The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), led by Sukhbir Singh Badal, has fielded Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa, drawing on her family’s Dharmi Fauji legacy. Sukhbir and Harsimrat Kaur Badal campaigned intensively to regain Panthic confidence.

In contrast, rival Akali factions, including Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) and Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit), have united behind Mandeep Singh, brother of jailed Panthic figure Sunny. Sunny gained symbolic status after assaulting a former police officer accused of fake encounters.

Political analysts say the Tarn Taran bypoll could reveal if Panthic support is consolidating once again around the Badal-led SAD or shifting toward emerging Sikh-centric outfits. The result will likely set the tone for the 2027 contest, defining future Akali influence in Punjab politics.

The post Tarn Taran Bypoll: Akali Factions Battle for Panthic Votes Ahead of 2027 appeared first on India Podcast.

Congress has chosen Karanbir Singh Burj, a close aide of Partap Singh Bajwa, as its candidate. Many Majha region leaders are supporting him. The bypoll is seen as a key test before the 2027 Punjab elections. After losing the Ludhiana (West) bypoll, the party hopes to make a strong comeback.

Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring accused the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) of supporting gangster culture. He said Congress is the only party with true secular values.

The main issues of the campaign are gangster violence, drug-related deaths, and law and order. The Congress faces AAP, SAD, BJP, and Waris Punjab De in a tough multi-cornered contest.

Meanwhile, the party’s nationwide “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhor” signature campaign has already received 8 lakh signatures in Punjab.

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