Chandigarh, Dec 3: The ruling Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday released the first list of 961 candidates for Punjab’s Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, framing the announcement as the opening act of its 2027 Assembly campaign.
Voting for 22 Zila Parishads—excluding Mohali—and more than 150 Panchayat Samitis will be held on December 14. Results will be declared three days later.
AAP leaders said the organisation is treating the elections as a critical assessment. “This is not just a routine exercise. The performance here will guide decisions for the next Assembly polls,” a party strategist said, noting that the leadership wants stronger ground-level presence amid concerns of anti-incumbency.
Since the election schedule was declared on November 28, ministers, MLAs and local leaders have stepped up visits and meetings in their constituencies. Before the announcement, the party had also reshaped its block structure, a move leaders believe could give it an edge in rural belts.
Nominations close on December 4. By Tuesday, officials confirmed 26 nominations for Zila Parishad seats and 115 for Panchayat Samiti seats.
In a separate development, State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhari sent a show-cause notice to BDPO Baljit Singh Sohi of Dera Bassi, saying the officer skipped duty on December 1. “His absence led to complaints from candidates who couldn’t obtain their NOCs,” Chaudhari said.
