As voting continued for the Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll on Tuesday, the contest appeared to be shaped less by campaign slogans and more by core local issues, like development gaps, law and order, rural distress and public trust in governance. The constituency, which went to polls after the death of the sitting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA, is witnessing a three-way fight between AAP, Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
Voters across villages and small towns cited concerns that go beyond party lines. Many said that while the AAP government’s free power and school reforms have made some impact, the lack of jobs for youth, poor road conditions, and irregular drinking water supply remain everyday struggles. Farmers complained that the delay in compensation for crop losses and rising input costs were hitting them hard.
Another major concern is the law and order situation, which several residents described as “worrying.” Tarn Taran, a sensitive border district, has witnessed multiple security incidents over the past year. Opposition leaders have accused the government of failing to control drug trafficking and petty crime, while AAP leaders argue that policing has improved under their rule.
The campaign also revolved around governance credibility. The suspension of the Tarn Taran SSP just days before the bypoll had triggered a political storm, with opposition parties calling it evidence of administrative interference. The Election Commission later ordered a review of alleged wrongful arrests made during the model code of conduct, adding to the tension.
Caste and identity politics, long seen as influential in Tarn Taran, have also surfaced in subtle ways. The constituency’s large Scheduled Caste population and Panthic voter base make it a complex electoral mix. While Akali Dal is banking on traditional Panthic sentiment, Congress has focused on outreach to Dalit and rural voters, promising relief for farmers and daily-wage workers.
On the other hand, AAP’s campaign leaned heavily on welfare promises, particularly the Rs1,000 monthly allowance for women and free electricity for households along with the claim that it has brought visible changes in education and health sectors.
By 1pm, only 36 percent polling had been recorded, reflecting voter fatigue and subdued interest. Observers say the low turnout could benefit AAP, whose cadre voters are known to turn out consistently. Both Congress and Akali Dal, however, claimed that the mood in the villages suggested dissatisfaction with the ruling party and a possible swing in their favour.
Voting is being held at 222 booths under tight security, with webcasting and CCTV monitoring at several stations. Polling will end at 6pm, and results will be declared on November 14.