Punjab Election Results 2022 Highlights: AAP romps to huge win; Congress blames Captain

I was expecting to win by 25,000 votes (margin) but won with over 30,000. I'm thankful to the people of Jalalabad for this victory...The main focus will be on education followed by electricity, water: AAP's Jagdeep Kamboj after defeating SAD's Sukhbir Singh Badal from Jalalabad, Punjab Lauding Bhagwat Mann's stint in the elections, comedian Kapil Sharma quipped that the former hasn't just won the elections, but also won the heart of Punjab. Sharing a throwback glimpse alongside Mann, Kapil sent his love and respect to the newly elected leader. Read the full story HERE. Aam Aadmi Party CM candidate Bhagwant Mann reaches his native place, Satoj village, in the Sangrur district of Punjab. The candidate has registered 82,592 votes from his constituency, Dhuri; the party has won 89 seats and is leading on 3. #WATCH | Aam Aadmi Party CM candidate Bhagwant Mann reaches his native place, Satoj village, in Sangrur district of Punjab. The candidate has registered 82,592 votes from his constituency, Dhuri; the party has won 89 seats & is leading on 3.#PunjabElections2022 pic.twitter.com/rxDCJK56uQ — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2022 Speaking to the media, Bhagwant Mann's mother Harpal Kaur said, "I am very happy. His father must have been happy too, to see his son becoming a Chief Minister...Earlier also he was on the right path, today also he is on the right path". I am very happy. His father must have been happy too, to see his son becoming a Chief Minister...Earlier also he was on the right path, today also he is on the right path...: Harpal Kaur, mother of Bhagwant Mann, AAP CM candidate from Dhuri#PunjabElections2022 pic.twitter.com/DKbXTsm272 — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2022 The BJP's performance in the assembly elections except in Punjab has been on expected lines with the saffron party emerging stronger while the internal bickering cost the Congress very dear in Punjab, said Chirag Paswan, parliamentarian and president of Lok Janshakti Party (R). The election results in five state assemblies indicate that the BJP is performing "practically well" except in Punjab, he said. "The Congress has lost badly and the credit goes to internal fighting. The party could have performed even better in Uttarkhand but the internal fights have damaged the Congress," Paswan said reacting to the election trends. AAP's Punjab CM face Bhagwant Mann was handed over his certificate of victory from the Dhuri seat. He dedicated it to Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Babasaheb Ambedkar. ਧੂਰੀ ਦੇ ਇਨਕਲਾਬੀ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਜਿੱਤ ਦਾ ਇਹ ਫ਼ਤਵਾ ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਭਗਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਅਤੇ ਬਾਬਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਅੰਬੇਡਕਰ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਰਪਿਤ... pic.twitter.com/KcA94SqalW — Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) March 10, 2022 Taking to Koo, AAP's Punjab CM face Bhagwant Mann thanked the people of the state for giving the verdict in favour of change and honest politics. Speaking on the question of AAP becoming a national alternative to BJP, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar said, "If a party comes to one or two states, it cannot be seen as an alternative. Two states have come to him, it does not mean that he has stood as a national alternative". "I do not agree with the ideology of the Aam Aadmi Party at all. Make the people incompetent by giving them free things and don't inspire them to venture and just feed them. This is not right," he added. कोई पार्टी एक या दो राज्यों में आती है तो उसको विकल्प के तौर पर नहीं देखा जा सकता। इनके पास 2 राज्य आए हैं इसका मतलब यह नहीं कि वह कोई राष्ट्रीय विकल्प के रूप में खड़े हो गए हैं: आम आदमी के राष्ट्रीय विकल्प के सवाल पर हरियाणा के मुख्यमंत्री मनोहर लाल खट्टर pic.twitter.com/QIlAGHyT5h — ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) March 10, 2022 Addressing a press conference after his party's dismal performance in the Assembly elections, Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala stated, "The results of the 5 states have come against the expectations of the Congress party but we accept that we failed to get the blessings of the people. Sonia Gandhi has decided to convene Congress Working Committee meeting soon to introspect the results". He also blamed Congress' defeat on the party's inability to counter the anti-incumbency of the first 4 and a half years when Amarinder Singh was the CM. He opined, "In Punjab, Congres presented a new leadership through Charanjit Singh Channi who is son of the soil, but the entire anti-incumbency of 4.5 years under Captain Amarinder Singh could not be overcome and hence people voted for AAP for change". LIVE: Special Congress Party Briefing by Shri @rssurjewala at the AICC HQ. https://t.co/0we2vPsbDn — Congress (@INCIndia) March 10, 2022 Thanking voters, Punjab Minister Pargat Singh remarked, "Deeply grateful to the people of Jalandhar Cantt for reposing faith in me;third time in a row. I reiterate Jalandhar Cantt is my home and you all are my family. I congratulate AAP and their elected CM Bhagwant Mann for the victory. I hope they will deliver on the expectations of