Gidderbaha is no stranger to high-stakes political drama. But this time, the closely-watched assembly constituency is seeing a twist that’s capturing everyone’s attention. In a fierce electoral battle between big names such as BJP candidate and former Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring’s wife Amrita, and AAP’s ex-Akali leader Hardeep Singh ‘Dimpy’ Dhillon, it’s not just the candidates in the fray — their children have rolled up their sleeves to become campaign warriors, eager to see their parents claim victory.

With youthful energy and unwavering loyalty, these young campaigners are going door-to-door, rallying local support with a fresh appeal.

Amrita Warring’s daughter Ekam, Dimpy Dhillon’s daughter Anu Sandhu, and Manpreet Badal’s son Arjun are all out on the streets, speaking directly to the voters, and using their connections to create a buzz. Dressed in campaign gear and fueled by family pride, they have taken on a significant role in the campaign, demonstrating a passion that many seasoned political operatives would envy. For these young campaigners, the election is more than just a political battle; it’s a personal mission, a platform to champion their parents’ causes and dreams for the people of Gidderbaha.

Ekam Warring, Amrita's daughter, is particularly vocal about her admiration for her mother, and her approach has been to highlight women’s issues and social welfare. “My mother has always inspired me. Watching her work tirelessly for the people has made me want to do the same,” Ekam shared. With her brother Aman, she visits neighborhoods, talking to locals, spreading their mother’s vision of inclusivity and change. The Warring family campaign team believed that women’s empowerment, a priority in Amrita’s agenda, resonated strongly with local women, creating a connection that Ekam is adept at nurturing.

Anu Sandhu, married and residing in Fazilka, is another young face bringing her father Dimpy Dhillon’s message to the masses. Spending most of her time in Gidderbaha, Anu has emphasized her father’s deep local roots. “My father is the only deserving candidate because he is truly from Gidderbaha,” she said. AAP’s campaign here has capitalized on the promise of development projects, and with Anu’s presence, they are reinforcing the commitment to these local initiatives. Anu’s brothers, Pavi and Abhay Dhillon, are also actively involved, tirelessly engaging with voters to push for a fresh wave of progress under AAP.

For Arjun Badal, standing by his father Manpreet Badal in the political arena is almost second nature. Having rallied support for his father, a seasoned five-time MLA, in previous campaigns, Arjun is no stranger to the hustle and strategy of elections. This time, however, he’s stepping into the fray with renewed intensity, bringing a bold, outspoken approach that’s sparking energy among voters and adding a fiery edge to his father’s campaign.

Arjun has adopted a more direct, assertive approach, often taking aim at rival Raja Warring during his public addresses. In a recent gathering in Doda village, Arjun openly challenged Warring’s track record, calling on BJP supporters to work fearlessly. “Many don’t know the real face of Raja Warring,” he remarked. “If he doesn’t change his ways, I’ll be the first to expose him.” With his fearless demeanour and fiery speeches, Arjun has electrified the BJP’s campaign, appealing to both seasoned BJP loyalists and younger voters seeking a change from established names.

This new generation of campaigners is certainly adding a unique flavour to the Gidderbaha by-election, turning it into a more dynamic and energized contest. For voters, the involvement of these young adults symbolized a shift in campaign strategy, making it feel less scripted and more heartfelt. In the days leading up to the election, it remains to be seen how effective this youthful enthusiasm will be in turning the tide in favour of any candidate.

Whether it’s the progressive vision pushed by Ekam, the local pride emphasized by Anu, or the confrontational rhetoric of Arjun, these young campaigners have proven that they are not merely shadows of their politician parents but influential voices capable of shaping the future political landscape. As Gidderbaha’s voters prepare to make their choice, the political fervor brought on by these next-gen leaders could be the edge needed for their parents to secure the coveted assembly seat.

