for CM and MLAs
Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan rejected a formal request from the Leader of the Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, to conduct alcometer and dope tests on the Chief Minister and all legislators to ensure “decorum” in the house.
5. CM Mann Announces 4-Day “Shukrana Yatra”
Following the floor test, the Chief Minister announced he will embark on a “Shukrana Yatra” from May 6 to 9 to offer thanks at various religious sites for the successful passage of the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Amendment) Act, 2026.
Labour Day & Governance
6. Minimum Wage Hiked by 15% for Punjab Labourers
Marking International Labour Day, the Punjab government announced a 15% increase in minimum wages. The daily wage for unskilled labourers has been revised from ₹483 to ₹555.45, the first major hike in nearly 13 years
7. Major Administrative Shuffle: 6 IAS and 39 PCS Officers Moved
The state government executed a massive reshuffle affecting key departments. Notably, IAS Neelima was appointed as the new Secretary of Home Affairs, and Sandeep Kumar was named the new GMADA Chief Administrator.
8. Congress Demands ₹750 Daily Wage; Protests in Chandigarh
Punjab Congress President Raja Warring led a massive demonstration outside the Assembly, dismissing the government’s 15% hike as “too little, too late” and demanding a minimum daily wage of at least ₹750 for the working class.
Law, Order & Security
9. Sacrilege Reported in Malout Under New Strict Law
A new sacrilege incident was reported in Malout town, marking the first high-profile case since the state implemented more stringent penalties for such acts. The CM has directed the police to ensure a fast-track investigation.
10. Key Witness in Sukha Kahlwan Murder Case Shot Dead
In a chilling security lapse, a key witness in the high-profile murder case of gangster Sukha Kahlwan was found shot dead in his car in Kapurthala. The incident has renewed opposition criticism regarding the state’s deteriorating law and order.
