Can AAP Maintain Momentum Before the 2027 Punjab Assembly Elections?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- AAP's Harmeet Singh Sandhu maintains the Tarn Taran seat.
- Victory margin surpassed 12,000 votes.
- Significant voter turnout at 60.95 percent.
- SAD's Sukhwinder Kaur posed a strong challenge.
- This bypoll reflects AAP's ongoing influence in Punjab.
Chandigarh, Nov 14 (NationPress) As the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approach, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu successfully defended the Tarn Taran Assembly seat on Friday, overcoming his closest competitor, Sukhwinder Kaur of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), who had the lead in the early counting stages, by over 12,000 votes.
This bypoll was viewed as a significant evaluation for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP, which has secured five out of six bypolls since taking power in March 2022.
Independent candidate Mandeep Singh Khalsa, endorsed by hardline Sikh factions and jailed MP Amritpal Singh's group, finished third, while Congress's Karanbir Singh Burj was fourth.
AAP's Sandhu garnered 42,649 votes, leading with a margin of 12,091 votes.
SAD's Kaur followed with 30,558 votes, while Khalsa received 19,620 votes, Congress's Karanbir Singh got 15,078 votes, and BJP's Harjit Singh Sandhu obtained 6,239 votes.
In response to AAP's retention of the seat, state AAP Chief and Minister Aman Arora commented to the media, "This victory is a testament to the achievements of the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab. We showcased our work to the public, and they recognized it, granting us immense respect. A heartfelt thank you to all."
Expressing appreciation to the residents of Tarn Taran for their support to SAD amidst various challenges, including threats and alleged false cases instigated by AAP, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, a party Member of Parliament, stated on X, "Today, a clear message has been sent that the people favor their regional party, and once free and fair elections are conducted in 2027, they will dismiss AAP."
The bypoll on November 11 was prompted by the vacancy left by the passing of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal in June, and saw a voter turnout of 60.95 percent.
A total of 15 candidates contested in this election.