How Many Nominations Were Validated for the Ludhiana West Bypoll?

Synopsis
The Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll has seen 15 candidates' nominations validated after a thorough scrutiny process. With political tensions rising following the seat's vacancy due to a lawmaker's death, the by-election promises to be a significant contest as various parties field their candidates. Who will emerge victorious?
Key Takeaways
- 15 out of 22 nominations were found valid for the by-election.
- The bypoll is crucial following the passing of Gurpreet Gogi Bassi.
- The political landscape in Punjab is heating up as candidates gear up for the election.
- Voting will take place on June 19, with counting on June 23.
- Speculations surround AAP's future with potential moves to the Rajya Sabha.
Chandigarh, June 3 (NationPress) Following a thorough examination of the nomination papers for the Ludhiana West Assembly by-election, it has been confirmed that 15 candidates have had their nominations accepted.
The State Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C, announced on Tuesday that between May 26 and June 2, 22 candidates submitted their nominations for this important seat.
After the meticulous scrutiny, the nominations of 15 candidates were deemed valid.
The accepted candidates include: Baldev Raj Katna (Independent), Bharat Bhushan (Congress), Parupkar Singh Ghuman (Shiromani Akali Dal), Sanjeev Arora (Aam Aadmi Party), Paramjeet Singh Bharaj (Independent), Albert Dua (Independent), Jatinder Kumar Sharma (National Lok Seva Party), Kamal Pawar (Independent), Rajesh Sharma (Independent), Neetu (Independent), Jeevan Gupta (BJP), Navneet Kumar (Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar), Renu (Independent), Pawandeep Singh (Independent), and Gurdeep Singh Kahlon (Independent).
The CEO indicated that candidates have until June 5 to withdraw their nominations, after which the final list of candidates for the by-election on June 19 will be confirmed. This election coincides with bypolls for four other Assembly seats—two in Gujarat and one each in Kerala and West Bengal.
The political atmosphere in Punjab's industrial hub has intensified over this seat, which became vacant due to the unfortunate passing of the sitting lawmaker, Gurpreet Gogi Bassi, who succumbed to a gunshot wound in January.
The counting of votes is scheduled for June 23, simultaneously with the other Assembly elections.
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party has nominated Sanjeev Arora, a current Rajya Sabha member, as its candidate for the by-election, while the primary opposition, Congress, has chosen former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who is embroiled in a multi-crore foodgrain transportation and labor cartage tender scandal.
The Shiromani Akali Dal has put forth Ghuman for the bypoll, and the BJP has selected Gupta.
Speculation is rampant that AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal may be preparing for a move to the Rajya Sabha if Arora succeeds in the by-election, especially following his party's recent electoral setbacks in Delhi. However, the party has denied this speculation.