Punjab Election 2017: High voter turnout witnessed as re-polling concludes on Thursday

Repolling sees 65% turnout in 48 stations till 2 pm | ANI

65.2% polling recorded till 2 pm, in re-polling being held in Punjab's Sangrur #PunjabPolls2017

— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2017

Voting at 30 % till 11.15 am | Hindustan Times

Repolling in 48 stations in Punjab is going smoothly with nearly 30 per cent electorate turnout. Kaurewala village in Sardulgarh constituency saw 33 per cent voting, Majitha saw 43 percent polling and Muktsar reported 47.29 voting, a report published in the Hindustan Times said.

Punjab govt announced holiday in five districts going repolling

The Punjab government has announced a holiday in the five districts which are undergoing repolling on Thursday.  A ‘paid holiday’ in factories, shops and commercial establishments situated in the area of Amritsar parliamentary constituency and the assembly constituencies has also been declared.

— IANS

Bikram Singh Majithia casts his vote | ANI

Punjab: Repolling underway at Majitha. Bikram Singh Majithia casts his vote pic.twitter.com/8AxLRjlKfp

— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2017

Three held for ‘distributing liquor, bribing voters’ ahead of Majitha repoll

In case you missed, on Wednesday, three people were arrested for allegedly trying to lure voters through liquor and bribing in Majitha assembly constituency. The police named Balwinder Singh with cartons of liquor by an Election Commission observer while Mohan Singh alias Mohni and Om Prakash Gabbar were caught by the people while allegedly bribing voters. Balwinder was Senior Vice President of the Majitha Congress. Mohni was Vice President of while Gabbar was a district level senior party leader (also remained deputy mayor).

Majitha is among the five assembly constituencies where repoll at few polling stations was announced on 7 February. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) demanded immediate disqualification of Congress Majitha candidate Sukhjinder Singh Lalli Majithia over the issue.

— PTI

Repolling taking place in Sangrur | ANI

Sangrur(Punjab): Repolling underway at booth number 39 pic.twitter.com/QvpxBsUKWb

— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2017

Repolling begins in 48 stations on 9 February

Repolling in at 48 polling stations of Amritsar Lok Sabha constituency and the five assembly segments, including a seat from which SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia is contesting began on Thursday, while the Aam Aadmi Party called for tighter security to prevent any untoward accidents in the constituencies.

It was ordered on 7 February in the wake of the malfunctioning of Voter-Verified Audit Paper Trail (VVPAT) and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in these stations during the polling.

The repolling was ordered at 12 polling stations of Majitha Assembly seat, nine each of Muktsar and Sangrur, one each of Moga and Sardulgarh and 16 polling stations of Amritsar Parliamentary constituency.

— PTI

Polling in Punjab ends, people reporting to the booth up to 5pm will be voting (Visuals from Sohian Kalan near Majitha) #PunjabPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/f0YONKXN3f

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Amarinder Singh confident of Congress’ clean sweep

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh on Saturday termed the Assembly polls as a “vote for stability versus communalism and radicalism” and exuded confidence of a clean sweep in the state, including the Malwa region, which poll pundits had been terming as an AAP stronghold.

The chief ministerial candidate of Congress who exercised his franchise at Government College for Women in Patiala, promised to usher in the “much-needed new dawn (navan savera)” in the state.

Terming the elections as a vote for peace, communal harmony and stability, he claimed, “The people have voted for stability versus communal and radical politics.” The people of Punjab want the experience and expertise of Congress to get the state back on the rails of progress and development, Amarinder claimed.

He dismissed any threat from either SAD, which had “ripped apart the state’s social, religious and economic fabric” in the last 10 years, or AAP, whose “popularity graph has declined drastically” in the last two to three years with the “exposure of their misdeeds and failures”.

— PTI

Punjab records an overall voter turnout of 66 percent till 04:00 pm

Punjab has recorded an overall voter turnout of 66% till 04:00 PM #PunjabPolls2017

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Previous performances by major parties in the state

Won by whisker: Punjab witnessed heavyweights scrapping through in their seats in 2012 polls

In the 2012 polls, 12 out of the 34 SC reserved constituencies saw narrow margins of victories. In fact, the narrowest of the victories was witnessed in the reserved constituency of Phillaur, where Avinash Chander of the SAD won by a mere 31 votes!

Apart from these reserved constituencies, 21 other constituencies witnessed a close electoral battle. They were won by less than 4,000 votes which makes for less than three percent of the total votes polled.

Adesh Pratap Singh Kairon, a member of the Khairon political family and a minister in the SAD-BJP government, won his Patti seat by a whisker of a margin of 59 votes.

And Kairon was not the only minister who had to face a narrow victory. Janmeja Singh, the PWD minister in the outgoing cabinet won the Maur seat by 1,387 votes, while BJP’s Surjit Kumar Jyani, who is the present health minister, defeated Independent candidate Jaswinder Singh aka “Rocky” by a margin of 1,692 votes.Janmeja Singh, the PWD minister in the outgoing cabinet won the Maur seat by 1,387 votes, while BJP’s Surjit Kumar Jyani, who is the present health minister, defeated Independent candidate Jaswinder Singh aka “Rocky” by a margin of 1,692 votes.

“Rocky”, a local don from Fazlika, was later killed by unidentified gunmen in May 2016.

Manoranjan Kalia, the industry minister between 2007 and 2012, who had also served as the Punjab BJP chief, too met with a similar fate. Kalia won his Jalandhar Central constituency by just 1,065 votes.

To read more, click here .

SAD’s Majitha candidate Bikram Majithia and Congress’ Lalli Majithia involved in war of words

Majitha: Punjab minister and Shiromani Akali Dal candidate Bikram Singh Majithia and Congress nominee Sukhjinder Raj Singh Lalli Majithia today had heated exchange of words after the former raised objection over allegedly bringing vehicles inside the polling station.

The state Revenue Minister apparently asked the Congress candidate to take his vehicles out of the polling booth. “Do not break the rules,” a visibly charged Majithia told his opponent.

“Take the vehicles out. Nobody will break the law here. You (Sukhjinder Raj Singh Lalli) are a candidate. You do not know the rules. How could you do that (bring the vehicles inside)? How could you influence (voters)? Take these vehicles out,” he asked Lalli. 

