Following the victory in recently-concluded Punjab Assembly by-elections, the three newly-elected legislators of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took their oath of office on Monday at the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. The ceremony was presided over by Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP Punjab president Aman Arora in attendance, marking a moment of celebration for the party. 

The three AAP legislators — Dr Ishank Kumar Chabbewal from Chabbewal, Gurdeep Singh Randhawa from Dera Baba Nanak, and Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon from Gidderbaha — swore their allegiance in the Member’s Lounge of the Vidhan Sabha. Dr Chabbewal — the first to take the oath — added a symbolic flourish by proclaiming “Jai Bhim”, “Jai Bharat” and “Inquilab Zindabad.”

Family members of the MLAs, along with several dignitaries, attended the event. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann extended his congratulations, applauding the newly-elected representatives for their resounding victory in the recent by-polls. 

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Kala Dhillon, elected from Barnala, did not participate in the ceremony. Dhillon cited a lack of formal communication from the Vidhan Sabha or the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader regarding today’s event. He announced that he would be taking his oath on December 4, accompanied by his party colleagues. 

The November by-elections were held in four constituencies — Chabbewal, Dera Baba Nanak, Gidderbaha, and Barnala — necessitated after the incumbent MLAs vacated their seats upon becoming MPs. While AAP secured victories in three constituencies, Congress claimed a surprise win in Barnala, wresting the seat from AAP. 

Barnala’s loss for AAP was attributed to internal dissent, with a rebel candidate securing a significant chunk of votes. Congress candidate Kuldeep Singh Kala Dhillon emerged victorious, defeating AAP’s Harinder Dhaliwal by 2,176 votes. 

Since taking charge in Punjab, the AAP Government has faced mixed electoral outcomes. Notably, the party lost a Lok Sabha by-election in Sangrur and the Barnala assembly seat in this by-poll. Both defeats occurred in regions considered AAP strongholds, raising questions about internal challenges and opposition strategies.