Punjab polls: AAP announces first list of 40 candidates, Bhagwant Mann to contest from Dhuri

What happened: The ruling Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab announced its first list of 40 candidates for Assembly elections scheduled for February 2027, fielding Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann from Dhuri. Key numbers: 40 candidates announced; 117-member Assembly; term ends March 16, 2027; 2022 results: AAP 92 seats, Congress 18, Shiromani Akali Dal 3; list split: 5 Majha, 8 Doaba, Why it matters: The list renominates most sitting figures, including ministers and the Speaker, while the party's Punjab unit president was left off, signaling the slate the ruling party will take into the 2027 contest.

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab announced its first list of 40 candidates for Assembly elections scheduled for February 2027, fielding Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann from Dhuri.

The list renominates most sitting figures, including ministers and the Speaker, while the party's Punjab unit president was left off, signaling the slate the ruling party will take into the 2027 contest.