With Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh and AAP state general secretary Deepak Bali emerging as potential contenders, Jalandhar Cantonment is drawing attention ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. However, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal has denied speculation that he could contest from the constituency.
Speaking exclusively to True Scoop, Mittal said he was neither contesting from Jalandhar Cantt nor considering contesting from any Assembly seat at present.
The speculation around Mittal has grown after he was seen inaugurating development works funded through the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). He also attended a Dussehra event in Jalandhar Cantt recently.
Mittal's family has lived in Jalandhar Cantt for decades, and its business grew from a small sweet shop in the area. These local connections have added to speculation about the BJP potentially fielding him from the constituency.
Congress leader Pargat Singh, an Olympian and three-time MLA from Jalandhar Cantt, is another prominent name in the constituency. His appointment as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president has added significance to the seat ahead of the next Assembly elections.
With his political experience and new role in the state unit, Jalandhar Cantt could become an important constituency for the Congress in 2027.
The Aam Aadmi Party has also seen a change in its local leadership, with Deepak Bali replacing Rajwinder Thiara as the party's halqa in-charge for Jalandhar Cantt.
With the Assembly elections approaching, the political activity around Jalandhar Cantt is likely to remain under scrutiny. While Pargat Singh and Deepak Bali are emerging as potential contenders, Mittal's statement rules out his candidature for now and makes clear that he is not currently considering any Assembly seat.