The contenders are Taranjit Singh Sandhu from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Anil Joshi from the Shiromani Akali Dal – Badal (SAD-B), Gurjeet Singh Aujla from the Indian National Congress (INC), and Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Punjab is preparing for the parliamentary elections on June 1st, and Amritsar’s race is a four-cornered contest. The major parties have put forward strong candidates.
The contenders are Taranjit Singh Sandhu from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Anil Joshi from the Shiromani Akali Dal – Badal (SAD-B), Gurjeet Singh Aujla from the Indian National Congress (INC), and Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Here is a comparative analysis of each candidate, highlighting their strengths and challenges, and what the public expects from Amritsar’s next MP.
Taranjit Singh Sandhu (Bhartiya Janta Party)
Pros:
Governance Experience: As a former Ambassador and being aligned with the central ruling party, Sandhu promises continuity and stability. He pledges easier access to central funds and schemes for local development. His high level of education and expertise in diplomacy provide him with a distinct advantage over his competitors from other political parties.
Development Focus: Sandhu emphasizes infrastructure and economic growth in his campaign, appealing to voters seeking progress. He touts his international connections and potential for attracting foreign investment to Amritsar.
Cons:
Party Image: The BJP’s handling of the farmer protests could turn away some voters, especially in rural areas which make up a significant part of the constituency.
Local Disconnect: Having moved to Amritsar just a month ago after retiring as the Indian Ambassador to the USA, Sandhu’s limited local presence could be seen as a lack of commitment to constituency-specific needs. He relies largely on his campaign strategists and lacks knowledge about the BJP’s grassroots workers, from the Panna Parmukh level upwards. He depends entirely on his consultants even for interacting with the public
Anil Joshi (Shiromani Akali Dal)
Pros:
Regional Roots: Fielding a Hindu face by a panthic party is the SAD’s strategic response to capitalize on the BJP’s Ram Mandir wave, while the party’s panthic influence in rural constituencies can garner votes for the SAD. Joshi’s deep connections in Punjab politics and his personal engagement in local functions may endear him to voters who prioritize regional and cultural identity. Being local he is having good relations in rural as well as in urban areas of Amritsar Lok Sabha seat.
Experienced Advocacy: His background as a legislator and former minister provides him with the experience needed to effectively represent Amritsar at the national level.
Cons:
Controversial Party Legacy: SAD’s involvement in past controversies, such as the alleged sacrilege of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, might dampen Joshi’s appeal to a large section of Sikh voters.
Solo Challenges: Previously successful in a coalition, Joshi now faces the election alone, which could limit his effectiveness. SAD-B and BJP , when having allence their vote share was all time high and formed government in Punjab for two times. Joshi has to work hard to add on votes other than the SAd-B cader vote bank. As a former BJP leader who defected to the SAD, he risks alienating BJP core workers, including his former colleagues, who could be perceived by Akali leaders as a significant threat to their own political careers.
Gurjeet Singh Aujla (Indian National Congress)
Pros:
Incumbent’s Leverage: Being the representative of the only major political party that has vehemently opposed the BJP, Aujla emerges as the top choice for both BJP critics and those disillusioned with the AAP’s governance and the SAD’s previous administration in Punjab. As the sitting MP, Aujla can use his track record and ongoing projects to his advantage. He is known for his dedication and maintaining strong connections across Amritsar.
Strong Party Framework: The organizational reach of the INC supports his robust campaign. Congress were having strong cadre in Punjab and specially in Amritsar Lok Sabha seat Aujla has secured more than four lack votes in previous elections.
Cons:
Performance Pressure: Being the incumbent, Aujla’s unmet promises may overshadow his achievements. Making empty promises and his failure to attract any major industries to his constituency from the Center could deter a section of people from considering him as their next choice
Party Fluctuations: National issues facing the INC and internal opposition within the Amritsar leadership could impact his campaign. some of the seniors local leadership are bit vocal against Aujhla.
Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal (Aam Aadmi Party)
Pros:
Fresh Perspective: Despite the AAP’s top leadership being behind bars, Dhaliwal remains undeterred in his poll campaign. His strategy of showcasing a victim of the ruling party and providing a strong rebuttal to the Congress and SAD could help him win hearts. Dhaliwal’s campaign offers a new approach, attracting voters tired of traditional politics. He is a sitting cabinet minister in AAP government and retreating the plocies of Arvnd Kehriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann.
AAP runs state gov: He focuses on anti-corruption, appealing to those seeking a change from the political norm.
Cons:
Limited Experience: AAP’s short history in national governance might concern voters about its effectiveness. Dhaliwal may struggle to match the campaign resources of his competitors.
Party Performance : AAP’s inability to bring about a significant change in the lives of the people, despite making hoards of promises, and the declining morale of party workers are believed to be the main reasons that could deter voters to vote for him
Public Expectations from the would be member parliament:
Amritsar’s electorate has clear expectations. They seek enhanced safety and security amid rising gang activity and extortion. Economic growth, particularly through boosting local businesses and tourism, is a priority. The community also desires major improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation.
As election day nears, the decision of Amritsar’s voters will reflect not just local desires but also the broader political dynamics of Punjab. Each candidate’s ability to align their campaign with the aspirations of the citizens will be key in this closely contested race.
Source link
