With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approaching, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has appointed Jasvir Singh Garhi as the Halqa In-Charge of Chamkaur Sahib, signalling a fresh push to strengthen its organisational presence in the constituency.
Garhi is currently serving as the Chairman of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission and has previously headed the Punjab unit of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
His appointment assumes political significance as Chamkaur Sahib has a sizeable Scheduled Caste electorate and has been closely associated with former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who has contested elections from the constituency.
By placing a prominent Dalit leader in charge of the constituency, AAP appears to be looking to expand its connect with SC voters while strengthening its organisation ahead of the next Assembly elections.
Garhi began his career in the Punjab Government's Animal Husbandry Department, where he worked as a veterinary inspector. He resigned from government service in 2019 to enter active politics.
In June 2019, BSP supremo Mayawati appointed him as the party's Punjab state president. He remained at the helm of the state organisation for nearly five years.
Garhi contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections from Phagwara on a BSP ticket but was unsuccessful. Under his leadership, BSP also fought the 2022 Assembly elections in alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal.
In 2024, he contested the Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha seat on a BSP ticket but again failed to win. In November 2024, he was expelled from the BSP over alleged disciplinary violations.
On January 1, 2025, Garhi joined AAP in the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with his supporters. A few months later, in March 2025, he was appointed Chairman of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission.
Garhi's political background makes him a significant choice for a constituency where the Scheduled Caste electorate plays an important role. His years in the BSP and experience as its Punjab president have given him an established political identity among Dalit voters.
AAP's decision could therefore be aimed at using his existing political network and social connect to strengthen its position in the constituency.
The constituency's sizeable SC population adds another layer of significance to the appointment. Chamkaur Sahib has also been a key political base for Charanjit Singh Channi.
By appointing a leader with a strong Dalit political background, AAP could be attempting to create a counter-narrative and build a stronger grassroots organisation in the constituency before 2027.
Garhi joined AAP in early 2025 and subsequently remained active in party-related activities. His appointment as Halqa In-Charge can also be viewed as recognition of his role and political activity within the party.
The new responsibility will put him at the centre of AAP's efforts to mobilise workers, strengthen booth-level networks and increase the party's presence across the constituency.
Garhi's current position as Chairman of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has also contributed to his public profile.
During his tenure, he has participated in public hearings and forums dealing with complaints and issues concerning members of the Scheduled Caste community. His interventions in cases involving prominent political figures have frequently attracted attention.
This visibility could provide AAP with an additional advantage as it seeks to project Garhi as a leader who has consistently raised issues concerning the SC community.
Garhi has made headlines during his tenure at the SC Commission for taking up cases involving senior political leaders.
In February 2026, the commission took suo motu cognisance of allegations involving Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa over an alleged derogatory and caste-related remark concerning Punjab Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. A notice was issued seeking Bajwa's response.
Another major controversy emerged in June 2026, when the commission took cognisance of alleged caste-related remarks attributed to Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu during the Dhuri municipal election campaign. The commission sought a report from the Sangrur SSP and subsequently directed Bittu to appear before it. Bittu had also publicly apologised over the controversy.
Garhi had earlier been involved in proceedings connected with Congress Punjab president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring during the 2025 Tarn Taran bypoll campaign. The commission had sought action over alleged caste-related remarks and summoned election officials. However, the Chief Electoral Officer later directed that the summons be withdrawn, citing interference with the election process.
Garhi's appointment comes at a time when Punjab's political parties are gradually beginning to prepare their organisational machinery for the 2027 Assembly elections.
For AAP, Chamkaur Sahib presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The party will have to strengthen its booth-level network while competing in a constituency with a strong political identity and a significant SC electorate.
Garhi's political experience, BSP background and current position at the SC Commission give him a distinct profile. Whether he can translate that profile into an effective grassroots organisation for AAP remains to be seen.
However, his appointment clearly indicates that AAP is beginning to focus on constituency-level social and political equations well ahead of the 2027 Punjab polls.
