- विज्ञापन -
Bathinda : Harsimrat Kaur Badal, a prominent figure in Punjab politics and a former minister in the Modi-led central governments, Wife of the century-old regional political outfit Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Chief Sukhbir Badal and daughter-in-law of five-time Chief Minister late Parkash Singh Badal, facing a stiff multi-cornered contest from rival candidates.
Challenges Amidst Political Shifts
The electoral landscape has changed significantly for Badal, as the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), her party, is contesting alone for the first time in nearly three decades. This shift follows their withdrawal from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over the contentious farm laws in 2020.
Anti-Incumbency Sentiment and Power Dynamics
Badal confronts a wave of anti-incumbency sentiment amidst her party’s absence from power in Punjab since the 2017 assembly elections. Moreover, the Akali Dal’s performance in the 2022 assembly elections, where it won only three seats, has further compounded the challenges.
Multi-Cornered Contest
The battle for Bathinda is multi-cornered, with Badal facing strong opposition from candidates representing various political parties, including the BJP, Congress, and AAP. This electoral scenario adds complexity to her bid for re-election.
Bathinda is a pocket borough of the Badal family
Bathinda is a pocket borough of the Badal family as their party has won six of the last seven parliamentary elections.
In 2009, Harsimrat Kaur defeated Congress leader Raninder Singh, son of Capt Amarinder Singh, who is now with the BJP, by a margin of over one lakh votes.
In 2014, Harsimrat Kaur, who normally covers head with a dupatta (scarf), defeated her estranged brother-in-law Manpreet Singh Badal, who fought the election with Congress backing, by a slender margin of over 19,000 votes.
In 2019, Harsimrat, whose assets were over Rs 40 crore, managed to defeat Congress candidate and legislator Amrinder Singh Raja Warring by a thin margin of 21,772 votes in a closely contested battle.
Rival Candidates and Alliances
Competing against Badal are candidates like Parampal Kaur Sidhu from the BJP, Jeetmohinder Singh Sidhu from the Congress, and Gurmeet Khuddian from the AAP. Additionally, the support extended to an Independent candidate by the Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar adds another dimension to the electoral dynamics.
Changing Dynamics in Bathinda
Bathinda, traditionally a stronghold of the Badal family, has witnessed shifting political dynamics. While the Badals have historically dominated the constituency, recent elections have showcased a more competitive landscape.
Recent Electoral History
Badal’s electoral journey in Bathinda has been marked by closely contested battles. Despite significant challenges, she managed to secure victories in previous elections, albeit with narrow margins.
Intense Campaigning in Bathinda
The election campaign in Bathinda has intensified, with candidates engaging in verbal sparring and trading accusations. Issues such as development initiatives, governance, and past political decisions are central to the discourse.
High Stakes in Punjab Elections
The upcoming parliamentary elections in Punjab hold immense significance, with political parties vying for supremacy in the state. The outcome of these elections will shape the political landscape and influence the future trajectory of Punjab politics.
