The Patiala Lok Sabha constituency, rich in history and royal heritage, has been a cornerstone of Punjab’s political landscape. Renowned for its pugg (turbans), pegs, jutti (footwear), and parandas, Patiala is adorned with wide roads, lush green parks, heritage buildings, and grand structures that reflect its regal splendor. Historically dominated by the royal family, the constituency has seen significant representation from the Patiala dynasty. Maharani Mohinder Kaur, her son Capt Amarinder Singh, and his wife Preneet Kaur — all have served as MPs here. Over the past 57 years, the Patiala royal family has held the seat for 39 years, underscoring their lasting influence and political legacy.

From 1967 to 1971, Maharani Mohinder Kaur served as MP. From 1980 to 1984, Capt Amarinder represented the constituency. Preneet was also elected consecutively in 1999, 2004, and 2009, and for the fourth time in 2019. She served as a Minister of State in Dr Manmohan Singh Government. Meanwhile, Capt Amarinder won consecutive assembly elections from Patiala urban in 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017, serving as the Chief Minister twice.

Previously known for its one-sided contests favouring either the Patiala Royals or the Congress, which were practically synonymous, Patiala has now transformed into a battleground witnessing a diverse four-cornered electoral showdown. In a notable departure from tradition, the royals have aligned themselves not with the grand old party, but with its arch rivals — the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Preneet, a four-time MP and the incumbent Congress MP from Patiala, “officially” switched her allegiance to the saffron brigade months prior to the Lok Sabha polls, and is now vying for re-election as a BJP candidate.

Contrary to the notion that her defection to the BJP would spell trouble for the Congress, especially given the lack of another candidate of her caliber and the unexpected nature of the situation, the Congress made a strategic move by introducing a former MP and esteemed local philanthropist, Dr Dharamvira Gandhi. Dr Gandhi, after parting ways with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), had established his own political party, and has now joined the Congress. Intriguingly, it was Dr Gandhi who put a halt to Preneet's winning streak in 2014, although he subsequently lost to her in 2019.

Nevertheless, the decisive defeat of Capt Amarinder in the 2022 state assembly polls from his stronghold of Patiala urban, has reshaped the royal family’s approach to campaigning in the constituency. They now find themselves engaging in grassroots campaigning, knocking on doors, and actively participating in smaller community gatherings to uphold their political sway and reconnect with the electorate. Moreover, Capt Amarinder’s absence from Preneet’s campaign is also impacting her campaign.

In a bid to challenge the dominance of the two former MPs, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has put forward the state Health Minister, Dr Balbir Singh. He relies on the party’s two-year track record while also confronting the prevalent anti-incumbency sentiment in the State. Conversely, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), in the absence of any alliances, has nominated a formidable Hindu candidate, two-time MLA NK Sharma, further heightening the electoral contest.

Dr Gandhi, representing the Congress and a renowned heart specialist, leverages the strength of his personal connections. His friend-turned-opponent, Dr Balbir Singh, an ophthalmologist and Punjab’s incumbent Health Minister, shares a personal relationship with him. Meanwhile, sitting MP and BJP candidate Preneet draws strength from her local influence, while SAD’s NK Sharma, a prominent businessman, brings his strong business acumen to the forefront of the competition.

With each candidate bringing their unique strengths and strategies to the table, the electoral battleground in Patiala promises to be fiercely competitive, making the contest one to watch.

