Former SAD Minister Sohan Singh joins BJP, expected to contest Chabbewal by-election

Former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) minister Sohan Singh Thandal has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Thandal, who represented the Chabbewal constituency in the Punjab Assembly for four consecutive terms from 1997 to 2017, made the announcement during a ceremony in Hoshiarpur, attended by BJP's Punjab in-charge, Vijay Rupani. His transition from the SAD to the BJP is seen as a significant shift in local politics, particularly given the current challenges faced by the SAD.

Thandal is anticipated to be the BJP's candidate for the upcoming Chabbewal by-election, scheduled for November 13. The official announcement regarding his candidacy is expected from the BJP's headquarters in Delhi shortly. As the deadline for filing nomination papers approaches on October 25, the BJP is eager to solidify its strategy in this key constituency. Thandal's experience and established reputation in the area position him as a strong candidate in the electoral race.

Vijay Rupani expressed optimism about Thandal's entry into the BJP, stating that it would help strengthen the party's presence in Punjab. He emphasized that Thandal's induction was made after discussions with local BJP leadership, aiming to foster a united front as they prepare for the bypolls. Rupani also indicated that the BJP's performance in recent elections has been satisfactory, further motivating the party to contest the bypolls seriously.

In his remarks, Thandal thanked the BJP leadership for welcoming him and reaffirmed his loyalty to the party. He acknowledged his long-standing association with the SAD and expressed respect for its leadership but noted that the current political climate prompted his departure. Thandal indicated that his primary goal is to prevent the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from gaining a stronger foothold in the region, underscoring his commitment to his constituents.

Thandal's shift to the BJP comes at a crucial time when the party is looking to expand its influence among Dalit voters in Punjab. His political career, marked by significant service to his community, positions him as a strategic asset for the BJP in the upcoming elections. As he prepares to face AAP's candidate, Ishank—son of former rival Raj Kumar Chabbewal—the dynamics of the Chabbewal constituency may see a substantial change. The loss of Thandal to the BJP represents a setback for the SAD, which has struggled to maintain its influence in Punjab amid growing competition from the AAP and other political parties.