Punjab Assembly Election 2027 EC Review Begins, BJP-SAD Reunion Buzz Grows

Punjab is slowly entering election mode, even though voting is still four months away. The Election Commission of India has started its groundwork for the 2027 Assembly polls. On October 29, a central team reviewed poll preparedness district-wise for all 117 seats. The Chief Electoral Officer said all arrangements will be done on time to ensure free and fair polls. This early review shows how seriously everyone is taking Punjab this time.

Why 2027 Will Not Be Like 2022

The 2022 election was a one-sided sweep for Aam Aadmi Party, which won 92 seats. But 2027 looks completely different. It will be a tight multi-cornered fight between four major forces. No party can take the result for granted.

BJP and SAD Alliance Back on Table

The biggest talking point right now is a possible comeback of the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal alliance. The two parties were together for over two decades before splitting in 2020 over farm laws. Now advanced talks are underway.

Sources say BJP wants almost double the seats it used to contest earlier. In 2024 Lok Sabha elections, BJP got its best ever vote share in Punjab at 18 percent, while AAP and Congress both got around 26 percent and SAD got 13 percent. BJP is also talking to splinter Akali factions to consolidate the vote.

To keep its Sikh face strong, BJP has nominated Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh on October 28.

Congress Tries to Bring Back Its Leaders

Congress is not sitting idle. After losing power in 2022, the party is trying to bring back leaders who left. Rahul Gandhi will launch his campaign from Sangrur on November 4 with a big rally.

Former MLA Fatehjang Bajwa, who had joined BJP, met senior Congress leader KC Venugopal at Chandigarh airport recently, sparking rumours of ghar wapsi. Independent MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh from Sultanpur Lodhi may also join Congress soon.

AAP Under Pressure on Law and Order

For the ruling AAP, the challenge is to defend its government. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is facing regular attacks on law and order and drug issues. On October 28, Punjab BJP held a Save Democracy padyatra in Hoshiarpur and accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading falsehoods about electoral rolls.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal hit back strongly, saying BJP is trying to push Punjab back into drugs.

New Player Could Change Equations

A new player has also entered the scene. Supporters of Amritpal Singh have formed a party named Akali Dal Waris Punjab De. This could split the traditional Akali vote and make the contest even more unpredictable.

Overall, Punjab 2027 will be fought on drugs, jobs, farmer compensation and canal water. With all major players active, the state is set for a close battle.