The Aam Aadmi Party dropped the first batch of 40 names for the Punjab Assembly elections scheduled for early 2027. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is confirmed to contest from Dhuri, his previous stronghold. The list was finalized after a closed-door strategy session at AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal’s Delhi residence on Friday.
Manish Sisodia, the state’s senior in-charge, attended the meeting alongside other core leadership. The selection process aimed to field a mix of local stalwarts and new faces across key constituencies like Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Patiala. Notable names include Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar for Amritsar South and Ajitpal Singh Kohli for Patiala.
The announcement triggered an immediate backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP leaders questioned the omission of Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains from the candidate list. This exclusion follows months of intense internal and external pressure on Bains, with the opposition demanding his resignation over alleged irregularities in state recruitment exams.
The party’s official announcement via social media confirmed the slate for the 2027 polls. With the election date approaching, the political battle in Punjab is shifting from policy debates to personality-driven contests. The next phase of candidate selection remains under discussion as the party finalizes its full ticket.