Tarn Taran Bypoll 2025: AAP Extends Lead After 9 Rounds, Key Indicator Ahead of Punjab Assembly Elections

Tarn Taran, Punjab: The vote counting for the Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll in Punjab has begun, with postal ballots being tallied first, followed by votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). This bypoll, conducted in 16 rounds, is being closely watched as a crucial political indicator ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

Round-wise Results Highlight AAP Surge

After 9 rounds of counting, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate has taken a clear lead with 23,773 votes, ahead of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate, who has 18,263 votes. The Congress candidate stands at 9,470 votes, while the BJP candidate has 3,009 votes.

Earlier rounds showed a gradual shift in voter preference:

• Round 2: SAD-5,843 | AAP-4,363 | Congress-2,955 | BJP-435
• Round 3: SAD-7,348 | AAP-6,974 | Congress-4,090 | BJP-693
• Round 4: SAD-9,373 | AAP-9,552 | Congress-5,267 | BJP-955
• Round 5: SAD-11,540 | AAP-11,727 | Congress-6,329 | BJP-1,197
• Round 6: SAD-13,694 | AAP-14,586 | Congress-7,260 | BJP-1,620
• Round 7: SAD-15,521 | AAP-17,357 | Congress-8,181 | BJP-1,974

The counting trend indicates a steadily growing lead for AAP, signaling strong voter support.

Political Significance

This bypoll holds strategic importance as it is the seventh by-election since the AAP government came to power in Punjab in March 2022. Out of six previous bypolls, AAP won five, making Tarn Taran a key litmus test for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the party leadership.

Background: Vacant Seat

The Tarn Taran seat fell vacant following the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal in June 2024. The bypoll has attracted 15 candidates, including major parties like AAP, Congress, SAD, BJP, and several independents, with all parties treating it as a prestige contest.

Voter Turnout

Polling for the bypoll saw a 60.95% voter turnout, reflecting significant public interest in the electoral process. Political analysts across Punjab are monitoring the results closely, as the outcome could shape party strategies ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.