punjab assembly elections

Punjab Assembly elections are underway on February 20. The Election Commission confirmed smooth polling, which started at 8 am, with over 20% voters turnout till 11 am. Notably, 1,304 candidates are in the fray to contest for 117 Assembly seats. The BJP-SAD and Amarinder Singh's new party in alliance are contesting against the Congress and AAP, to win the 2022 elections. 2.14 crore voters will vote at 24,689 polling-stations. 

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, addressed a rally in Hoshiarpur, ahead of Punjab Assembly elections. During the rally, Gandhi criticized the Modi Government, saying the 2016 Demonization was a major reason for unemployment in Indian states.  He said, the decision affected small, large, poor, middle class and other population of India. He said, the BJP Government promised Rs 15 lakh to youths, but never fulfilled. 

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, on February 6, addressed a virtual public meeting from Ludhiana. During the meeting, Gandhi sharing stage with two contenders, Navjot Singh Sidhu and Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi, announced Channi to be the Punjab CM face in the 2022 elections, on February 20. While Channi extended gratitude, Navjot Singh accepted Rahul Gandhi's decision and said will work for the party.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) postponed polling for the Punjab Assembly elections to February 20. Previously the elections were scheduled on February 14, but was rescheduled after a meeting, on January 17. Reportedly, Punjab ministers and political parties asked the ECI to postpone, in view of the Guru Ravidas Jayanti, on January 16. Now, the voting will be on February 20 and results to be announced on March 10.

Intensifying campaigning for Punjab elections, the AAP President Arvind Kejriwal promised a sports university and an international airport in Jalandhar. On December 15, Delhi CM said, "when the AAP forms government, the country's biggest sports university will be set up in Jalandhar". Furthermore, Kejriwal assured to clear a long pending demand of an international airport, if AAP wins the Punjab Assembly elections in 2022.