Tarn Taran: In a significant political announcement on Friday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared former MLA Harmeet Singh Sandhu as the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) candidate for the upcoming bypoll in the Tarn Taran Assembly constituency. The seat became vacant following the demise of sitting AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal in June, prompting the need for a by-election. While the Election Commission is yet to announce the official date for the bypoll, CM Mann’s announcement has set the stage for a keenly contested election.
Addressing a public gathering in Tarn Taran, CM Mann expressed confidence in Sandhu’s leadership and experience. “He (Sandhu) is your choice,” Mann told the crowd, emphasizing the AAP’s commitment to fielding a candidate with strong local roots and a proven track record of public service. The Chief Minister was in Tarn Taran for the inauguration of a rural infrastructure project focused on constructing link roads connecting various villages, underscoring the government’s development-focused agenda alongside political engagement.
Harmeet Singh Sandhu, a seasoned politician, has represented the Tarn Taran constituency three times in the past. He first won the seat as an independent candidate in 2002 and later secured victories in 2007 and 2012 on a Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) ticket. However, he faced electoral setbacks in 2017 and 2022, failing to regain the seat. Despite these challenges, Sandhu’s deep connection with the local electorate and his long-standing involvement in Tarn Taran politics have kept him in the public eye.
Sandhu officially joined the AAP in July 2025, marking a notable shift in his political career. Analysts suggest that his inclusion strengthens AAP’s position in Tarn Taran, as he brings both experience and familiarity with the constituency’s voters. Political observers note that this bypoll will be closely watched, as it serves as an indicator of public sentiment ahead of future state elections.
With development projects, public outreach, and strategic candidate placement, the AAP aims to consolidate its presence in Tarn Taran. CM Mann’s announcement of Sandhu as the party nominee signals the party’s focus on experienced leadership combined with grassroots connections, reflecting AAP’s broader strategy across Punjab.
The bypoll is expected to draw attention from all major political parties, and while the Election Commission has not yet set a date, preparations are reportedly underway to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process.
