By-elections are being held on four assembly seats in Punjab. This time Akali Dal has decided not to contest the by-elections. This has happened after more than three decades that Akali Dal is not contesting the by-elections. It has been officially said by the party that Akal Takht has declared party chief Sukhbir Badal a pensioner and has given him the punishment of staying away from political activities. Therefore, until he faces punishment, he will stay away from politics, hence the party will also not contest elections. Although the party could contest the elections. Harsimrat Kaur Badal could have also handled the campaign but Sukhbir Badal has kept the party away from the elections on the pretext of Akal Takht punishment.
It cannot be said what benefit this will bring to the party in the long run, but Manpreet Badal may get the immediate benefit of Akali Dal not contesting the elections. It is noteworthy that Manpreet Badal and Sukhbir Badal are cousins. Manpreet had earlier been a minister in the government of Prakash Singh Badal. After that he formed his own party. Then he joined Congress and now is in Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP has made him its candidate from Gidderbah, the traditional seat of the Badal family. In the last two elections, Akali Dal stood second on this seat. Its candidate Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon, who stood second, is contesting from Aam Aadmi Party ticket this time. Congress has fielded Amrita Waring, wife of Amarinder Singh Raja Waring, as its candidate. In such a situation, there may be a chance for Manpreet Badal on this seat. He can increase BJP’s number of seats in Punjab to three i.e. equal to Akali Dal.