Tarn Taran Bypoll: AAP confident of retaining seat, 36% turnout by 1pm

By afternoon 1pm, around 36 percent polling was recorded in the Tarn Taran Assembly by-election on Tuesday, with voters turning out steadily across both rural and urban areas of the border constituency. The voting began at 7am and will continue till 6pm under tight security arrangements.

The bypoll has drawn attention across Punjab as the seat fell vacant earlier this year after the death of the sitting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA. The ruling party is now hoping to retain the constituency, while the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) are trying to make inroads in what has traditionally been an AAP stronghold.

Election officials said polling was peaceful in all areas, with no reports of disturbances or technical glitches in voting machines. Voter turnout remained slow in the early hours, around 11 percent by 9 am, but picked up pace as the day progressed, particularly in rural segments.

The AAP claimed that voter response in its key booths had been “overwhelming” and that the party was confident of retaining the seat with a comfortable margin. Congress leaders, on the other hand, said there was a strong undercurrent in their favour, especially in the villages. The SAD also asserted that its candidate was performing well in Panthic-dominated belts.

A total of 222 polling stations have been set up across 114 locations, including all-women and model booths. The Election Commission has deployed central armed forces along with Punjab Police to ensure smooth polling. CCTV cameras and live webcasting are being used to monitor sensitive areas.

Officials said voter enthusiasm was visible despite the winter chill, with many elderly voters arriving early in the morning. Women and first-time voters were also seen participating in good numbers.

Counting of votes will take place on November 14, and results will decide whether AAP manages to hold on to the seat or if the opposition manages to spring a surprise.