Silence descends on Tarn Taran as candidates take a breather

A day after weeks of high-pitched campaigning culminated in polling for the Tarn Taran byelection, calm has returned to areas where slogans once rang out. The bustling election offices that teemed with supporters, strategists and volunteers now wear a deserted look. Candidates who had spent sleepless nights rallying for votes finally appear to be catching their breath.

Most contestants chose to stay away from public view on Wednesday, seeking much-needed rest after a campaign that tested their stamina and patience. Reaching them proved difficult — many had switched off their phones, while others politely declined to speak.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu, a resident of Tarn Taran, left home early in the morning for an undisclosed location with his family. His residence, once abuzz with party activity, appeared quiet and locked. Sandhu remained unreachable throughout the day.

Similarly, the phone of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) nominee Sukhwinder Kaur remained switched off, while BJP candidate Harjit Singh Sandhu also refrained from responding to calls.

Among the few who did speak was Mandeep Singh, the Waras Punjab De candidate. “For the first time in months, I woke up at 6 am instead of 4,” he laughed, adding that his supporters had handled much of the campaign work, giving him some peace of mind. He visited Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Shaheed in Amritsar to offer prayers and later met well-wishers at his residence. Confident of victory, he claimed to have received “moral support from the Sikh community across the world.” Mandeep Singh, who has yet to decide which political party to join, said he would soon chart his political course.

Congress candidate Karanbir Singh Buraj also enjoyed a relaxed morning after what he described as “mental exhaustion.” Sharing breakfast with his family, he later met party workers and attended a wedding function. “The public response has been overwhelming. I am a loyal soldier of the Congress and will always serve the party sincerely,” he said.

Independent candidate Harbans Kaur Usman began her day with prayers at Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Shaheed and later visited Mandir Rishi Valmiki at Ram Tirath. “This election taught me valuable lessons about people and politics,” she reflected.