Lok Sabha Elections 2024: A quick look at Punjab's Majtha seats ahead of polling on June 1
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Majha region of Punjab, known for its rich cultural heritage and significant political history, comprises three key Lok Sabha constituencies: Khadoor Sahib, Gurdaspur, and Amritsar. These seats, each with its unique political dynamics and voter demographics, play a crucial role in shaping the political discourse of Punjab. As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach on June 1, 2024, let's have a quick look at history and current political scenario of these constituencies.
Khadoor Sahib: A stronghold of Sikh voters
Khadoor Sahib, a predominantly Sikh constituency, was established in 2008, carving out from the erstwhile Tarn Taran seat. With a voter base of 16,64,199, the constituency has 8,74,470 male voters, 7,89,662 female voters, and 67 transgender voters. This seat holds significant importance due to its 95% Sikh electorate and encompasses nine Vidhan Sabha segments.
Political History
2009: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) emerged victorious with Rattan Singh Ajnala winning the seat
2014: SAD retained the seat with Ranjit Singh Brahmpura as the MP
2019: The Indian National Congress (INC) made inroads with Jasbir Singh Gill (Dimpa) securing the seat
A notable event in Khadoor Sahib's political history is Simranjit Singh Mann's victory from Tarn Taran in 1989 while he was in jail, showcasing the constituency's unique electoral behaviour.
Gurdaspur: The Seat of Artists
Gurdaspur, often dubbed the seat of artists, has a voter count of 16,03,628, including 8,48,196 male voters, 7,55,396 female voters, and 36 transgender voters. This constituency is not only politically significant, but also culturally vibrant, given its history of electing notable film personalities.
Political History
1985-2017: Vinod Khanna of the BJP held the seat four times, demonstrating the strong influence of celebrity status in this constituency.
2019: Bollywood actor Sunny Deol won with a substantial majority, continuing the trend of celebrities winning this seat.
Gurdaspur's electoral landscape includes nine Vidhan Sabha segments, and the influence of film stars in its political arena underscores the unique cultural-politico synergy.
Amritsar: The Battleground of Giants
Amritsar, a city of immense historical and cultural importance, has a total voter count of 15,99,946, with 8,39,772 male voters, 7,60,108 female voters, and 61 transgender voters. The constituency has witnessed fierce political battles and significant turnovers in its electoral history.
Political History
1985-2019: Over this period, the seat has seen 10 Lok Sabha elections and 2 byelections. The Congress party has won seven times, the BJP four times, and an independent candidate once.
Current MP: Gurjeet Singh Aujla of the Congress, who has secured consecutive wins in 2014 and 2019, with 445,032 votes in the last election against BJP’s Hardeep Puri, who garnered 345,406 votes.
Amritsar's nine Vidhan Sabha segments contribute to its dynamic and competitive political environment, making it a focal point for both national and state-level parties.
Key Issues and Voter Concerns
Agriculture: Given Punjab's agrarian economy, issues related to farming practices, MSP, and agrarian distress dominate the political discourse.
Development: Infrastructure development, healthcare, and education are critical areas where voters seek substantial progress.
Cultural Heritage: Preservation of cultural and religious heritage remains a significant concern, influencing voter sentiment.
Electoral Dynamics
The Khadoor Sahib constituency, with its high percentage of Sikh voters, often sees electoral battles centered around religious and community issues.
Gurdaspur's unique blend of cultural and political narratives, influenced by film personalities, creates a distinct electoral atmosphere.
Amritsar’s historical and political significance makes it a hotbed of political activity, with high-stakes contests between major political players.
- PTC NEWS
