Political momentum is building up in Punjab as political parties begin laying the groundwork for the assembly elections scheduled for early 2027. Taking an early lead in campaign preparations, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) released its initial list of 20 candidates on Tuesday for the upcoming polls across the state. The decisions were finalized and formally approved during a comprehensive meeting of the party parliamentary board. This early announcement signals the beginning of intense political maneuvering among key players in the state ahead of the election cycle.
Key Candidates Named and Their Constituencies
Providing details of the nominations, Gurjant Singh Kattu, Secretary of the SAD (Amritsar) Parliamentary Board, confirmed that Eeman Singh Mann, the party working president, will contest from the Sri Fatehgarh Sahib assembly seat. Among the other candidates announced, Mahenderpal Singh has been fielded from Patiala Rural, Kuldeep Singh Bhagowal from Rupnagar, Kushalpal Singh Mann from Kharar, and Gurnam Singh Singdiwal from Garhshankar. Furthermore, the party has nominated Gurnaib Singh Rampura from Sangrur, Baldev Singh Gagra from Nihal Singh Wala, Harjinder Singh Jakhu from Bhadaur, and Parminder Singh Balianwali from the Maur constituency.
Strategy for Punjab's 117 Assembly Constituencies
Parliamentary Board Secretary Gurjant Singh Kattu emphasized that the party will soon declare candidates for the remaining assembly seats across the state. Punjab comprises a total of 117 assembly seats, with voting expected to take place in early 2027. Under the leadership of party president Simranjit Singh Mann, SAD (Amritsar) aims to consolidate its ground presence and establish a strong contest across all districts before official campaign dates are formally announced.
BJP's Poll Strategy and Resignation of Ravneet Singh Bittu
Simultaneously, the Bharatiya Janata Party has accelerated its political groundwork in Punjab. In a major political move, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu resigned from his ministerial post to dedicate his full focus to the election-bound state. The BJP indicated that Bittu will shift his primary attention to strengthening the party's election machinery in Punjab, with plans likely positioning him to contest from the Ludhiana assembly constituency. Expressing his intent to serve in state politics, Bittu revealed that he requested the Prime Minister during the Jalandhar rally and again on Monday to accept his resignation and seek his blessings.
AAP's Confidence and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's Claim
Meanwhile, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party remains confident of retaining power in the state. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted that the public has responded enthusiastically to the government's pro-people welfare policies and developmental initiatives. Mann expressed firm conviction that the voters of Punjab have already made up their minds to re-elect the Aam Aadmi Party in the 2027 assembly polls based on its governance performance over the past term.