Amidst the electoral fray, the political landscape in Patiala sees Preneet Kaur grappling with a series of challenges. While her husband has long been hailed as the ‘saviour of farmers’, Preneet finds herself at odds with the farming community. Encountering relentless farmer protests, exacerbated by BJP's lack of rural groundwork, she faces an uphill battle in penetrating the agrarian heartlands. The conspicuous absence of Capt Amarinder from the campaign trail further undermines her campaign. Despite her personal rapport with the electorate, being dubbed as ‘the right candidate in the wrong party’, Preneet's alignment with the BJP proves contentious, with farmers expressing discontent over her party switch. Urban dissatisfaction with BJP’s policies, notably demonetization and GST implementation, compounds her challenges. Criticism mounts over her departure from Congress, with many opining she could have secured victory within the party fold. In her campaign strategy, Preneet targets the AAP-led State Government's alleged unfulfilled promises, while seeking votes in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dr Gandhi, celebrated for his philanthropic initiatives and strong ties with the Patialvis, encountered internal strife within the Congress party initially. Confronted with opposition from traditional party members who labeled him a ‘turncoat’ and accused him of receiving preferential treatment at the expense of loyal Congress members, Dr Gandhi's personal charisma and reputation played a pivotal role in quelling dissent and winning over detractors.

His reputation precedes him among the masses, with locals lauding his impeccable personal rapport and recalling his previous stint as the AAP MP from the Patiala constituency. His campaign strategy revolves around grassroots engagement, door-to-door canvassing, and intimate gatherings, leveraging his extensive network and community ties.

Dr Gandhi’s accessibility and commitment to providing affordable or free medical advice have earned him widespread admiration, with villagers from remote areas seeking his counsel even amidst the fervor of campaigning.

Handpicked as a candidate by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Dr Gandhi’s track record extends beyond his medical practice to effective utilization of Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) funds. His initiatives include upgrading government schools, addressing caste-based discrimination around cremation grounds, and enhancing community infrastructure in rural areas during his tenure as an AAP MP from 2014 to 2019.

Among other issues, Dr Gandhi also advocates for the decriminalization of traditional herbal drugs like opium and poppy husk to combat the proliferation of synthetic narcotics.

AAP’s Dr Balbir Singh has strategically aligned his campaign with the party's robust welfare schemes and developmental initiatives, particularly in the vital health sector, aiming to strike a chord with the electorate. Despite his concerted efforts, he grapples with the prevailing anti-incumbency sentiments, a challenge he acknowledges and seeks to address. Dr Balbir’s narrative accentuates AAP’s notable achievements, notably the widely-acclaimed free electricity scheme and the establishment of Mohalla clinics, which has resonated positively, especially in semi-urban areas.

Just like Dr Gandhi, Dr Balbir too boasts deep-rooted connections within the constituency, serving as the sitting MLA of the Patiala rural constituency. Notably, Dr Balbir shares a history with Dr Gandhi. In 2014, he played a pivotal role in managing Dr Gandhi's campaign office, during which Dr Gandhi secured victory over Preneet. Despite their political differences, these two healthcare professionals hold each other in high regard, speaking with mutual respect. Adding to his advantage, all AAP candidates secured victories in the nine assembly constituencies within the Patiala Lok Sabha constituency during 2022 polls.

NK Sharma, renowned for his grassroots political acumen, has emerged as a formidable contender. Having served as a two-time MLA from Derabassi, Sharma boasts a robust local presence, though he faces the challenge of consolidating Hindu votes, pivotal for his success but potentially fragmented among multiple candidates. Sharma’s strategy encompasses extensive outreach across all voter segments and harnessing backing from senior SAD figures to bolster his campaign. The Akalis’ tactical move of fielding a Hindu candidate has political pundits predicting potential repercussions for BJP’s electoral fortunes, particularly in a constituency with a significant Hindu populace. Sharma’s focused groundwork, especially in areas beyond Patiala city, underscored his meticulous approach. As a former MLA, he commands his own spheres of influence. Observers note that the fallout between the Akalis and BJP during the peak of the farmers' agitation may prove detrimental for both parties across Punjab.

Electoral History

Since 1952, Congress has been the dominant force in Patiala, winning 11 out of 17 Lok Sabha elections with Preneet Kaur representing the seat four times — in 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014. The constituency has also seen representation from SAD, which has won four times, AAP once with Dr Gandhi, and an independent candidate once. The BJP, contesting independently for the first time in 32 years, aims to reestablish its presence in Patiala with the help of Patiala royals.

