AAP, BJP lead with candidates announcements

In the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections for the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have taken decisive steps by unveiling their candidates. However, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Congress are yet to announce their contenders, setting the stage for an intriguing electoral battle.

AAP has nominated Laljit Singh Bhullar, a Cabinet minister, as its candidate for the Khadoor Sahib seat. Meanwhile, the BJP has selected Manjit Singh Manna Mianwind to represent the party in this Lok Sabha election.

Khadoor Sahib, often termed as “mini Punjab,” comprises nine Assembly segments spanning the Majha, Doaba, and Malwa regions across four districts. Known for its historical Sikh shrines, the constituency attracts a significant number of devotees, especially after their visits to the revered Golden Temple.

Despite its rich cultural heritage and religious significance, the area’s potential for tourism, particularly the development of the Hari Ke Pattan wetland, remains largely untapped, presenting an opportunity for economic growth, especially in its predominantly agrarian sector. The decision of incumbent Congress MP Jasbir Singh Dimpa Gill to not contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha election has opened up opportunities for several aspirants within the party.

Among them is Rana Inder Pratap Singh, an Independent MLA from Sultanpur Lodhi and the son of senior Congress leader Rana Gurjeet Singh. Singh’s influence in the constituencies falling under Khadoor Sahib adds depth to the electoral contest.
On the other hand, BJP’s candidate Manjit Singh Manna Mianwind, a former Akali MLA, brings his experience to the forefront.

However, Mianwind’s involvement in a 2015 incident near the Khalchian police station could face scrutiny during the campaign.

Traditionally considered an Akali stronghold, Khadoor Sahib sets the stage for a competitive electoral battle. The early announcements by AAP and BJP have set a vibrant tone for the political landscape, with SAD and Congress expected to reveal their candidates soon. The upcoming election promises to be closely watched, given the constituency’s historical and cultural significance within Punjab.