India, Nov. 16 -- The Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll has turned into a political signal much larger than the outcome of a single seat, setting off conversations across Punjab about the Shiromani Akali Dal's return to relevance in the Panthic space.

The contest has suggested that the Sukhbir Singh Badal-led party, long considered weakened by internal splits and declining electoral strength, has managed to hold its core support base in Majha and remains a strong force as the state begins looking toward the 2027 Assembly elections.

Even though the ruling Aam Aadmi Party retained the seat on counting day, the real political battle in Tarn Taran unfolded between the Badal-led SAD and the anti-Badal splinter groups attempting to challenge its Pan...