Patti, November 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Laljit Singh Bhullar, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with an abetment to suicide case, has announced that he will not contest the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Bhullar, who represents the Patti Assembly constituency in Tarn Taran district, made the announcement through a message posted on his Facebook page.
His announcement comes in the backdrop of AAP appointing wrestler and Rustam-e-Hind Jaskanwar Singh Gill, popularly known as Jassa Patti, as the party’s Halqa Incharge for the Patti Assembly constituency.
The appointment is politically significant as AAP prepares for the 2027 Assembly elections, although the party has not formally announced Jassa Patti as its candidate for the seat.
The former minister said he had received appeals from people in his constituency urging him to contest the forthcoming elections again, but had decided against seeking another term.
Bhullar Thanks Patti Constituents for Their Support
In his social media message, Bhullar expressed gratitude to the people of Patti for their affection and continued support.
“I have heard the sentiments expressed by the brothers and sisters of the Patti constituency regarding the party fielding me once again in the upcoming elections. However, I have decided not to contest the election,” he wrote.
He thanked his constituents for standing by him throughout his political journey.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the people of Patti constituency. I bow my head in deep respect before your love, affection and sentiments,” Bhullar said.
The former minister added that he would remain indebted to the people of Patti throughout his life.
“My sincere thanks to every brother and sister who has stood by me and supported me at every step,” he stated.
Bhullar did not specify whether his decision was linked to his ongoing criminal case, the appointment of Jassa Patti as Halqa Incharge or whether he intended to continue his political activities in another capacity.
AAP Appoints Wrestler Jassa Patti as Halqa Incharge
The Aam Aadmi Party has appointed renowned wrestler and Rustam-e-Hind Jaskanwar Singh Gill, popularly known as Jassa Patti, as its Halqa Incharge for the Patti Assembly constituency.
The appointment places Jassa Patti in an important organisational role in the constituency ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
However, the designation of Halqa Incharge does not automatically amount to an official announcement of candidature.
Bhullar’s decision not to seek re-election, alongside Jassa Patti’s appointment, marks a significant development in AAP’s preparations for the Patti Assembly seat.
Former Minister in Judicial Custody
Bhullar has been in judicial custody following his arrest on March 23, 2026, in connection with the death of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a district manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation.
Randhawa allegedly died by suicide after accusing the former minister of exerting pressure in connection with warehousing tender allocations.
Before his death, Randhawa had reportedly recorded a video message containing allegations against Bhullar.
Following the controversy, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann sought Bhullar’s resignation from the Cabinet to facilitate an impartial investigation.
Bhullar resigned from his ministerial responsibilities on March 21, 2026, two days before his arrest.
The allegations against him remain subject to judicial proceedings, and no finding of guilt has been established.
Political Career of Laljit Singh Bhullar
Bhullar entered the Punjab Legislative Assembly for the first time in 2022 after winning the Patti constituency on an AAP ticket.
He defeated Congress candidate and then sitting MLA Harminder Singh Gill.
Following AAP’s landslide victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, Bhullar was inducted into Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Cabinet as a first-time legislator.
He held important portfolios, including Transport and Hospitality, during his tenure as a minister.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, AAP fielded him from the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency.
However, he lost the contest, which was won by Independent candidate Amritpal Singh.
AAP’s Patti Seat Preparations Ahead of 2027 Elections
Bhullar’s announcement comes as political parties have begun preparations for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
AAP has already released its first list of 40 candidates, including several sitting legislators.
With Bhullar ruling out another electoral contest and Jassa Patti having been appointed Halqa Incharge, attention has shifted to the party’s choice of candidate for Patti.
There was no formal announcement confirming Jassa Patti as AAP’s candidate for the seat at the time of reporting.
Bhullar’s decision also comes amid continuing legal proceedings in the case that led to his resignation from the Punjab Cabinet earlier this year.
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