Punjab election 2022 highlights: Over 63% voter turnout recorded

"By God's grace, everyone loves him. For us, he has already become the CM. People love him," said Harpal Kaur, mother of Bhagwant Mann, AAP CM candidate for poll-bound Punjab.

"Over 30% voter turnout has been recorded till 1pm, this is a good sign. We will see a very good win in Patiala and nearby seats. If BJP-PLC and Dhindhsa's party is getting a good response, then what else do we need," said Capt Amarinder Singh. 

What is Charanjit Channi? Is he a magician that in 3 months he can perform miracles in Punjab?. Giving all the credit to try to make him a hero before the elections....I think both (Channi and Navjot S Sidhu) are useless: Capt Amarinder Singh on #PunjabElections2022

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal along with Parkash Singh Badal and Harsimrat Kaur casts his vote at Muktsar. 

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal along with Parkash Singh Badal and Harsimrat Kaur casts his vote at Muktsar in #PunjabElections2022 pic.twitter.com/bksQO4TVqw

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

Polling picks up pace in punjab, 34.10% turnout till 1 pm. 

Voter turnout till 1 pm | #PunjabElections2022 : 34.10%#UttarPradeshElections2022 (third phase) : 35.88% pic.twitter.com/bvDKde8Lcc

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday urged the people of the state to vote in "large numbers" for the "honour of Punjabiyat". "For Punjab, for the honour of Punjabiyat, vote in large numbers," read Priyanka`s tweet roughly translated from Hindi.

"Sisters and brothers of Punjab, stability and development complement each other. Every vote given for peace, security and prosperity will play an important role in the betterment of Punjab with new thinking," she added.

"People will win, their issues will win & public will reject Sidhu's arrogance and hate politics. There has not been any development of industries and issues of business, unemployed & poor labours have not been addressed," said SAD leader Bikram S Majithia, contesting from Amritsar East. 

Punjab Lok Congress founder and former CM Capt Amarinder Singh casts his vote. 

Patiala | Punjab Lok Congress founder and former CM Capt Amarinder Singh casts his vote at polling booth number 95-98 pic.twitter.com/ZWErHsLsZp

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

"I am certain of winning Patiala. I think we will win the elections...They (Congress) live in a different world & will be wiped out in Punjab," said Capt Amarinder Singh. 

#PunjabElections2022 | I am certain of winning Patiala. I think we will win the elections...They (Congress) live in a different world & will be wiped out in Punjab: Capt Amarinder Singh, Punjab Lok Congress founder, at Patiala pic.twitter.com/jrt2a2PPnb

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

17.77% polling recorded till 11 am in Punjab. 

Punjab Assembly Elections 2022
Total Average Voter Turnout in 23 Districts of Punjab
Till 11:00 AM-17.77%
GO VOTE TODAY!!#GoVote #AssemblyElections2022 #COVIDsafeElections #TheCEOPunjab #PunjabVotes2022 #EveryVoteCounts @ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI @rajivkumarec @DDNewslive pic.twitter.com/WofFVJyX7e

— Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab (@TheCEOPunjab) February 20, 2022

Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal along with Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Parkash Singh Badal drives to the polling station in Lambi. 

Today people want a stable, strong govt. As a border state, it has many challenges. I'm sure there's going to be clean sweep in favour of a tried & tested local, regional party that understand the aspirations of the local people: Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal leader pic.twitter.com/jdZq5u7JhI

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

"We have been standing firm at one place for the last three generations. While many others have moved to other parties on not getting election tickets, like Capt Amarinder Singh," said Shiromani Akali Dal patron Parkash Singh Badal. He is contesting from Lambi constituency of Punjab. 

ALSO READ | 'It’s mafia and drugs vs ‘change’ in Punjab': Navjot Singh Sidhu

Punjab Deputy CM and Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa casts his vote. 

Punjab Deputy CM & Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa casts his vote at a polling booth in Dera Baba Nanak#PunjabElections2022 pic.twitter.com/HZFBZinbVB

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

"Congress made a good decision (Channi as CM face). People have accepted this decision, party will be benefitted by work done by my brother & they'll form govt," said Manohar Singh, Punjab CM Channi's brother. 

I was working in the constituency. I had winnability - not me, but their survey, says this. Still, I was ignored by High Command. I had to contest as people told me to. I hope I pass: Manohar Singh, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi's brother,contesting as an independent candidate pic.twitter.com/D47y6bLl3s

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

"On one side is the mafia system of Badal family & Capt Amarinder Singh. On the other side are those who love Punjab. We lost one generation to terrorism, the second to drugs, so, today we've to vote carefully. People will vote in large numbers to bring change," said Navjot S Sidhu. 

