Are By-Elections in Punjab's Ludhiana (West) Underway?
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Synopsis
The by-elections in Punjab's Ludhiana (West) are heating up, with AAP fighting to keep its seat against a determined Congress. As voting unfolds, tensions rise, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Will AAP secure victory, or will Congress reclaim its lost ground? This election is one to watch closely.
Key Takeaways
- AAP aims to maintain its seat in Ludhiana (West).
- Congress seeks to reclaim its historic representation.
- 14 candidates are competing for the urban constituency.
- Security measures include checkpoints and paramilitary deployment.
- The outcome will influence Punjab's political future.
Chandigarh, June 19 (NationPress) The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is focused on preserving its hold on the seat, while the primary opposition party, Congress, is determined to reclaim Ludhiana (West), a constituency it has held six times. Voting for the by-election to Punjab’s sole Assembly seat commenced today and will continue until 6 p.m. on Thursday.
A total of 14 candidates are vying for this urban seat. The BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal have also nominated candidates following the vacancy created by the passing of AAP's first-time legislator, Gurpreet Gogi Bassi, in January.
The spotlight is primarily on AAP’s candidate, Sanjeev Arora, a Rajya Sabha member and local businessman, and Congress’ former minister, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who has represented this seat twice since 2012.
Ashu previously lost to his friend-turned-adversary Gogi by a margin of 7,512 votes during the 2022 Assembly elections.
The BJP has put forth Jiwan Gupta, a core committee member of the party's state unit, while the Akali Dal has entrusted Parupkar Singh Ghuman, a former president of the Ludhiana Bar Association, to contest.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C. announced that 1,74,437 eligible voters, including 84,825 women and 10 third-gender voters, will cast their votes at 194 polling booths across 66 locations. Among these, there are 10 model polling booths, one dedicated to women, one eco-friendly booth, and one managed by Public Works Department (PWD) personnel. Additionally, 13 booths have been classified as critical, necessitating paramilitary force presence.
To aid senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and those with medical issues, home voting was arranged for 239 participants.
Security checkpoints have been established at 54 locations throughout the constituency, with security forces closely monitoring all activities.
The counting of votes for this seat is scheduled for June 23, alongside four other Assembly seats—two in Gujarat and one each in Kerala and West Bengal.
By nominating a Rajya Sabha MP, speculation is rife that AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, who has been actively involved in Punjab politics following the party's disappointing performance in the Delhi Assembly elections, may seek a Rajya Sabha position if Sanjeev Arora wins the by-election. However, the party has dismissed such claims.
Notably, in October 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had conducted a raid at AAP candidate Arora’s residence amid an investigation into a land 'fraud' case.
The BJP, which is broadening its influence in Punjab's Hindu-majority urban areas, aims to present a formidable challenge to both AAP and Congress by fielding a credible local candidate with a grassroots connection.
In the lead-up to the election, the Bharatiya Janata Party launched a fierce critique of AAP's three-year governance in Punjab, alleging that the party has turned the state into a “rehabilitation centre” for Kejriwal's discredited loyalists from Delhi.
BJP leaders, including Tarun Chugh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Manjinder Singh Sirsa, have asserted that AAP is systematically placing preferred individuals in significant administrative roles, effectively undermining Punjab's autonomy. They contend that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has become a “rubber stamp” while Kejriwal pulls the strings behind the scenes.
AAP state President Aman Arora has claimed that the atmosphere during the campaign indicates that their candidate, Arora, is poised for a significant victory. “As voting day nears, public sentiment is increasingly favoring the Aam Aadmi Party. In response, Congress leaders and their candidate are becoming anxious and resorting to aggressive actions,” Arora remarked to the media just before the polls.
Point of View
It's vital to acknowledge the intense political climate surrounding the Ludhiana (West) by-elections. With both AAP and Congress vying for dominance, the outcome will significantly impact Punjab's political landscape. This bypoll serves as a litmus test for both parties, and the public's voice will be crucial in shaping the future governance of the state.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Ludhiana (West) by-election?
The Ludhiana (West) by-election is crucial as it serves as a barometer for the political strength of both the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the opposition Congress in Punjab.
Who are the main candidates in the by-election?
The primary candidates include AAP's Sanjeev Arora and Congress' Bharat Bhushan Ashu, both of whom have substantial political backgrounds.
When will the votes be counted?
The counting of votes for the Ludhiana (West) by-election will take place on June 23, alongside other Assembly seats in different states.
What security measures are in place for the election?
Security checkpoints have been established at 54 locations, and paramilitary forces have been deployed at critical polling booths to ensure a smooth election process.
How many voters are eligible to participate?
A total of 1,74,437 voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including 84,825 women and 10 third-gender voters.
