The Aam Aadmi Party could emerge as the single largest party in Punjab, with India News-Jan Ki Baat Opinion Poll projecting 50-57 seats for it in the upcoming elections. In the current situation, with no party projected to cross the halfway mark, Punjab could head towards a hung house. Punjab has a total of 117 Assembly seats.
The Congress, which has battled internal rebellion and seen the exit of Captain Amarinder Singh, is projected to get anywhere between 40-46 seats, while Akali Dal, which is fighting to make a comeback after its break up with the BJP is projected to get 16-21 seats, and BJP, which so far is a non-player in Punjab may not get more than four seats.
As per the opinion poll, AAP which could emerge as single largest party is projected to get a vote share of 37.80%; Congress 34.70%; Akali Dal 20.5%; BJP of 5%.
In the politically important Malwa region, which has 69 seats, AAP could get anywhere between 31 to 34 seats, Congress 20-26 seats, Akali Dal 8-11 seats, and BJP 2 seats
As for the impact of the farm laws, 70% respondents said that the farm laws and the protest by the farmers could impact the elections. 55% respondents also said that the current Congress government’s performance was average.
Some of the other highlights of the poll were: 1. SC vote will be a deciding factor; 2. SC women are inclined towards AAP, while more SC men prefer Congress; 3. Corruption, drugs and guest teacher vacancy are top election issues; 4. AAP ahead in Malwa, close fight between Congress and AAP in Doaba and Majha.