Patiala, one of the 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in Punjab, holds significant political importance. It encompasses the entire Patiala district and includes eight Vidhan Sabha constituencies: Patiala Rural, Patiala, Rajpura, Samana, Ghanaur, Nabha, Sanour, and Shutrana. According to the 2011 census, the population of Patiala stands at approximately 19 lakh, making it a crucial area in terms of electoral influence. The constituency is known for its diverse demographic, contributing to its pivotal role in Punjab's political landscape.
In the 2019 General Elections, Preneet Kaur of the Indian National Congress (INC) emerged victorious, securing a substantial margin of 1,62,718 votes. She garnered a total of 5,32,027 votes, reflecting a strong mandate from the electorate. Her closest competitor, Surjit Singh Rakhra of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), managed to secure 3,69,309 votes. Additionally, the National People's Party (NPP) candidate, Dharam Veer Gandhi, received 1,61,645 votes. The voter turnout in the 2019 elections was 67.79%, indicating a healthy participation rate from the constituency's electorate.
Also read: Odisha, Balasore 2024 Lok Sabha election phase 7: Key constituencies and candidates
Patiala's political landscape has seen notable shifts over the years. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the seat was won by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Dharamvir Gandhi. However, Gandhi's rebellion against the party in 2016 led to his suspension, along with Harinder Singh Khalsa, from AAP's primary membership. This incident highlighted the dynamic and often turbulent nature of politics in Patiala.
Below are the candidates contesting for Patiala’s Lok Sabha 2024 seat:
| Candidate | Party |
| Preneet Kaur | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Dr. Dharamvir Gandhi | Indian National Congress (INC) |
| Dr. Balbir Singh | Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) |
As the constituency prepares for future elections, the political dynamics in Patiala remain a focal point of interest for both voters and political analysts alike. The blend of urban and rural voters, combined with the area's historical and cultural significance, ensures that Patiala will continue to be a key battleground in Punjab's electoral politics. Below are the candidates contesting for Patiala’s Lok Sabha 2024 seat:
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