people". Deeply grateful to the people of Jalandhar Cantt for reposing faith in me;third time in a row. I reiterate Jalandhar Cantt is my home & u all are my family. I Congratulate AAP & their elected CM @BhagwantMann for the victory. I hope they will deliver on the expections of people. pic.twitter.com/76zpRabh1l — Pargat Singh (@PargatSOfficial) March 10, 2022 Conceding defeat in the Assembly polls in 5 states, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi remarked, "Humbly accept the people’s verdict. Best wishes to those who have won the mandate. My gratitude to all Congress workers and volunteers for their hard work and dedication. We will learn from this and keep working for the interests of the people of India." Humbly accept the people’s verdict. Best wishes to those who have won the mandate. My gratitude to all Congress workers and volunteers for their hard work and dedication. We will learn from this and keep working for the interests of the people of India. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 10, 2022 I humbly accept the verdict of the people of Punjab and Congratulate @AamAadmiParty and their elected CM @BhagwantMann Ji for the victory. I hope they will deliver on the expections of people. — Charanjit S Channi (@CHARANJITCHANNI) March 10, 2022 Congratulating the people of the state, Punjab CM Arvind Kejriwal said, "'Punjab waalo tussi kamaal kar ditta', we all love you, Punjab. The results are a massive 'inquilaab', big seats have shaken up. We will fulfill the dream of Baba Bhimrao Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Now people have got an alternative in politics and the people of Punjab have given an opportunity to that alternative". Urging more people to join AAP, he called for the need to bring about a revolution in India on the lines of Punjab and Delhi. देश में ईमानदार राजनीति की नई उम्मीदों की ये शानदार जीत आप सभी को मुबारक हो | #AAPSweepsPunjab | श्री @ArvindKejriwal LIVE https://t.co/xb3GYi406j — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) March 10, 2022 Shiromani Akali Dal general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia's wife Ganieve Kaur won from Majitha by a margin of over 26,000 votes. Her husband lost from the Amritsar East seat. With AAP registering a landmark victory, Congress candidate from Punjab's Moga constituency, Malvika Sood has been defeated by AAP’s Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora by over 20,000 votes. Sood is the sister of popular Bollywood actor Sonu Sood, who hails from Moga. Rana Inder Pratap Singh, the son of Punjab Minister Rana Gurjeet Singh, who contested as Independent Candidate won from Sultanpur Lodhi. The latter also won from the Kapurthala seat. Commenting on the Assembly polls, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut remarked, "Congress party has lost badly in these elections. We didn't get the expected results. In Punjab people got another option and elected AAP. BJP's win is a victory of their election management too". Congress party has lost badly in these elections. We didn't get the expected results. In Punjab people got another option and elected AAP. BJP's win is a victory of their election management too: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on assembly election results pic.twitter.com/T8D0Luz5uk — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2022 Deputy CM OP Soni lost from Amritsar Central SAD patriarch Parkash Singh Badal lost from Lambi Deputy CM Sukhjinder Randhawa won from Dera Baba Nanak seat by 1100 votes Minister Vijay Inder Singla lost from Sangrur Minister Pargat Singh won the election from Jalandhar Cantonment Amarinder Singh Raja Warring won from Gidderbaha In the wake of AAP's humungous victory in Punjab, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal visited the Hanuman temple in the national capital. In a setback for Congress, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi lost from Chamkaur Sahib as well as Bhadaur. In a key development, AAP's CM face Bhagwant Mann announced that his photo will not be put in any government offices. He also declared that he will take oath as the CM at freedom fighter Bhagat Singh's birthplace Khatkar Kalan. Meanwhile, sources revealed that AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal dialled Mann and congratulated him on this stupendous victory. In yet another upset, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal lost from Jalalabad to AAP's Jagdeep Kamboj. Taking to Twitter, he accepted the mandate and expressed gratitude towards lakhs of people who reposed their faith in SAD & BSP. Congratulating AAP, Kejriwal and Mann, he exuded confidence in the new government rising up to the people's expectations. We whole-heartedly & with total humility accept the mandate given by Punjabis. I am grateful to lakhs of Punjabis who placed their trust in us & to to SAD-BSP workers for their selfless toil. We will continue to serve them with humility in the role they have assigned to us. 1/2 — Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) March 10, 2022 Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu suffered a shock defeat at the hands of AAP's Jeevan Jyot Kaur in Amritsar East. This marks the first occasion in his political career when he has lost an election. AAP Punjab CM candidate Bhagwant Mann greeted party workers and