For the past week, the weather in Punjab has been clear, and all political parties have given their best in the final phase of campaigning for the Punjab Assembly elections. There can be seen chaos in the mind of Punjab's citizens viewing the current situation of every party. No proper judgment can still be revealed even just before the elections.
In the state, the BJP has arranged three rallies for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi has already held a rally in Jalandhar, and he has two more rallies planned over the next two days. After removing Captain Amarinder Singh from the post of Chief Minister, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have taken control of the Congress' campaigning.
When it comes to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), party chief Arvind Kejriwal has been camping in Punjab for several days and will remain there till February 18, election day. As election day, February 20, approaches, the political landscape in Punjab is becoming more distinct.
In Punjab, three days before the election campaign ends, the scenario is triangular or face-to-face in the majority of the 117 assembly seats. Another significant factor is that the Congress party's seats may be reduced. Navjot Sidhu, the Congress's Punjab head, appears to be stuck in his seat. Captain Amarinder Singh's 'Punjab Lok Congress' party does not appear to be doing any unique wonders for his 'Punjab Lok Congress' party in this election, but BJP's seats can increase.
- Situation 4 days before polling in Punjab
1. Only hope for the Dalit count
Congress appears to be suffering as a result of the continuous cold war between Sidhu and Channi, as well as mutual disagreements among other leaders. The process of Congress officials resigning from the party is also ongoing. Several prominent members of the party, including former Union Law Minister Ashwini Kumar, Punjab Women's Commission chairperson Manisha Gulati, and Srihargobinderpur MLA Balwinder Singh Ladi, quit just days before the election. Amrik Singh Dhillon, a four-time MLA from Samrala, and Angad Singh, a Nawanshahr MLA, are running as independents due to a lack of tickets. Even on 16 February, Channi and Priyanka will be going to Banaras on the occasion of Shri Guru Ravidas Birth anniversary directly indicates the interest of the Dalit Vote bank.
2. Captain slashing votes in Congress
Captain Amarinder Singh, who broke away from the Congress to found his party, is leading from his customary seat of Patiala Urban, but he is facing stiff opposition this time. The AAP is reaping the direct benefits of the captain’s harm to Congress. In front of Capt., the AAP has chosen the former mayor of Patiala Municipal Corporation Ajitpal Singh Kohli. The captain seems to win, but his margin of victory might be smaller. In terms of the rest of Captain's party's candidates, none of them have a chance of winning, but whichever vote he receives, the Congress will suffer a direct defeat.
3. For AAP, it's a do-or-die situation.
This time, the Aam Aadmi Party has gone all out in Punjab, and it is reaping the rewards for it. The major advantage of the AAP is that its supporters can be found in both urban and rural areas, advocating for change. From Chandigarh to the Attari border, the AAP has gained support. The most difficult task facing the party is to turn this support into votes; otherwise, a repeat of 2017 could occur. Arvind Kejriwal has already named Punjab's Bhagwant Mann as the party's CM face, learning from his 2017 blunder.
4. BSP + Akali Dal have nothing to lose.
In this election, Akali Dal has teamed up with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) instead of the BJP, and both parties have nothing to lose. The party's performance in 2017 was poor, as it was unable to acquire the opposition status. The Akali Dal, led by Sukhbir Badal, appears to be in good shape this time. One of the reasons for the Akali Dal's strength is that its cadre has remained unbroken. Second, under Sukhbir Badal's leadership, the entire party is fighting the elections as one. Sukhbir Badal's main concern is that the AAP appears to be eroding his traditional voter base in the villages.
5. Presence of Sanyukta Samaj Morcha
Except for two seats, the Samyukta Samaj Morcha (SSM) of farmer organizations is also observed registering presence in most places. Yes, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is unquestionably the party with the most problems as a result of the United Samaj Morcha. The AAP's influence on Punjab's rural voters is palpable. However, like with the previous assembly elections, it remains to be seen how many of these people vote for AAP on election day. Arvind Kejriwal and his strategists will also have to work hard to sway these fervent supporters in their side.