Will AAP Maintain Control in Ludhiana West Bypoll Amidst Congress and SAD Challenges?
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Synopsis
As Punjab gears up for the Ludhiana West Assembly byelection, key political players are positioning themselves for a fierce battle. With AAP, Congress, and SAD all eyeing the vacant seat, the stakes are high. Who will emerge victorious in this critical electoral contest?
Key Takeaways
- Ludhiana West byelection polling is on June 19.
- AAP's candidate is Sanjeev Arora.
- Congress's Bharat Bhushan Ashu faces allegations.
- Counting of votes will be on June 23.
- BJP aims to field a strong local candidate.
Chandigarh, May 25 (NationPress) The political landscape in Punjab’s industrial hub intensified on Sunday as the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced June 19 as the date for the Ludhiana West Assembly byelection. This seat became vacant following the tragic passing of Gurpreet Gogi Bassi.
Bassi, 58, was fatally shot in the head at his residence in January.
The counting of votes is scheduled for June 23, coinciding with four other Assembly seats: two in Gujarat and one each in Kerala and West Bengal.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) declared Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora as its candidate for the Ludhiana (West) byelection in February. The primary opposition, the Congress, has nominated former Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who is entangled in a multi-crore foodgrain transportation and labour cartage tender scam. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has put forth Parupkar Singh Ghuman for the bypoll, while the BJP is yet to announce its candidate.
By selecting a sitting MP, speculations abound that AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal may be preparing for a Rajya Sabha seat should Arora win, despite AAP denying this claim.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid at Arora’s residence in October 2024, linked to a money laundering investigation involving a land ‘fraud’ case. This investigation concerns land allocated to Ritesh Properties and Industries Limited, owned by Arora, which was misused for a residential project instead of its intended industrial use.
In the 2022 Assembly elections, AAP’s Gogi triumphed over two-time legislator Ashu in a seat traditionally held by Congress.
The BJP, aiming to strengthen its presence in Punjab's urban Hindu constituencies, plans to nominate a credible local candidate with grassroots connections to challenge both the ruling AAP and the Congress.
Additionally, the BJP has criticized AAP's governance in Punjab, labeling it as a “rehabilitation centre” for Kejriwal’s rejected allies from Delhi.
BJP leaders such as Tarun Chugh and Manjinder Singh Sirsa accuse AAP of undermining Punjab's autonomy by placing its chosen individuals in key administrative roles, suggesting that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has become a mere “rubber stamp” under Kejriwal’s influence.
This critique reflects a broader concern regarding AAP’s strategy of integrating its Delhi network into Punjab's political framework.
Responding to the recent appointment of three Delhi-based lawyers as Additional Advocate Generals in Punjab, Chugh questioned whether Punjab lacked legal talent or has become a “shelter home” for Kejriwal’s associates.
Point of View
The upcoming Ludhiana West byelection is a critical test for AAP amidst allegations and political maneuvering. The engagement of major parties like Congress and SAD adds complexity to the race, making it a focal point for Punjab's political dynamics. Ensuring fair and transparent elections is paramount for maintaining democratic integrity.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of the Ludhiana West byelection?
The polling day for the Ludhiana West byelection is set for June 19.
Who are the main candidates for the byelection?
The main candidates include AAP's Sanjeev Arora, Congress's Bharat Bhushan Ashu, and SAD's Parupkar Singh Ghuman.
Why did the seat become vacant?
The seat became vacant due to the passing of Gurpreet Gogi Bassi, who died from a gunshot wound.
When will the counting of votes take place?
The counting of votes will occur on June 23.
What allegations are being made against Bharat Bhushan Ashu?
Bharat Bhushan Ashu is accused in a multi-crore foodgrain transportation and labour cartage tender scam.
