TARN TARAN, Nov 12 — The battle for the Tarn Taran Assembly seat has turned into a prestige contest for Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is looking to retain the seat amid a spirited challenge from the Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
The bypoll, triggered by the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal, is seen as a curtain-raiser for the 2027 Assembly elections, testing the strength of parties across the Majha region.
AAP is banking on its governance pitch and welfare schemes to consolidate support, while opposition parties are hoping to gain ground by capitalising on local discontent and issues such as unemployment and farm distress.
Polling, which began at 7 am, saw a turnout of 23 per cent till 11 am. Voting will continue until 6 pm under heavy security, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 14.
