BALLOT BATTLE

Unveiling its second list of candidates for the impending Lok Sabha elections, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday announced contenders for five parliamentary constituencies in Punjab, while the decision for the crucial Khadoor Sahib seat has been kept pending, adding intrigue to the electoral landscape.

Among the prominent nominations is that of former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who has been fielded once again from the Bathinda constituency. Her candidacy not only underscored the party’s commitment to its stronghold but also reflected her enduring popularity among the constituents. With three consecutive victories in the Bathinda seat, she poses a formidable challenge to her opponents from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – Parampal Kaur Sidhu, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) – Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, and Congress – Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu.

In a significant development, Mohinder Singh Kaypee, a former Punjab Congress chief, secured the party's nomination from the Jalandhar reserve parliamentary seat, hours after joining the SAD. Kaypee’s entry into SAD’s fold highlighted the party’s efforts to broaden its appeal and capitalize on experienced political figures to strengthen its electoral prospects. His candidacy is set to intensify the electoral competition in Jalandhar, with contenders from rival parties vying for supremacy. He would be facing former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, the Congress candidate; and former SAD leader Pawan Kumar Tinu, who switched to AAP a few days ago.

Apart from them, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has also named former MLA Ranjit Singh Dhillon as party candidate from Ludhiana, former Minister Sohan Singh Thandal from Hoshiarpur reserve seat, and party leader Nardev Singh Bobby Mann from Ferozepur. Notably, Ferozepur constituency was currently represented by Sukhbir.

While SAD has finalized candidates for 12 out of total 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, the decision regarding the Khadoor Sahib constituency has been kept pending. The delay in announcing a nominee for this seat underscored its critical importance and the complexities involved in candidate selection. Khadoor Sahib, a panthic seat, holds symbolic significance for SAD, and the party's eventual choice of candidate will likely influence voter sentiment and political dynamics in the region.

“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Bathinda, which has enabled me to serve as their Member of Parliament for the past 15 years. It is with humility and dedication that I once again seek the opportunity to represent the interests and aspirations of the Bathinda constituency,” said Harsimrat, following announcement of her name. Earlier, rumours were that SAD is considering to shift Harsimrat to other segment considering her dwindling winning margins.

Widely recognized as SAD bastion, Bathinda seat has been a testament to the enduring bond between the electorate and Harsimrat. Her resounding victories in 2009, 2014, and 2019 underscore the trust reposed in her leadership by the people. Notably, in the previous Lok Sabha elections, she emerged victorious against formidable competition, defeating Congress candidate Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.

With the electoral battlegrounds taking shape, SAD's contenders face formidable opponents from rival parties across Punjab. The electoral contest in Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, and Ferozepur constituencies is also expected to witness intense competition, as parties mobilize their resources to secure victory.

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