Chandigarh: The year 2025 will be remembered as one of the most distressing chapters in Punjab’s recent history, marked by natural disasters, political confrontations, social unrest and heartbreaking human losses. From devastating floods to shocking crimes and controversies, the state endured a series of blows that tested both governance and public resilience.
Nature dealt the first major setback when relentless rains triggered severe flooding across large parts of Punjab in August and September. More than 50 lives were lost as rivers breached embankments, submerging villages, destroying crops and damaging thousands of homes. Districts along the border belt and central Punjab bore the brunt, with infrastructure such as roads, bridges and irrigation systems badly hit. The state government pegged losses at over ₹13,500 crore, prompting emergency interventions and political sparring over relief funds between the Centre and the state.
Adding to the turmoil, law and order emerged as a persistent concern throughout the year. A rise in extortion calls, targeted firing incidents at business establishments and grenade attacks near police facilities raised alarm among residents and traders. The Aam Aadmi Party government faced sustained criticism from opposition parties, who accused it of failing to rein in organised crime and gangster networks.
Farmer protests also resurfaced as a flashpoint. In March, police action to remove protesting farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points led to tense scenes, ending over a year-long blockade of key highways. While traffic movement was restored, the eviction drew sharp reactions from farmer unions and political leaders, deepening mistrust between the government and agrarian groups.
On the international front, Punjab’s youth found themselves at the centre of a grim reality as dozens of Indian migrants were deported from the United States. Images of young men and women returning in shackles aboard military aircraft landing in Amritsar sent shockwaves across the state. The episode brought renewed attention to the dangerous “donkey route” migration networks and the crushing debts families incur in pursuit of overseas dreams.
Politics remained volatile through the year. The ruling AAP strengthened its electoral position with key bypoll and local body victories, while opposition parties grappled with internal rifts and controversies. A storm erupted after senior Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu made remarks linking leadership ambitions to financial influence, leading to her suspension and reigniting debate over the party’s future in Punjab.
High-profile arrests also dominated headlines. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia’s detention in a disproportionate assets case sparked fierce political debate, with allegations of vendetta countered by claims of accountability. Later in the year, the arrest of a senior police officer by the CBI in a corruption probe further dented public confidence in institutions.
Security concerns intensified in May after Indian armed forces carried out strikes across the border under Operation Sindoor. Punjab’s frontier districts were placed on high alert amid fears of escalation following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir earlier in the year.
The state was also shaken by a hooch tragedy in Amritsar that claimed more than 20 lives, exposing the deadly consequences of illicit liquor networks. Meanwhile, an alleged assault on an army colonel and his son by police personnel in Patiala triggered outrage and calls for justice.
Amid the chaos, Punjab mourned the loss of several prominent figures. The death of legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh in a road accident, veteran political leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, celebrated actor Jaswinder Bhalla and young singer-actor Rajvir Jawanda cast a pall of grief. The passing of Bollywood icon Dharmendra later in the year drew emotional tributes, especially from his native region.
As 2025 draws to a close, Punjab stands at a crossroads — grappling with the aftermath of disasters, demanding accountability in governance and searching for stability. The year may have been defined by sorrow and struggle, but it has also sparked urgent conversations about reform, resilience and the road ahead for the state.