The Congress candidate retorted, “Do not try to vitiate the atmosphere.” He then asked his driver to take the vehicles out. 

An agitated Lalli also took a jibe at the Akali candidate. “Do not cry when you are losing (elections),” he said. 

Majithia hit back by saying, “You will come to know now who is losing.”

Bikram Majithia, brother-in-law of Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, is seeking re-election for the third time from Majitha seat on development plank.

The new entrant AAP has nominated Himmat Singh Shergill  from the seat. The high-stakes Punjab Assembly elections to 117 seats
began on Saturday.

— PTI

Region-wise breakup of the poll percentage till 3 PM | CNN-News18

#BattleForPunjab | Here's a region-wise breakup of the poll percentage till 3 PM. https://t.co/rhN0oJ9aEB

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 4, 2017

Interest in employment has fallen in employment over the last five years

A comparison of search data collected from Google Trends between three topics — employment, drugs and the Sutlej Yamuna Link — shows that the interest level of people in Punjab (from 2012 till now) was higher in employment in 2012. But interest in employment has gradually fallen during the SAD-BJP regime over the last five years. As this graph shows, search for the terms drug and employment are at almost the same level. The Sutlej Yamuna Link canal was not much of interest in 2012, and it still isn’t. However, search data shows that there is an increase in interest in Sutlej Yamuna Link if compared to the last election.

For more on how search interest varied in Punjab, click here .

Sidhu with his family at polling booth in Amritsar

Congress candidate Navjot Singh Sidhu, along with his wife Navjot Kaur and his son, after casting their votes at a polling station in Amritsar on Saturday.

— PTI

People showing their voter ID cards in a village near Amritsar

Issues likely to dominate in Punjab poll

Firing reported in Ferozepur district’s Guru Har Sahai area | ANI

Bike borne men open fire near a polling booth in Ferozepur district's Guru Har Sahai area, no injuries. #PunjabPolls2017

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Besides state assembly, Amritsar to also vote for Lok Sabha seat

The Amritsar Lok Sabha seat fell vacant following the resignation of Amarinder Singh to protest the apex court verdict on Punjab’s river waters. The voter strength in this seat is over 14 lakhs.

Prominent among the candidates in fray for the Lok Sabha seat are BJP leader Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, who is up against Congress’ Gurjit Singh Aujla and Aam Aadmi Party’s Upkar Singh Sandhu.

For the Amritsar Lok Sabha by-poll, 35 per cent polling has taken place so far, an election office spokesman said.

— PTI

Despite low voter turnout, some voters brave all odds

In Amritsar, 85-year-old Mukhtar Singh is being helped by his relatives to reach to a polling station to cast his vote in a village, about 25 km from Amritsar, on Saturday.

— PTI

Ailing women offer lesson on voting, arrives poll booth in ambulance

Two ailing women voters, Raj Rani (78) and Bimla Devi (80), came in an ambulance to exercise their right of vote in Phagwara. While one was taken on a stretcher, the other was taken on wheelchair to Booth No 158 near old Dana mandi in Phagwara.

Talking to reporters later, the women said they had arranged for ambulances themselves. They urged the Election Commission to make separate and priority arrangements for the ailing voters.

In Fazilka, state police personnel gave roses to first ten voters.

— PTI

Expelled Congress leader Manjit Singh Mann booked for campaigning post-deadline

In Moga, the police booked Independent candidate Manjit Singh Mann under the provisions of the Representation of the People’s Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), for allegedly campaigning even after the deadline for the same had ended, Moga’s Returning Officer told PTI.

Mann was expelled from Congress last month.

’People are fed up of gundagardi, I will win by heavy margin,’ says AAP’s Bhagwant Mann

AAP leader Bhagwant Mann said he expected to win by a “heavy” margin the Jalalabad seat where he is pitted against Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Congress’s Ravneet Bittu.

“I will win by a heavy margin… by more than 50,000 votes,” he claimed after casting his vote, adding, “People are fed up of the gundagardi and mafia raj and they will wipe them out completely.”

Mann also said polling was delayed by 45 minutes due to a technical snag in Mohali, where he cast his vote.

“I was assured by poll officials that polling time will be extended,” he said.

— PTI

AAP is promoting terror in Punjab, says SAD’s Sukhbir Singh Badal

“Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is promoting terror in Punjab,” Sukhbir Singh Badal said once again just now. Sukhbir, however, is not the only one. Former top cop KPS Gill has already expressed apprehension that the involvement of some NRIs in the election might prove to be an encouragement to radical elements among Sikhs in the state.

Shunned by the Congress and the Akalis to a large extent, they now have found a new platform in Arvind Kejriwal’s party, he said.

Win or loss, Kejriwal has to be careful. He is capitalising on the huge public grievance against the Badals. This is the same grievance radical elements use for their own designs.

Voter turnout continues to be low in Punjab 

#UPDATE -- Average turnout in Punjab till 1 PM

Majha - 34.3%

Malwa - 38.5%

Doaba - 33.2%

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 4, 2017

Captain Amarinder Singh casts his vote

Captain Amarinder Singh casts his vote at booth no. 89 in Patiala #PunjabPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/N2VzQGs0ZP

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Will followers back Dera chief?

Is the control of Dera chiefs over their followers total? To put it another way, when a Dera chief, such as Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim of Dera Sacha Sauda, asks his followers to vote for a particular party, do they necessarily take it as a command? In elections in the last couple of years, parties in northern India have gone all out to woo Dera heads. The BJP’s stunning Lok Sabha victory in 2014, followed by a win in Haryana, were both believed to have come about because of support from such denominations. Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim has extended his support to the Akali-BJP combine this time. Results will prove whether his followers keep politics and faith apart.

This will be my last elections: Amarinder Singh

It's time to hang up boots. This is my last election. We are getting positive news from booths. Congress will win: Captain Amrinder Singh pic.twitter.com/WojkoS47EJ

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 4, 2017

Low voter turnout could help ruling SAD-BJP alliance

Only 23 percent polling recorded in the first four hours, low voter turnout should have the ruling combine in Punjab interested. As pre-poll surveys would tell us the voters are sore with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) rule and the results would be a toss-up between the Indian National Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party. The latter is likely to score heavily in the Malwa region, which accounts for around 70 seats, while the Congress has an advantage in Doaba and Majha regions. If the pattern of lower voting continues then chances are that the Akalis are not doing too badly. They have a loyal core voter base in rural areas which would turn up for voting no matter what.

