Punjab municipal repolls emerge as political test

The Opposition’s ability to turn the court’s findings into a sustained political narrative will be as important as their performance at the ballot box.

Chandigarh: The Supreme Court’s decision to set aside elections in 50 municipal wards in Punjab and order fresh polls in 6 weeks has opened a new political front in the state, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) facing questions over electoral conduct and opposition parties getting an opportunity to test their strength ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

The court ordered fresh elections in 28 wards in Patiala district and 22 in Moga district after accepting the findings of a fact-finding commission headed by former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Nirmaljit Kaur. The commission found widespread obstruction during the nomination process, including incidents in which nomination papers were allegedly snatched, torn or destroyed and candidates were assaulted, detained or threatened.

The order, delivered on September 28, has added a new dimension to Punjab’s political contest at a time when parties are preparing for the Assembly elections due in 2027. The re-election process is to be completed within six weeks, subject to the court-directed monitoring arrangements.

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While the immediate contest concerns municipal wards, its political significance extends beyond local governance. The re-polls will test whether opposition parties can convert the Supreme Court’s findings into an effective political campaign and mobilise voters against the ruling party. For the AAP, the exercise presents an opportunity to defend its local support base while responding to questions about the conduct of the December 2024 municipal elections.

The court’s intervention has also put the spotlight on the role of the state administration and election machinery in ensuring that candidates can contest without intimidation or obstruction.

Implications beyond municipal politics

The Supreme Court’s order followed an inquiry into allegations of irregularities during the December 21, 2024, local body elections. The commission examined claims from political candidates and reviewed affidavits, official records, video footage, photographs and statements from election officials, police personnel and other witnesses.

Of the 50 wards identified by the commission, 28 were in Patiala district and 22 in Moga district. The affected areas include Patiala Municipal Corporation, Dharamkot Municipal Council and Baghapurana Municipal Council.

The commission found that opposition candidates had been prevented from filing nominations in several wards. In other cases, candidates were allegedly subjected to coercion, nomination papers were rejected or withdrawn under disputed circumstances, and serious concerns were raised about the fairness of the process. It also found evidence of bogus or multiple voting and intimidation in certain Patiala wards.