After AAP MLA’s resignation, CM’s son is ticket frontrunner for Mansa bypoll

Raninder had campaigned for Amarinder in 2017 Assembly poll, when he had thrown his hat in the ring against former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal from Lambi but had lost.

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Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal waves at supporters in support of AAP candidate from Patiala. (PTI)

With AAP’s Mansa MLA Nazar Singh Manshahia joining the Congress party, all eyes are now on the bypoll for the seat with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh’s son Raninder Singh being among the frontrunners for the ticket for the bypoll.

Though Manshahia’s resignation from Punjab Vidhan Sabha is yet to be accepted, party sources say the party would start preparing for the bypolls, once the Lok Sabha results are out.

Congress insiders say that the bypoll could provide a launch pad to Raninder, who is yet to make his political debut. He was handling Congress campaign from Chandigarh recently alongwith Congress Election Management Committee chairman Laal Singh. He has contested two elections, unsuccessfully, in the past. He had contested Lok Sabha election from Bathinda in 2009, but had lost to Harsimrat Kaur Badal. In 2012 Assembly election, he had contested from Samana but again lost.

“It is a thought in the Congress. He will be the best candidate. No one can be better than him,” said a party leader on anonymity.
The Speaker Rana Kanwarpal Singh had called Manshahia to take a call on his resignation on Tuesday but Manshahia did not appear before the Speaker. Sources said his mother was unwell and admitted to a hospital. Hence, he had sought another date from the Speaker.

Sources said fielding Raninder would suit the Congress as its Mansa candidate, Dr Manju Bansal, who was defeated by Manshahia in 2017 was upset at his entry in Congress and if he was given a ticket, it may not go down well with her. It may upset Congress applecart. With Chief Minister’s son getting the ticket, there would be no red faces. Also, it is believed that most of the bypolls go to the ruling party as people like to have a ruling party MLA in their constituency.

“If ticket to Raninder works out, Manshahia could be accommodated in some board or corporation,” said a party leader, while reflecting on possibilities. Raninder had been staying away from the political scene. His father had stated that he was more interested in Rifle Shooting Sport than politics and he was doing very well there. Last year, 52-year-old Raninder became the first Indian to be elected one of the four vice presidents of International Shooting Sport Federation. He also heads the National Rifle Association of India.

Raninder had campaigned for Amarinder in 2017 Assembly poll, when he had thrown his hat in the ring against former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal from Lambi but had lost.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More