Voting underway for Punjab bypolls; Congress-AAP supporters clash in Dera Baba Nanak

Chandigarh: Polling for by-elections to four Assembly seats in Punjab—Barnala, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, and Gidderbaha—is currently underway and will continue until 6 pm. These seats fell vacant after their elected MLAs assumed MP roles.

A clash broke out between Congress and AAP supporters in Dera Baba Nanak over alleged voting irregularities. Police intervened to defuse the situation.

Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa accused the AAP government of “indulging in hooliganism,” escalating tensions further.

In Chabbewal, AAP candidate Dr. Ishank Kumar expressed confidence in his victory, dismissing any competition. “My contest is not with individuals but with outdated political practices,” he said.

By 11 am, a voter turnout of 20.76% was recorded across the four constituencies. Gidderbaha led with 35%, followed by Dera Baba Nanak at 19.4%, Barnala at 16.1%, and Chabbewal with 12.71%.