Punjab Employees Launch 'Maha Hartal' Over Pending DA and Pension Dues

Over 7.50 lakh government employees and pensioners in Punjab launched a 'Maha Hartal' on Thursday to demand the release of long-pending dearness allowance dues.

The protest follows Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's cancellation of a scheduled meeting with union representatives in Jalandhar, leading to the closure of schools, colleges, and hospitals.

The agitation poses a significant political challenge for the AAP government ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, potentially impacting the votes of nearly 38 lakh people.