As Tarn Taran heads to the polls on November 11, the by-election has become much more than a routine contest, it’s a barometer for Punjab’s shifting political mood. The seat, which fell vacant after the death of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal in June, could set the tone for the next phase of Punjab politics.
For the ruling AAP, which has comfortably won several bypolls since coming to power in 2022, retaining Tarn Taran is a matter of prestige. The party is pitching this election as a referendum on its governance model and its promise of clean politics, welfare schemes and better administration. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has personally taken charge of the campaign, urging voters to help AAP “complete the mission of transforming Punjab.”
But Tarn Taran is no easy ground. The district, known for its strong Panthic identity and political volatility, has seen traditional loyalties blur over the years. Unemployment, drug abuse and agrarian distress dominate conversations in villages, where residents complain that successive governments have failed to bring real change.
The AAP’s choice of candidate, Harmeet Singh Sandhu, a former Akali leader who recently joined the party, adds an interesting twist. His crossover could either consolidate cross-party support or alienate old AAP loyalists.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which once held sway in this region, is fighting to reclaim lost ground. Its candidate, Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa, has been campaigning on what the party calls the “failures” of the Mann government, from growing debt and deteriorating law and order to the unaddressed drug problem.
The Congress, fielding Karanbir Singh Burj, sees an opportunity to re-emerge in the Majha region after a long lull. The party’s local units have stepped up grassroots campaigning, arguing that AAP’s promises have not translated into real development.
Adding a wildcard to the mix is the Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), backed by jailed MP Amritpal Singh. Its candidate, Mandeep Singh, is banking on Panthic sentiments and could dent the traditional Akali vote bank. The BJP, though relatively weak in this border constituency, has also fielded Harjit Singh Sandhu, hoping to expand its footprint in rural Punjab.
Beyond the candidates, the campaign narrative in Tarn Taran is dominated by everyday issues. Farmers talk about pest attacks and crop losses, government employees are raising demands for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, and youth groups continue to highlight unemployment and the menace of addiction. Local residents are also wary of political polarization, wanting the focus to return to governance and livelihoods.
Both AAP and SAD have traded charges in recent days, AAP accusing Akalis of spreading misinformation, and SAD alleging that its workers are being harassed by police. With just days to go, the fight is intensifying in villages and places where every vote could count.
Though Tarn Taran contributes just one seat to the 117-member Punjab Assembly, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For AAP, a win would reaffirm its grip and sustain its narrative of dominance; a loss could expose cracks and embolden the Opposition. For SAD and Congress, even a close contest would signal revival ahead of the 2027 state elections.
