Chandigarh, September 16, 2026: Punjab is unlikely to witness an Assembly by-election for now as the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has entered the final six months of its current term.
According to a report by Babushahi Network, the Election Commission of India can announce the Assembly election schedule for Punjab at any time as the state moves closer to the end of the present Assembly’s tenure. The previous Punjab Assembly elections were held in February 2022.
Focus shifts towards 2027 Assembly elections
With the government entering the final phase of its five-year term, attention is expected to increasingly shift towards the next Punjab Assembly elections.
The Election Commission has the authority to announce the election schedule, while elections in Punjab have traditionally been held around February during the state’s Assembly election cycle.
Government highlights fulfilment of election promises
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has maintained that his government has fulfilled the election promises made to voters in 2022.
However, several issues continue to remain part of the political debate in the state.
Employees have been protesting over demands including the release of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears and implementation of the Old Pension Scheme, according to the report. Farmers have also raised concerns related to power supply.
Financial and political challenges
The report also points to financial pressures facing the Punjab government along with various political issues.
As the possibility of a by-election recedes and the state moves closer to the next Assembly election, political activity is expected to intensify.
The report also notes that the coming months could see developments involving MLAs switching political affiliations, along with other political realignments ahead of the Assembly polls. These are reported possibilities rather than confirmed developments.
Punjab heads towards next electoral battle
For now, the political focus in Punjab is moving away from a potential immediate bypoll and towards the larger Assembly election expected in 2027.
With the current government’s term entering its final six months, policy decisions, public issues, political movements and possible changes in political alignments are likely to receive greater attention in the run-up to the next election.
