Buoyed by the recent win in the Jalandhar West assembly bypoll, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has swung into action, preparing for the upcoming by-elections in Punjab’s four more segments by appointing in-charges and co-incharges.
Punjab is staring at byelections in Dera Baba Nanak, Gidderbaha, Chabbewal, and Barnala after the sitting MLAs — Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Dr Raj Kumar Chhabewal, and Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, respectively — were elected as Lok Sabha members, leaving their seats vacant.
Of the four seats, three were won by Congress. However, Dr Chabbewal later went on to join AAP and was elected MP from Hoshiarpur.
As per the orders issued by AAP, senior leaders — four Cabinet Ministers, sitting MP, and three legislators — have been appointed as in-charges or co in-charges.
For Dera Baba Nanak, NRI Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has been appointed as in-charge, with Batala MLA Amansher Singh Shery Kalsi as co-incharge. Notably, Shery Kalsi had contested Lok Sabha elections from Gurdaspur, of which Dera Baba Nanak is a part, and finished third with 25.72 percent vote share.
Two-time MLA and Employment Minister Aman Arora will serve as in-charge for Gidderbaha, assisted by Dharamkot MLA Davinder Singh Laddi Dhos as co-incharge. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has been named in-charge for Chabbewal assembly segment, with Dasuya MLA Karmbir Singh Ghumman as co-incharge.
For Barnala, former Minister, and Sangrur MP Meet Hayer will be the in-charge, supported by Horticulture Minister Chetan Singh Jodamajra as co-incharge. Notably, Meet Hayer has been representing Barnala assembly segment for past two terms. The segment, which fall vacant after his election to Lok Sabha, also falls under the parliamentary constituency he currently represents.
AAP’s swift and strategic appointments reflected its determination to maintain momentum and secure victories in the by-elections. Despite failing to secure impressive seats and vote share during Lok Sabha elections, AAP's recent success in Jalandhar West has bolstered its confidence, demonstrating that it can effectively mobilize support and win over voters.
By appointing experienced and trusted leaders to spearhead the campaign in these constituencies, AAP aimed to replicate its success across the State.
As of now, in the 117-member House, AAP has 91 MLAs — one less from the seats it won in 2022 state assembly polls after Meet Hayer’s left Barnala seat vacant. Congress, the principal opposition in the state, has 15 legislators — three fewer from seats it won in 2022. These three MLAs, including one who had shifted allegiance to AAP, have been elected MPs.
Besides, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has three MLAs, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) two, one by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and one is represented by an Independent.
AAP’s approach to these by-elections, the dates for which are yet to be declared by the Election Commission, reflected a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Punjab. By focusing on local leadership and addressing constituency-specific issues, the party aimed to build a strong foundation for the upcoming elections.
The upcoming by-elections will be another litmus test for AAP’s strategies and its ability to sustain the momentum it gained from recent electoral success. If AAP manages to secure victories in these constituencies, it will not only bolster its position in Punjab but also send a strong message to its political adversaries about its growing influence and organizational strength.
