AAP MLA Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal Passes Away After Prolonged Illness

Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Tarn Taran, passed away late Thursday night at a private hospital in Amritsar. He had been battling cancer and was admitted to Fortis Hospital as his health deteriorated.

The 66-year-old leader was serving his first term in the Punjab Assembly. Before joining politics, Dr Sohal had a long association with public service as a doctor and activist. His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from political leaders across the state.

Condolences From Across the Political Spectrum

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his grief on social media, posting on X, “Received the sad news of the sudden demise of our party’s respected MLA from Tarn Taran, Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal.

Deeply saddened. He was a hardworking and dedicated leader of the party. Heartfelt condolences to his family during this time of grief. May the departed soul rest in peace.”

AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal also mourned the loss, stating, “May the Almighty grant peace to his soul and give strength to his family in this difficult time.”

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha described Dr Sohal as “an honest leader who consistently worked for the people and earned respect beyond political boundaries.”

A Career in Medicine and Public Service

Born in 1958, Dr Sohal was an ophthalmologist by profession. He began his medical journey in 1986 at the government hospital in Mianwind and later served at the Civil Hospital in Tarn Taran.

Despite the unrest in Punjab during the peak of terrorism, he continued his service in the region and retired as a Senior Medical Officer in 2013.

Even before his formal entry into politics, Dr Sohal was known for his activism. He went on a hunger strike demanding district status for Tarn Taran and established a Parents’ Association to protest arbitrary fee hikes by private schools.

Political Rise and Electoral Success

Dr Sohal joined the Aam Aadmi Party in 2014. In the 2022 Assembly elections, he contested from Tarn Taran and secured victory by defeating three-time Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Harmit Singh Sandhu by a margin of 13,588 votes.

He was also known for his contribution to rural healthcare and education, especially in the border regions of Punjab.

Dr Sohal is survived by his wife, son, and daughter. Both his children are doctors.

Cremation with State Honours

On Friday, Dr Sohal was cremated with full state honours at Tarn Taran. His son, Dr Navpreet Singh Sohal, performed the last rites.

The body was brought to the cremation ground in a flower-adorned vehicle from his Fatehchak residence.

A large gathering from all walks of life attended the funeral. Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhvan and AAP state chief Aman Arora laid wreaths as a mark of respect.

Tarn Taran Bypoll to Be Announced

Dr Sohal’s demise has triggered a bypoll for the Tarn Taran Assembly seat. The Election Commission is expected to announce the date for the by-election within six months.

Tarn Taran, which falls under the politically crucial Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, is expected to witness a triangular contest between AAP, Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal.

AAP’s Performance in Recent Bypolls

Since the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government took office in March 2022, six Assembly bypolls have been held. The party has secured victory in five of those contests.

The most recent by-election was held in Ludhiana West on June 19 following the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi.

AAP’s Sanjeev Arora retained the seat by defeating Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu with a margin of over 10,000 votes. However, the voter turnout dropped to 51.33% from 64.29% in 2022.

Last year, a by-election in Jalandhar West took place after AAP MLA Sheetal Angural resigned and joined the BJP. Mohinder Bhagat of AAP won the seat with a margin of over 50,000 votes and was later inducted into the cabinet.

In November 2024, bypolls were held in four Punjab constituencies: Gidderbaha, Barnala, Chabbewal (SC), and Dera Baba Nanak, following the election of sitting MLAs to the Lok Sabha. AAP secured victories in three of those seats, while the Congress won Barnala.

Another bypoll is expected in Banga after SAD MLA Dr Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi switched to AAP last year.

A Leader Remembered

Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal is remembered as a dedicated leader who worked silently yet effectively for the welfare of his constituency and the people of Punjab.

His passing marks a significant loss for the AAP and the state’s political landscape.