Photo Source; Sukhbir Singh Badal's X account
Sukhbir Badal calls Tarn Taran By-poll a ‘Moral Victory’, alleges police high-handedness in bypoll
Harvinder Kaur
Tarn Taran (Punjab), November 14, 2025: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal has termed the Tarn Taran by-election outcome a “historic moral victory” for his party, alleging that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government misused the Punjab Police and administrative machinery to influence the poll.
The ruling AAP's candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu won by a margin of 12,091 votes in the Tarn Taran bypolls. Sandhu is a Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) turncoat and a three-time MLA.
In a sharp reaction following the result, Badal said the voters of Tarn Taran had “bravely fought state-backed tyranny” and stood firmly with SAD candidate Bibi Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa.
Badal said, “I congratulate the wise and courageous voters of Tarn Taran who resisted blind government dictatorship and the high-handedness of Punjab Police. They rejected intimidation, violence, and money power with remarkable resolve.”
"Tarn Taran bye election: AAP LOSES Punjab Police WINS! I congratulate@DGPPunjabPolice Gaurav Yadav and his team comprising State Intelligence Chief PK Sinha, CP Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, DIG Ferozepur range Harmanbir Singh, SSPs of Tarntaran, Amritsar (Rural), Batala and Moga districts for ensuring the victory of Punjab Police candidate Harmeet Sandhu in the Tarn Taran bye election . God save democracy!," he posted on social media.
He added that the Sikh Panth and Punjab would remain indebted to the voters for displaying “traditional grit and bravery” and backing the Akali Dal despite “massive administrative interference”.
Calling it a significant moral win for the party, Badal said, “This result stands as a testament to the unshakeable support shown to Shiromani Akali Dal. Tarn Taran has given a befitting reply to those who misused state machinery for electoral gains.”
The SAD chief also praised party workers for what he described as an “unyielding fight” against the alleged misuse of power. “Our dedicated cadre stood fearlessly against the abuse of official authority and worked day and night to uphold the dignity of Punjab and the Panth,” he said.
The remarks come after BJP state president Sunil Jakhar also criticised the by-poll environment, claiming the BJP needed to intensify its efforts to carry the Centre’s schemes to the grassroots.
The Tarn Taran result continues to trigger strong political reactions, with opposition parties accusing the AAP government of “excessive police interference” — a charge the ruling party has firmly denied.
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