Ludhiana West by-election heats up with AAP and Congress vying for control ahead of 2027 polls.
CHANDIGARH: Ludhiana is a Seismic Zone IV area, making it prone to earthquakes. However, palpable tremors are currently being felt in the political arena as the Ludhiana West by-election approaches in May. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been campaigning aggressively for the last month under the leadership of Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, while Congress is set to announce former Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu as its candidate, paving the way for fierce competition.
Speaking with The Sunday Guardian about his birth city, an earthquake-prone area, and the development of building regulations, Arora, a former industrialist-turned-politician, said that at 61 years of age, having grown up in Ludhiana, he had never experienced a major earthquake. However, he acknowledged that this does not rule out the possibility of one occurring in the future. He emphasised that the system is aware of the risks, and Ludhiana is currently witnessing the construction of earthquake-resistant structures, while older buildings are being scrutinised.
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann have intensified the party’s campaign with a three-day visit to Ludhiana, underscoring their determination to maintain influence in Punjab’s industrial hub. AAP’s outreach included an anti-drug rally held at Ghumar Mandi on April 2, followed by a student interaction at the Indoor Stadium. Mann and Kejriwal visited ITI College on April 3 to inspect newly installed equipment, highlighting the government’s focus on skill development.
Arora, who has led the AAP campaign for the past month, has indicated that the by-election may take place in May. Efforts are being made to ensure a fair election process, with the authorities closely monitoring attempts to disrupt the process. Arora shared with TSG that Halwara Airport is almost complete due to his efforts. Nine sewage suction machines have arrived in Ludhiana, with six more on the way. Arora stressed that development has always been his priority as an MP and, if re-elected, it would continue to be his focus.
Congress is also making a late but concerted effort in the race. Despite his strained relationship with Punjab Congress Chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Bharat Bhushan Ashu made a show of strength on Monday, rallying support from key party leaders. A meeting of Congress leaders in Ludhiana saw the presence of MLAs Pragat Singh, Rana Gurjeet Singh, Hardev Singh Laddi Sherowalia, and Sukhwinder Kotli. However, Warring and Opposition Leader Partap Singh Bajwa were absent, suggesting ongoing internal divisions.
Ashu has filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission, accusing the AAP government of manipulating the voters’ lists. He alleged that names were being deleted randomly while new voters were being added in a discriminatory manner. Ashu also accused the administration of election rigging, referring to a voice recording of Additional Commissioner Rupinder Pal directing Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to delete voters’ names via Form 7.
Confident of Congress’ chances, Ashu said that once the party ticket is sealed, all factions will unite.
“We are prepared to face AAP. Sanjeev Arora needs to account for what he has done as an MP. Once our campaign starts, we will reveal AAP’s failures,” he declared.
With AAP’s month-long campaign well underway and Congress now jumping into the fray with its candidate, the Ludhiana West by-election is turning into a major political confrontation. The outcome could have serious implications for the political landscape in Punjab as the state gears up for the 2027 Assembly elections.