On one side is the mafia system of Badal family & Capt Amarinder Singh. On the other side are those who love Punjab. We lost one generation to terrorism, the second to drugs, so, today we've to vote carefully. People will vote in large numbers to bring change: Navjot S Sidhu,Cong pic.twitter.com/A7nKBMz0Zg

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

Congress MP Partap Singh Bajwa casts his vote at polling booth number 145 in Gurdaspur. #PunjabElections pic.twitter.com/tYJtyubiA9

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

Congress leader Manish Tewari casts his vote in #PunjabElections2022 at Ludhiana

I request people to keep in mind the interests of Punjab, rise above caste & religion while voting in this election, he says. pic.twitter.com/EPlO3B6A2V

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda on Sunday urged the people of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab to cast their vote to maintain the development and prosperity in the states.

"With the third phase in Uttar Pradesh, voting is to be held in all the seats of Punjab today. I request all the voters to vote for the prosperity, prosperity and development of the state on this important occasion of the great festival of democracy. Ensure your share in the progress of the state," Nadda tweeted in Hindi. 

उत्तर प्रदेश में तृतीय चरण के साथ ही आज पंजाब की सभी सीटों पर मतदान होना है।

सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा आग्रह है कि लोकतंत्र के महापर्व के इस महत्वपूर्ण अवसर पर प्रदेश की खुशहाली, समृद्धि और विकास के लिए वोट अवश्य डालें। प्रदेश की प्रगति में अपनी हिस्सेदारी सुनिश्चित करें।

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) February 20, 2022

Voter turnout till 9 am | #PunjabElections2022 4.80%#UttarPradeshElections2022 (third phase) 8.15% pic.twitter.com/6vS6TlV6lf

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

Bhagat Singh and many other people sacrificed their lives for the country. I appeal to the public to vote for the candidate they want: AAP CM candidate Bhagwant Mann pic.twitter.com/Zzqwm3dYrg

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

I am confident that the voters of Punjab will give a befitting reply to those dreaming of dividing and ruling in Punjab, says Congress leader Sunil Jakhar#PunjabElections pic.twitter.com/y1XD9fI4qr

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi offers prayers to Lord Shiv at a temple in Kharar#PunjabElections2022 pic.twitter.com/prReLeNwV5

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

Punjab's Education, Sports & NRI Affairs Minister, Pargat Singh, casts his vote at a polling booth in Mithapur, Jalandhar

Voting will be done on the confidence built among the people of Punjab by CM Channi, he says. pic.twitter.com/sQgBxRva4p

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday urged the people of Punjab to vote as both the states go to the Assembly polls today. "Punjab has a golden and glorious history, which every Indian is proud of. I appeal to the people of Punjab to vote for the government which keeps the state safe and keeps the cultural heritage and rich tradition of gurus ahead to keep Punjab and the country united," Shah said in a tweet. 

ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਸੁਨਹਿਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਗੌਰਵਮਈ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ 'ਤੇ ਹਰ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਨੂੰ ਮਾਣ ਹੈ।

ਮੈਂ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਵੋਟਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਅਪੀਲ ਕਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਸੂਬੇ ਨੂੰ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਰੱਖਣ ਅਤੇ ਸੱਭਿਆਚਾਰਕ ਵਿਰਸੇ ਅਤੇ ਗੁਰੂਆਂ ਦੀ ਅਮੀਰ ਪਰੰਪਰਾ ਨੂੰ ਅੱਗੇ ਵਧਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਅਜਿਹੀ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਚੁਣਨ ਲਈ ਵੋਟ ਪਾਉਣ ਜੋ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਅਤੇ ਦੇਸ਼ ਨੂੰ ਇਕਜੁੱਟ ਰੱਖੇ।

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 20, 2022

AAP CM candidate for #PunjabElections, Bhagwant Mann offers prayers at Gurdwara Sacha Dhan in Mohali. pic.twitter.com/RTF7NmK05d

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

#PunjabElections2022 | I urge people to vote carefully in this election. Congress promises that if the 'Sarkaarwali pagdi' is given to the party, then it never let down the state: Manpreet Singh Badal, Punjab Finance Minister pic.twitter.com/webng8ZLXY

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

It is a very unique case. EC told us to do proper videography. They're icons of PWD voters. They're conjoined but two separate voters. Arrangements were made by the RO of giving them goggles so that secrecy of voting is maintained: Gaurav Kumar, PRO#PunjabElections pic.twitter.com/8G8onA9RKE

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

PM Narendra Modi urged voters to turn up in large numbers. 