Punjab registers 23% voting in first 4 hours

Chandigarh: Over 23 per cent of Punjab’s 1.98 crore voters on Saturday cast their votes in the first four hours in the polls for the 117 assembly seats, election officials said here.

Long queues were seen outside many of the 22,614 polling stations across the state between 8 a.m. and 12 noon. The Fatehgarh Sahib district led in the voting percentage with over 36 per cent votes being polled till noon. This was followed by Fazilka (35 per cent), Moga (30), Muktsar (28) and Mansa (27).

— IANS

Our door to door campaigning has been very successful: Karan Singh, Congress

Very confident of our win,did door to door campaigns got positive response about my mother&father: Karan Singh, Sidhu's son #PunjabPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/vDESL97fjk

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Rahul Gandhi’s terrorism speech in Lambi belies his ‘secular’ claims

For a leader who never fails to describe the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Hindutva philosophy as divisive, it is indeed shocking, and perturbing, that Rahul Gandhi should have given a communal twist to Punjab politics 48 hours before it began to vote. This he did by raising the spectre of terrorism returning to haunt Punjab should the Congress not be voted to power.

Worse, in a display of arrant irresponsibility that has hitherto been the hallmark of BJP MLAs and MPs from Uttar Pradesh, Rahul linked the bomb blast on 31 January in Maur constituency in Bathinda district to the emergence of the Aam Aadmi Party as a contender for power in Punjab.

No evidence has yet surfaced to even speculate on the identity of those responsible for the blast. Was it the handiwork of a shadowy Khalistani militant group seeking to spread terror for subverting the democratic process? Or did the blast fall in that typical category called ’election violence’? Or was it a form of retribution, for whatever reasons, directed against the Congress candidate?

Such questions could have deterred a responsible politician from hurling wild charges or making sweeping statements. But not so Rahul, who declared on 2 February in Lambi, where Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal appears hard-pressed to notch up yet another electoral victory, “The blast in Badal appears hard-pressed to notch up yet another electoral victory, “The blast in Bathinda killed six people and many got injured. It is sad that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is helping the forces behind this blast. Such ideology will never do Punjab any good.”

— writes Ajaz Ashraf. To read the full story, click here

Captain Amarinder Singh casts his vote

Seeking my mother's blessings before casting my vote. Let this be a new dawn for Punjab!

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) February 4, 2017

Navjot Singh Sidhu confident of Congress’ victory

Is dharm yudh mei satya ki jeet hone wali hai; Hum sure hain ki sarkar Cong ki banegi;Yahan se Cong ke jhande mei danda lagega-Navjot SSidhu pic.twitter.com/gxQBuheP9W

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Vehicle ban around Golden Temple may hurt BJP-SAD

“Modi note le litta, Sukhbir Badal road le litta,” complain the people of Amritsar,  when asked why they are upset with the ruling combine. Raja Hindustani drives an e-rickshaw in and around the Golden Temple shrine, around which the ruling state government has banned vehicles around the temple. He claims to be a ‘pucca’ Akali, but vows to vote for Navjot Singh Sidhu this time. “If they return, they will ban us from Akalgarh,” he says. “Bhaj, Badal, Bhaj. Kursi khaali kar ke janata aati hai,” he shouts, imitating Sidhu’s war cry.

Huge discounts on winter wear; no love for BJP

Huge banners and hoardings announcing heavy discounts on winter wear are a common sight in Ludhiana. In scale and magnitude,they even outdo campaigns being run by the three political parties, in the hosiery capital of India: Congress, SAD-BJP and Aam Aadmi Party.

Most of the discounts are being offered directly by manufactures, including the owners of Indra hosiery and the upcoming local brand Unfit. The reason: Retailers ran out of cash because of demonetisation and could not place new orders. To clear the stock, manufacturers are offloading them at discounts. Will they vote for the BJP, I ask them. In response, they smile, and in typical Punjabi fashion, reply, “Bhukki phank liti hai savere-savere?” (Have you taken opium husk early morning?)

14 percent polling in Punjab

By 11.30 am, Punjab had recorded overall 14 percent polling.

Navjot Singh Sidhu casts his vote in Amritsar

Will give Rahul Gandhi great gift with Congress' revival says Navjot S.Sidhu as he arrives to vote at booth in Amritsar,wth wife Navjot Kaur pic.twitter.com/tTmd4eXcb8

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Loyalty to the royalty

​Paramjit Singh is voting for the Congress in Patiala because his family is indebted to ‘Maharaja Sahab’ for helping them settle down after his ancestors came to Punjab after partition. “Janma da karza hai Maharaja Sahab da saade upar,” he says. Loyalty to the royalty is the theme of the elections in Patiala, home turf of Congress leader and royal family scion Captain Amarinder Singh.

Faulty EVMs interrupt polling at two centres

Faulty EVMs have interrupted polling at two centres at Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district.

‘Roadbandi’ a critical issue in Amritsar

Assembly elections in Amritsar is not just about notebandi, although it’s an issue that is making the BJP a bit anxious. For many, it is also about ‘roadbandi’, the Akali Dal government’s decision to ban vehicles in areas around the Golden Temple.

Amarinder Singh is ‘dal badlu’, says Parkash Singh Badal

Amarinder Singh is dal-badlu.I hv 70-yrs experience, fought for Punjab&India,this is a small battle-CM Parkash Singh Badal #PunjabPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/LpVnIRkEcj

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

AAP is in third position, says Sukhbir Singh Badal

We'll have a bigger win than last time, Amarinder Singh is only drama & AAP is on 3rd position: Sukhbir Singh Badal #PunjabPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/ejOqi5f4zb

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

SAD-BJP combine confident of retaining power

Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal taunts Congress and Aam Aadmi Party. He also said Amarinder Singh is “drama”.

First-time voters want employment irrespective of who wins | ANI

No matter whose govt comes in power, youth wants employment: First time voter at a polling booth in Lambi #PunjabPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/NkzZEtYzul

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Faulty EVMS interrupt voting in five seats

As per Election Commission, faulty EVMs have interrupted polling in five seats —  Sultanpur Lodhi, Kharar, Nihal Singh Wala, Budhlada and Patiala Rural. Technical glitches have been an issue since morning.

