Punjab Elections 2027: AAP Names 71 Candidates as BJP-SAD Alliance Talks Intensify

Political activity is gathering pace in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announcing candidates, the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) exploring an alliance, and farmer-backed organisations preparing a new political front.

AAP has declared 71 candidates for the 117-member Assembly, including 40 in its first list on October 31 and 31 in its second list on November 12. Of the latest nominees, 12 contested the 2022 elections, six on AAP tickets and six for other parties. The party has renominated two sitting MLAs, Saravjit Kaur Manuke (Jagraon) and Amandeep Singh Goldy Musafir (Balluana), while dropping seven sitting legislators, including Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian and former ministers Anmol Gagan Mann and Laljit Singh Bhullar. Sitting MPs Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal have also been fielded. AAP is yet to announce candidates for 46 seats.

In 2022, AAP won 92 seats with 42.01 per cent votes, followed by Congress (18 seats, 22.98 per cent), SAD (three, 18.38 per cent) and BJP (two, 6.60 per cent). The 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw Congress win seven of Punjab's 13 seats with 26.30 per cent votes, while AAP won three with 26.02 per cent. BJP secured 18.56 per cent without winning a seat, while SAD won one with 13.42 per cent.

Meanwhile, BJP-SAD alliance talks are reportedly in advanced stages, with a possible announcement by November-end. Congress has launched its 'Jawani Sambhal' cycle yatra, highlighting unemployment, drugs and law and order.

The newly formed Sanyukt Punjab Morcha, comprising farmer unions and Panthic groups, plans to contest jointly. Amritpal Singh's Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) has reportedly announced 42 candidates but awaits Election Commission registration.

The Assembly term ends on March 16, 2027. Official polling dates are awaited.