A sessions court in Gujarat’s Rajpipla on Tuesday convicted Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Chaitra Vasava, his wife Shakuntala Vasava and seven other persons in a case of attack on forest officials and extortion and sentenced them to seven years imprisonment each. After this, Gujarat Assembly Deputy Speaker said that after the court’s decision, AAP MLA Chaitra Vasava is no longer an MLA. According to the law, his seat will now be considered vacant.

What is the whole matter?

The incident happened on 30 October 2023. According to the prosecution, the dispute had arisen after forest department officials had removed the cotton crop grown illegally on government land. According to the prosecution, the officials were called to the residence of MLA Vasava in Dediapada town in Narmada district to discuss the issue. Vasava, a tribal leader representing Dediapada (reserved) assembly constituency, threatened the officers at his home, slapped one of them and fired a shot in the air from his pistol, police said.

Evidence was destroyed by hiding or disposing of the pistol – Police

Police said that the accused, including Vasava’s wife, collected a total of Rs 60,000 from the forest officials in exchange for crop removal and later Vasava destroyed the evidence by hiding or disposing of the pistol. Vasava’s personal assistant Jitendra Vasava was accused of contacting the MLA on phone and asking him to come to collect the collection amount.

A case was registered against MLA Vasava, his wife and seven others under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections related to rioting, extortion and assault on government officials. Charges were also leveled against him under the provisions of the Arms Act. Charges were fixed for August 7, 2025.

A total of 17 witnesses were cross-examined

Special Public Prosecutor Amit Nair said, ‘During the hearing, a total of 17 prosecution witnesses were cross-examined and several documentary evidences were presented. All the witnesses supported our case. We requested a maximum punishment of 10 years and argued that an elected representative is expected to take legal recourse rather than resorting to violence, and no person is above the law.

During the hearing, Nair argued that statements of witnesses, documentary evidence, call records and bank statements proved the involvement of the accused. He also mentioned other recent FIRs lodged against Vasava, in which he was named for crimes like assault and creating public disorder.

Application rejected by High Court, Supreme Court

At the stage of final cross-examination, Vasava’s lawyers sought to re-call some of the prosecution witnesses, but the plea was rejected by the sessions court. The appeal against this decision was rejected by the Gujarat High Court on May 7, 2026 and by the Supreme Court on May 19. After this the accused filed an application for permission to cross-examine the defense witnesses, whereas earlier it had decided not to do so. This application was also rejected by the Sessions Court and later by the High Court.

Vasava arrested on 5 July 2025

The AAP MLA was arrested on July 5, 2025, on charges of attempt to murder under Section 109 of the Indian Judicial Code (BNS). It is alleged that he had attacked the Taluka Panchayat President during a meeting. While granting bail in September last year, the High Court had put a condition that he would not enter Dediapada taluka for one year.

In April 2026, three FIRs were registered against Vasava and some other local leaders at Jhagariya GIDC police station in Bharuch district. This incident happened when he had gone to a factory to demand compensation for the victims of a fire incident, where he slapped a man and he in turn slapped him.

Amidst the politics on religious issues in Punjab, Shiromani Akali Dal has alleged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is challenging Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Before the start of the emergency meeting of the core committee of Akali Dal, Sukhbir Singh Badal made these allegations against the Chief Minister.

On Bhagwant Mann’s video, he said that the Chief Minister has committed the biggest disrespect and he has no right to remain on the Chief Minister’s chair. Sukhbir Badal said that under the new law made by the Punjab government, Bhagwant Mann should be sentenced to at least 20 years for this sacrilege.

Akal Takht had called CM Mann ‘anti-sect’

Let us tell you that after Sri Akal Takht Sahib found the alleged objectionable video of Bhagwant Mann to be true after lab tests, it has declared the Chief Minister as ‘guilty of Guru and opponent of the sect’ and has ordered social boycott of the Chief Minister by the Sikhs.

Also read: Religious issue looms large in Punjab amid discussion of assembly elections in November, politics heated up

CM said politically motivated

However, the Chief Minister has described the decision against him as politically motivated and has said that people sitting in religious institutions are doing all this at the behest of their political masters to defame him.

Although he has said that Akal Takht Sahib is paramount for him, but appointments here are made at the behest of political people. Regarding these statements of the Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal has said that Bhagwant Maan is challenging Shri Akal Takht Sahib.

Also read: Will Bhagwant Mann resign from the post of CM of Punjab? Arvind Kejriwal will put pressure! questions raised

Discussions have intensified about holding assembly elections in Punjab in November this year instead of February next year. Discussion on this issue started in political circles when Aam Aadmi Party national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed the possibility of early elections during a roadshow organized in Bathinda.

