Around 60.95% Voter Turnout in Tarn Taran Bypoll; AAP Gains Edge, Akali Dal Alleges Booth Capturing
Tarn Taran (The Uttam Hindu): Voting for the Tarn Taran Assembly by-election in Punjab concluded at 6 p.m., recording a turnout of around 60.95%. The counting of votes will take place on November 14.
AAP Likely to Benefit
Since 2022, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has won five out of six by-elections in Punjab, losing only one due to internal rebellion. In Tarn Taran, the ruling AAP seems to have an upper hand once again. There appears to be no strong anti-incumbency against the government, and voter participation remained steady.
Interestingly, pro-Khalistan MP Amritpal Singh’s outfit “Waris Punjab De” has entered the fray for the first time under the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) banner, which could impact vote distribution. While Congress and Akali Dal are also major contenders, AAP’s position as the ruling party gives it a significant advantage.
Akali Dal Accuses AAP of Booth Capturing
During polling, Shiromani Akali Dal accused the AAP-led Punjab government of misusing state machinery. SAD leaders alleged that an SHO and ASI, acting under government pressure, helped capture polling booths. A related video was also shared on social media.
In another incident, a suspicious car was found parked outside a BJP counter near a polling booth. Police arrived quickly and removed the vehicle. BJP leader Fateh Singh Bajwa posted on social media alleging that those once called “smugglers” were now being made candidates.
Major Contestants
The Tarn Taran seat is witnessing a multi-cornered contest among:
Sukhwinder Kaur (Shiromani Akali Dal)
Harjit Singh Sandhu (Bharatiya Janata Party)
Harmeet Singh Sandhu (Aam Aadmi Party)
Karanbir Singh (Indian National Congress)
Additionally, Mandeep Singh from Waris Punjab De could emerge as a surprise factor.
With Panthic votes expected to play a decisive role, the final outcome on November 14 will be crucial. Being a border constituency, Tarn Taran also faces heightened security challenges during polling.