Patiala Lok Sabha Constituency: A Political Hotbed
Patiala, one of Punjab”s 13 Lok Sabha constituencies, is a pivotal electoral region encompassing the entire Patiala district and eight Vidhan Sabha segments: Patiala Rural, Patiala, Rajpura, Samana, Ghanaur, Nabha, Sanour, and Shutrana. With a population of approximately 19 lakh, Patiala”s diverse demographic plays a significant role in Punjab”s political landscape
In the 2019 general elections, Preneet Kaur of the Congress secured a decisive victory with 5,32,027 votes, outpacing her closest rival, Surjit Singh Rakhra of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), by 1,62,718 votes.
Patiala”s political scene has seen dramatic shifts. In 2014, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Dharamvir Gandhi won the seat, but his subsequent suspension from AAP in 2016 underscored the area”s political volatility. Gandhi later contested the 2019 elections under his party, Punjab Front, finishing third. The Lok Sabha election 2024 is scheduled for June 1 for the 13 constituencies in Punjab
Lok Sabha Election 2024: key candidates
Preneet Kaur (BJP): A seasoned politician and former Minister of State for External Affairs, Kaur has a notable track record in Patiala. She won in 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2019 but lost in 2014. Her political career has not been without controversy. 2014 she acknowledged holding a Swiss bank account, which drew media scrutiny. Additionally, in February 2023, she was suspended from the Congress party for supporting BJP leader and her husband, Amarinder Singh.
Dr Dharamvir Gandhi (Congress): A cardiologist turned politician, Gandhi won in 2014 with AAP but later formed his party, finishing third in 2019. His political journey has been tumultuous, marked by his suspension from AAP in 2016 for rebelling against the party leadership. Gandhi”s career has also seen moments of conflict, such as an assault during his 2014 campaign, allegedly by a SAD Municipal Councillor.
Dr Balbir Singh (AAP): A prominent figure in Punjab politics, Singh has served as the caretaker Convener of AAP’s Punjab unit and holds a significant presence in state elections. Despite losing the 2017 Punjab Legislative Assembly election against Amarinder Singh from Patiala Rural, Singh has been a steadfast advocate for AAP”s policies. His political path has included managing internal party challenges, particularly during periods of leadership transitions within AAP.
As Patiala gears up for the next elections, the constituency remains a crucial battleground with its dynamic and often turbulent political climate, reflecting broader trends in Punjab’s political landscape. The upcoming elections are poised to be a contest of significant consequence, given the area”s history of shifting allegiances and high-stakes political manoeuvres.
