Should the ECI Prohibit Kejriwal's Campaigning in Ludhiana Bypoll?
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Synopsis
BJP's Tarun Chugh demands that the ECI impose a ban on AAP leaders with criminal charges from campaigning in Ludhiana's bypoll. This controversial request raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the implications for Punjab politics.
Key Takeaways
- Tarun Chugh's
- The AAP’s
- The upcoming bypoll could shape Punjab's political dynamics significantly.
- Political pressure and public sentiment play crucial roles in electoral campaigns.
- The history of Ludhiana's voting patterns may influence this election's outcome.
Ludhiana, June 7 (NationPress) BJP’s National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Saturday called for the Election Commission of India to swiftly impose a ban on election campaigning by AAP leaders who are under criminal scrutiny in Punjab’s bypoll.
Taking a strong stance against the activities of Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, the BJP has urged that they be restricted from entering the Ludhiana (East) Assembly constituency. Chugh accused Kejriwal of attempting a backdoor entry into the Rajya Sabha from Punjab and labeled his “suspicious political maneuvers” as a serious affront to the people of Punjab.
Chugh reiterated the call for ECI intervention, insisting that AAP leaders with serious criminal accusations should not be allowed to campaign in the area. He actively campaigned across various wards of the constituency, encouraging voters to support Prime Minister Modi's vision for Punjab, especially concerning farmers’ welfare.
He also requested the Ludhiana administration to resist pressure from figures like Kejriwal, who are undergoing trials for corruption-related offenses in Delhi.
The BJP is endorsing Jiwan Gupta in the upcoming four-way by-election scheduled for June 19. The ruling AAP has selected Sanjeev Arora, a Rajya Sabha MP, to contest for the seat that became vacant after the passing of the incumbent MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi. The 58-year-old legislator tragically died from a gunshot wound to the head at his residence in January.
For this by-election, the primary opposition, Congress, has nominated former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who is embroiled in a multi-crore foodgrain transportation and labor cartage tender scandal.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has put forth Parupkar Singh Ghuman as their candidate for the bypoll.
In the previous 2022 Assembly election, the AAP secured the Ludhiana West seat with a 34.36% vote share. Gogi received 40,443 votes, outpacing his closest competitor from Congress, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who garnered 32,931 votes with a 28.06% vote share.
Point of View
This situation underscores the complexities of electoral integrity and the necessity for transparency. The call for bans based on criminal allegations raises critical discussions on the fairness of political campaigning. The outcome of the bypoll will significantly impact Punjab's political landscape.
NationPress
07/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tarun Chugh demanding a ban on AAP leaders?
Chugh argues that AAP leaders facing serious criminal charges should not be allowed to campaign, as it undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
What are the implications of this demand?
If the ECI agrees, it could set a precedent for barring candidates with criminal backgrounds, impacting future elections.
Who are the candidates in the Ludhiana bypoll?
The candidates include Jiwan Gupta from BJP, Sanjeev Arora from AAP, Bharat Bhushan Ashu from Congress, and Parupkar Singh Ghuman from SAD.
