Lok Sabha Election 2024: Amritsar Braces For Tri-Polar Contest
As Punjab prepares for the Lok Sabha Elections on June 1, 2024, attention is focused on the Amritsar parliamentary constituency. Known for its significant political contests, Amritsar”s electorate will soon choose their next representative among three prominent candidates: Gurjeet Singh Aujla from the Indian National Congress (INC), Taranjit Singh Sandhu from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Constituency Overview
Amritsar, a key parliamentary constituency in Punjab, comprises nine assembly segments: Ajnala, Raja Sansi, Amritsar North, Amritsar West, Amritsar Central, Amritsar East, Amritsar South, Attari, and Majitha. With a diverse voter base, the constituency has seen varied political allegiances over the years.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Gurjeet Singh Aujla of the Congress emerged victorious with a significant margin of 11.59%, defeating BJP”s Hardeep Singh Puri. The Congress secured a vote share of 51.78%, while the BJP garnered 40.19%. Voter turnout in Amritsar has fluctuated over the past three elections, with 57.07% in 2019, 68.18% in 2014, and 65.63% in 2009.
The Candidates
Gurjeet Singh Aujla (Congress): The incumbent MP, Gurjeet Singh Aujla was born on October 30, 1972, in Amritsar, Punjab. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar. He has been representing Amritsar since a by-election in 2017. He successfully defended his seat in the 2019 general elections. Aujla is known for his strong connection with the local populace and his efforts in bringing developmental projects to the constituency.
Taranjit Singh Sandhu (BJP): A retired diplomat with an illustrious career, was born on January 23, 1963, in Gurdaspur, Punjab. Taranjit Singh Sandhu qualified civil services exam and joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1988. He was responsible for opening the Indian embassy in Ukraine and also worked there as head of the political and administration wings. He was the first secretary in Washington. He also worked as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C and as Consul General of India in Frankfurt. He has also served at the Ministry of External Affairs in different capacities
Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal (AAP): Representing the Aam Aadmi Party, was born in 1962 in Punjab. Dhaliwal is the current MLA for the Ajnala Assembly constituency and a cabinet minister in the Punjab government. Elected in the 2022 Punjab Legislative Assembly election, he brings his experience and grassroots approach to the national stage, aiming to replicate AAP’s success in state politics at the national level.
Polling and Turnout
The voters of Amritsar will cast their votes on June 1, 2024, with the counting scheduled for June 4. Historically, the constituency has witnessed active voter participation, and the upcoming elections are expected to see a robust turnout.
Historical Context
Amritsar has a rich electoral history, with notable victories and close contests. In 2014, Captain Amarinder Singh of the INC won the seat, while in 2009, it was BJP”s Navjot Singh Sidhu who claimed victory. The political dynamics of Amritsar reflect broader trends in Punjab’s politics, making it a closely watched battleground in every election cycle.
As the election date approaches, the political temperature in Amritsar is rising. The candidates are intensifying their campaigns, each presenting their vision for the future of the constituency. The outcome of this election will not only shape the future of Amritsar but also contribute to the larger political narrative of Punjab.
