The Tarn Taran by-election looked less like an election and more like a well-rehearsed stage play in which everyone already knew the hero, the supporting cast, and even the climax. The star of the show, Mr. Sandhu, walked onto the political stage with such confidence that one could mistake him for someone who already had the script in his pocket. And why not? When half the police force admires you like a film hero, elections automatically become easier — sometimes too easy.
Opposition parties entered the battlefield like schoolchildren who forgot their homework but still hoped for full marks. Their candidates looked less like contestants and more like confused guests at a wedding where they weren’t sure who invited them. Some were missing in action, others were searching for their polling booths, and a few were still trying to figure out which voters they were supposed to talk to. By the end of the day, they were united in only one thing — issuing complaints.
Meanwhile, the local police were performing their own Oscar-worthy roles. According to the opposition, several officers were so inspired by loyalty that they acted like full-time members of Team Sandhu. If someone sneezed against AAP, they were immediately surrounded by police not for health reasons but for “maintaining law and order.” The Election Commission had to step in and suspend the SSP, proving once again that even in drama, there must be at least one twist.
The funniest part? The voters were watching this entire circus like a live comedy show. Gangsters giving warnings, candidates giving excuses, police giving instructions, and everyone giving statements. If elections had ticket prices, Tarn Taran would’ve made more money than a blockbuster Punjabi film.
And let’s not ignore the grand finale — the result. Mr. Sandhu won with such a margin that even calculators felt shy. AAP called it a victory of “good governance,” the opposition called it a “police-managed win,” and the public called it “just another day in Punjab politics.” The Akali Dal congratulated everyone — including the police — because at this point, who knows who was actually contesting?
In short, the Tarn Taran bypoll was not just an election; it was a full entertainment package: action, drama, suspense, comedy, and a climax everyone secretly expected. One can only hope that future elections are fought with less police participation, fewer gangsters, and more candidates who actually remember they are candidates.
If Punjab politics had a tagline for this by-election, it would be simple:
“Democracy in Tarn Taran — now with extra masala!”