Last elections were held in Punjab in 2012 and Bharatiya Janata Party was able to form a government in Punjab after the polling result were announced. As per the information, Bharatiya Janata Party formed an alliance with SAD. This time there are many new contenders in Punjab and one of them is Aam Aadmi Party. The party is resorting to heavy publicity to win the elections. The parties are contesting elections for 117 seats this time.
Date of Elections: 4 February 2017
Date of Result: 11 March 2017
Some of the major issues in Punjab are increasing unemployment along with people addicted to substance abuse. Movie Udtaa Punjab highlighted many such key issues in Punjab and it is clear that people are not happy with the government of BJP. This could cause heavy loss to BJP as they were not able to address the issues of Punjab and Aam Aadmi Party can gain a lot out of these problems as he is the new face in polls and another factor that can contribute to AAP’s victory is Congress losing popularity across India. Let us have a look at the Opinion Poll results.
Opinion Poll Results by VDP Associates
As per VDP Associates, AAP is going to emerge victoriously in the polls and the party can easily win a majority because of their agenda. Congress doesn’t seem to be doing because of corruption charges around the India and BJP also seems to be performing badly because they were not able to bring any change in Punjab during their tenure.
| Name of Political Party | Seats Expected |
| NDA | 6 |
| Indian National Congress | 15 |
| AAP | 93 |
| Others | 3 |
Opinion Polls Results by India Today Axis Polls
Axis Polls suggests that Congress may get a maximum number of votes but as per them none of the parties may get a majority. It will be interesting to see that whom the party would form an alliance with in order to make a government. It can be said that Congress would surely not form an alliance with BJP or AAP.
| Political Party | Expected Seats |
| BJP + SAD | 17 – 21 |
| Indian National Congress | 49 – 55 |
| AAP | 42 – 46 |
| Others | 3 – 7 |
Conclusion
2017 Punjab polls are going to be a deciding poll for Congress because they are losing elections in most of their constituencies. The poll can help them in reinstating the lost confidence and lost trust. The position will only be clear after the results will be announced.
