Tarn Taran: The Aam Aadmi Party appeared to gain an early edge in the Tarn Taran Assembly by-election on Friday, with its nominee Harmeet Singh Sandhu maintaining a lead after sixth rounds of counting. His closest challenger at this stage is Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa of the Shiromani Akali Dal, election officials said.
Several other contenders are also in the fray, including Karanbir Singh Burj from the Congress, Harjit Singh Sandhu representing the BJP, and Mandeep Singh, who is contesting as an Independent.
Counting began at 8 a.m. at the International College of Nursing in Piddi, where authorities have deployed heightened security to oversee the process. Officials noted that the vote tally will continue through 16 rounds, with results expected later in the day.
The bypoll, conducted on Tuesday, recorded a 60.95% voter turnout. The seat fell vacant following the death of AAP legislator Kashmir Singh Sohal in June, prompting the Election Commission to announce the contest.
A total of 15 candidates are vying for the constituency, making it a crowded race as parties attempt to consolidate their influence in the border district.
