In the ongoing Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll, the speed of voting has been reported as very slow. As of 1 pm, only 29.5% of the total eligible voters had cast their vote. The polling stations will remain open until 6 pm, giving voters ample time to exercise their franchise. The low turnout may be a cause of concern for political parties contesting the bypoll. The election commission has made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the polls, including strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
The by-election in Jalandhar was called after the death of MP Santokh Singh Chowdhary in January 2023. The election was held on May 10, and the counting of votes is set to take place on May 13. The Jalandhar Lok Sabha seat comprises 1,972 polling stations and over 16 lakh voters, and 19 candidates are in the fray, including 15 male and 4 female candidates.
The challenge before the Congress is to retain its stronghold in this by-election, having won the seat continuously for the past four times, including two consecutive terms by MP Chowdhary. The Congress has fielded Chowdhary's wife, Karmjit Kaur, as its candidate. AAP's challenge is to save its image after losing the Sangrur elections, with former Congress MLA Sushil Rinku contesting for the party. BJP aims to overcome the negative sentiments of the farmer's movement, with former Akali MLA Inder Iqbal Atwal as its candidate. The Akali Dal aims to retain its existence after losing two consecutive assembly elections in Punjab, and is contesting in partnership with the BSP.
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In addition to these challenges, reports of violence and booth-breaking by workers of various parties suggest that the election was not without its fair share of controversies. Voters have been urged to cast their votes for the ideology that they believe would benefit Punjab and the country as a whole.