supporters at his residence in Sangrur as the party secured a landslide win. Recalling that allegations were made on him, he expressed happiness that people ignored those comments. Moreover, Mann asserted that he was confident of Parkash Badal losing his seat. https://www.facebook.com/AAPPunjab/videos/657674068810097 After his shocking defeat in Patiala Urban, Amarinder Singh remarked, "I accept the verdict of the people with all humility. Democracy has triumphed. Punjabis have shown true spirit of Punjabiyat by rising and voting above sectarian and caste lines. Congratulations to AAP Punjab and Bhagwant Mann". I accept the verdict of the people with all humility. Democracy has triumphed. Punjabis have shown true spirit of Punjabiyat by rising and voting above sectarian and caste lines. Congratulations to @AAPPunjab and @BhagwantMann. — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) March 10, 2022 #March10WithArnab | We expected "Jhaadu" but Punjab wiped with a vacuum cleaner: @raghav_chadha, AAP MLA and National Spokesperson, speaks to Republic on massive victory in Punjab Watch #LIVE here: https://t.co/YXlQm6VrxZ pic.twitter.com/aeNMUy6Rkj — Republic (@republic) March 10, 2022 Lambi is set to witness major upset with SAD patriarch Parkash Singh Badal trailing by 9474 votes. The 94-year-old politician is a 10-time MLA who holds the record of being the youngest and oldest CM of any state in India. He has only lost an Assembly election once- in 1967. Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi is trailing in Bhadaur (by 22,843 votes) and Chamkaur Sahib (by 2671 votes) as per official EC trends. Meanwhile, Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu is trailing by 5202 votes in Amritsar East. #March10WithArnab | Punjab CM Charanjit Channi trails in Bhadaur by over 22,000 votes and in Chamkaur Sahib by over 2600 votes, and Captain Amarinder loses in Patiala as AAP sweeps Punjab; Tune in #LIVE here - https://t.co/NVUNWAc7J4 pic.twitter.com/KgTgqLsikl — Republic (@republic) March 10, 2022 As per the EC, AAP has won 12 seats whereas it is leading in 79 seats. As per sources, the Congress high command has spoken to Navjot Singh Sidhu and stressed that it was a "collective battle". AAP's Punjab CM face Bhagwant Mann has won the election from the Dhuri constituency. Congress' Tript Rajinder Bajwa who was a Minister in the Pramod Sawant-led government also won. Breaking his silence after his party's rout in the Punjab elections, Congress state chief Navjot Singh Sidhu conceded defeat. Taking to Twitter, he wrote, "The voice of the people is the voice of God …. Humbly accept the mandate of the people of Punjab …. Congratulations to AAP". #BREAKING on #March10WithArnab | Punjab Congress Chief Navjot Sidhu concedes defeat; congratulates AAP for the landslide victory Tune in to watch #LIVE updates and comprehensive analysis here on Assembly Election 2022 Results, here: https://t.co/NVUNWAc7J4 pic.twitter.com/gFioaGjBvp — Republic (@republic) March 10, 2022 Speaking to the media, AICC Punjab in-charge Harish Chaudhary accepted responsibility for Congress' crushing defeat in the state. However, he took a dig at Congress MP Jasbir Singh Gill who called upon the party high command to review the allotment of tickets and fix responsibility. He said, "Where was Gill himself in this election? He was with the Akalis". After congratulating the people of Punjab, AAP announced that its CM face Bhagwant Mann will address the state from his house in Sangrur at 1 pm. Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi has called a meeting of the state Cabinet at 11.30 am tomorrow. He is set to resign as the CM thereafter. At present, Channi is trailing from both Chamkaur Sahib as well as Bhadaur. The Election Commission lifted the ban on victory processions during the counting of votes and declaration of results in the five states where elections were held recently. In a statement, the poll panel said keeping in mind the current status of COVID-19 in these states, it has "decided to relax the guidelines on victory processions during and after the counting and has withdrawn the blanket ban on victory procession". The relaxation will be subject to existing instructions of state disaster management authorities and preventive measures imposed by concerned district authorities, it added AAP's Sarvjeet Kaur Manuke- Jagraon AAP's Harjot Bhains- Anandpur Sahib Punjab Lok Congress leader Amarinder Singh lost to AAP's Ajit Pal Singh Kohli from Patiala Urban. At present, other heavyweights such as Charanjit Singh Channi, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Parkash Badal and Sukhbir Singh Badal are also trailing from their respective seats. Addressing party workers, AAP's Punjab co-in-charge Raghav Chadha said, "Punjab has proven that it likes the Arvind Kejriwal-Bhagwant Mann pair, and no other party's pair... all other parties tried to defame us and called Kejriwal Ji a terrorist, but public proved that he is a 'shikshak-wadi'". Highlighting the fact that people have rejected Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress, Punjab will no longer be known as Udta Punjab. #March10WithArnab | 'AAP has become a national political force; it will be a natural and national replacement of Congress': AAP MLA and National Spokesperson Raghav Chadha in his victory speech over imminent