Giant-killers steal the show in Punjab
The Hindu
AAP candidates account for at least a dozen Congress and Akali stalwarts
Initially tipped to win Punjab in 2017, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) campaign floundered in the last leg. There were no hiccups this time round as it mopped up 92 of the 117 seats. Underlining this emphatic win were several giant-killing acts that felled former Chief Ministers and star candidates of its rivals.
Jeevan Jyot Kaur essayed what is perhaps the biggest upset of them all. The AAP candidate remained in the shadows as Amritsar (East) turned into a prestige battle between Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu and senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who decided to contest from this constituency after Mr. Sidhu dared him to.
On result day, Ms. Kaur won by securing 39,679 votes and relegated Mr. Sidhu and Mr. Majithia to second and third spot.
Ms. Kaur wasn’t the only ‘David’ defeating rival Goliaths. At least a dozen Congress and Akali stalwarts faced a drubbing at the hands of AAP candidates. Besides incumbent Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, three former Chief Ministers faced defeat in the electoral battle — Parkash Singh Badal, Amarinder Singh and Rajinder Kaur Bhattal.
AAP’s Labh Singh Ugoke defeated Mr. Channi by a margin of 37,558 votes from Bhadaur seat while AAP’s Charanjit Singh defeated him in Chamkaur Sahib by a margin of 7,942 votes. While addressing Punjab voters as early trends hinted at a massive win, party national convener Arvind Kejriwal said: “You know who defeated Charanjit Singh [Channi]? AAP candidate Labh Singh Ugoke who works in a mobile repair shop.”
AAP’s Gurmeet Singh Khudian defeated Mr. Badal, at 94 years the oldest candidate in the fray, from Lambi seat in Muktsar district by a margin of 11,396 votes.
Jagdeep Kamboj accounted for the SAD patron’s son and party president Sukhbir Singh Badal in Jalalabad seat in Fazilka district, the AAP candidate winning by a margin of 30,930 votes.
Supreme Court rules temple funds must be protected for religious purposes, not used to support struggling cooperative banks.
Chinnaiah remains in prison despite bail granted, pending sureties for his release in the Dharmasthala perjury case.
Discover why flooring is the focal point of modern home design, blending aesthetics, comfort, and durability in Indian interiors.
Telangana Revenue Minister highlights HILTP's origin during BRS regime, criticizing KTR's land use decisions
Women in Nagapattinam rally for safety and stronger protections, demanding justice and welfare measures during the global activism campaign.
Quack A. Venkatesan arrested in Chennai for operating an unauthorized ayurvedic hospital and prescribing allopathic medicines without training.
ED attaches ₹1,120 crore in assets linked to Reliance Home Finance fraud, raising total attachments to ₹10,117 crore.
Tamil Nadu Minister T.R.B. Rajaa accuses BJP of inciting riots, undermining Madurai's progress amid ongoing investment efforts.
Apart from fine performances from Mammootty and Vinayakan, mind games and character dynamics propel Jithin K Jose’s 'Kalamkaval', a slow-burn thriller
In Celestial Company, an ongoing exhibition in the city, throws light on the often ignored aspects of the divine
Explore the enduring legacy of 'Madurai' Mani Iyer, where music and culinary artistry harmoniously intertwine in Mayiladuthurai.
Retired judges and lawyers urge CJI Surya Kant to uphold constitutional rights for Rohingya refugees amidst controversial remarks.
Join Apar Gupta in the In Focus Podcast as he discusses India's Sanchar Saathi app and concerns over consent and privacy.