Punjab Byelection Result 2024: AAP's Dr Ishank’s defeats senior political leaders in Chabbewal in his first electoral battle

Punjab Byelection Result 2024: In a significant political debut, Dr Ishank Chabbewal, son of Hoshiarpur MP Dr Raj Kumar, clinched a decisive victory in the Chabbewal Assembly bypoll. The 30-year-old radiologist, contesting on an AAP ticket, secured a commanding margin of 28,582 votes, defeating seasoned political heavyweights in the process.

Dr Ishank’s entry into politics has been closely watched, given his family’s strong political background. His father, Dr Raj Kumar, a two-time MLA from Chabbewal and now an AAP leader, played a pivotal role in shaping the constituency’s political landscape. Dr Raj Kumar had previously won the Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha seat with an impressive margin of 44,100 votes, signaling the family's deep connection with the region’s electorate.

This victory marks a turning point for Dr Ishank, who pursued MBBS from Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, and has been actively involved in grassroots campaigns, including heading his father’s Lok Sabha campaign and participating in panchayat elections. The announcement of his candidature coincided with his 31st birthday, further adding to the celebratory mood.

Defeating political stalwarts

The bypoll saw a triangular contest with Sohan Singh Thandal (BJP) and Ranjit Kumar (Congress) as key contenders. Both rivals focused their campaigns on promises of development and grassroots empowerment, seeking to appeal to a mix of rural and urban voters.