Tarn Taran By-Election Result 2025 was announced on Friday (November 14) and it proved that Punjabis are still having faith in Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government.
AAP candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu won the Tarn Taran By-Election by 12091 votes. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate Sukhwinder Kaur remained at number 2 spot.
On the other hand, Congress remained at number 4 while the BJP candidate Harjit Singh Sandhu remained at number 5. Sandhu only managed to get 6239 votes, it means, the saffron party lost its deposit in the Tarn Taran By-Election 2025.
Now, the question arises why is the BJP that passed the people's test with flying colours in Bihar, failed miserably in Tarn Taran By-Election? Continue reading below to know some factors-
Tarn Taran By-Election was called 'Semi Final' of the upcoming Punjab State Assembly Elections slated to take place in 2027. Recognizing its importance, the BJP threw all its might into the fray, even fielding two of its Chief Ministers— Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini as well as several Union ministers like Ravneet Bittu, etc for campaigning.
Despite this, the BJP failed to even save its deposit in Tarn Taran By-election. On the other hand, SAD, once an alliance partner of the BJP, that faced leadership questions, secured number 2 spot and sent a clear message about its revival in Punjab politics.
Notably, one of the reasons behind BJP's dismal performance in Tarn Taran By-Election may be attributed to 5 internal groups allegedly in the party.
As per sources, the saffron party is said to be divided into five groups. The first group is said to be led by BJP President Sunil Jakhar. Although considered close to the central leadership, Jakhar is often criticised for fluctuating political engagement, active at times and missing in action at others.
The second group is the BJP's acting president, Ashwani Kumar Sharma, who is an MLA from Pathankot. Ashwani Kumar Sharma's group largely includes old BJP leaders, former MLAs and workers who have struggled alongside the party from the beginning.
Sources suggest that Ashwani Sharma was appointed because Jakhar's working was not active.
The third group is believed to be of former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh. When Captain Amarinder Singh was removed by the Congress, he joined the BJP. This camp includes ex-MP Praneet Kaur and other family members, along with leaders who left Congress to join the BJP. Captain Amarinder Singh is also considered close to the BJP high command.
Additionally, Punjab BJP General Secretary (Org)- Manthri Srinivasulu is said to have his separate group. In political fraternity it is well known that Srinivasulu doesn't get along with Jakhar.
Srinivasulu's group is said to have former leaders and some who have joined the BJP from the Congress and Akali Dal.
A fifth and quieter faction includes 15–20 former SAD leaders who switched to the BJP but have now become politically inactive. Their absence is also seen as a setback for the party’s expansion strategy.
Party sources say that BJP is divided into so many groups, causing difficulties for the party. There is also growing debate within the party about whether the BJP should contest Punjab polls independently or revive alliances.
Interestingly, multiple SAD leaders have joined the BJP and hence, if the saffron party join hands with SAD ahead of Punjab Elections 2027, the political leaders may return to their traditional parties.