Overall voting percentage in Punjab at 8 % till 9.30 am | ANI 

Punjab has recorded overall polling percentage of 8% till 9 :30 am #PunjabPolls2017

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Polling interrupted in four seats due to faulty EVM: Election Commission

According to Election Commission, at the moment voting in Kapurthala, Mansa, Moga and Bhatinda has been interrupted due to faulty EVM.

People wait in queues as voting is yet to begin at booth no 35 in Majitha, due to error in EVM machine #PunjabPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/1LaYSA3yDZ

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

AAP’s Bhagwant Mann casts his vote in Mohali

AAP's Bhagwant Mann casts his vote at booth no.126 (Govt School) in Mohali #PunjabPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/qXPVef7pJT

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Five key questions that could redefine the politics of North India

The number five is inseparable from Punjab. It is the land of five rivers, panj pyaras and the five Ks — kangha, kada, kirpan, kesh and kachcha — of Sikhism.

In characteristic fashion, this election, after voting is completed on 4 February, Punjabis will answer five questions that may redefine the politics of North India.

We are confident of a win: Captain Amarinder Singh’s wife, Preneet Kaur | ANI

The environment is charged and very positive, we are confident of a win: Captain Amarinder Singh's wife, Preneet Kaur #PunjabPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/DcrQ3Hb5DH

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Congress candidate Pargat Singh casts his vote | ANI

Punjab mei Cong ki sarkar aa rhi hai; Match jeentenge aur lambe-chaude goal honge;AAP hai thoda bahut,Akali Dal bilkul nhi-Pargat Singh,Cong pic.twitter.com/iewS41Zibv

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Captain Amarinder Singh’s niece calls Gen JJ Singh (retd) a parachute candidate | ANI

If he doesn't belong here (Patiala), yes of course he's a parachute candidate: Captain Amarinder Singh's niece on Gen JJ Singh (retd) pic.twitter.com/ffME26leAR

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Long queues outside booth no. 66 in Jalandhar as EVM glitch cause delay | ANI

#PunjabPolls2017: Long queues of voters at booth no. 66 in Jalandhar after polling delayed due to glitch in the EVM machine. pic.twitter.com/hSG4eAAYT1

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Aapna Punjab Party (APP) convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur caste his vote

Gurdaspur (Punjab): Sucha Singh Chhotepur casts his vote #PunjabPolls2017. pic.twitter.com/Wj5ACDpMBi

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

EVM glitch delays voting at booth 124-125 in Amritsar | ANI

Polling at booth no.124-125 in Amritsar began 40 minutes late due to a glitch in the EVM machine #PunjabPolls2017

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

First voter cast his vote at booth no 118 in Lambi | ANI

#PunjabElections2017: First voter casts his vote at booth no.118 (govt school) in Lambi. pic.twitter.com/ppyBcEreFe

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asks people to vote

Urging people of Punjab & Goa to turnout in record numbers & vote in the Assembly elections. I particularly urge my young friends to vote.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 4, 2017

People queue up to cast their votes in Pathankot’s SD College | ANI

Pathankot (Punjab): People queue up to cast their votes; Visuals from polling booth no.123-124 at SD College. pic.twitter.com/ZkU10yeZ57

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

SAD candidate General JJ Singh contesting against Congress’ Amarinder Singh from Patiala cast his vote

Gen JJ Singh (Retd) SAD candidate against Congress' Amarinder Singh from Patiala Urban, casts his vote #PunjabPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/PCIXB8ynfS

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Punjab Election 2017: Voting begins across 117 seats

#FLASH Voting in Punjab begins. 1145 candidates to contest across 117 seats.

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

SAD candidate General JJ Singh arrives to cast his vote

Gen JJ Singh (Retd) SAD candidate against Congress's Amarinder Singh from Patiala Urban, arrives to cast his vote #PunjabPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/dz5oy8ubCt

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2017

Only 7 percent women candidates 

Only seven percent of the 1,145 candidates in the fray in the Punjab assembly elections are females — a figure pointing to the patriarchal predominance of all political parties — and making a mockery of their promise of 33 percent quota for women in legislative bodies.

The Congress has fielded candidates from all 117 assembly constituencies in Punjab where polling is scheduled to be held on Saturday. Only 11 of the Congress contestants are women.

The story for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is no different. The BJP, which is fighting the polls in alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), is contesting for 23 seats and only two of its nominees are women. The SAD, which will contest 94 seats, has fielded only five women among its candidates.

The Aam Aadmi Party, a new entrant in the political landscape of Punjab, hardly fares better — it has just nine females among the 112 candidates it has fielded across the state.

This means that, together, the four main political parties have chosen just about eight percent women as contestants.

In all, 1,145 candidates are testing their electoral luck. And only 81 among them are women. There is one transgender as well in the fray.

Among the 304 Independents in the fray, 32 are women. 

The women candidates in Punjab with whom IANS spoke agreed that the state, where women constitute around 47 percent of the 1.98 crore voters, has not been able to overcome its patriarchal mind-set yet.

Varinder Kaur Loomba, a sitting legislator from Shutrana, said: “Patriarchy and male dominance still exist in our state. Despite that, many women are coming forward but there is very little appreciation.”

“It will need a lot of work in Punjab to bring women to the forefront,” Loomba, seeking re-election from her constituency for the ruling SAD-BJP combine, told IANS.

Loomba, 38, hoped that “in the coming years, many more women will be in mainstream politics”.

An Aam Aadmi Party candidate, Sarbjit Kaur, said women barely get space in the mainstream. “Major political parties in Punjab do not offer space to women, but women also prefer to remain on the back-foot.”

She said she and other women candidates, across party lines, could inspire Punjabi women to come out of their “shackles and fight for their rights”, including their democratic and political aspirations.

“Many workers of political parties are women. Those women, who are mostly housewives, shy away from joining active politics,” she said, adding that the situation is changing at the “ground level”. 

BJP’s Seema Kumari, 28, said the border state was yet to focus on the condition of women in rural areas of Punjab.

“Women in (border) areas are mostly not very literate. They are not aware of their rights and don’t speak about them publicly. Even though many women are now participating in Panchayat elections, we need to work a lot for the empowerment of women,” Kumari told IANS. 

