Punjab By-Elections: Congress Faces Tough Challenge

Punjab: The political landscape in Punjab is heating up as the Election Commission of India has rescheduled the by-election dates for four assembly seats, including Dera Baba Nanak. The elections will now take place on November 20, 2024, instead of the previously announced date of November 13. Here’s a closer look at the developments surrounding these critical by-elections:

Rescheduled Elections and Increased Competition:
The Election Commission’s decision to shift the polling date has intensified the competition among the major political parties contesting the by-elections in Punjab. The four constituencies involved are Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, Giddarbaha, and Barnala. With the new election date approaching, parties are ramping up their campaigns, focusing on local issues and voter outreach to secure their foothold in these constituencies.

Congress’s Stronghold Under Threat:
The Dera Baba Nanak seat, in particular, has emerged as a key battleground. Congress, which has dominated this constituency historically, faces significant challenges from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress party has won this seat nine times since the first election in 1951, with Sukjinder Singh Randhawa being the incumbent representative for the last three terms. This time, Congress is fielding Randhawa’s wife, which indicates a strategic move to retain the seat amid fierce competition.