Addressing party workers, Kejriwal said that he has received information that assembly elections in the state can be held only in the month of November. He appealed to the workers to start preparing for the elections from now on.

Punjab: Akal Takht’s decision, declared CM Bhagwant Mann guilty of Guru and anti-sect

Also said that if this happens then only 4 months will be left for the elections. He appealed to the public to make Bhagwant Mann the Chief Minister again.

Harpal Cheema also reiterated the point

After Kejriwal’s statement, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema also expressed the possibility of early elections. He said that elections can be held in the state soon and cited the SIR process as one of the reasons for this.

He said, “In whichever state SIR has been conducted, elections have been conducted within 40 days of SIR.” Cheema claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party is fully prepared for elections at any time. He said that the entire party team and ministers are continuously working among the people.

He said, “When elections are held as per our wish, we are ready. Where BJP cannot reach power directly, it tries to reach power through SIR and vote theft, but it will not succeed in Punjab. BJP has failed in Punjab. People have understood that BJP spreads hatred and because of this, inflation has increased.”

Congress said- whenever elections are held, we are ready

On speculations of early elections, Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Wadding said that any political party should always be ready for elections. He said that Congress is also fully prepared. Wadding said, “Even if elections are held tomorrow, Congress is ready for the elections.”

BJP targeted you

Meanwhile, Punjab BJP leader Anil Sarin took a dig at the statements of Aam Aadmi Party leaders. He said that the kind of statements that are coming out, it seems that the Aam Aadmi Party is in a hurry to go from power in Punjab.

Bail case of jailed AAP minister Sanjeev Arora, court gives big decision

At present, no official announcement has been made by the Election Commission regarding the dates of assembly elections, but the statements of political parties have definitely heated up the electoral atmosphere in the state politics.

The results of municipal elections in Punjab have given a big message in the politics of the state. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has established itself as the strongest political force in the state with a stellar performance in the local body elections. Capture of 5 out of 8 municipal corporations and victory in a large number of municipal councils and nagar panchayats have indicated that the party is reaching a strong position for the 2027 assembly elections.

Although Congress and BJP have also been successful in registering their presence in some areas, but the overall electoral picture seems to be in favor of AAP. This is the reason why these results are being considered as an early indication of the 2027 assembly elections.

Punjab civic elections: Congress’s defeat in party chief Vading’s stronghold, what happened in Channi’s area?

AAP’s big victory in 5 municipal corporations

In the municipal corporation elections, Aam Aadmi Party won a clear majority in Bathinda, Moga, Barnala, Batala and Mohali. In Mohali, the party captured the corporation by winning 26 out of 50 seats. Congress got 12 seats here, while Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP remained far behind.

AAP performed strongly in Moga by winning 31 out of 50 wards. Whereas in Barnala, the party left the opposition far behind by winning 36 seats. In Bathinda and Batala also, Aam Aadmi Party won a comfortable majority.

It is clear from these results that AAP’s support base remains strong even in urban areas and the work of the government has received support from the voters.

BJP and Congress also saved credibility

While AAP emerged as the biggest winner, BJP and Congress also succeeded in saving their political ground in some areas. BJP achieved clear majority by winning 28 seats in Abohar Municipal Corporation. This victory is also considered important because Abohar is the home constituency of senior BJP leader and former state president Sunil Jakhar.

On the other hand, Congress performed brilliantly in Kapurthala Municipal Corporation and won 31 out of 50 seats. This has given Congress an opportunity to send a message that the party has not become completely weak and it still has a strong base in some areas.

The result of Pathankot Municipal Corporation was the most interesting. Here BJP emerged as the largest party with 22 seats, but could not reach the majority mark. Congress got 18 seats and AAP got 10 seats. This result showed that BJP’s hold on the border and certain areas remains intact, but it still needs to garner widespread public support.

AAP also ahead in Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayats

Apart from Municipal Corporations, Aam Aadmi Party also took lead in Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats. AAP won 45 out of 75 municipal councils in the state. Congress got success in only 5 councils, BJP in 3 and Shiromani Akali Dal in 2 councils. Independent candidates also performed well at many places.

Similarly, AAP captured 10 out of 20 Nagar Panchayats. Akali Dal got majority in 5, Congress in 1 and independent candidates got majority in 4 Nagar Panchayats. It is clear from these figures that the organization and support base of Aam Aadmi Party has strengthened even at the local level.

Are these results an indication of 2027 assembly elections?

