Tarn Taran byelection: Akali, Cong, BJP chiefs rally for their nominees, take on rival candidates

As the November 11 polling day draws closer, political activities have intensified across the Tarn Taran constituency, with major party leaders making a beeline to address public meetings in support of their respective candidates.

On Tuesday, three heads of different political parties held rallies in the district, urging voters to support their nominees while criticising their rivals.

Addressing a large gathering at Sarai Amanat Khan village, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal organised by village sarpanch Harpreet Singh, appealed to people to “repose faith in their own regional party” committed to uplifting farmers and the poor. “All Delhi-based parties, including the Congress, AAP, and BJP, only want to exploit and loot Punjab,” he said.

Badal accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing to provide compensation for crop losses during the recent floods and breaking its promise to distribute certified seeds to flood-hit farmers covering five lakh acres. He also alleged that the state government had ignored farmers suffering from paddy virus disease.

Campaigning for Principal Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa, the SAD candidate, Badal toured several villages, including Bhusse, Manakpur, Gandiwind, Deode, Chhapa, and Tarn Taran city. Among those who accompanied him were Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal, Surjit Singh Tugalwan, Rajanbir Singh, Ranbir Singh Lopoke, S.S. Bhittewind, Sharanjit Singh Chanarthal, Darbara Singh Guru, Rakhbinder Singh Gabria, and Kuldeep Singh.

Lok Sabha member Harsimrat Kaur Badal also addressed meetings in several villages during the campaign.

Meanwhile, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring addressed a series of public gatherings in Tarn Taran, accusing the ruling AAP of “betraying every promise made to the people.” He said, “I have never seen such a deceitful government of chronic liars, for whom lying has become a full-time profession.”

Warring urged voters to hold the ruling party accountable before it was too late. “When they come to you for votes, first ask them what they have done all these years,” he told the crowd.

The Congress has intensified its campaign for the Tarn Taran by-election, with Warring himself camping in the constituency and reaching out to party workers and leaders to mobilise support for party candidate Karanbir Singh Burj.

He reminded the AAP government of its unfulfilled promises — including Rs 1,100 per month to every woman, ending drug menace and crime and improving healthcare and education. “Instead, Punjab has seen more drug-related deaths, rising gangster violence and a paralysed health and education system,” he alleged.

Urging support for Karanbir Singh Burj, Warring highlighted his clean image, integrity and Panthic lineage, noting that his grandfather performed sewa at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar.

Addressing a separate rally at Pandori Ran Singh village, BJP state president Ashwani Sharma highlighted the Union Government’s achievements, claiming that people “prefer the BJP for Punjab’s progress and the welfare of Sikhs and farmers.”

He appealed for support for party candidate Harjeet Singh Sandhu, who, he said, “has been working tirelessly in the area for years.” Sharma accused the state government of “coming to power on lies,” and was accompanied by state general secretary Rakesh Rathaur and vice-president Kewal Singh.