In 2009, Preneet bagged 50.66 percent of the total votes polled. Her vote share declined to 30.7 percent in 2014 when Dr Gandhi, with 32.62 percent votes, defeated Preneet by a margin of 20,942 votes. However, she regained her vote share to 45.17 percent in 2019, while Dr Gandhi, as Nawan Punjab Party candidate, finished at third place with 13.72 percent votes.

BJP’s Solo Fight in Patiala After 32 Years

This election also heralds a historic occasion for the saffron party, as it presents its candidate from the constituency independently after a hiatus of 32 years, sans any alliances. Previously, in 1992, the BJP fielded its own candidate, Diwan Chand Singla, who secured the third position. Following this, from 1996 to 2021, the BJP and Akali Dal joined forces in electoral battles, with the SAD contesting from Patiala as per their seat-sharing arrangement.

Demographics and Voter Composition

The constituency boats of the highest number of 18,06,424 voters, including 9,44,300 male, 8,62,044 female, and 80 transgender voters. Patiala’s electorate is diverse, comprising approximately 55-60 per cent Sikhs and 40-45 per cent Hindus. This demographic mix plays a crucial role in shaping electoral outcomes. Additionally, Patiala has a significant population of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, and Haryana-Himachal. These migrants contribute to both the agrarian economy and the service sector, further diversifying the voter base.

Here, Sikh voters are unhappy with the BJP due for its failure to fulfill their demands, including the legal guarantee on MSP. But on the other hand, the Hindu section is happy with the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and a significant section is rallying behind the BJP. Even if the BJP, or Preneet for that matter, managed to secure 50 percent of the Sikh votes, it could potentially sway the outcome in their favour. However, accomplishing this feat is no small task.

SAD has added another layer of complexity to Preneet's strategy by introducing NK Sharma, a prominent Hindu figure, into the mix. This move is expected to divide the Hindu votes between the two parties. However, the BJP is attempting to label Sharma as an 'outsider' to discourage this split in Hindu support, underlining the significant role of the Hindu electorate in this scenario. Analysts suggest that if Hindus remain united, it will bolster the BJP's position. Conversely, if division occurs, it could enhance the electoral prospects of AAP and Congress.

The Issues

From recurring floods in rural areas caused by the Ghaggar river to the persistent drug menace and the complexities of cattle rearing within city limits, residents are clamouring for solutions. At the forefront of their concerns is the urgent need for employment opportunities. Many attribute the rising crime rates to a lack of jobs and are demanding action from political leaders to address this issue. Additionally, the failure of the respective Governments to deliver on promised agricultural policies has left farmers disillusioned and discontented. The ongoing farmers' protests have significantly shaped the political landscape. The dissatisfaction with the ruling BJP is palpable, providing an opportunity for opposition parties like Congress and AAP to capitalize on this discontent.

The disparity between urban and rural areas further complicates matters. While urban areas boast heritage buildings and developed infrastructure, rural regions grapple with basic amenities. Political candidates are tailoring their campaigns to cater to the diverse needs of these contrasting voter bases. Adding to the electoral complexity is the significant presence of migrant workers, who have settled in Patiala and contribute to various sectors. Their voting preferences could sway the election results, making them a crucial demographic for candidates to court.

Constituency at a Glance

Patiala Lok Sabha constituency includes nine assembly segments — Rajpura, Ghanour, Sanour, Patiala Urban, Patiala Rural, Nabha, Samana, Shutrana, and Derabassi. Among them, Derabassi — NK Sharma’s home constituency — is the largest voting segment with 2,86,217 voters, while Sanour is the second largest voting segment with 225,752 voters. AAP currently holds all nine assembly seats, with a dominating vote share of 48.4 percent against the SAD which came second with 18.9 per cent, the Congress with 16.8 percent, and BJP with 5.4 percent.

BOX:  Last Three MPs

2009    : Preneet Kaur (Congress)

2014    : Dr Dharamvira Gandhi (AAP)

2019    : Preneet Kaur (Congress)