The issues of local body elections and assembly elections are different, but political analysts believe that such elections definitely give an initial indication of the public mood. The biggest challenge before AAP, which came to power with a huge majority in 2022, was to maintain its support base.

The opposition has been continuously cornering the government on law and order, drugs, unemployment and administrative issues. Despite this, the performance of the party in the civic elections shows that there is no major public anger against the government at present.

Along with this, the scattered position of the opposition also seems to be benefiting AAP. Congress appeared to be limited to a few areas, while the influence of Akali Dal appeared to be much less than before. BJP showed strength in some areas, but it may take time to make an impact in the entire state.

Bhagwant Mann told the message of 2027

After the victory in the civic elections, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called it a sign of 2027 assembly elections. He said that the public has approved the work of the Aam Aadmi Party and these results show that the party can form the government with a bigger majority in 2027.

Mann also said that the people of Punjab have chosen politics of development, education, health and public interest. According to him, voters have rejected the forces doing politics on the basis of religion and caste and have supported secular thinking.

CM Mann’s first reaction on AAP’s victory in Punjab civic elections, ‘BJP used to say that urban voters…’

Challenge of new strategy before the opposition

The results of the civic elections have boosted the confidence of AAP, but at the same time it has raised a big question before the opposition. Congress, BJP and Akali Dal will now have to work afresh on their strategy before 2027.

At present the picture says that Aam Aadmi Party remains the strongest player in Punjab politics. Although there is still time for the assembly elections, the results of the civic elections have made it clear that it will not be easy for the opposition to defeat AAP in the 2027 battle.

Counting of votes for local body elections in Punjab continues from 8 am on Friday (May 29) amid tight security arrangements. Special security arrangements have been made at counting centers across the state and only authorized people have been allowed inside. According to officials, micro observers have also been deployed at each counting centre, who are keeping an eye on the entire process.

In the results that have come so far, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is leading. According to the declared results, the party has won in 158 wards. Whereas Congress has won in 48 wards, Shiromani Akali Dal in 44 wards and Bharatiya Janata Party in 5 wards.

Swimming pool became the cause of death in Moga, 17 year old youth died due to drowning, incident captured in CCTV

Apart from this, independent candidates also performed well and won in 54 wards. So far, the results of a total of 309 wards have been declared, while the results of 1,977 wards across the state are yet to be declared.

Voting took place on 26 May

In Punjab, voting was held on May 26 for 8 municipal corporations, 75 municipal councils and 19 nagar panchayats. The municipal corporations where elections were held include Mohali, Bathinda, Abohar, Barnala, Kapurthala, Moga, Batala and Pathankot. The election was conducted through ballot paper and a total of 63.94 percent voting was recorded in the state.

This time a total of 7,554 candidates are trying their luck in the civic elections. In the election contest, all the major parties including Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiromani Akali Dal had given their full strength. At many places the contest was considered to be very interesting and tough.

Great performance of AAP in Anandpur Sahib

Aam Aadmi Party has performed brilliantly in Anandpur Sahib Municipal Council elections. Here the party has achieved absolute majority by winning 11 out of 13 wards. This is being considered a big political success for the party and enthusiasm is being seen among the workers.

Political experts are considering these civic elections as the semi-finals before the Punjab Assembly elections to be held in 2027. This is the reason why all the major parties had put in full force in the election campaign. The lead of Aam Aadmi Party in the initial results is being considered important for the upcoming assembly elections.

AAP leader Jaipal Singh shot by miscreants in Amritsar, opened fire amid parking dispute

The opposition had made allegations

Before voting and during the election campaign, opposition parties had accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of misuse of government machinery. However, the state government had rejected these allegations. Now all eyes are on the final results, which can play an important role in deciding the direction of Punjab politics.

Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh had left Aam Aadmi Party and joined BJP a few days ago. After that, the workers of ‘Aam Madami Party’ had written ‘Traitor’ outside Harbhajan’s house, due to which there was a lot of uproar. The same issue has again gained momentum because a social media user called Harbhajan a traitor, on which ‘Bhajji’ got furious and responded in sharp words.

In fact, a person on social media called Harbhajan Singh a traitor and asked – the leader whom you keep abusing day and night. Why did you not resign from the Rajya Sabha seat which was given to you by the same leader?

In response to this, Harbhajan Singh wrote – When the right time comes, your every point will be answered. I have not abused any of your leaders. Why should I dirty my tongue? Those who are calling me a traitor should first ask their people for how much was the Punjab Rajya Sabha seat sold? If they don’t tell you then I will tell who got how much money and who gave it. How was someone made a minister to loot Punjab and deliver goods to Lala? Punjab was looted and usurped.

