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Key Points

The Election Commission has scheduled the Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll for November 11 with counting on November 14. This election was triggered by the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal who previously won the seat convincingly. Major parties have fielded their candidates including AAP's turncoat Harmeet Sandhu and Congress's grassroots leader Karanbir Singh Burj. The constituency remains a Panthic stronghold where BJP has historically struggled to gain traction.

Key Points: Tarn Taran Bypoll Set for Nov 11 After AAP MLA Sohal Death

  • Bypoll necessitated by death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal who won with 52,935 votes
  • AAP fields former Akali Dal leader Harmeet Singh Sandhu as their candidate
  • BJP candidate Harjit Sandhu began political career with Youth Akali Dal in 2007
  • Tarn Taran constituency traditionally gives little support to BJP with only 1,176 votes in 2022
2 min read

Punjab's lone Tarn Taran Assembly to go on bypoll on Nov 11

Punjab's crucial Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll on November 11 features AAP's turncoat Sandhu against Congress, SAD, and BJP candidates in Panthic stronghold.

"The cadre has grown stronger over the years and we expect a good performance - BJP leaders"

Chandigarh, Oct 6

The Election Commission of India on Monday announced a bypoll for Punjab’s lone Tarn Taran Assembly that will be held on November 11 with the vote count on November 14.

The bypoll was necessitated by the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal, who had won the seat with 52,935 votes, defeating Shiromani Akali Dal's Harmeet Singh Sandhu.

This state ruling AAP, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has declared turncoat Harmeet Sandhu as its candidate, while the main Opposition Congress has fielded grassroots leader Karanbir Singh Burj.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), led by Sukhbir Badal, has fielded Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa, while the BJP has chosen Harjit Singh Sandhu as its candidate. The Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), led by jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, whose party holds a considerable vote bank in the constituency, is yet to announce its candidate.

BJP’s Harjit Sandhu, an agriculturist and brick-kiln owner, began his political journey with the Youth Akali Dal in 2007. He served as circle president from 2009 to 2012, then as district general secretary until 2015, and was later elevated to state president of the Youth Akali Dal. In 2022, following differences with the Akali leadership, Sandhu formally joined the BJP.

Tarn Taran, a Panthic stronghold, has traditionally given little support to the BJP. In the 2022 Punjab assembly elections, the party's candidate, Navreet Singh Hundal, secured only 1,176 votes from the constituency.

Akali Dal's rebel Sandhu, a three-time MLA, later joined AAP and is now its candidate. The Sukhbir Badal-led SAD has fielded Randhawa of the Azad Group, which recently merged with the party. The breakaway faction of the Akali Dal, led by Giani Harpreet Singh, is yet to decide on its candidate.

BJP leaders expressed confidence in the party's prospects, stating that the cadre has grown stronger over the years and they expect a good performance from party candidate Sandhu. However, Congress candidate Burj is an agriculturist and realtor by profession and serves as the vice-president of the district Congress and also serves the party’s Kisan Cell. He’s believed to be a close aide of the Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Tarn Taran, I can say this constituency has always been an Akali stronghold. But with so many factions now, the vote might get divided. Congress could benefit from this split.
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Sarah B
The BJP candidate seems to have good organizational experience from his Youth Akali days. But in a Panthic constituency like Tarn Taran, it will be challenging for BJP to make significant inroads.
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Karanbir S
Congress candidate Karanbir Singh Burj seems like a grassroots leader with farmer connections. In Punjab, leaders who understand agriculture issues usually connect better with voters. All the best to him! 🙏
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Michael C
The political musical chairs in Punjab is fascinating to watch. Leaders switching parties so frequently makes one wonder if they have any ideology left or it's just about power.
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Ananya R
With Amritpal Singh's party yet to announce their candidate, this could be the game-changer. Their vote bank is significant in this area. Waiting to see who they field! 👀
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I feel all parties should focus more on development issues rather than just political maneuvering. Farmers in Tarn Taran need better infrastructure and market access. Hope the winning candidate delivers on these.

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