Will Punjab's Tarn Taran Assembly Bypoll Change the Political Landscape?
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Synopsis
The upcoming bypoll in Punjab's Tarn Taran Assembly, prompted by the death of MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal, is set to unfold on November 11. Key players include AAP, Congress, and BJP, each fielding candidates with significant political backgrounds. Will this election reshape the region’s political dynamics?
Key Takeaways
- Upcoming bypoll on November 11.
- Significant candidates from AAP, Congress, and BJP.
- Political dynamics of Tarn Taran Assembly are at stake.
Chandigarh, Oct 6 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India has declared a bypoll for Punjab’s sole Tarn Taran Assembly, scheduled for November 11, with the vote counting set for November 14.
The necessity for this bypoll arose due to the passing of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal, who had secured the seat with 52,935 votes, defeating Shiromani Akali Dal's Harmeet Singh Sandhu.
The ruling AAP, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has nominated Harmeet Sandhu, who has switched allegiance, as their candidate. The principal opposition party, Congress, has put forth grassroots leader Karanbir Singh Burj.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), led by Sukhbir Badal, has selected Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa as their representative, while the BJP has opted for Harjit Singh Sandhu.
The Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), led by the imprisoned Amritpal Singh, has not yet announced their candidate, despite holding significant electoral support in the region.
Harjit Sandhu, an agriculturist and brick-kiln owner, began his political journey with the Youth Akali Dal in 2007. He held various positions, including circle president from 2009 to 2012 and district general secretary until 2015. He joined the BJP following disputes with Akali leadership in 2022. Historically, Tarn Taran, a stronghold for Panthic votes, has shown limited support for the BJP.
In the 2022 Punjab assembly elections, the BJP’s candidate, Navreet Singh Hundal, garnered only 1,176 votes from this constituency. Harmeet Sandhu, a former Akali Dal rebel and three-time MLA, then joined AAP and is now their candidate.
The SAD, under Sukhbir Badal, has chosen Randhawa from the Azad Group, which recently merged with their party. Meanwhile, the splinter faction of the Akali Dal, led by Giani Harpreet Singh, is still determining its candidate.
BJP leaders are optimistic about their prospects, asserting that their party's base has strengthened over time and anticipate a solid performance from Sandhu.
On the other hand, Congress candidate Burj, a realtor and agriculturist, is the vice-president of the district Congress and oversees the party’s Kisan Cell, being considered a close associate of the Opposition Leader Partap Singh Bajwa.
Point of View
The upcoming bypoll in Tarn Taran presents a significant opportunity for political parties to gauge their support and influence in Punjab. With established leaders and new entrants vying for the seat, it reflects the evolving dynamics of regional politics.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the bypoll for Tarn Taran Assembly scheduled?
The bypoll for Tarn Taran Assembly is scheduled for November 11, with the vote counting on November 14.
Why is there a bypoll in Tarn Taran?
The bypoll is necessitated by the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal.
Who are the main candidates for the bypoll?
The main candidates include Harmeet Sandhu from AAP, Karanbir Singh Burj from Congress, and Harjit Singh Sandhu from BJP.
What is the political significance of Tarn Taran Assembly?
Tarn Taran is a traditional stronghold for Panthic votes and has historically shown limited support for the BJP.
What is the background of Harjit Singh Sandhu?
Harjit Singh Sandhu is an agriculturist and former Youth Akali Dal leader who joined BJP in 2022.
