UPDATED: Oct 23, 2026 13:48 ISTShiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal has hinted at a potential rapprochement with former ally Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the upcoming Punjab assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Badal stated that the party remains open to allying with like-minded parties, while explicitly branding the Congress Party and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party as the primary enemies of Punjab.

The development follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assertion that an NDA government will be formed in the state. An Akali Dal delegation also met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to demand the removal of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over deteriorating law and order, signalling intensifying political manoeuvring in the state.

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Protesters have planned a march from the gurudwara towards the Election Commission and Jantar Mantar. The demonstration aims to protest the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site and demand the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

Delhi Police has deployed heavy security apparatus, including detention buses, outside the police headquarters and adjoining routes. Authorities noted that Section 163 has been imposed across the area, prohibiting gatherings, and no permission has been granted for the demonstration.

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Goyal pointed out that India supports seventeen per cent of the world's population while contributing less than three per cent to global carbon emissions. Contrasting this with Europe's higher per capita environmental footprint, he questioned who caused damage to the ozone layer and emitted carbon during centuries of economic growth.

Highlighting India's expanding clean energy programme, the minister underscored the necessity of meeting the energy, food, and security needs of 1.4 billion citizens while promoting a circular economy.Cultural Heritage, Stolen Artefacts Returned And Self-Reliance At Spiritual SammelanAt the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Sammelan in Delhi, discussions highlighted the return of stolen artefacts and sacred deities to the country following diplomatic interactions. The gathering of spiritual leaders and attendees welcomed the focus on preserving ancient cultural heritage and celebrating traditional rituals without defensiveness.

Emphasis was placed on self-reliance, extending beyond defence into the cultural sphere, alongside the continuous efforts made over recent years to safeguard and reclaim historical treasures. The event maintained a focus on national culture, heritage, and tradition rather than political targeting.