Punjab victory Watch #LIVE here: https://t.co/NVUNWAc7J4 pic.twitter.com/HdNN3zKuxE — Republic (@republic) March 10, 2022 In his first reaction to the massive AAP win, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said, "Many congratulations to the people of Punjab for this revolution". इस इंक़लाब के लिए पंजाब के लोगों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। pic.twitter.com/BIJqv8OnGa — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 10, 2022 Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will reach the AAP office shortly. Meanwhile, party supporters celebrated outside the AAP office in Delhi over its superb performance in Punjab. #WATCH दिल्ली: पंजाब में आम आदमी पार्टी के बेहतर प्रदर्शन पर दिल्ली में AAP ऑफिस के बाहर पार्टी के समर्थक जश्न मनाते हुए दिखे। #PunjabElections2022 pic.twitter.com/wP683JHdsw — ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) March 10, 2022 As per sources, Navjot Singh Sidhu will offer his resignation as the Punjab Congress president. Moreover, the Congress Legislative Party meeting scheduled at 5 pm today has also been cancelled. In a big boost for BJP, its Punjab unit president Ashwani Sharma won from Pathankot. He defeated Congress' Amit Vij. 1st win for Congress as Minister Rana Gurjeet Singh trounces AAP's Manju Rana in Kapurthala by 5455 votes. At present, Singh holds the portfolios of Technical Education & Industrial Training, Employment Generation, Horticulture and Soil & Water Conservation. Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu is trailing by 1505 votes in the Amritsar East constituency. While AAP's Jeevan Jyot is leading with 9026 votes whereas SAD general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia is at the third position with 6832 votes. "Punjab has given chance to Kejriwal's model of governance. Today, his model of governance has been established at the national level. This is the victory of the 'Aam Aadmi' (common man)," Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia remarked. Punjab has given chance to Kejriwal's model of governance. Today, his model of governance has been established at the national level. This is the victory of the 'Aam Aadmi' (common man): AAP leader Manish Sisodia as party sweeps Punjab pic.twitter.com/Fxdbxzd6Mg — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2022 Congress workers protested against EVM, outside the party office in Delhi as counting for the Assembly Elections continues. The party is trailing in all five states as per the latest official trends by the Election Commission. Congress workers protest against EVM, outside party office in Delhi as counting for the #AssemblyElections continues. The party is trailing in all five states as per the latest official trends by the Election Commission. pic.twitter.com/8Ltemk5wrW — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2022 14 out of 17 Punjab Cabinet Ministers are trailing in the Assembly election. However, Deputy CM and Home Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa is leading in the Dera Baba Nanak seat. As per the latest trends, AAP has improved its lead with its candidates ahead in 89 out of 117 seats. In the first sign of rebellion in the party amid its crushing defeat in the Punjab elections, Congress MP Jasbir Singh Gill said, "The Congress high command should review the allotment of tickets and fix responsibility, make accountable the leaders who got tickets for their protégé for cash or kind ignoring merit & winnability of genuine, hard-working, loyal and honest Congressmen". The Congress high command should review the allotment of tickets & fix responsibility, make accountable the leaders who got tickets for their protégé for cash or kind ignoring merit & winnability of genuine, hard working, loyal & honest Congress men — Jasbir Singh Gill MP (@JasbirGillKSMP) March 10, 2022 AAP's Punjab CM candidate Bhagwant Mann is leading by 16,787 votes from the Dhuri seat. On the other hand, 12 Ministers in the Punjab Cabinet are trailing. As per sources, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi is likely to submit his resignation to the Governor very soon. He has arrived at his official residence in Chandigarh. Speaking to the media as AAP is set for a landslide win in Punjab, AAP's state co-in-charge Raghav Chadha highlighted that bigwigs are trailing from their own seats. Maintaining that the people of Punjab have hugged the combination of Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, he said that people's blessings have defeated the Congress government. Moreover, he stated that the people have voted for a non-corrupt party. #WATCH | "Had been saying from day 1 that AAP will form govt with absolute majority...Throne of people who ruled Punjab for decades is shaking. In future, Arvind Kejriwal will be BJP's principal challenger, AAP will be Congress' replacement," says Raghav Chadha#PunjabElections pic.twitter.com/RIUFlyNNef — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2022 Reacting to the Punjab election, AAP's Ravinder Balyan stated that the people of the state have voted on the issues of education, health, employment. He asserted that AAP's win is the victory of every common man of Punjab. In a massive development, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi is trailing by over 2000 votes from both Chamkaur Sahib as well as Bhadaur. As per the latest trends, AAP has improved its lead with its candidates ahead in 88 out of 117 seats. Congress is ahead in only 15 seats. On the other hand, the SAD-BSP alliance and the BJP-led tie-up are ahead in 8 and 4 seats each. As per the latest trends, AAP has improved its lead with its candidates ahead in 84 out of 115 seats. Congress is ahead in only 18 seats. On the other hand, the SAD-BSP alliance and the BJP-led tie-up are ahead in 9 and 3 seats each. The Election Commission of India revealed that AAP is leading in 75 out of 100 seats whereas Congress is a distant second with 13 seats. AAP's Jeevan Jyot Kaur is leading by 6000 votes over Navjot Singh Sidhu from Amritsar East seat. Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi is trailing from Chamkaur Sahib with over 1933 votes. On the other hand, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal is trailing by 4000 votes. As per the trends from the Election Commission of India, AAP is leading in 71 out of 95 seats whereas Congress is a distant second with 11 seats. SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal is trailing from Jalalabad by 827 votes whereas former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal is trailing by 1416 votes from Lambi. As per the trends from the Election Commission of India, AAP is leading in 64 out of 81 seats whereas Congress is a distant second with 8 seats. As per the trends from the Election Commission of India, AAP is leading in 54 out of 70 seats whereas Congress is a distant second with 8 seats. As per the latest trends, AAP is now in the pole position to form the government as it is leading in 59 out of 117 seats. Congress is ahead in 33 seats. On the other hand, the SAD-BSP alliance and the BJP-led tie-up are ahead in 13 and 3 seats each. In a big setback for Congress, its Punjab unit chief Navjot Singh Sidhu is trailing behind AAP's Jeevan Jyot and SAD's Bikram Singh Majithia. As per the trends from the Election Commission of India, AAP is leading in 14 out of 19 seats. As per the latest trends, AAP's lead over Congress has widened. While AAP is ahead in 44 seats, Congress is leading in 33 seats. On the other hand, the SAD-BSP alliance and the BJP-led tie-up are ahead in 13 and 2 seats each. Punjab Cabinet Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu is trailing from the Ludhiana West seat whereas ex-CM Rajinder Bhattal is leading from Lehragaga. As per the latest trends, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi is now trailing from the Bhadaur seat. Bhagwant Mann, Charanjit Channi, Navjot Sidhu and Sukhbir Badal are all leading in their respective seats in Punjab where Congress and AAP are neck-&-neck, as per latest trends. #BREAKING on #March10WithArnab | Bhagwant Mann, Charanjit Channi, Navjot Sidhu & Sukhbir Badal all lead in respective seats in Punjab where Congress & AAP are neck-&-neck, as per latest trends; Tune in #LIVE here - https://t.co/IbgxJ5e26V pic.twitter.com/BUU17MoLwt — Republic (@republic) March 10, 2022 As per the official trends from the Election Commission of India, Shiromani Akali Dal, AAP, BSP, BJP and Independent are leading in one seat each. In a massive development, Punjab Lok Congress chief Amarinder Singh is trailing from the Patiala Urban seat as per the latest trends. As per the latest trends, AAP is now leading on the most number of seats in the Punjab election. AAP is ahead in 40 seats whereas Congress candidates are leading in 36 seats. On the other hand, the SAD-BSP alliance and the BJP-led tie-up are ahead in 15 and 2 seats each. AAP's Aman Arora- Sunam: LEADING AAP's Surdev Singh Devman- Nabha: LEADING Congress' Raj Kumar Verka- Chabbewal- LEADING BJP's JP Surjit Kumar Jiyani- Fazilka- LEADING As per the first official trends from the Election Commission of India, Shiromani Akali Dal is leading in one seat. As per the latest trends, Congress is now leading on the most number of seats in the Punjab election. Congress is ahead in 38 seats as against AAP's 35 seats. On the other hand, the SAD-BSP alliance and the BJP-led tie-up are ahead in 15 and 2 seats each. #March10WithArnab | In Punjab, Congress moves ahead of AAP again as see-saw battle continues in the early trends; Tune in for #LIVE updates on Republic TV here - https://t.co/NVUNWzTYuW pic.twitter.com/VTgHDCMm1s — Republic (@republic) March 10, 2022 AAP is leading in 33 seats while Congress is a distant second with 21 seats according to the early trends. Meanwhile, the SAD-BSP alliance and the BJP-led tie-up are ahead in 7 and 2 seats each. Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu is leading from Amritsar East. He is up against SAD general secretary Bikram Majithia and AAP's Jeevan Jyot Kaur. AAP is leading in 33 seats while Congress is a distant second with 17 seats. On the other hand, the SAD-BSP alliance and the BJP-led tie-up are ahead in 5 and 3 seats each. SAD chief Sukhbir Badal is leading in the Jalalabad seat. Meanwhile, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi is ahead in both Chamkaur Sahib and Bhadaur seats. In early trends, AAP is leading in 19 seats while Congress is a distant second with 13 seats. On the other hand, the SAD-BSP alliance and the BJP-led tie-up are ahead in 5 and 3 seats each. In early trends, Congress and AAP are neck-to-neck with 10 seats each whereas the BJP-led alliance and SAD-BSP alliance are ahead in 1 and 2 seats respectively. The BJP-Punjab Lok Congress-SAD(S) alliance is now leading in 1 seat, as per early trends. In early trends, Congress is leading in 10 seats whereas AAP and SAD-BSP alliance are getting 6 and 3 seats respectively. Counting of votes begins in UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur. Watch Arnab and his team present the Election Results 2022 LIVE on Republic TV. In Punjab, as many as 7,500 personnel have been deputed for the counting process which began at 8 am at 66 locations across the state. A three-tier security measure has been set up with the deployment of 45 companies of Central Armed Police Forces at the counting centres. Officials said CRPC section 144 has been imposed in all the districts and gathering of people outside the counting centres has been prohibited. #BREAKING on #March10WithArnab | Counting of votes begins in UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa & Manipur. Watch Arnab & Team present the Election Results 2022 #LIVE on Republic TV here - https://t.co/NVUNWzTYuW pic.twitter.com/zVFPaun9cm — Republic (@republic) March 10, 2022 Visuals from a counting centre in Moga, Punjab. As per the early trends, Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress are leading in one seat each. At Bhagwant Mann's residence in Sangrur, flowers, giant screens and posters of Mann and Kejriwal are being installed. He is the CM face of AAP in the Punjab elections. #March10WithArnab | At Bhagwant Mann's residence in Sangrur, flowers, giant screens & posters of Mann and Kejriwal being installed; Watch Arnab Goswami & Team #LIVE here - https://t.co/d0h98QdAgW pic.twitter.com/0G8iaFo3dj — Republic (@republic) March 10, 2022 Amid the exit polls showing an AAP sweep in Punjab, the Amritsar residence of Punjab Congress Chief Navjot Sidhu wore a deserted look. He is contesting from the Amritsar East constituency. Taking to Koo, Punjab BJP's media advisor Jaibans Singh predicted, "Best wishes @BJP4India & @BJPPunjab for election results. Lotus is poised to bloom across the country bringing with it peace & prosperity for all. #BJP holds great respect for #Punjab and #Punjabiat whom it will be honored to serve". Ahead of the election results in 5 states, Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra asserted that there is no question of EVM tampering. This came after the Samajwadi Party levelled allegations over the suspicious transportation of EVMs. Former Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar rued the lack of choices for the voters in the current election. He quipped, "Realistically looking at the choice available to the voters in these elections, without being condescending in any manner, I dare say this wait for a statesman may seem like Waiting for Godot". Jakhar has been miffed with the party leadership after being ignored for the CM's post. The counting of votes for the Punjab Assembly elections is set to begin at 8 am. Here are visuals from the counting centre set up in Amritsar. Counting of votes for Punjab Assembly elections set to begin at 8am Counting centre set up in Amritsar.#PunjabElections2022 pic.twitter.com/ewwgJBiB1p — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2022 Ahead of the Punjab Assembly election results, Congress has sent party general secretary Ajay Maken and spokesperson Pawan Khera to the state as special observers. This comes amid a prediction that the Sonia Gandhi-led party will fall well short of the majority mark. Prior to the counting of votes, AAP's Punjab CM face Bhagwant Mann offered prayers at a Gurudwara. Speaking to the media, he predicted that AAP is coming to power this time. He also assured that a lot of pending work will be completed. Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami is LIVE as the final countdown for 5-state Election Results ticks down. #BREAKING | Arnab Goswami is #LIVE as the final countdown for 5-state Election Results ticks down. Tap to watch #March10WithArnab on Republic TV here - https://t.co/d0h98PVr2O pic.twitter.com/wEUFq5O2cQ — Republic (@republic) March 10, 2022 In anticipation of his victory, jalebis are being prepared and flower decoration is being done at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party CM candidate Bhagwant Mann in Sangrur. #March10WithArnab Jalebis being prepared at AAP CM face Bhagwant Mann's Parliamentary constituency Sangrur in Punjab; Tune in for #LIVE updates ahead of the Punjab #ElectionResults here - https://t.co/gE5lkQizlA pic.twitter.com/HqJu3k9eNw — Republic (@republic) March 10, 2022 AAP's Punjab CM face Bhagwant Mann left from his residence in Sangrur. He did not interact with the media at this juncture. Even before the announcement of results, Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu declared that the first Congress Legislative Party meeting will be held on 10th March at the PPCC office at 5 pm. He requested all newly elected MLAs to kindly attend the meeting. #BREAKING on #March10WithArnab Punjab Congress to hold first legislative party meeting at PPCC office today at 5 pm after Punjab #ElectionResults. Which way will the pendulum swing in Punjab? Find out here - https://t.co/d0h98PVr2O pic.twitter.com/zfrJDBFljW — Republic (@republic) March 10, 2022 Speaking exclusively to Republic TV, AAP's Punjab CM candidate Bhagwant Mann said