Balkaur Singh, father of Sidhu Moose Wala, to contest 2027 Punjab Assembly elections from Mansa
Chandigarh: Balkaur Singh, father of the late Punjabi singer and politician Sidhu Moose Wala, has announced his intention to contest the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections from the Mansa constituency.
Speaking at the Congress-led 'Samvidhan Bachao Rally' in Mansa, Singh declared that his decision was motivated by an unyielding quest for justice for his son, who was shot dead on May 29, 2022. The announcement comes just ahead of the third anniversary of Moose Wala’s assassination, which remains a source of public outrage and controversy.
"My son was the pride of Punjab. But even after nearly three years, justice remains elusive," Singh told reporters. "I will contest from Mansa in 2027 to strengthen this fight from within the system."
Singh has squarely blamed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government for the lack of progress in the investigation. He alleged that those responsible for his son's murder have been shielded by the administration and slammed the state government for the deteriorating law and order situation.
Particularly scathing in his remarks against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Singh questioned the failure to apprehend Goldy Brar, the alleged mastermind behind Moose Wala’s killing. "Murders are happening in broad daylight. What kind of justice system is this?" he asked, referring to the increasing frequency of violent crimes in the state.
The Mansa constituency, already symbolically charged due to Moose Wala's 2022 electoral bid under the Congress banner, is now back in the political spotlight. Though Moose Wala lost the 2022 election from Mansa, his father’s candidature is being seen as both an emotional and strategic move by the Congress.
Congress Punjab President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring extended full support to Singh, calling the decision a “courageous step” that reflects a family’s deep-rooted desire for justice and reform.
Public reactions to Singh’s announcement have been mixed. While many on social media hailed his resolve, others accused him of politicizing his son's legacy. Singh and his wife, Charan Kaur, who recently welcomed a child through IVF, remain active in public life.
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Rain might have washed it away: Meghalaya minister after 4,000 tonnes of coal go missing
Shillong (PTI): As the Meghalaya High Court pulled up the state government over the disappearance of over 4,000 tonnes of coal, a minister on Monday claimed that heavy rain in the state might have washed it away.
The high court has directed the state government to take action against officials under whose watch the coal went missing.
Speaking to reporters, Excise Minister Kyrmen Shylla said, "Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall. You never know... because of rain, the coal might have swept away. Chances are very high."
The high court had on July 25 pulled up the state government over the vanishing of coal from Rajaju and Diengngan villages and instructed it to trace those responsible for lifting the coal illegally.
The minister, however, clarified that he was not trying to justify the disappearance, and admitted there was no conclusive evidence yet to determine whether the loss was due to natural causes or any illegal activity. "I cannot blame just the rain. It could be or it could not be. I really don't have any kind of details," he said.
He asserted that any activity related to coal mining or transportation must be done in accordance with the law and that authorities must ensure illegal practices are curbed.
On allegations of ongoing illegal coal mining and transport in the state, Shylla said concrete evidence was needed to establish such claims and that multiple departments were responsible for monitoring such activities.
"But I believe that our people, if it is for survival, might do it illegally... otherwise nobody wants to do anything that can harm the state," he said.
He expressed optimism that people would abide by the law, especially after the government's announcement of scientific mining.
"We all are happy to welcome it, and we want to see the light of day with this. I believe our people will not do anything that gives the court or law a chance to point fingers at us," he added.
The ban on coal mining and transportation in Meghalaya was imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014, citing rampant unregulated and unsafe mining practices, especially the controversial 'rat-hole' mining technique prevalent in the state.
The tribunal's order came in the wake of mounting concerns over environmental degradation, water contamination, and frequent fatalities in the hazardous mines, particularly in East Jaintia Hills.
On a separate note, the minister also responded to complaints over the dust and debris caused by the ongoing construction along National Highway 6 in East Jaintia Hills, saying, "I appreciate this government for the initiative. For now, it is difficult, but once everything is completed, we will enjoy the benefits."
