Tarn Taran by-election tests AAP’s grip ahead of Punjab’s 2027 showdown
Punjab's Tarn Taran Assembly seat witnessed a by-election on Tuesday, following the demise of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal. Around 60.95 per cent voters cast their ballots, a decline from the 2022 general elections. The contest is seen as a crucial test for Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the AAP leadership, ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Polling began at 7 am and gained momentum as the day progressed. The Tarn Taran seat saw a multi-cornered contest. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) fielded Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, the party's Chief Spokesperson, while the Congress nominated Karanbir Singh Burj. Independent candidate Mandeep Singh, backed by the Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) and radical Sikh organisations, is also in the fray. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) nominee is Sukwinder Kaur Randhawa, and the BJP has fielded Harjit Singh Sandhu.
Mandeep Singh, the brother of Sandeep Singh, accused in the 2022 murder of Shiv Sena (Taksali) leader Sudhir Suri and an attack on former police officers, is also contesting. The by-election is being closely watched as an indicator of the parties' strengths ahead of the next Assembly elections.
With approximately 60.95 per cent voter turnout recorded till 6 pm, the Tarn Taran by-election results will be crucial for the parties involved. The outcome is expected to provide insights into the political landscape of Punjab and the popularity of the ruling AAP government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
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