that she just visited the Gurudwara. Showering blessings on her son, she exuded confidence in his victory from Dhuri. Speaking exclusively to Republic TV, ex-Punjab Health Minister Balbir Sidhu dismissed the exit polls predicting an AAP sweep in Punjab. Contending that the same prediction made in 2017 proved to be incorrect, he said that Congress will win with a huge margin. Moreover, he observed that the people of Mohali are like a family to him. In a big statement of intent, AAP's Punjab election co-in-charge Raghav Chadha revealed the Prime Ministerial ambitions of Arvind Kejriwal. He opined, "Arvind Kejriwal is the hope of crores of people. If God is willing and people give an opportunity, he will definitely be seen in a bigger role - that of the Prime Minister - soon. AAP will emerge as a major national political force". #PunjabElections show that AAP has emerged as national political force. It took BJP 10 yrs to form their first govt in a state. Not even 10 yrs since AAP's inception & we're forming govt in 2 states. AAP will be Congress' national & natural replacement: AAP’s Punjab co-in charge pic.twitter.com/9Xv1PiffT6 — ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2022 Speaking to the media, Punjab Lok Congress leader Amarinder Singh opined that the counting of votes marks the conclusion of the electoral festival of democracy and that he is confident of outstanding results. He said, "We trust people's judgment to deliver a positive verdict in our favour and provide us with a chance to serve them for the next five years" adding that the feedback from candidates and workers was very positive and encouraging. Moreover, he contended that the people of Punjab understand the importance of a double-engine government that will watch and safeguard the national interest and help in reviving Punjab's economy. In the 2017 Punjab Assembly election, Congress won a whopping 77 seats in the 117-member House, whereas Shiromani Akali Dal could win only 18 seats. On the other hand, AAP emerged as the second-largest party with 20 seats and failed to bear fruit as it could win in only 54 constituencies. Despite winning a huge mandate, infighting erupted in the Congress camp after Sidhu started attacking the then CM Amarinder Singh over the purported delayed justice in the incidents of desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib and the drug cases. The situation escalated on September 18, 2021, after Congress summoned a Legislative Party meeting without keeping the Punjab CM in the loop. Amid growing speculation that Singh will be ousted, the latter tendered his resignation to Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit at about 4.30 pm on the same day owing to "humiliation". However, Charanjit Singh Channi pipped Sidhu to the CM's post on September 20, 2021. More drama was in store in the poll-bound state as the latter stepped down as the state Congress chief on September 28, 2021. Sidhu took back his resignation only after Channi replaced Amar Preet Singh Deol as the Advocate General of Punjab. The former cricketer had expressed dissatisfaction over Deol's appointment as the latter had appeared for former DGP Sumedh Singh Saini and other accused in the sacrilege cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Even after Channi was named as the CM face, the rift in the party has persisted. Congress is set to face a major setback with P-MARQ projecting only 23-31 seats for the ruling party in the 117-member Punjab Assembly. Moreover, the exit poll predicts that the SAD-BSP tie-up has failed to enthuse the voters and might bag 16-24 seats. On the other hand, AAP is likely to win 62-70 seats with a vote share of 35.6% and thus, is the frontrunner to form the next government in the state. The alliance of BJP, Punjab Lok Congress and SAD(S)'s endeavour to make an impact in Punjab politics is unlikely to succeed as it may get only 1-3 seats and a paltry vote share of 9.7%. Amritsar (East): Navjot Singh Sidhu Vs Bikram Singh Majithia What could have been an easy fight for Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu has turned into an uphill battle after Akali Dal fielded party veteran Bikram Singh Majithia against him. This decision was spurred when Punjab police booked Majithia in a drugs case - fuelling Majithia to take on Sidhu in his turf. Majithia, who was given pre-arrest bail by Punjab High Court, has accused CM Channi of money laundering in the sand mining cases and called Sidhu 'pro-Pakistan'. He has also been constantly touring Amritsar (East), highlighting Congress' faults. In the last bid to woo voters, Sidhu has also apologised to his Amritsar East constituents for neglecting them, vowing to be accessible once voted back. Adding to the poll battle, AAP has fielded Jeevan Jyot Kumar, being a key part in division of votes. In 2012, Sidhu's wife - Navjot Kaur Sidhu won the seat while Navjot Sidhu won in 2017. Amritsar East has remained with Congress since 1969. Bhadaur: Charnajit Channi Vs Labh Singh Ugoke An indirect battle between CM faces - Charanjit Singh Channi and Bhagwant Mann will be witnessed in Bhadaur - Mann's turf. Channi, who was suddenly fielded from Bhadaur apart from his home constituency of Chamkaur Sahib, faces a major poll battle in AAP's turf. While Congress won the seat in 2012, AAP wrestled it from Akali Dal in 2017 with Pirmal