The Lok Sabha election has marked a significant shift in the political landscape of Punjab. The Congress was leading in seven seats while voters were counted on Tuesday, indicating a resurgence in the state. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has secured three seats, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur and Anandpur Sahib, underscoring its continued relevance and growing influence in Punjab’s political arena. Additionally, two independent candidates have emerged victorious, highlighting the electorate’s inclination towards individuals over parties in certain areas. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), specifically the Badal family, has managed to retain one seat, Bathinda, which reflects its enduring, albeit reduced, influence in Punjab politics. The BJP, meanwhile, has faced a significant setback, losing Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur, which it had won in 2019. This loss is attributed largely to the backlash from the farmer protests, which had a profound impact on the party’s standing in the state.

The farmer protests, which gained national and international attention, were particularly intense in Punjab, a state with a strong agricultural base. The discontent among farmers towards the Central government’s agricultural policies translated into electoral losses for the BJP, claimed farmers.