AAP wins key Tarn Taran bypoll amid SAD fightback; Cong, BJP lose deposit

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sailed through a major political test on Friday, winning the Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll with a comfortable margin of 12,091 votes, reinforcing its claim regarding public support and delivering a morale-boosting victory for the ruling party.

In an unexpectedly dramatic start, the contest initially tilted in favour of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). During the first three rounds of counting, SAD candidate Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa held a narrow lead, giving the opposition camp early optimism. However, the momentum shifted swiftly once the fourth round began.

From that point onwards, AAP’s Harmeet Singh Sandhu steadily gained ground. His lead widened with each successive round, reflecting a clear consolidation of support as the counting continued. By mid-count, Sandhu had taken decisive control, and the gap only grew stronger, ultimately culminating in a five-figure victory margin.

Party workers erupted in celebrations as the final figures came in, calling the result a reaffirmation of public trust in AAP’s governance and development agenda. For the Opposition, particularly the SAD, the early advantage turned into a significant defeat. With this victory, AAP not only retains the seat but also sends a pointed message ahead of future electoral battles. Its leaders’ statements that AAP’s support base remains intact will now be supported by evidence.

While Waris Punjab De candidate Mandeep Singh managed to save his “election deposit” with 19,620 votes, the Congress candidate was not so lucky and could get only 15,078 votes. Even the BJP, which had its chief ministers from two states and several union ministers campaigning for its candidate could get only 6,239 votes.

How the parties fared

• AAP: 42,649

• SAD: 30,558

• Waris Punjab De: 19,620

• Cong: 15,078

• BJP: 6,239