AAP’s tally of 3 highlights growing influence; BJP—at the receiving end of farmers’ fury—loses 2 seats won in 2019
Congress’s Patiala candidate Dr Dharamvira Gandhi; (right) Harsimrat Kaur Badal of SAD won Bathinda with 3,76,558 votes
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.
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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.
Protesting farmers in a tent erected at Patiala’s Shambhu village, which borders Haryana. File pic/Faisal Tandel
The widespread support for the protests among the populace likely influenced voters to turn away from the BJP, seeking alternatives that were perceived as more supportive of their interests.
Voter psychology
Despite the vigorous efforts of the BJP star campaigners, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the party failed to secure any seats, even though they managed to garner a significant share of votes.
On the other hand, Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi emerged as influential figures. Their efforts helped the Congress secure the Amritsar, Jalandhar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Patiala and Ludhiana seats, demonstrating a strong connection with the voters and effective campaigning strategies that addressed the concerns of the populace.
AAP, led by campaigners Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, also aimed for a larger share of the seats but its performance shows that while the party has a foothold in Punjab, expanding its influence remains a challenge amidst stiff competition from established parties.
The success of the two independent candidates, who are supporters of the Khalistani movement and advocates for a drug-free Punjab, reflects a unique aspect of Punjab’s political landscape. Their victories suggest a segment of the electorate is deeply concerned with regional issues and is willing to support candidates who they believe will address these specific concerns.
Overall, the election results in Punjab demonstrate a complex interplay of national and regional politics, with local issues significantly influencing voter behaviour.
FarmerSpeak
The prolonged farmers’ protest at the Haryana-Punjab border has reached a critical juncture. These farmers have been demonstrating for approximately 113 days, demanding specific changes and assurances related to agricultural policies. “Despite the election results, we are steadfast in our resolve. The protests will continue irrespective of which government comes to power,” said Tejveer Singh, spokesperson for the Bhartiya Kisan Union.
He added, “The farmers have planned a crucial meeting on June 5 to strategise their next move. This meeting will be pivotal in determining their future course of action, including the possibility of intensifying their protest by moving towards Delhi. The farmers aim to discuss and finalise methods to sustain their protest and ensure their demands remain in the spotlight.”
Samita Kaur, a farmer and social activist from Punjab, said, “Politicians or big parties should not underestimate the power of the people. Common citizens spoke for India’s freedom and now they speak for preserving India’s democracy. And the people of this country will speak when it’s the right time. The polling and the results have shown the choice of people.”
Amarjeet Singh, a local, said, “There was a tough fight in every constituency, where if we see the votes got split between AAP and Akali Dal, benefiting the Congress. People think Congress has a strong hold at the Centre and it will amplify their voices. Hence, despite local parties bringing up the 1984 riots while campaigning against Congress, it won by a wide margin.”
Badals save face
Harsimrat Kaur Badal of SAD won Bathinda with 376,558 votes, securing a victory margin of 49,656 votes over her main competitor, AAP’s Gurmeet Singh Khudian, who garnered 326,902 votes.
Her fourth consecutive victory helped maintain the political dominance of the party. Independent candidate Lakha Sidhana’s background as a former gangster and his transformation into an activist brought a unique element to the contest.
Son of assassin
Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, the son of one of the assassins of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, won the Faridkot seat with 298,062 votes, securing a substantial margin of 70,053 votes over his nearest competitor, AAP’s Karamjit Anmol. Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa emphasised the respect and honour associated with martyrdom in Punjab, which resonated with a significant portion of the electorate.
Queen of Patiala loses
Maharani Preenet Kaur’s tally of 2,88,998 votes couldn’t help her retain her seat for the fourth time. She stood third, losing to Congress’s Dr Dharamvira Gandhi, who secured 3,05,616 votes and the AAP candidate, Dr Balbir Singh, who bagged 2,90,785 votes.
Separatist wins big
Amritpal Singh, currently detained under the National Security Act, won the Khadoor Sahib seat fighting as an Independent from an Assam Jail where his father Tarsem Singh, friends and family supported the campaign. Advocate Imaan Singh Khaira, his lawyer, said, “We thank the citizens who came out to vote for Amritpal. We dedicate this win to Guru Maharaj.”
June 5
Day farmers plan to hold meeting
Punjab 13
INC 7
AAP 3
SAD 1
Others 2
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