Elections could be held in Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Meghalaya this year; votes will be cast in November

Chandigarh: A new topic of discussion has stirred up a storm in Punjab's political landscape. While the state's assembly elections are scheduled for February 2027, there is growing speculation in political circles that they could be held about 3–4 months early—specifically in November 2026.

When will elections be held? 

Although the Election Commission has not yet made an official announcement, sources indicate that elections in Punjab, Meghalaya, and Uttarakhand could be advanced. Furthermore, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has previously made similar claims.

What are the reasons behind early elections?

According to sources, two major practical reasons are being cited for advancing the elections:
Challenges of winter and hilly terrain: Elections for states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, and Manipur usually coincide with those in Punjab. Since hilly states like Uttarakhand and Manipur experience severe cold and snowfall during January and February, conducting elections there becomes extremely difficult. Voter turnout also tends to be lower due to the cold weather. Consequently, there is talk of wrapping up Punjab's elections in November alongside these states.
Clash with the national census: Additionally, opposition parties point out that the second and most crucial phase of the national census is set to begin in February 2027. Managing assembly elections across five states simultaneously would become a massive challenge when the country's administrative machinery is heavily engaged in census operations.

Will Sitharaman’s portfolio change? 

Earlier, a statement by AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal had already heated up the political atmosphere in Punjab. During a roadshow in Bathinda, Kejriwal stated clearly, "I have been told that the elections might be held in November 2026 instead of February 2027. We now have only a few months left, and our sole objective is to make Bhagwant Singh Mann the Chief Minister again."
However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has categorically denied these claims and speculations, dismissing them as mere conjecture.

Political parties in 'election mode': What are their preparations?

Even though the dates are not yet finalized, the possibility of a November 2026 election has put all parties on alert. Political activity in Punjab has intensified significantly.
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) appears to be leading the charge. The party has sounded the bugle for its election campaign from Bathinda. Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Mann have personally hit the ground. Kejriwal is consistently presenting a report card of the Mann government's performance over the past four years, asserting that there is not a single penny's worth of corruption allegations against Bhagwant Mann.
The BJP has also geared up for the Punjab elections. Senior party leaders have begun holding meetings in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and a robust election strategy for the state is being fine-tuned.
Amidst this sudden surge in activity, the main opposition party, Congress, is currently occupied with sorting out its internal dynamics. The party is focusing on strengthening its organization and fostering better coordination among its leaders.
For now, the ball is in the Election Commission's court. If a decision is indeed made to hold elections in November 2026—taking into account administrative and weather-related constraints—Punjab will have very little time left to elect its new government. This is precisely why every political party in the state, big or small, has geared up and entered the electoral fray.