On the national scene, the fight for women’s representation in lawmaking has been raging since 1996 when the Deve Gowda government introduced the Women’s Reservation Bill proposing to set aside 33 percent of all seats in the Lok Sabha and in all state legislative assemblies for women.

The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha in 2010. It couldn’t sail through the Lok Sabha because there was no consensus among major political parties over the issue. The proposed legislation, according to CPI-M’s Brinda Karat, needs to be brought to the Lok Sabha “since half of the job is already done”.

But that would be possible only when there is a political will among all the parties, which Karat said was “highly unlikely”.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has the numbers in the Lok Sabha. But not the will. And you see election after election in India, women representation has been minimal,” she noted. 

“This is the patriarchal mindset. This is not going to change unless there is constitutional intervention,” the Marxist MP told IANS, adding the bill has to be passed to help women assert their democratic and political rights.

IANS

Punjab’s drug problem has become a political issue, with good reason

There are nearly 230,000 opioid dependent and 860,000 opioid users in Punjab, according to the 2015 Punjab Opioid Dependence Survey, conducted by researchers from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Society of Promotion of Youth and Masses, a non-profit working towards prevention of drug abuse.

The survey of 3,620 drug-dependent individuals found that 99 per cent of opioid dependents are male, 54 per cent are married, and 55 per cent are addicted to heroin, a synthetic opioid drug that causes feeling of euphoria and, at Rs 400 a gram, is one of the costliest drugs in the market. While 80 per cent of addicts tried to quit, no more than 35 per cent received professional help.

Opioid dependents spent Rs 1,400 per day on drugs — or an estimated Rs 7,575 crore statewide every year.

“Drug addiction is more a symptom than a disease,” said Ravinder Singh Sandhu, retired sociology professor from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. “Unfortunately, people still treat it as a personal and not a sociological problem.”

Sandhu’s 2009 sociological study of 600 drug addicts from urban and rural Punjab found that 73.5 percent were aged between 16 and 35. Those who were illiterate (40.6 percent) and with education up to fifth grade (22.3 percent) were prone to drug addiction in rural areas, while those with a 10th-grade education (44.6 percent), or more, were susceptible to drugs in urban areas. One in four respondents was unemployed.

Inputs from IndiaSpend

AAP gaining strength in Punjab, people are tired of Congress and Akali Dal 

A fierce AAP wind is sweeping Punjab’s Malwa region, threatening to change the politics of north India. The Akalis have been swept away ruthlessly. The BJP has been reduced to a helpless spectator. Only the Congress stands in the way, trying to stop the AAP and its own decline into political irrelevance.

What started as an undercurrent in the region that has 69 Assembly seats and thus holds the key to Punjab is now turning into a movement for a paradigm shift in Punjab politics.

Akali Dal hits out at Congress 

Congress had been in power in Punjab & at national level and had made plethora of commitments at each election but they never honoured them.

— Manjinder Singh Sirsa (@mssirsa) February 3, 2017

Rahul had forfeited his right to talk of Sikh values enunciated by Sikh gurus as he obliquely justified the 1984 Sikh Genocide @OfficeOfRG

— Manjinder Singh Sirsa (@mssirsa) February 3, 2017

Rahul Gandhi brings up the drug menace 

Rahul Gandhi talks about how drugs have destroyed the youth of Punjab pic.twitter.com/PNvMB7CwD4

— Congress (@INCIndia) February 3, 2017

Mann is a symbol of the ire of Punjab’s Dalits 

Mann has become a veritable hero for the underclass, with his earthy, rustic demeanour and colorful lifestyle. In the minds of the electorate, he is cast in the mould of the Amitabh Bachchan of the 80s — a Coolie, a Mard tangewala…even, well, a Sharabi!

On the streets of Punjab, he is now the underdog taking on the establishment, making the once feared and revered Badals the butt of devastating rhymes. He has become a symbol of the ire of Punjab’s Dalits and youth against the status-quo. Mann is no longer a stand-up comic; he has become the messenger of a revolution.

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Ranjit Singh Dhillon was in Ludhiana​

Captain Amarinder Singh also among the leaders present in Lambi

Look at the energy of the crowd at Lambi. I am so defeating Badal from here! #BattleForPunjab pic.twitter.com/jrH6lyoqvm

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) February 2, 2017

Amarinder Singh will be the next chief minister of Punjab: Rahul Gandhi 

Amarinder Singh will become Punjab's Chief Minister, he will work for you here and I will do the same in Lok Sabha in Delhi: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/tyw4BHM67U

— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2017

Rahul Gandhi addresses rally in Lambi

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is addressing a rally in Lambi, the consituency where Captain Amarinder Singh is going to contest against Parkash Singh Badal of Shiromani Akali Dal and Jarnal Singh of Aam Aadmi party.

Speaking at the rally, Rahul said, “Congress is the only party who can take along everyone. All the forces who tore Punjab are back. They are trying to rise up again.”

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addresses a rally in Lambi (Punjab) #Punjabpolls2017 pic.twitter.com/NY4jmsUGig

— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2017

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi at a 'Sanjha Chulha' (common kitchen) program in Sangrur (Punjab) #PunjabPolls pic.twitter.com/UhluGO1rhG

— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2017

Kejriwal calls Sukhbir Singh Badal a ‘hardened criminal’

Watch: Arvind Kejriwal addresses press conference in Ludhiana

Kejriwal asked the Punjab government to release report of commission on firing on protesters during the agitation against sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib. He said that the policemen opened firing on people protesting peacefully.

Congress vice President Rahul Gandhi meets people in Sangrur (Punjab) pic.twitter.com/6LfR9KfKgU

— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2017

Rahul Gandhi lashes out at Arvind Kejriwal

“A few days back, there was a bomb blast in which six people died. Arvind Kejriwal is allowing such destructive forces to prosper,” Rahul said.

I want Punjab to have speedy progress: Rahul Gandhi

“These days, wheat goes out of Punjab, but so does cancer,” Rahul Gandhi said. “We want a hospital to be built in Punjab so that the entire world recognises that cancer is treated there.”

“If the environment goes bad, violence begins…I want Punjab to have speedy progress,” Rahul said.

