Journalist Mandeep Singh speaks with Sikh Siyasat editor Parmjeet Singh Gazi to discuss the contemporary social and political situation in Punjab amid shifting global and regional dynamics.

The conversation comes in the wake of recent developments, including the confession of Indian national Nikhil Gupta in a New York court regarding a foiled murder-for-hire plot targeting a U.S.-based Sikh citizen on American soil. In the same case, Vikash Yadav—identified as a former official associated with India’s external intelligence apparatus and previously linked to the Cabinet Secretariat—faces charges of criminal conspiracy. While the Government of India maintains that he is no longer in its service, the U.S. indictment states that during the period in which the alleged crimes were planned, he was functioning as an official linked to RAW and the Cabinet Secretariat.

The discussion also examines a recent report by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which reiterated allegations that widespread extortion, shootings, and related criminal activities in Canada linked to the Bishnoi gang network are being directed by individuals connected to the Indian government. Observers note that similar patterns of criminal activity appear to be emerging in Punjab.

Beyond these international dimensions, the interview explores growing factionalism in Sikh electoral politics in Punjab, as well as the expanding political engagement of various Deras in the state.