Punjab, which has witnessed a relentless election cycle over the past year, is gearing up for another round of polls — this time for the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. As per a notification issued by the State Election Commission on Thursday, these elections must be conducted by May 31. While an exact date is yet to be finalized, sources suggested that the elections will be scheduled after the wheat harvest concludes in late April to prevent any disruption in the crucial agricultural cycle.
The previous elections for these rural bodies were conducted in September 2018, making the upcoming polls long overdue. Punjab has 23 Zila Parishads and 153 Panchayat Samitis, which form the backbone of local governance in rural areas. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Congress are expected to engage in a fierce battle to establish dominance in these grassroots political institutions.
Punjab's Continuous Election Season
Since March 16, 2024, when the model code of conduct was enforced for the Lok Sabha elections, the state has been in continuous election mode, severely impacting governance. Punjab has seen at least five elections since March 2024 — starting from Lok Sabha elections on June 1, 2024; Jalandhar (West) Assembly Bypoll on July 10, 2024; Panchayat Elections on October 15, 2024; assembly bypolls to four segments on November 20, 2024; and Municipal and Nagar Panchayat Elections in December 2024.
For Lok Sabha elections, the election code was in force from March 16, when the polls were announced, affecting governance for nearly three months. The Congress won eight seats, while AAP, which rules the state, suffered setbacks. Following closely, a bypoll for the Jalandhar (West) assembly segment was announced barely 10 days after the Lok Sabha elections on June 10, extending the model code in Jalandhar district until July 10.
Subsequently, in September 2024, panchayat elections were announced, bringing another wave of political activity, particularly in over 13,000 villages. As if that were not enough, Punjab’s political landscape remained heated as state leaders, except for those from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), were actively involved in campaigning for the Assembly elections in neighbouring Haryana on October 5.
The state finally conducted panchayat elections on October 15, 2024. But even before political parties could recover, the Election Commission announced bypolls for four assembly segments — Gidderbaha, Barnala, Chabbewal, and Dera Baba Nanak — leading to yet another electoral contest on November 20.
In December 2024, Punjab saw municipal elections, further extending the election season. The prolonged implementation of the MCC, which restricts policy decisions and financial allocations by the government, impacted governance significantly.
During the previous year, the State Government was able to convene only five Cabinet meetings throughout the year — on March 9, August 14, August 29, September 5, and October 5. While the Vidhan Sabha’s Winter Session was given amiss, the planned Assembly session for early January this year to discuss the Centre’s draft agriculture marketing policy was also postponed due to the Delhi Assembly elections as the entire cabinet, including the chief minister Bhagwant Mann, campaigned for the party.
Political Stakes and Rural Power Struggles
The upcoming Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections are expected to be a crucial battleground, particularly for AAP and Congress. In the previous elections held in 2018, Congress dominated these rural bodies. However, AAP, which made significant inroads in Punjab’s urban areas during the municipal elections, is expected to make a strong push to expand its rural influence.
For AAP, winning these elections is crucial to consolidate its position ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The rural electorate plays a decisive role in shaping Punjab’s political landscape, and a victory here would cement AAP’s credibility beyond urban strongholds. Conversely, for Congress, retaining control of these bodies is imperative to mount a challenge against AAP’s dominance.
Furthermore, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will also attempt to make their presence felt. SAD, once a dominant force in rural Punjab, has been struggling with internal conflicts and declining support. The BJP, which has failed to make significant electoral gains in Punjab despite repeated attempts, will likely use these elections to test its rural appeal.
Election Strategy and Possible Delays
While the notification mandated that the elections be completed by May 31, the Government is expected to take into account multiple logistical factors. Board examinations in March could delay the election process, as teachers assigned to election duties will be occupied with exam invigilation. Immediately after exams, the wheat harvesting season will commence, further limiting the window for conducting polls.
Despite these logistical challenges, the State Election Commission, led by Raj Kamal Chaudhari, has assured that the elections will be conducted at the earliest possible date.