Jahan Guru Nanak ji ne 'tera tera' ki baat ki, wahin aapki sarkaar 'mera mera' ki baat karti hai :Rahul Gandhi in Sangrur (Punjab) pic.twitter.com/2TGMhoVIYY

— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2017

Rahul Gandhi promises to get rid of drugs in Punjab

“Drugs stole the farmer’s son,” said Rahul Gandhi. “Our first work will be to permanently get rid of drugs in Punjab,” he said.

“I have told Amarinder Singh to bring a new law within a month and send the people guilty of producing and distributing drugs to jail,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi addresses Sangrur rally

“The wheat grown here goes to every part of India,” said the Congress-vice president. “The thinking here is: Whatever is mine is yours.”

“This is the thinking of Guru Nanak…this is the thinking of ’tere’,” he said. “You must feel strange about why this power of your land is not visible.”

“Actually the answer is simple. The thinking here is ’tera’ but the government here thinks of ‘mera’,” Rahul said.

AAP likely to sweep Malwa

A fierce AAP wind is sweeping Punjab’s Malwa region, threatening to change the politics of north India. The Akalis have been swept away ruthlessly. The BJP has been reduced to a helpless spectator. Only the Congress stands in the way, trying to stop the AAP and its own decline into political irrelevance.

What started as an undercurrent in the region that has 69 Assembly seats and thus holds the key to Punjab is now turning into a movement for a paradigm shift in Punjab politics.

Read the full article here .

Meanwhile…

Delhi High Court issues notice to Election commission and Centre on the plea to restrain political parties to offer freebies to the voters

— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2017

EC issues prohibition orders

The Election Commission on Wednesday issued extensive guidelines to the District Election Officers to ensure prohibition during the period of 48 hours starting from 5 pm on 2 February till 5 pm on 4 February for conclusion of polls in Punjab to be held on 4 February.

Giving details on this, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, VK Singh said the guidelines have been issued in accordance with the provisions enacted in the Section 126 Representation of Peoples’ Act 1951.

Read full PTI report here .

Bhagwant Mann has been able to garner a lot of support through his rallies

(Updates begin for 2 February)

Bhagwant Mann can sway voters away from Sukhbir Badal

If the buzz in the area is any indication, Sukhbir is caught in a tough battle. Many voters see Mann as the front runner, with Sukhbir as his closest rival. The Congress is languishing in the third place. The trend is consistent with the buzz within Malwa, a geographical region of Punjab with 69 seats, where the AAP is the talk of the town, a rage in rural areas.

Read the full article here .

Watch: Amarinder Singh addresses rally in Patiala

BSF seizes four kg of heroin near India-Pakistan border

Four kilogram of heroin, which was being smuggled into India from Pakistan, was seized by the Border Security Force personnel near the Indo-Pak border, a senior official said.

BSF DIG, RK Kataria said that the heroin was seized at Border Out Post Pulmoran in Amritsar sector, near Attari/Wagah border.

Giving details of the incident, he said early today, BSF troops heard some suspicious sound on the other side of the barbed fence, but due to dense fog nothing was visible.

Subsequently, a special search operation was launched during which BSF troops recovered four packets of one kg each of heroin lying ahead of border fence in between international border and the barbed fence. — PTI

Ludhiana (Punjab): Police seized Rs 70 Lakh cash during checking (in denomination of Rs 20,50,100 & new currency Rs500,2000). Probe underway pic.twitter.com/1fKe21UHct

— ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2017

Amit Shah in Amritsar lashes out at Congress, defends the Badals

Mujhe samajh nahin aata ye Captain (Amarinder Singh) kis prakaar ke Capt hain, jinko Rahul baba ke order manne padte hain: Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/PIaLbMeH65

— ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2017

I am shocked at the words used by some people for Badal ji, Punjab is known with Badal ji's name across the country: Amit Shah,BJP President pic.twitter.com/LSFppCs9K0

— ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2017

(Updates begin for 30 January)

The “Punjab dasher” imagery of the Congress’ presumptive chief ministerial candidate is reinforced everywhere. Slogans across the city say, “Captain ab daharega; Chitta Badal bhagega (Captain would roar, drugs and Badal will run away)”.

Read Sandipan Sharma’s full article here .

Akali Dal is the only Dal for farmers: Modi

“We want to make farming modern, scientific and more productive. We want to change rural life,” said Modi in Faridkot.

“There is only Akali Dal which is the Dal for farmers. There is no one else in other parties who thinks of the farmers,” Modi said.

“Elections are on 4 February. Please make Badal sahab the chief minister once more. Badal sahab should get strength to fulfil the dreams of Delhi,” said the prime minister.

Modi talks about measures for farmers

“The central government has taken decisions due to which the future of the farmers will be secure,” said Modi.

“If the farmers get water and good soil, they can grow gold out of the soil,” he said.

“We are focusing a lot on food processing and value addition so that our farmers can earn more,” he added.

Want our farmers to prosper, hence have initiated several measures; We brought Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana for them: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/7cs9f8eHgW

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2017

What matters most for Badal Sahab is welfare of Punjab, its farmers & the people: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/eSlKEffBQt

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2017

Parkash Singh Badal the politician of the farmers: Modi

“If there is someone who understands the needs of the farmers, it is Parkash Singh Badal. He is not only the politician of the farmers of the state but also the farmers of the country,” Modi said.

“For eight years, the Congress government at the Centre in Delhi tried to put as many obstacles in Parkash Singh Badal’s way as possible. But Badal sahab did not stop. The government at Delhi today wants to work with the government,” said the prime minister.

Congress labelled youth of state as terrorists. Few others called them drug addicts. How can that be accepted: PM #PunjabPolls pic.twitter.com/MyO8VRUmqG

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2017

Now, Modi targets Congress

“Some people, through terrorism, had tried to paint the fields of Punjab with blood. At that time, Congress had called the youth of Punjab terrorists,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Punjab.

“By trying to paint every youth of Punjab as a terrorist, Congress had tried to harm the state,” Modi said. “They are calling all the youths in Punjab addicts,” he added.

“To fight addiction, we need to unite. But by calling every youth in the state an addict, we cannot save our youth,” said the prime minister.

Those who are not honest, we cannot expect them to speak well about Badal Sahab; How can they think of welfare of people in Punjab?: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/1GY2UNOtM4

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2017

It is because of your (Kejriwal’s) failures in Delhi that your defeat is inevitable: Modi

“The CBI will investigate those who insulted the Guru Granth Sahib and take action against them,” said Modi.

