The Tarn Taran Assembly by-election recorded a 59.21 percent voter turnout as polling closed at 6pm on Tuesday, election officials said. Voters cast ballots across 222 polling stations spread over the border constituency in a contest that followed the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal in June.
Polling started at 7am and moved slowly through the morning before picking up pace in the afternoon. By 11am, turnout was roughly 23 percent, and a steady flow of voters in rural pockets pushed the final figure to just under 60 per cent. That measure is lower than the roughly 70 percent seen in the 2022 state assembly elections, reflecting a common pattern of reduced participation in by-polls.
Local issues shaped the campaign and appeared to drive voters’ choices on the ground. Residents and party activists said concerns over drug addiction, farm distress, unemployment, poor road links and border security dominated conversations during door-to-door rounds. Voters also pointed to basic services, drinking water and irrigation support, as matters that will decide who they back.
Political lines were drawn clearly during the campaign. The Aam Aadmi Party sought to remind voters of welfare measures and local development work completed under the late MLA’s tenure, saying its core workers were active across booths. The Congress argued there was rural discontent on jobs and farm payments and hoped to capitalise on lower urban turnout. The Shiromani Akali Dal focused on Panthic issues and border safety to regain ground with traditional voters.
Observers say overall lower participation often benefits parties that can reliably get their supporters to polling stations in the final hours.
Polling passed off largely peacefully. Officials reported only a few minor technical snags with EVMs that were quickly fixed. Webcasting and CCTV were active at sensitive booths, and central forces along with Punjab Police handled security arrangements.
With voting complete, parties have shifted to final counting preparations. The count will be held on November 14 at the Government College, Tarn Taran, under tight security. The result will decide who fills the vacancy left by Sohal and will be watched across Punjab as a barometer of voter mood ahead of the next assembly elections.