India, Sept. 13 -- The longer runway could influence alliances, candidate selection and the parties' competing strategies for 2027.

In Punjab, the election calendar has suddenly become a political story in itself. The Centre's decision to conduct the population enumeration in the state from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027, has weakened speculation that Punjab could be called to polls as early as November this year.

The Census may be an administrative exercise, but its timing has important political consequences for every major party preparing for the 2027 Assembly election.

The present Punjab Assembly is due to complete its five-year term in March 2027. While an Assembly can be dissolved before the end of its term, an early electi...