“Only a dictator talks about throwing people in jail. Is this how a democracy is run?” he said. “If the principles of democracy are violated, it is harmful for the entire nation.”

“Some people said in Goa that the Election Commission dances the way Modi wants it to dance. What is the Election Commission’s fault? That the Punjab and Goa elections are taking place on the same day,” said the prime minister sarcastically.

“It is because of your failures in Delhi that your defeat is inevitable,” Modi said.

Modi takes a dig at Kejriwal

“Such bad words have been used against Badal sahab,” said Modi in Kotkapura.

“There are some people who will say anything for their own benefit,” he said.

Taking a dig at Arvind Kejriwal, Modi also said, “The people who did something like this with Anna Hazare are now doing this against the Badals.”

Punjab shares its border with Pakistan; For security, the state needs a Govt committed to safety & security of people in the State: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/T35Yypj52H

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2017

Pakistan always looking for opportunities to use Punjab to destroy India: Modi

“Pakistan is always looking for opportunities to use land in Punjab to destroy India,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kotkapura, Punjab.

“And if a ‘bahari’ government comes to power in Punjab, not only Punjab but the entire country will have to face problems,” said the prime minister.

“Therefore, for the security of Punjab, we want a state government that even guarantees the security of the nation,” he said.

(Updates begin for 29 January.)

Sidhu’s campaign has become synonymous with a unique mix of rage and mirth, the two emotions that can be easily identified with the former cricketer. Everywhere he goes, Sidhu rages against the Badals and mocks Arvind Kejriwal, whose AAP is now seen as a serious contender.

Read the full article here .

PM Modi ends address with ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, appeals to voters to reelect SAD-BJP govt

Punjab wants to see Parkash Singh Badal as the CM again, he has always worked for Punjab: PM Modi

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Narendra Modi promises to give Indus river’s water to Punjab

Sindhu nadi ka paani jo Pakistan chala jata hai, Hindustan ke haq ka paani hum laayenge aur Punjab ki dharti ko denge: PM Modi

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Jab Hindustan ki sena ne parakram (surgical strike) kiya uski sabse zyada khushi Punjab ke har pariwar me nazar aati thi: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/7gChHy9jNx

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

PM Modi appeals to ex-servicemen in Punjab, says BJP govt fulfilled promise of OROP

PM Modi said that there is not a single village in Punjab which has not given the nation a military personal. He said that it was the BJP govt that fulfilled the promise of implementing One Rank One Pension scheme for ex-servicemen and restored their honour. 

He said that Congress has always lied to the voters whereas his government has worked for your development.

Humne #OROP ko suljhaya, unhone 48 saal tak latka kar rakha: PM Narendra Modi #Punjabpolls pic.twitter.com/eCV4igD3HY

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Kuch log bohot pareshan hain kyunki unki 70 saal ki kamayi doob rahi hai, loot loot ke jama kiya wo khatre mein pad gaya: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/wIm7NyumUS

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

PM Modi slams Congress, relegates it as a thing of the past

Hitting out at BJP’s chief opponent in Punjab, Modi said that Congress is a dying organization that is breathing it’s last. He said that the nation had seen it’s destructive politics for 70 long years, but now they will choose the politics of development.

Congress ek beeti hui baat hai, aakhri saans pe apna guzaara karne wala dal hai: PM Narendra Modi #PunjabPolls pic.twitter.com/t6sTq92Goy

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

It is Politics of development vs Politics of destruction: PM Modi on Congress

Vinaash ki rajneeti 70 saal tak desh ne dekhi hai, karni hai toh vikaas ki rajneeti karo: PM Narendra Modi #Punjabpolls pic.twitter.com/xf3jilE8EQ

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Modi praises Badal for long-standing career in Public service, says he has given his entire life to Punjab

Praising Punjab CM Parkash SIngh Badal, PM Modi said, “Badal ji has has had the honour of being both India’s youngest chief minister at a time, and today he is the senior most chief minister of an Indian state.”

Adding that Badal has sacrificed his entire life for the state, Modi said that he can’t recall a meeting with Badal where he has not discussed the distress of poor and farmers with him.

Trying to woo voters, he said that under the SAD-BJP government, the farmers have had better access to urea and other fertilizers.

Punjab is much more than a state for India: PM modi

Addressing an election rally in Jalandhar, alongside the state’s CM Parkash Singh Badal, PM Modi said that Punjab is the land of the brave and spiritual gurus.

Praising Punjabis for their contribution to the nation he said, the state has never shied away from sacrificing for the nation.

Ye Punjab ki dharti veeron ki dharti hai, surveeron ki dharti hai. Ye guruon, santon, tyaag aur balidaan ki dharti hai: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/yNV56TCSLv

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Modi begins address with chants of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’

Narendra Modi takes the stage at Jalandhar rally

PM Modi addressing a rally in Jalandhar #Punjabpolls pic.twitter.com/kxXrZjKAYp

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Punjab can flourish with the same party’s government both at Centre and state

Addressing a rally in Jalandhar, Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal said that any state can be developed only in only two ways, with the aid of Central Government and with the state’s own resources. However, appealing the voters to bring SAD-BJP alliance to power, he said that the state will only flourish when both the government’s work in tandem.

Parkash Singh Badal invokes martyrs like Bhagat Singh, says Punjab has contributed much to the nation
 

Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal speaking at a rally in Jalandhar #Punjabpolls pic.twitter.com/SlDw7wg9tx

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal addresses rally in Jalandhar, thanks PM Modi for his presence

Punjab :PM Narendra Modi arrives in Jalandhar to address a rally. Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal present. pic.twitter.com/IMSZh4cdWx

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Punjab :PM Narendra Modi arrives in Jalandhar to address a rally pic.twitter.com/96IvhKYs6Y

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Narendra Modi with Parkash Singh Badal in Jalandhar

Watch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses rally in Jalandhar

“

Capt Amarinder Singh reacts after being declared the CM candidate, says he’s humbled and honoured

Humbled & honoured to be Punjab Congress' CM face. Committed to serving my beloved state & bringing back the smiles on the faces of Punjabis

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) January 27, 2017

Modiji claims to fight against corruption,then how can he support Akali Dal?Whole nation knows it(Akali Dal) has ruined Punjab: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/YL74WrO9qQ

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Guru Nanak Ji ne kaha sab ka sab tera, Akali Dal kehte hain sab ka sab mera: Rahul Gandhi in Majitha. pic.twitter.com/1PMaLVU7VP

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Rahul attacks Narendra Modi and Kejriwal

Attacking his main opponents in Punjab – Modi and Kejriwal – Rahul said that the opponents have never fulfilled their promises. “Kejriwal says one thing here and one thing in Delhi. And Narendra Modi ji talks about corruption when his party is the most corrupt.”