The Punjab elections and the third phase of the UP elections are being held today. I call upon all those voting today to do so in large numbers, particularly the youth as well as first time voters.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 20, 2022

Voting for #PunjabElections begins; 117 assembly constituencies across 23 districts of the state going to polls today. pic.twitter.com/r5pTOFF7aa

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

"It is a big day for Punjab today. Congress & BJP have come together to put allegations on my party and me, but the people of Punjab know everything," said Aam Aadmi Party's CM candidate Bhagwant Mann.

Mohali | It is a big day for #Punjab today. Congress & BJP have come together to put allegations on my party and me, but the people of Punjab know everything: Aam Aadmi Party's CM candidate Bhagwant Mann

Mann is contesting from Dhuri, Sangrur pic.twitter.com/nhOHUPxuNj

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

Sonu Sood`s sister Malvika Sood Sachar, who is contesting from Punjab`s Moga seat on Congress ticket, is hopeful of winning the Assembly elections. "I feel positive for today. A lot of people are calling up including those from foreign countries and are cheering up for my support. Many of them have assured me to vote for me today. If people think that Sonu Sood is a star, then it`s an icing on the cake for me," Malvika said.

She added, "I have worked a lot for the welfare of the people. We have done many social works. I don`t think any other candidate has done so much social work."

People are dialing me and saying that we are waiting for the voting to start and will vote for you. We've done many social works. I don't think any other candidate has done so much social work: Malvika Sood, Congress' candidate from Moga#PunjabElections2022 pic.twitter.com/T6uGBpEuhi

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

"It's leadership of the party. It'll now be the will of the almighty & people, we've made all efforts," says CM Charanjit Singh Channi as he offers prayers at Gurudwara Sri Katalgarh Sahib, Kharar.

"It's leadership of the party. It'll now be the will of the almighty & people, we've made all efforts," says CM Charanjit Singh Channi as he offers prayers at Gurudwara Sri Katalgarh Sahib, Kharar

He is contesting #PunjabElections from Chamkaur Sahib and Bhadaur constituencies. pic.twitter.com/0CaMNqMrFL

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2022

In the 2017 Punjab Assembly polls, Congress won 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.

The Congress party is seeking another term under Charanjit Singh Channi`s leadership while the SAD which has formed an alliance with Mayawati`s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is hoping for a comeback after 10 years. 

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which emerged as the second-largest party in the 2017 elections has highlighted its government`s works in Delhi to urge voters for a chance in Punjab under Bhagwant Mann. 

The BJP has pitted its Punjab unit chief Ashwani Kumar Sharma from the Pathankot constituency.

Punjab Lok Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh is seeking re-election from the Patiala constituency. Five-time Chief Minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal is in the fray from the Lambi seat while SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal is in the electoral contest from Jalalabad. 

ALSO READ | Punjab Assembly elections: From Charanjit Singh Channi to Captain Amarinder Singh, check key candidates

Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu is facing SAD`s Bikram Singh Majithia, AAP`s Jeevanjyot Kaur and BJP`s Jagmohan Singh Raju in Amritsar (East). AAP Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur and party`s CM face Bhagwant Mann is contesting from Dhuri seat.

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, Dr Raju said that 24,689 polling stations and 51 auxiliary polling stations have been established at 14,684 polling station locations of which 2013 are identified as critical, while 2,952 are vulnerable pockets. He informed that there would be 1196 Model Polling Stations, 196 Women Managed Polling Stations and 70 PwD managed polling stations.

A total of 1,304 candidates-- 231 are from national parties, 250 from state parties, 362 from unrecognised Parties, and 461 are Independent candidates. He said that as many as 315 contesting candidates are with Criminal Antecedents.

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, Dr S Karuna Raju informed there are 2,14,99,804 voters in Punjab who are eligible to exercise their franchise on Sunday. He said that there are 1304 candidates--1209 male, 93 women and two transgenders are in the fray in 117 constituencies. 

As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), 117 assembly constituencies in 23 districts will go for voting today from 8 am till 6 pm. 

Punjab is witnessing a multi-corner contest this time with Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance, and the coalition of Bharatiya Janata Party-former chief minister Amarinder Singh`s Punjab Lok Congress party as key players.