BJP names Harjit Sandhu as candidate for Tarn Taran bypoll

The BJP entered the political contest for the upcoming Assembly byelection in the Tarn Taran constituency after announcing the name of Harjit Singh Sandhu as its candidate on Thursday. The seat, which has long been a stronghold for Panthic parties, is now witnessing a multi-corner fight, with major political parties fielding influential local figures.

Harjit, BJP’s district president, is known for his grassroots-level engagement and long association with the party. By choosing a local face, the BJP appears to be shifting from its earlier approach and trying to gain a stronger foothold in a region where it has traditionally struggled.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is the ruling party in Punjab, has named Harmeet Singh Sandhu as the halqa in charge, signalling that he was their likely candidate. Harmeet, a three-time MLA and former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader, had recently joined AAP, bringing with him significant political experience and a loyal voter base.

The SAD has already declared Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa, a leader from the Azad Group, as its candidate. SAD sees this byelection as a chance to reclaim lost ground in a constituency where it once held significant sway.

The byelection has turned Tarn Taran into a political battleground. With BJP’s Harjit, AAP’s likely candidate Harmeet and SAD’s Sukhwinder, and voters have been provided with distinct choices. Adding to the mix is Waris Punjab De, the party associated with jailed MP Amritpal Singh, which is also exploring their options for a candidate.