ECI Clears Way for ETT Recruitment in Punjab

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has approved the Punjab Government’s request to resume the ongoing recruitment process for Elementary Teacher Training (ETT) positions in the Education Department. The move allows the allocation of stations to proceed, with appointment letters scheduled for issuance after November 13. Beginning Monday, the Department will restart work on finalizing placements.

Currently, recruitment drives for 2,364 and 5,994 ETT positions were underway but had been stalled due to the model code of conduct imposed with by-elections. After a formal request by the State Government to the Election Commission, permission was granted to continue the recruitment process. The government aims to expedite the procedure to ensure timely placements in schools across Punjab.

The ETT exam date has also been announced, with the examination set for July 28, 2024. The Punjab Education Recruitment Board has released the syllabus, guiding thousands of aspiring teachers vying for 5,994 primary teacher training positions in government schools across the State.

CM Mann Intensifies Campaign in Dera Baba Nanak

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ramped up the election momentum for Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) candidate Gurdeep Singh Randhawa in Dera Baba Nanak on Sunday, launching a sharp attack on the opposition leaders. Addressing a packed gathering, Mann rallied support for Randhawa, promising a new era of transparency and progress. He also paid a visit to Kalanaur’s historic Shiv Temple, reinforcing his call for integrity in politics.

Mann wasted no time in targeting Congress heavyweight Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, alleging a history of corruption and unfulfilled promises. “These leaders have looted Punjab… (Sukhjinder) Randhawa amassed wealth stretching from Gurdaspur to Amritsar, and I have the files to prove it,” he said, while further criticizing Congress’s ineffective leadership, accusing them of registering false cases against the locals and failing to deliver on development.

The Chief Minister also took aim at former PWD Minister and senior Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa, blaming him for the excessive toll plazas dotting the state’s roads. “Since taking office, I have shut down 16 toll plazas, saving Punjabis over Rs 62 lakh every day,” Mann declared, adding, “Our government is for the people, not for political profiteering.”

In highlighting AAP’s accomplishments, Mann cited sweeping reforms, including free electricity bills for 90 percent of households and transparent job placements for over 45,000 youth. “Unlike previous administrations where bribes were a norm, we’ve created fair opportunities. Our ‘One MLA, One Pension’ policy has saved the state millions,” he added.

AAP candidate Gurdeep Randhawa also addressed the gathering, branding the Randhawa family as symbols of “hooliganism” in Dera Baba Nanak. He accused Sukhjinder Randhawa’s wife amd Congress candidate Jatinder Kaur of bribing her way through local elections, claiming the upcoming by-election as a pivotal moment for change.

“Together, we’ll usher in an era free of corruption and injustice," Mann concluded, urging voters to elect Randhawa and break free from the grip of traditional power brokers.

Amrita Warring Pledges Gidderbaha Victory Against AAP’s “Manipulations”

In a historic bid, Amrita Warring, the first woman candidate from Gidderbaha, on Sunday declared her campaign “a milestone for women’s empowerment”, aiming to end the “manipulative tactics” of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the upcoming by-elections. Addressing an energized gathering, Amrita said that her candidacy symbolizes a victory for Gidderbaha’s women, poised to reshape Punjab's political landscape.

“This is not just my victory but a victory for every woman in Gidderbaha,” Amrita announced. “We’ve seen the AAP exploit power in the recent panchayat elections, and now they’re attempting the same tactics in these by-elections. But this time, we will not allow them to succeed,” she added.

Amrita condemned AAP’s unkept promises, including the unfulfilled commitment of Rs 1,000 to Punjab’s women. She accused the ruling party of intimidating locals, defacing Congress posters, and attempting to sway public sentiment through underhanded means. “This government has lost the trust of its people…Our response will be through our votes, not by stooping to their tactics,” she said.

Warring emphasized the importance of a transparent campaign, relying on the support of Gidderbaha’s people rather than “political games”. Touring key villages, including Hari Ke Kalan and Kauni, she was met with strong local support. “Gidderbaha will set a powerful precedent for 2027, proving that we stand with leaders who respect their promises and people,” she affirmed.