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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  From natural calamities and migration crises to political churn and law-and-order breakdowns, 2025 left Punjab grappling with compounded challenges, setting the stage for an even more consequential political and administrative phase ahead.

Written by Anuradha | The News Dose 

Chandigarh: The year 2025 proved to be one of the most turbulent for Punjab, marked by devastating floods, heightened political confrontations, law-and-order challenges, and social upheavals that kept the border state in the national spotlight.

Natural Disasters and Human Loss

Punjab witnessed its worst floods since 1988 during August and September, with districts such as Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka and Tarn Taran bearing the brunt. The state government assessed losses at ₹13,500 crore, including crop damage, destruction of over 30,000 houses, and severe damage to roads and public infrastructure.

In September, Narendra Modi reviewed the situation and announced an additional ₹1,600 crore in assistance, in addition to the ₹12,000 crore already available under disaster relief funds. However, political sparring followed, with the AAP-led Punjab government accusing the Centre of neglect, while the BJP countered that adequate funds were already at the state’s disposal.

Farmers’ Protests and Border Evictions

In March, Punjab Police evicted protesting farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points, reopening the Shambhu–Ambala and Sangrur–Jind highways after more than a year. The move, while restoring traffic, triggered sharp reactions from farmer unions and opposition parties, adding to the state’s charged political atmosphere.

Deportations and the ‘Donkey Route’

The year also saw a grim reminder of illegal migration risks, as dozens of Indians — many from Punjab — were deported from the US in handcuffs aboard US military aircraft landing at Amritsar. The crackdown by the Trump administration thrust the notorious “donkey route” into public discourse, exposing how youths risk their lives and limbs and incur massive debts to chase the elusive American dream.

Law and Order Under Scrutiny

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party government faced sustained criticism over deteriorating law and order. Extortion threats, shootings at business establishments, and grenade attacks on police stations raised serious concerns. The situation worsened with the arrest of senior police officers and sensational cases of corruption.

In October, the Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, recovering ₹7.5 crore in cash, 2.5 kg gold, documents of over 50 properties, luxury vehicles, and high-end watches.

Earlier, in June, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia was arrested in a disproportionate assets case allegedly involving ₹540 crore of drug money laundering, a charge he termed “political vendetta”.

Security and Regional Tensions

Following Operation Sindoor on May 7 — missile strikes by Indian armed forces on terror targets in Pakistan and PoK in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people — Punjab’s border districts were placed on high alert, underscoring the state’s strategic vulnerability.

Political Developments

Politically, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP scored key victories in the Ludhiana West and Tarn Taran assembly bypolls, followed by zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections, strengthening its position ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu triggered controversy with her remark about “₹500 crore for the chief minister’s chair,” leading to her suspension and renewed speculation over Navjot Singh Sidhu’s political future.

Institutions, Protests and Water Disputes

Student protests erupted over the Centre’s move to restructure Panjab University’s governing bodies. The agitation drew rare bipartisan support, forcing the Union government to withdraw its decision and clear the Senate election schedule.

Inter-state tensions flared in April when Punjab refused to release additional water to Haryana from the Bhakra dam, a dispute that eventually reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Tragedies and Losses

The year also witnessed several high-profile deaths. World’s oldest marathon runner, Fauja Singh, died after being hit by an SUV in Jalandhar. Veteran Akali leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, renowned Punjabi actor Jaswinder Bhalla, and actor-singer Rajvir Jawanda passed away. A hooch tragedy in Amritsar claimed over 20 lives, highlighting persistent social challenges.