Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday released its first list of 961 candidates for Punjab’s upcoming Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, marking the beginning of an intense political push ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.
Rural elections set to test party strength
Voting for 22 Zila Parishads—except Mohali, where polling has been deferred—and more than 150 Panchayat Samitis is scheduled for December 14, with the results due on December 17. Coming just over a year before the next state election, the rural polls are widely seen as a critical indicator of public mood.
Political parties, aware of the tight electoral timeline, have started mobilising workers at the village level. For AAP, which faces pockets of anti-incumbency after nearly three years in power, the elections provide an opportunity to reinforce its ground network and reconnect with voters.
Performance to influence 2027 ticket distribution
AAP leaders have been told that their organisational effort during these local body elections will carry weight when the party finalises its Assembly candidates in 2027. Senior figures—including ministers and legislators—have been holding frequent meetings and ramping up constituency visits since the poll dates were notified on November 28.
The ruling party had also restructured most blocks earlier this year, a move expected to give it a head start in candidate selection and booth-level management.
Nomination process picks up pace
Candidates must submit their nomination papers by December 4. As of Tuesday, election offices had received 26 nominations for Zila Parishad seats and 115 for Panchayat Samiti positions.
Election Commission flags absentee official
Meanwhile, State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhari issued a show-cause notice to Baljit Singh Sohi, BDPO of Dera Bassi, after he remained absent from duty on December 1, the first day scheduled for filing nominations. Several hopefuls complained they could not obtain necessary NOCs due to his absence.
Race intensifies ahead of December 14
With AAP making its first major move through a sizeable candidate list, the stage is set for a competitive three-way contest in Punjab’s rural belts. Opposition parties, including the Congress and SAD, are expected to release their lists in the coming days as the state’s political landscape begins to heat up in the run-up to polling day.
