Party takes its announced candidate tally to 71 across 117 Assembly constituencies; fresh choices include Deepak Bali from Jalandhar Cantonment and Parminder Singh Goldy from Kharar
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has stepped up its preparations for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections by releasing its second list of 31 candidates, taking the number of constituencies for which it has announced nominees to 71. The latest list has drawn attention for the inclusion of two sitting Lok Sabha MPs—Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, fielded from Barnala, and Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, nominated from Phagwara.
The announcement marks a significant stage in the party’s early candidate-selection exercise, with the leadership combining experienced political figures, party functionaries and new faces as it begins shaping its electoral contest across Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the selections followed discussions on survey findings, public feedback and the candidates’ work at the grassroots level.
The second batch reflects a wider electoral strategy, with the party naming candidates in several constituencies where it had failed to win in the 2022 Assembly elections. The focus on these seats indicates an effort to strengthen its presence beyond constituencies where it already has sitting legislators. The list also includes candidates who are entering the Assembly electoral contest for the first time.
Among the notable changes, Deepak Bali has been nominated from Jalandhar Cantonment, while Parminder Singh Goldy will contest from Kharar in place of Anmol Gagan Mann. In Lambi, the party has dropped Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian and selected Randhir Singh Dhira Khuddian. The nomination of Randhir Singh Dhira Khuddian is particularly significant given his family association with the constituency.
Other prominent names in the second list include:
– Harjobanjit Singh Randhawa (Joban Randhawa) – Fatehgarh Churian
– Sonia Mann – Raja Sansi
– Talbir Singh Gill – Majitha
– Karamjit Singh Rintu – Amritsar North
– Jaskanwar Singh Gill (Jassa Patti) – Patti
– Advocate Harsimran Singh – Bholath
– Davinder Pal Singh Ranga – Kapurthala
– Harjot Kaur Lohtia – Phillaur
– Balvir Singh Pala Jalalpur – Shahkot
– Nitin Kohli – Jalandhar Central
– Vaneet Dhir – Jalandhar North
– Pawan Kumar Tinu – Adampur
– Sarabjot Singh Saabi – Mukerian
– Robby Kang – Nawan Shahr
– Jasvir Singh Garhi – Chamkaur Sahib
– Dr KNS Kang – Dakha
– Saravjit Kaur Manuke – Jagraon
– Dr Suhani Doda – Abohar
– Amandeep Singh ‘Goldy’ Musafir – Balluana
– Gopal Singh – Bathinda Rural
– Vaninder Kaur Loomba – Shutrana
Mann says selection based on surveys and public feedback
Explaining the process behind the latest nominations, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the party’s candidate-screening committee had examined survey reports and feedback received from the public before placing the names before the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) for approval.
Mann maintained that the selection process was not influenced by financial background, political connections, recommendations or lobbying. According to him, the party considered candidates’ public acceptance and their work at the grassroots level. He also said the early announcement was intended to give nominees sufficient time to interact with voters, explain the government’s policies and achievements, and bring public feedback to the party leadership.
The first list of 40 candidates, announced on October 31, included Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann from Dhuri and several other sitting legislators. With the second list taking the total to 71, AAP has now declared candidates for a substantial portion of Punjab’s 117 Assembly constituencies, leaving 46 seats yet to be announced.
The latest selections also bring the party’s candidate-replacement strategy into sharper focus. While the first list largely retained sitting legislators, the second announcement includes changes in constituencies represented by AAP leaders as well as nominations in seats where the party is seeking to expand its electoral footprint.