The nomination process for Punjab’s by-elections concluded on Friday, with 60 candidates filing affidavits for four high-stakes assembly seats — Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, Gidderbaha, and Barnala. A maximum of 20 nominations were received for Gidderbaha constituency, followed by 18 for Barnala, 14 for Dera Baba Nanak, and eight for reserved constituency of Chabbewal.
Scheduled for November 13, these by-elections mark critical contests for the BJP, Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), while Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has opted out, making for three-way races across all constituencies.
The Election Commission has deployed supervisors to ensure smooth conduct, and documents are slated for scrutiny on October 28. Political heavyweights displayed their clout during nomination submissions, drawing massive support rallies and strong statements from party leaders.
For the Chabbewal constituency, BJP’s Sohan Singh Thandal, a former Minister and a former Shiromani Akali Dal leader, submitted his candidacy with a strong backing from former Union Ministers Som Parkash, Vijay Sampla, and Avinash Rai Khanna. Thandal, who served as Minister for Jails, Tourism, and Cultural Affairs in Punjab’s Akali government, aimed to reclaim his political standing after previous setbacks in 2017 and 2022.
Meanwhile, Congress candidate Jatinder Kaur, wife of Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, filed her papers for Dera Baba Nanak. Supported by senior Congress leader and Punjab Assembly’s Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Kaur sought to continue her family’s political legacy. Congress candidate Ranjit Kumar, representing the Chabbewal seat, also showcased party unity with a strong leader presence during his nomination.
In Barnala, AAP’s Harinder Singh Dhaliwal entered the race, backed by prominent AAP figures including Bhadour MLA Labh Singh Ugoke and Mahal Kalan MLA Kulwant Singh Pandori. Dhaliwal’s campaign is focused on transparency and resolving local issues, with party supporters staging an energetic march in Barnala before filing.
Amid growing concerns, SAD (Amritsar) candidate Gobind Singh Sandhu filed his nomination, citing deteriorating law and order as a key issue, emphasizing safety and relief for businesses affected by rising extortion. Sandhu pledged to address these pressing issues, claiming that basic security remains elusive in Barnala.
With by-election campaigns heating up, BJP and Congress leaders directed sharp criticism at Punjab’s AAP government, particularly around farmer distress and procurement delays in mandis. BJP’s Vijay Sampla demanded accountability, suggesting the state government’s lack of action on central funds released to Punjab. Sampla challenged the government’s policies on agricultural liftings and accused the AAP government of scapegoating the Centre.
November 13 will see voters in these four constituencies shape the future political landscape of Punjab as leading parties vie for influence. The final candidate list is expected by October 30, with polling set to conclude by November 23.
ECI Appoints General Observers, Police Observers, Expenditure Observers
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed General, Police, and Expenditure Observers for the by-elections in four seats, who will play a crucial role in ensuring impartial and transparent elections. Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C said that these observers are responsible for conducting the elections in a neutral, transparent, and peaceful manner, adhering to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.
Jagmeet Brar files nomination as independent from Gidderbaha
Veteran politician Jagmeet Singh Brar, who launched his political journey in 1980 contesting against Parkash Singh Badal from Gidderbaha constituency, has filed his nomination papers to contest again from the same constituency — this time as an independent candidate. Brar was joined by Raghbir Singh Pradhan, former MLA Ripjit Singh Brar, and Harphool Singh Nambardar Hari Kekalan Horin during the nomination process. Brar, who served as a Member of Parliament twice, in 1992 and 1999, spent 35 years with the Congress party before shifting to the All India Trinamool Congress, where he served as state president due to differences with Congress leadership. In 2021, he contested as an Akali candidate from Maur Mandi and is now returning to Gidderbaha as an independent candidate.
