Akalis on the retreat, but the field is still open

There is a triangular fight and final outcome, from clashing sympathies across sections, is unclear

Punjabis  are generally jovial, hospitable and warm-hearted. They are always open to new ideas and philosophies. They opened their hearts and pockets when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) first came knocking at their doors in the 2014 Lok Sabha election; it was rewarded with four parliamentary seats.

The affection of the people for AAP continues in the campaign for assembly elections in Punjab. Now, people are discovering, it also has a cost.  

The voters, especially the village heads or people with influence, fear fake cases against them from the two traditional parties – the Shiromani Akali Dal