Is the Vote Counting for the Crucial Ludhiana (West) Seat Favoring AAP?
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Synopsis
The counting of votes for the Ludhiana (West) Assembly seat is underway, amidst intense political rivalry between AAP and Congress. With the seat vacant after the passing of MLA Gurpreet Bassi, will AAP retain this crucial seat or will Congress reclaim its former stronghold? The stakes are high as 14 candidates vie for victory.
Key Takeaways
- Vote counting for Ludhiana (West) seat is in progress.
- The election saw a voter turnout of 51.33%.
- 14 candidates are competing for this significant seat.
- Key competitors include AAP's Sanjeev Arora and Congress' Bharat Bhushan Ashu.
- This by-election is seen as a crucial test for the ruling AAP.
Chandigarh, June 23 (NationPress) The vote counting process for the pivotal Ludhiana (West) Assembly seat, held by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), commenced on Monday under stringent security measures.
The election for this lone seat took place on June 19, witnessing a turnout of 51.33 percent from a total of 1.74 lakh registered voters. This seat became vacant following the demise of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January.
The ruling AAP is determined to maintain its hold on the seat, while the leading opposition party, Congress, aims to reclaim a seat it has represented six times.
A total of 14 candidates are contesting for this urban seat, including representatives from the BJP and Sriromani Akali Dal.
The primary competition appears to be between AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora, a local industrialist and Rajya Sabha member, and Congress' former Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who has previously held this seat.
Ashu lost to his rival Gogi by a margin of 7,512 votes in the 2022 Assembly elections.
The BJP has chosen Jiwan Gupta, a core committee member, while Akali Dal has nominated Parupkar Singh Ghuman, a former president of the Ludhiana Bar Association.
In the recent 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP garnered the highest votes from the Ludhiana (West) segment, raising speculation that AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, following a significant loss in Delhi, may be preparing for a Rajya Sabha seat should Arora win the by-election.
However, AAP has denied these speculations regarding Kejriwal's potential Rajya Sabha move.
Remarkably, in October 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid at Arora's residence as part of a money laundering investigation linked to a land fraud case.
With a focus on expanding influence in urban constituencies dominated by Hindus, the BJP aims to present a formidable challenge to both AAP and Congress by putting forward a strong, credible local candidate.
Leading up to the election, the BJP severely criticized the three-year governance of AAP in Punjab, accusing them of turning the state into a "rehabilitation center" for Kejriwal's rejected loyalists from Delhi.
AAP expresses confidence in victory, attributing it to its pro-people governance, while the opposition relies on the anti-incumbency sentiment against the current regime.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described this by-election as a contest between "humility" and "arrogance." AAP's Kejriwal began campaigning in March but was notably absent in the final days, leaving the campaign to senior leader Manish Sisodia.
Point of View
The unfolding events in the Ludhiana (West) by-election reflect the nuanced dynamics of Punjab's political landscape, showcasing the struggle between the ruling AAP and the resurgent Congress. The outcome will significantly impact the region's governance and political stability moving forward.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the polling for Ludhiana (West) seat held?
Polling for the Ludhiana (West) seat was held on June 19.
Who are the main candidates contesting in this election?
The main candidates are AAP's Sanjeev Arora and Congress' Bharat Bhushan Ashu.
What was the voter turnout for this election?
The voter turnout was 51.33 percent out of 1.74 lakh electorates.
Why did the Ludhiana (West) seat become vacant?
The seat became vacant following the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January.
What are the implications of this by-election for AAP?
The by-election is crucial for AAP as it seeks to maintain its political stronghold in Punjab amidst opposition challenges.