Rahul said that drug problem in Punjab is pertinent and the Congress, if voted to power, will make such stringent laws that even if someone thinks of dealing they will shiver. “Jinhone Punjab ko chot pahunchayi hai, unko hum jail mei daal ke dikhayenge; hum Punjab ki ladai ladenge (Who have hurt Punjab will rot in jail and we will fight for Punjab)

Main aapko yahan sirf 2-3 cheez kehna chahta hun, drugs ke khilaaf hum aisa kanoon banayenge, jisko sochoge toh kaanponge: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/HHlDhDUe9h

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Amarinder Singh ji Punjab ke mukhyamantri banenge: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/pRejD7IZeE

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Rahul Gandhi at election campaign rally in Punjab

Rahul attacks Akalis, says Punjab’s situation dire because of the Badals

“Punjab — the state of five rivers — is what feeds the entire nation but the state has been neglected all these years,” says Rahul Gandhi. 

“Jab bhi kisaan badal dekhta hai, uske dil mein khushi aati hai.Lekin Punjab mein Badal paani nahi dete hain (Farmers are usually happy to see badal (alludes to the ruling Badal family) but in Punjab, Badals don’t give rain). I said four years ago that 70 percent youth are affected by drugs. Badals made fun of me. Now whole Punjab is saying what I said. Every industry and business has been overtaken by the family monopoly. If you want to go anywhere in Punjab, you have to go in the bus owned by Badals.”

Punjab: Congress VP Rahul Gandhi addressing a rally in Majitha pic.twitter.com/bhCtQOgFSz

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2017

Rahul takes stage to address rally in Majitha

Amarinder Singh attacks the Badals in Majitha rally

In October, the opinion poll by Axis-My-India for India Today group said that the Congress will emerge as the largest party but will fall short of a majority. Captain Amarinder Singh refers to the opinion poll at the Majitha rally. 

The opinion poll also said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will be in second place, and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) alliance will trail at third position. The opinion poll gave the Congress 49 to 55 seats, while the AAP got 42 to 46 seats.

The BJP-SAD combine got 17 to 21 seats as per the opinion poll.

Watch: Navjot Singh Sidhu rallies for Rahul Gandhi in Majithia

AAP violates SC ruling again; promises deputy CM post to a Dalit

Addressing the media on Friday, AAP leaders from Punjab released their manifesto and promised modern amenities across the state if the party won the state assembly election.

However, in a clear violation of the Supreme Court ruling on the Hindutva case, which prohibits any political party from seeking votes on the basis of religion, caste or creed, party convenor and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has promised the post of the deputy chief minister to a Dalit, if AAP wins the Punjab Election.  The Supreme Court on 2 January ruled that seeking votes in the name of religion during polls is illegal. PTI had reported that the Supreme Court in a majority verdict, held that any appeal for votes on the ground of religion amounts to corrupt practices under electoral laws.

In November 2016, releasing an 18 point Dalit Manifesto in Phillaur Assembly constituency, Kejriwal sprang a surprise by announcing that a Dalit will be the deputy chief minister of Punjab if his party comes to power in the state. 

AAP, which is campaigning hard in Punjab, hopes to woo and unify the Dalit vote in its favour. Two out of the four seats won by AAP in 2014 had come from reserved constituencies: Fatehgarh Sahib and Faridkot.

AAP Manifesto for a Modern, Corruption-Free and Prosperous Punjab being released right now.

Watch LIVE https://t.co/5Wa83YQm73 pic.twitter.com/pjc2ZVpDEZ

— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) January 27, 2017

Bhagwant Mann AAP’s Punjab CM candidate?

Mann, who made headlines for live-streaming his arrival at Parliament and earned the ire of his colleagues in 2016, fits the bill, NDTV reports. Mann is also taking on Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal of the Akali Dal for the Jalalabad assembly seat, in what is pegged as the biggest battle in Punjab.  

Delhi deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia recently had said that someone from Punjab will be the state chief minister if AAP wins the elections, a disclaimer prompted by speculation that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal could shift to that state.

Watch: AAP’s Facebook live ahead of the party releasing their manifesto in Punjab

Arvind Kejriwal set to hit the streets in Patiala

With polls in Punjab right around the corner, the Aam Aadmi Party, which is making its debut in the state Assembly election is all set to take to the streets literally with Arvind Kejriwal taking part in a roadshow in Patiala on Friday. The AAP convener is in Patiala to campaign for Dr Balbir Singh, an eye doctor, who is contesting the election for the party from Patiala Urban constituency.

Opinion Poll Shows Congress Leading in Punjab

In October , the opinion poll by Axis-My-India for India Today group said that the Congress will emerge as the largest party but will fall short of a majority. The opinion poll showed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will be in second place, and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) alliance will trail at third position.

The opinion poll gave the Congress 49 to 55 seats, while the AAP got 42 to 46 seats.

Akali’s manifesto promises 20 lakh jobs

Punjab’s ruling Shiromani Akali Dal on Tuesday released its poll manifesto, promising 20 lakh jobs and free tubewell connections to all farmers among other things.

Akali Dal president and Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said if the party comes to power, it would provide 20 lakh jobs for the youth.

In Punjab, it is Modi vs Rahul vs Kejriwal

​

Modi will campaign in Jalandhar where he will address a rally at 1 pm in support of the Akali-BJP candidates. Rahul and Punjab CM cadidate Captain Amarinder Singh will address a rally in Amritsar and Majitha and are expected to take on the Badals.

Arvind Kejriwal’s roadshow is in Patiala at 12 noon.

Parties out their big guns before 4 Feb

It’s the final stretch of campaigning before Punjab goes to poll on 4 February and all parties are pulling out the big guns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal will hit the campaign trail from Friday.