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Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday announced Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Tarn Taran assembly by-election. The announcement was made during a large rally at Chabhal village, setting the stage for SAD’s campaign in the constituency.

Former school principal gets party ticket

Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa, 60, is a retired principal of a government school. She is also the head of a local civil society group named Azad. Along with Randhawa, 43 sitting sarpanches, eight municipal councillors, and many former sarpanches joined SAD during the rally, strengthening the party’s position in the Tarn Taran region.

Speaking at the event, Randhawa said that the decision of her group to join SAD was taken in the best interest of the constituency, community, and the state. She thanked the party leadership for trusting her with the responsibility of representing Tarn Taran in the bypoll.

Senior SAD leader Gulzar Singh Ranike has been appointed as the in-charge of the Tarn Taran bypoll campaign. His experience and understanding of local issues are expected to give the party an edge. Randhawa has also been made halqa in-charge of the constituency, ensuring she plays an active role not only as a candidate but also as an organiser on the ground.

Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed confidence that the appointment of Randhawa and Ranike would help SAD achieve victory in the bypoll. He described the rally and the show of support as the beginning of the party’s winning momentum.

Rally sets the tone for SAD’s campaign

The rally at Chabhal village drew a large number of supporters and local leaders. Sukhbir Singh Badal used the platform to target the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal of acting as the de facto chief minister of Punjab. He urged Punjabis to unite under the Akali Dal’s banner to counter “outside forces” that, he claimed, are interfering in the state’s governance.

Sukhbir also criticised the previous Congress government, accusing it of playing politics over the sensitive issue of sacrilege instead of ensuring justice for the people. He highlighted the need for strong regional leadership that understands Punjab’s culture and values.

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The Tarn Taran by-election has been necessitated following the death of Kashmir Singh Sohal, the sitting MLA from the ruling party, last month. The Election Commission is yet to announce the schedule for the bypoll, but political parties have already begun preparing for the contest. With SAD’s candidate now confirmed, the party has taken an early lead in shaping the election narrative.

Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa’s entry into politics as a candidate marks a significant moment for SAD. Her background as an educator and civil society leader is being viewed as a positive step towards involving more grassroots leaders in state politics. Her association with the Azad group, which enjoys local support, is likely to boost SAD’s chances.

Randhawa’s focus on community welfare and education is expected to resonate with voters. She has promised to work on improving local infrastructure, health services, and opportunities for the youth if elected.

Sukhbir’s call for unity

In his address, Sukhbir Singh Badal made a strong appeal to the people of Punjab to rally behind SAD. He said that the party’s mission is to restore Punjab’s pride and ensure that decisions for the state are made by its own people, not by external forces. He stressed that SAD has always fought for the interests of farmers, rural communities, and small businesses.

Sukhbir also reminded the audience of SAD’s role in preserving Punjab’s identity and culture, promising that the party would continue to prioritise these values if brought back to power.

With SAD officially entering the bypoll race, other parties, including AAP and Congress, are expected to announce their candidates soon. The Tarn Taran by-election is likely to become a high-stakes contest, given its importance in reflecting public sentiment in the border district.

Until the Election Commission announces the dates, political activity in Tarn Taran is expected to intensify. For now, SAD is counting on Randhawa’s strong local ties, Ranike’s campaign experience, and Sukhbir’s leadership to reclaim the seat.