He turned the odds in his favour

Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) leader Balwinder Singh Bains stunned everyone by registering a thumping victory. He retained his position for the second time in a row, as he defeated SAD rival Hira Singh Gabria and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Sidhu by a record margin of 30,845 votes.

While Balwinder Bains polled 53,857 votes, Bhupinder Singh Sidhu of Congress got 23,012 votes to stand on the second place. SAD candidate Hira Singh Gabria, however, managed to get 20,539 votes.

Balwinder Singh Bains, brother of LIP supremo Simarjit Bains, was considered to be on a sticky wicket after a few videos went viral, where residents allegedly blamed Balwinder Singh Bains for underdevelopment in the constituency.

Later, clashes between supporters of SAD and LIP were reported in the run-up to the election. The SAD and Congress candidates were hoping to register a win on the agenda of lack of development in the constituency.

After trailing in the first round, