ANI photo NEW DELHI: Buzz is growing that assembly polls in Punjab may be brought forward to Nov 2026 from Feb 2027, as scheduled. Keeping this in mind, Congress is learnt to have started its preparations, while the ruling AAP has already kickstarted its campaign.Congress sources said the Punjab unit has held discussions on Nov polls, while AICC is also aware of it. The primary reason for the polls being advanced is said to be the Kumbh Mela starting on Jan 14 in Uttarakhand and the second phase of national census kicking off around the same time. Fear of the two events impacting the poll timing has forced the party to move ahead with a curtailed time frame for the preparations, lest it be caught wanting in its efforts. The AICC’s decision to constitute a committee under Ajay Maken late Thursday night for a report on the Punjab Congress unit is said to be dictated by urgency for quick changes in the state organisation as needed.AAP is preparing for a scenario of Nov polls, and BJP is also active on Punjab front.Further, there is speculation in Congress whether Uttarakhand polls will also be brought forward. Both states are to go to the polls along with UP in Feb-Mar 2027.Given the all-round activity, Punjab is set to become the next big battleground in national political calendar, with a strong three-cornered contest in the offing.AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is keen to retain Punjab after the party’s ouster from its other stronghold, Delhi, while Congress is desperate to win back the state to add to perception of its political recovery after the victory in Kerala. Congress is especially keen to defeat AAP to simplify political equations in public perception as well as opposition’s collective calculations, as many INDIA bloc partners have sympathies with Kejriwal.As for BJP, it is making a serious charge to spread its wings in a state where it is at best a marginal force.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBritish Kashmiris protest outside UK Parliament over crackdown in PoJK by Pakistani forcesNirmala Sitharaman Rejects Karnataka Fund Bias Claims, Attacks Congress Over ‘Adani-Ambani’ ChargeRebel TMC MPs To Merge With Nationalist Citizens Party, Support NDA’Modi Is A Swayamsevak, But…’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Speaks On PM’s Ties With Sangh’Undermining India’: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Economic Disaster’ WarningsMK Stalin Questions CM Vijay’s Delhi Visit, Accuses Him Of Applying Double Standards In BJP DebatePM Modi, Macron Launch Bharat Innovates 2026 In Nice, Deepen India-France Innovation Partnership’Historical Mistakes’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Flags Concerns Over India-Bangladesh Border FencingIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc Shrinks123PhotostoriesFrom getting emotional while recalling husband Remo’s heart attack to losing 40 kilos: When Remo D’Souza and wife Lizelle spoke about their love story and becoming parents before marriage10 under-15-minute high-protein desi Indian breakfast dishes for summer monthsRekha to Kajol: Best-dressed celebrities at Aamir Khan Productions’ 25th anniversary celebrationWhy Elon Musk calls passing his trillion-dollar wealth to his 14 children a “mistake”: 5 billionaires whose kids won’t inherit their wealthHow Hollywood stars use yoga to stay fit, manage stress, and maintain peak performanceThe protein craze: Are high-protein diets and supplements putting your liver at risk?Turning 35? These 6 health tests deserve a place on your checklistFrom Deepika Padukone to Priyanka Chopra: Best hair oils for hair growth inspired by Bollywood actresses6 common phrases used for gaslighting and how to respond, as per psychologistThis is what parents of academically strong kids did differently at home: 5 powerful real life examples123Hot PicksIndia vs PakistanUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result
NEW DELHI: Buzz is growing that assembly polls in Punjab may be brought forward to Nov 2026 from Feb 2027, as scheduled. Keeping this in mind, Congress is learnt to have started its preparations, while the ruling AAP has already kickstarted its campaign.Congress sources said the Punjab unit has held discussions on Nov polls, while AICC is also aware of it. The primary reason for the polls being advanced is said to be the Kumbh Mela starting on Jan 14 in Uttarakhand and the second phase of national census kicking off around the same time. Fear of the two events impacting the poll timing has forced the party to move ahead with a curtailed time frame for the preparations, lest it be caught wanting in its efforts. The AICC’s decision to constitute a committee under Ajay Maken late Thursday night for a report on the Punjab Congress unit is said to be dictated by urgency for quick changes in the state organisation as needed.AAP is preparing for a scenario of Nov polls, and BJP is also active on Punjab front.Further, there is speculation in Congress whether Uttarakhand polls will also be brought forward. Both states are to go to the polls along with UP in Feb-Mar 2027.Given the all-round activity, Punjab is set to become the next big battleground in national political calendar, with a strong three-cornered contest in the offing.AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is keen to retain Punjab after the party’s ouster from its other stronghold, Delhi, while Congress is desperate to win back the state to add to perception of its political recovery after the victory in Kerala. Congress is especially keen to defeat AAP to simplify political equations in public perception as well as opposition’s collective calculations, as many INDIA bloc partners have sympathies with Kejriwal.As for BJP, it is making a serious charge to spread its wings in a state where it is at best a marginal force.
