Setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral battle in Punjab, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced the polling dates for the much-anticipated 2024 general elections — triggering the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct across all the states and UTs, including Punjab. With all 13 constituencies in Punjab scheduled to go to the polls on June 1 in the seventh and the final phase, the announcement heralds the beginning of a crucial phase in the democratic process, followed by counting three days after on June 4, marking the culmination of the months-long electoral exercise.

Punjab, a state known for its vibrant political landscape and active citizenry, is gearing up for a multi-cornered contest in the upcoming elections where more than 2.12 crore voters will exercise their franchise. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is set to face off against the principal opposition Congress, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), among others.

Of particular significance is the dynamic between the AAP and the Congress, allies in some other states as a part of the INDIA bloc. In a surprising turn of events, the two parties find themselves on opposite ends of the electoral spectrum in Punjab, contesting against each other on all 13 seats. The bitter exchanges witnessed during the recently-concluded Assembly session hint at a fiercely competitive electoral battle, with both parties leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory.

Meanwhile, the BJP, which is yet to revive its alliance with the Akali Dal, stands to benefit from the disarray among the opposition parties. The BJP's performance in Punjab will be closely watched, especially in light of its efforts to expand its political footprint in the State.

The Congress, which secured eight out of the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab during the 2019 elections, will be aiming to retain its previous tally. However, the party faces internal challenges, including infighting and dissent within its ranks. The cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu’s independent rallies and public engagements have caused friction within the party, raising questions about its unity and cohesion.

Additionally, the Congress is also witnessing an exodus of sorts, with its rivals — including AAP and BJP — going all out to poach the disgruntled leaders. Within a week’s time, two prominent Dalit faces of the party — a sitting MLA Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal and a former MLA Gurpreet Singh GP — gave up Congress’ “hand” to hold AAP’s “broom”. It has been learnt that many other Congress leaders are expected to switch loyalties in the run up to polls.

The ruling AAP, on the other hand, is riding high on its popularity wave and electoral success. The party swept the 2022 assembly polls by winning an overwhelming majority of 92 seats, sweeping Punjab’s traditional political players off their feet.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has expressed confidence in his party's prospects, boldly predicting a clean sweep in Punjab with a 13-0 result. AAP's campaign will focus on delivering on its promises made during the state elections, including free electricity, job creation, better education and health facilities, and anti-corruption measures.

However, AAP is not without its critics, who are likely to highlight issues such as deteriorating law and order, prevailing drug menace, and the government's failure to fulfill key promises, like providing Rs 1,000 per month to all women.

As of now, AAP is the only party in the state to announce its candidates for eight, out of total 13, seats, laying bet on its ‘tried and tested’ faces. The party had fielded five Cabinet Ministers from key constituencies of Amritsar, Bathinda, Sangrur, Khadoor Sahib and Patiala, while retaining its sitting MP Sushil Rinku from Jalandhar.

Amid speculation over the revival of the BJP-SAD alliance, the ongoing farmers' agitation poses a significant challenge for both parties. The Akali Dal, which severed ties with the NDA over the contentious farm laws, is unlikely to join hands with the BJP while the farmers’ agitation, to seek the legal guarantee on MSP, continues.

As the election campaign gains momentum, all eyes will be on Punjab, where a closely contested battle is expected to unfold, shaping the political landscape of the state and beyond. With each party vying for supremacy and the electorate poised to make its voice heard, the stage is set for a riveting electoral spectacle that will determine the course of Punjab's political future.