Punjab Legislative Assembly By-Elections Set for November 13: Key Parties in Intense Battle Across Four Constituencies

Punjab Legislative Assembly By-Elections Set for November 13: Key Parties in Intense Battle Across Four Constituencies

Punjab’s political landscape is gearing up for a crucial by-election, with voting set to take place on November 13 across four Assembly seats. According to recent reports, the by-elections have already drawn significant attention, with 60 candidates filing nominations. Candidates have until October 30 to withdraw their nominations, and today’s scrutiny will finalize the list of contenders in each constituency.

The four Assembly constituencies in Punjab where the by-elections will be held include Gidderbaha, which has emerged once again as a high-stakes battleground. Known as a key seat in Punjab politics, Gidderbaha holds historical importance as it was here that the influential Badal family first rose to prominence. Veteran leader and five-time Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s ascent in state politics began in Gidderbaha, from where he won the elections in 1970 and 1977, marking his first two terms as Chief Minister.

Punjab Assembly by-elections, set for November 13. Candidates from AAP, Congress, and BJP are competing, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is not contesting in these by-elections. Here’s a constituency-wise list of candidates, organized by party.

Gidderbaha Constituency
Congress: Amrita Warring
Background: Amrita Warring is a seasoned candidate representing Congress. Gidderbaha is known for its political significance, especially due to the historical influence of the Badal family in this area.

BJP: Manpreet Badal
Background*: Manpreet Badal, a former Congress leader and a prominent face in Punjab politics, is now contesting under the BJP banner. His entry adds weight to BJP’s position in Gidderbaha.

AAP: Hardeep Singh “Dimpy” Dhillon
Background: Hardeep Singh Dhillon is contesting from Gidderbaha under AAP, bringing the party’s reformist image into the spotlight in this key constituency.

Barnala Constituency
Congress: Kuldeep Singh “Kala” Dhillon
Background: Kuldeep Singh Dhillon, representing Congress, is expected to rally significant support in Barnala due to his experience and political influence.

BJP: Keval Singh Dhillon
Background: Keval Singh Dhillon, formerly associated with Congress, recently joined BJP. His candidacy is a strategic move for BJP in the Barnala constituency.

AAP: Harinder Singh Dhaliwal
Background: Harinder Singh Dhaliwal, contesting for AAP, seeks to establish the party’s grassroots appeal in the region.

Chabbewal Constituency
Congress: Ranjit Kumar
Background: Ranjit Kumar, representing Congress, brings experience to Chabbewal, aiming to connect with voters through the party’s traditional base.

BJP: Sohan Singh Thandal
Background: Sohan Singh Thandal, a former SAD member who recently joined BJP, is now representing the party in Chabbewal. His shift to BJP reflects the political realignment underway in Punjab.

AAP: Insha
Background: AAP’s candidate, Insha, adds a fresh perspective to the contest in Chabbewal, aligning with the party’s platform of new leadership and change.

Dera Baba Nanak Constituency
Congress: Jatinder Kaur
Background: Jatinder Kaur represents Congress in Dera Baba Nanak, where the party aims to maintain a strong foothold.

BJP: Ravikaran Singh Kahlo
Background: Ravikaran Kahlo, another former SAD leader who joined BJP, is contesting for the Dera Baba Nanak seat. His entry enhances BJP’s profile in the constituency.

AAP: Gurdeep Singh Randhawa
Background: Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, representing AAP, aims to consolidate AAP’s presence in Dera Baba Nanak, appealing to voters seeking reform and transparency.

In the upcoming by-elections, three major parties—the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and BJP—are competing head-to-head. Notably, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has opted not to contest this time. Congress, BJP, and AAP have announced their candidates for each of the four seats. In Gidderbaha, Congress has fielded Amrita Warring, BJP has nominated Manpreet Badal, and AAP has chosen Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon. The other three constituencies will see a similar three-way competition: Kuldeep Singh Kala Dhillon from Congress, Keval Singh Dhillon from BJP, and Harinder Singh Dhaliwal from AAP are vying for Barnala. In Chabbewal, Congress is represented by Ranjit Kumar, AAP by Insha, and BJP by Sohan Singh Thandal. Meanwhile, at Dera Baba Nanak, Congress’s Jatinder Kaur, BJP’s Ravikaran Singh Kahlo, and AAP’s Gurdeep Singh Randhawa are competing.

Adding an interesting twist, four former leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) are now contesting as candidates for different parties. Three of them—Sohan Singh Thandal in Chabbewal, Hardeep Singh Dimpy in Gidderbaha, and Ravikaran Kahlo in Dera Baba Nanak—have recently joined BJP after leaving SAD. Gidderbaha leads with the highest number of nominations, with 20 candidates in the race, followed by Barnala with 18 and Dera Baba Nanak with 14. The Chabbewal seat has received the least interest, with eight nominations.

This election promises to be an exciting and pivotal moment for Punjab, as major political parties and seasoned candidates contend for these strategic seats. Observers are closely watching to see how the departure of SAD and the influx of former SAD leaders into BJP will shape the outcome.

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