Punjab Assembly Elections May Be Held Early to Avoid Census Clash

Discussions have intensified in political circles about the possibility of early assembly elections in Punjab. In view of the possible clash of the proposed census and assembly elections in the year 2027, the Election Commission may consider the option of early voting. If this happens, elections in some other states, including Punjab, may be held in November or December 2026 instead of February 2027. Although no official announcement has been made in this regard so far, various political parties have intensified their election preparations in view of the possible circumstances. The census 2027 is being conducted in two phases. The first phase is of house listing, while the second and most important phase of Population Enumeration (PE) is proposed in February 2027. Meanwhile, caste enumeration will also be done. Both census and election processes require a large number of teachers and government employees. In such a situation, the availability of staff and a big administrative challenge can be created by holding both major national tasks at the same time. Due to this, the Aam Aadmi Party is looking at the possibility of holding the election in the pre-election mode.