Singh Dhaula winning by 20784 votes. Moreover, Mann is the sitting Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur - under which falls Bhadaur - which he has won twice. Channi faces AAP's Labh Singh Ugoke since Dhaula quit AAP and moved to Canada, Akali Dal's Satnam Singh. Dhuri: Bhagwant Singh Mann Vs Dalvir Singh Goldy Fighting his first Assembly election, AAP's CM face Bhagwant Singh Mann has chosen Dhuri - which falls under his home turf Sangrur. Mann, who has been touring across Punjab, conducted door-to-door campaigns and roadshows in Dhuri - slamming Sidhu-Channi and Akali Dal patriarch Parkash Singh Badal. He faces a tough fight from sitting Congress MLA - Dalvir Singh Goldy - who is a resident of Dhuri and has been pitting Mann as an 'outsider'. In 2017, Goldy defeated AAP's Jasvir Singh Jassi Sekhon with a margin of 2,811 votes. Batala: Ashwani Sekhri Vs Sucha Singh Chhotepur Vs Sherry Kalsi Vs Fateh Jung Bajwa A four-cornered fight will be witnessed for Batala between Congress' Ashwani Sekhri, AAP's Sherry Kalsi, Akali Dal's Sucha Singh Chhotepur and BJP's Fateh Singh Bajwa. The poll battle intensified when BJP fielded Fateh Jang Bajwa - Congress MP Partap Singh Bajwa's younger brother. Fateh Singh Bajwa joined the BJP after he was snubbed by the Congress which fielded his brother from their home turf - Qadian. On the other hand, Akali Dal has fielded AAP defector Sucha Singh Chhotepur against AAP's Sherry Kalsi. In 2017, Akali Dal's Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal won by a mere 450 vote margin, defeating Sekhri. Mansa: Sidhu Moosewala Vs Vijay Singla Wooing youth votes, Congress has fielded popular singer - Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu aka Sidhu Moosewala against AAP’s Dr Vijay Singla. Moosewala has been publically campaigned for by Sidhu and Channi in the constituency. In 2017, AAP candidate Nazar Singh Manshahia won from Mansa seat. Chamkaur Sahib CM Charanjit Singh Channi's home turf will see an easy battle, eyeing to retain his seat for the fourth time. In a bizarre move, AAP has fielded Channi's namesake, Dr. Charanjit Singh, for this seat. Channi - who has been elected from this SC-reserved seat in 2007, 2012 and 2017 - is also fighting the polls from Bhadaur which is an AAP turf. Channi is Punjab's first Dalit Chief Minister and replaced Capt Amarinder Singh after his ouster due to Navjot Sidhu's rebellion. Lambi 94-year-old Akali Dal patriarch Parkash Singh Badal sees no fight in his home constituency of Lambi. Badal, who has held this seat since 1997 is in the poll fray for the 13th time after his party members urged him to do so. Due to health constraints, Badal's campaigning has been done by close aide Tejinder Singh Middukhera and his daughter-in-law Harsimrat Badal. AAP CM face Bhagwant Mann has attacked the 94-year-old claiming 'His greed for power forced him to contest'. Badal faces AAP's Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Congress' Jagpal Singh Abul Khurana. Patiala Home turf of ex-CM Capt Amarinder Singh - Patiala will see an easy fight as the 79-year-old seeks his fifth win. The ousted Congress veteran, who now heads Punjab Lok Congress has won the seat four times -- 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017. His wife Preneet Kaur won it in 2014 after Capt Amarinder Singh won the Patiala Lok Sabha seat, defeating BJP veteran Arun Jaitley by a margin of more than 102,000 votes. The ex-CM faces AAP's Ajitpal Singh Kohli and Congress' Vishnu Sharma. Navjot Singh Sidhu and his supporters rebelled against then-CM Capt Amarinder Singh moving the High Command claiming the party's 18-point agenda was not being fulfilled. After many rounds of talks, Congress High Command picked Sidhu as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief, inspite of the CM's vehement opposition. Later, blindsided by the CLP meeting called without his knowledge, 79-year-old Capt Amarinder Singh tendered his resignation from the Punjab CM post and then launched 'Punjab Lok Congress' which is now allied with BJP and Akali Dal (Dhindsa) Jalalabad Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal's home constituency - Jalalabad - which falls under Fazilka district will see a one-sided fight between Badal and AAP's Jagdeep Goldi Kamboj, BJP's Puran Mujaidia and Congress' Mohan Singh Phalianwala. Badal has held the constituency since 2009, before he won the Firozpur Lok Sabha polls. Congress managed to win the seat in the bypolls in 2019. However, Jalalabad saw a massive campaign by ex-ally BJP with both PM Modi and BJP chief JP Nadda addressing rallies in Fazilka. The saffron allies broke ties after 23 years over differences over the now-repealed three Farm Laws. After the repeal of farm bills, Akali Dal hailed PM Modi for the decision and has stayed clear of attacking either Capt Amarinder or BJP directly. Bholath A major face-off will be seen in this constituency falling under Kapurthala district between Congress' Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Akali Dal's Bibi Jagir Kaur and Ranjeet Singh Rana. AAP-turned-Congress leader Khaira, who is Bholath's sitting MLA won the seat in 2017 for AAP by a margin of 8202 votes, defeating Akali Dal's Yuvraj Bhupinder Singh. Khaira - a 2-time MLA faces three-time SAD MLA Bibi Jagir Kaur and Congress-turned-AAP leader Ranjeet Singh Rana.