All your questions will be answered when the time comes. And I did not abuse any of your leaders. Why should I dirty my tongue? And those who call me a traitor, first ask your people for how much the Rajya Sabha seat of Punjab was sold. If you don’t tell then I will tell you to whom how much was offered and on whose behalf… https://t.co/5sd2sxQDO7

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 22, 2026

Responding to another person’s comment, Harbhajan Singh wrote that it was the political party which burnt an effigy outside my house and wrote ‘traitor’. Normal people don’t do this. Who instructed the party people to do this? This country has given me a lot of love, I have brought honor to the country by being on the sports field for 20 years. Your people think that they can put a tag with my name and it will remain there forever. This shows their poor thinking.

Didi, the political party itself burnt my effigy outside my house and wrote traitor. Common people don’t work like this. Who instructed the party people to do all this work? This country has given me a lot of love for 20 years and raised the name of the country in the sports field. And your people think that he should bring a tag… https://t.co/ZlHIOXmwOl

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 22, 2026

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Now Arvind Kejriwal has reacted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘cuts’ appeal to the people of the country. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has claimed in a press conference that we will face whatever difficulties are there in the interest of the country, but PM Modi is also placing 3 requests in front of him.

Arvind Kejriwal said, “The country is going through an extreme economic crisis. Therefore, PM Modi has appealed to the people of the country to adopt 7 steps. These include working from home, stopping the purchase of gold, saving oil, using public transport, using less fertilizers, using less foreign products, reducing edible oil and stopping traveling abroad. Many such situations have arisen since the year 1950, when our country went through different crises. There were wars with different countries, we also went through economic recession, but till date no Prime Minister has asked the countrymen to take such drastic steps.”

Arvind Kejriwal further said, “There came a time when Lal Bahadur Shastri had also appealed to the people of the country. Indira Gandhi had also told the people not to buy gold but no one had made such a harsh appeal, to take seven big steps. We are shocked to see this.”

Modi government should present the truth about the economic condition of the country before the country. Important press conference LIVE https://t.co/JeFpy16wun

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 12, 2026

Also read: ‘This is the announcement of our downfall…’, when PM Modi appealed to the citizens of the country, Akhilesh Yadav said

Three questions of Arvind Kejriwal

The former Chief Minister of Delhi said, “I have three requests… One is that if you have asked to take such drastic steps, then it means that the economy is in a very bad condition or it may get even worse in the future. The country wants to know where we stand. Where have you brought us and left us? We all countrymen are patriots, we will take even the harshest steps. We have had to endure other difficulties, even if we have to make sacrifices, we will do so, but let us know that this Why are the steps being taken? Just giving orders will not help. The first request to the Prime Minister is to share the situation with the people of the country.

Making the second request, Arvind Kejriwal said, “We all know that this is happening because of the ongoing war between Iran and America. The whole world is affected by this, all the countries are being affected. However, the government of any country has not appealed to take such steps. Some may have asked to do one or two things, but no one has talked about cutting it down so seriously. This raises a doubt whether the situation has arisen only because of this war or are there other reasons for it? That’s why our second The request is to answer this question, why was there a need for us alone to take steps which no other country has taken?

Thirdly, why is the entire burden of this being put on the middle class? Don’t go abroad, don’t buy foreign things, don’t buy gold, don’t buy oil… Why are these rules applicable only to middle class people? The middle class is patriotic. If needed, we will go to any extent for the country, but why only the middle class? If someone should have made the first sacrifice then the government of the country should have cut down on its expenses first. The Prime Minister and all the ministers should have made cuts together, they also did not do so. Everyone is travelling, going abroad, using vehicles and airplanes a lot. Why should we only do it?

Also read: Convoy of 700 vehicles from Ujjain to Bhopal! BJP leader ignores PM Modi’s appeal

Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly and senior Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa demanded dope test of the CM and all Aam Aadmi Party MLAs using alcohol meter. Now Aam Aadmi Party’s reaction has come to this demand.

In fact, Punjab AAP President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said on this, “The purpose of the special session called by the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is to honor the hard work and contribution of the workers, to recognize their efforts and to honor their hard work, but the Congress is continuously making baseless and light comments, which is unfortunate. It is like sprinkling salt on the wounds of the workers and hurting the dignity of the House.”

Also read: Heated debate between AAP and Congress in Punjab Assembly, serious allegations made against CM Bhagwant Mann

What did AAP say on floor test?

