AAP names 40 candidates for 2027 Punjab polls, jailed ex-minister gets ticket
Neeraj Bali
Chandigarh, Oct 31 (UNI) Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced its first list of 40 candidates for the 2027 assembly elections, retaining all sitting legislators named in the list, including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while also fielding a former minister currently in judicial custody in a money-laundering case.
Mann will again contest from Dhuri, the constituency he won in 2022, while Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has been renominated from Kotkapura. The early announcement signals AAP's preference for continuity as it prepares to defend its overwhelming electoral mandate.
The most politically significant nomination is that of former minister Sanjeev Arora from Ludhiana West, despite being in judicial custody in connection with an alleged money-laundering case involving more than Rs 100 crore. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Arora on May 9, 2026, over alleged financial irregularities involving his company, Hampton Sky Realty Limited. According to the agency, the company allegedly used fictitious GST invoices linked to mobile phone exports during 2023-24 to claim input tax credit of around Rs 15 crore and duty drawback benefits worth Rs 48 crore. Investigators have also alleged that funds were routed through Dubai before being brought back to India to project them as legitimate business proceeds. Arora has denied wrongdoing, describing the allegations as politically motivated.
AAP has accused the BJP-led central government of misusing investigative agencies against its political opponents. His bail plea was rejected by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in October, and he remains lodged in Bhondsi jail in Gurugram. The nomination is likely to draw criticism from opposition parties, while the allegations against Arora remain subject to judicial proceedings. Another notable development is the absence of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema from the first list. Cheema, who represents Dirba, has faced questions over his alleged links to the Gulzar Singh suicide case in Sangrur district. However, his omission does not necessarily indicate that he has been denied a ticket, as the party is yet to announce candidates for the remaining constituencies. No official explanation for his absence from the initial list was available.
Sandhwan, meanwhile, defended the government's performance and rejected opposition criticism. "No one can match us when it comes to work. A false propaganda campaign is being carried out against us," he said. The announcement comes as Punjab approaches elections expected before the expiry of the present assembly's term in March 2027.
AAP currently holds 94 seats in the 117-member House, according to the figures accompanying the announcement. By declaring candidates months ahead of polling, AAP has given its nominees additional time to consolidate their constituencies and strengthen grassroots organisations.
However, early ticket distribution could also trigger political realignments, particularly among legislators who may be excluded from subsequent lists. Dissatisfied leaders could explore opportunities with rival parties, potentially creating openings for the Congress, BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal as they prepare their electoral strategies.
The opposition is expected to challenge AAP over drug trafficking, law and order, unemployment, government finances and unfulfilled electoral promises. With 77 constituencies still awaiting candidate announcements, the next lists will indicate whether AAP intends to retain more sitting legislators or introduce new faces. UNI NB AAB For Mann, the 2027 election will be a crucial test of whether his government can translate its 2022 landslide victory into a second consecutive term amid mounting political challenges.
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