Latest news with #BikramSinghMajithia
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘People want a reliable regional party': Bikram Singh Majithia on SAD revival and AAP's ‘failures'
As political heat rises in the Assembly bypoll-bound Ludhiana West constituency, senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia is actively campaigning for SAD candidate Parupkar Singh Ghumman. Ahead of the June 19 bypoll, Majithia discusses the party's revival efforts, the return of leaders, criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, and the possibility of a future alliance between the SAD and the BJP. Bikram Singh Majithia: The campaign is progressing well, and the public response to our candidate, Parupkar Singh Ghumman, has been overwhelmingly positive. Several senior SAD leaders, including Sikander Singh Maluka, Sohan Singh Thandal, and Anil Joshi, have rejoined the party during this campaign. We have also welcomed several new members. This wave of support shows that people are eager to strengthen Punjab's oldest regional party. Bikram Singh Majithia: No doubt, ruling parties usually enjoy an advantage in bypolls — that has been the case historically, whether under SAD-BJP or Congress governments. However, this time, there is palpable public anger against the AAP government over unfulfilled promises. These include the Rs 1,000 monthly allowance for women above 18, the non-implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees, and the failure to provide adequate employment opportunities. The list goes on. Moreover, it is evident that Arvind Kejriwal, the former Delhi CM, has reduced Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to a mere rubber stamp. It was Kejriwal, not the Punjab CM, who announced that Sanjeev Arora, the AAP's Ludhiana West candidate, would be made a minister if he won. Normally, such cabinet decisions should be announced by the chief minister — this shows how insecure the ruling party is. They seem to be trailing and are trying to lure voters with last-minute promises. But the voters are no longer gullible — they have seen through these gimmicks. We fear that between June 17 and 19, the AAP might resort to unfair means, including intimidation of Opposition workers, in desperation to get Arora elected, possibly to vacate his Rajya Sabha seat for Arvind Kejriwal. Bikram Singh Majithia: That is not for me to decide. However, historically, the SAD-BJP alliance has worked very well in maintaining communal harmony in Punjab. When the alliance was formed in 1996 under the leadership of Parkash Singh Badal from the SAD and Atal Bihari Vajpayee from the BJP, it brought great relief to the people of Punjab. However, under current circumstances, our focus remains on reviving and strengthening our regional party, the SAD. Bikram Singh Majithia: Several leaders have already returned to the party this month, and many more are expected to rejoin in the coming weeks. We are on our way to becoming a united Akali Dal once again. I appeal to all those still outside the party to set aside personal ambitions and come together to strengthen our shared platform. Our goal must be the welfare of Punjab, not individual egos. The state's condition under the AAP regime is deteriorating rapidly. Punjab has incurred a record Rs 1 lakh crore debt under this government, pushing the total debt to Rs 4 lakh crore. We are in a financial emergency — the government has begun withdrawing funds from departments to avoid defaulting on loans. This has led to a complete halt in developmental work. At this critical juncture, we must rise above differences and reunite under one banner — the SAD. People are looking for a party they can trust. For the sake of Punjab, Punjabi, and Punjabiyat, unity is the need of the hour. And I'm confident that day is not far.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Govt driving state into a fiscal mess, says Majithia
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia on Sunday, while taking the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government in his crosshairs, accused it of driving the state into a financial and administrative crisis. He also raised concerns about internal dissent within SAD, alleging that some members were aiding the opposition, either directly or indirectly. Addressing a press conference in Ludhiana, Majithia expressed dismay over the actions of senior SAD leader Manpreet Singh Ayali, hinting that his conduct was harming the party's prospects. 'Any attempt to create divisions at this crucial time only benefits the opposition,' he said, without naming Ayali explicitly. Welcoming veteran leader Sikandar Singh Maluka back into the party fold, Majithia said the move signalled a growing realisation among seasoned Akali leaders that unity was the need of the hour. 'Punjabis are calling on their leaders to come together and raise their voice for Punjab. This homecoming sends a strong message,' he said. Senior leader Sharanjit Singh Dhillon was also present at the press interaction. Lashing out at AAP's much-publicised Delhi model of governance, Majithia said it had failed to deliver in Punjab. 'People have now realised there is no model. Instead, the state has slipped into a debt trap,' he said. Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle extends support to SAD In a major boost to SAD campaign in Ludhiana West , the Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle (GGSSC) extended its support to the party's candidate Parupkar Singh Ghuman. This development occurred after SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal held a detailed meeting with office bearers of the GGSSC here. Shiromani committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami and senior Delhi-based leader Manjit Singh GK were also part of the meeting. 'Once the SAD, which represents regional aspirations is strengthened, we can strive to resolve all pending issues of Sikhs', Sukhbir asserted. He also thanked GGSSC for assuring to support the SAD which stood for the Panth, Punjab and Punjabiyat. GGSSC members said they wanted a strong regional party to represent the community as well as Punjab and assured to support Ghuman wholeheartedly.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
SC rejects Punjab govt's plea challenging SAD leader Majithia's bail in drugs case
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal of the Punjab government challenging the bail granted to Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a drugs case by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. A bench comprising justices J K Maheswari and Aravind Kumar said it will not entertain the Punjab government's plea against the bail granted by the high court on August 10, 2022. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Pakistan suspends Simla pact: What it means & who's affected What is India's defence muscle if it ever has to attack? Can Pakistan afford a full-scale war with India? The bench also asked Majithia and the state investigating agency not to make any statement about the investigation into the case to the media. The top court granted the anti-drug Special Task Force (STF) the liberty to seek cancellation of Majithia's bail if he attempts to influence witnesses or the trial in the drugs case. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The bench also asked the STF to seek its prior approval before making any public statement on the case. Majithia walked out of the Patiala jail on bail on August 10, 2022, with the Punjab and Haryana High Court saying there were "reasonable grounds" to believe that he was not guilty. Live Events The SAD leader was booked on the basis of a 2018 report of the STF on a drug racket in the state. The STF report was based on confessional statements given to the Enforcement Directorate by some accused, including Jagjit Singh Chahal, Jagdish Singh Bhola and Maninder Singh Aulakh.
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
SC rejects Punjab's appeal, SAD leader Majithia to remain on bail in drugs case
New Delhi, In a setback to the Punjab government, the Supreme Court on Friday dismissed its appeal challenging the bail granted to Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a drugs case by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. A bench comprising justices J K Maheswari and Aravind Kumar said it will not entertain the Punjab government's plea against the bail granted by the high court on August 10, 2022. "The respondent was participating in the process of further investigation. In view of the said facts and also taking note that the liberty was granted on August 10, 2022, more than two-and-a-half years ago, at present we are not inclined to interfere with the order impugned. Accordingly, the SLP stands dismissed," the bench said in its order. "Neither side shall come forward on the issue of investigation or court proceedings to make any statement in the media," it added. The bench asked Majithia, the brother-in-law of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, to file an affidavit within a week, undertaking that he will not make any statement to the media about the case. "The respondent shall not influence any of the prosecution witnesses or the trial proceedings. In case of default, the prosecution is at liberty to take recourse," the bench said. The top court granted the anti-drug Special Task Force the liberty to seek cancellation of Majithia's bail if he attempts to influence witnesses or the trial in the drugs case. The bench also asked the STF to seek its prior approval before making any public statement on the case. Majithia walked out of the Patiala jail on bail on August 10, 2022, with the Punjab and Haryana High Court saying there were "reasonable grounds" to believe that he was not guilty. The SAD leader was booked on the basis of a 2018 report of the STF on a drug racket in the state. The STF report was based on confessional statements given to the Enforcement Directorate by some accused, including Jagjit Singh Chahal, Jagdish Singh Bhola and Maninder Singh Aulakh. While granting bail, the high court had said the observation was only for the purpose of adjudicating his bail application and the trial court should proceed independently of the observations made by it. The high court said, "We are satisfied that reasonable grounds exist to believe that the petitioner is not guilty of the offences alleged against him in the FIR and he is not likely to commit such offences while on bail." Noting that it will take time for the trial against Majithia to begin and culminate, the high court said, "So, no fruitful purpose is going to be served even if the petitioner is kept in judicial custody for a further indefinite period." Majithia was released after spending more than five months in the Patiala jail.