Regarding the floor test, he said, “This is the prerogative of the Chief Minister. Since discussions are going on regarding our MLAs in recent times, the entire situation on this matter will become clear today.”

Pratap Singh Bajwa’s allegations against CM

Earlier, Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa said that former Leader of Opposition of Aam Aadmi Party Sukhpal Khaira has also alleged that the Chief Minister was sitting in the House after drinking alcohol. He said that if it is so, then it is a violation of the rules and privileges of the Assembly, he hoped that the Speaker will take cognizance of the matter and order a dope test.

BJP also supported the demand

Here, BJP Punjab State President Sunil Jakhar also reacted on this issue. He wrote in his ex-post that the general session is important, but the importance of the special session is even more. In such a situation, if breathalyzer test is done on the leaders coming to the assembly, many truths can come to light. However, no official response has come yet from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on this matter.

Also read: CM Bhagwant Mann’s gift to the workers of Punjab! Made this big announcement

The voting process for various local bodies in Gujarat was completed on Sunday; on April 26, the public had captured their decision in EVMs. The process of counting of votes will start from 8 am today i.e. on 28th April. Tight security arrangements have been made at all the counting centers for counting of votes. Gujarat civic election result (Gujarat Local Body Election Results 2026) After this the political future of the candidates will be decided. Let us tell you that in this election, less than 50 percent voting was recorded in 15 municipal corporations.

According to the State Election Commission (SEC), less than 50 percent voting was recorded in 15 municipal corporations of Gujarat. According to the State Election Commission, while 48.55 percent voting took place in municipal corporations, voters in rural areas participated enthusiastically in the voting process. 60.22 percent voting has been recorded in district panchayats and 61.08 percent voting has been recorded in taluka panchayats.

Where were Gujarat civic elections 2026 held?

Let us tell you that these elections were held in 15 municipal corporations, 84 municipalities, 34 district panchayats and 260 taluka panchayats including Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot. This election is being seen as the semi-final of power in Gujarat before the assembly elections 2027 to be held next year. Everyone’s eyes are fixed on today’s results. Today’s results will decide the future of the candidates.

Where and what percentage of voting took place?

According to the data released by the State Election Commission, till 6 pm, 48.55 percent voting was recorded in municipal corporations, 58.12 percent in municipalities, 60.22 percent in district panchayats and 61.08 percent in taluka panchayats. Among the municipal corporations, Gandhidham Municipal Corporation of Kutch district recorded the lowest turnout of 39.85 percent, while Vapi Municipal Corporation of Valsad district recorded the highest turnout of 65.68 percent. Apart from BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party, candidates of Nationalist Congress Party and AIMIM were also in the fray in this election.

Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party has suffered a major setback. Rajya Sabha has recognized all the rebel MPs of AAP including Raghav Chadha and they have been considered as MPs of Bharatiya Janata Party. Rajya Sabha Secretariat has also issued a notification regarding this.

Rajya Sabha Secretariat has issued a notification regarding all the MPs who joined BJP from Aadmi Party. He has been described as a part of BJP, after which the number of BJP members in the Upper House has increased to 113.

AAP had written a letter to the Vice President

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh had written a letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday (April 26, 2026), in which he had demanded disqualification of the seven MPs who left AAP. The letter reads, ‘This MP was elected to the Upper House on the Aam Aadmi Party ticket, but later he decided to leave the party and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).’

Also read- ‘I have taken a decision after listening to the voice of conscience’, this letter of Arvind Kejriwal in discussion

Sanjay Singh had said that this step taken by the seven AAP MPs is tantamount to defection. This is a betrayal of the people of Punjab and the Constitution of India. He said that if necessary, Aam Aadmi Party will take legal action in this matter. However, now it has become clear from the notification issued by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat that the demand of the Aam Aadmi Party has been rejected. Now these MPs will be considered to be from Bharatiya Janata Party, whereas only three MPs are left in the Upper House of Aam Aadmi Party.

7 MPs including Raghav Chadha left AAP

Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal had announced their separation from Aam Aadmi Party in a press conference on Friday (April 24, 2026). He had claimed that Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal, Vikram Sahni and Rajinder Gupta were also with him. Of the 7 who left the party, 6 are Rajya Sabha members from Punjab.

Also read- Kumar Vishwas’s first reaction when Raghav Chaddha left Aam Aadmi Party, what did he say on Arvind Kejriwal?

These MPs alleged that the party led by Arvind Kejriwal has deviated from its principles and moral values. Chadha said, ‘According to the Constitution, two-thirds of the total MPs of a party can merge with another party.’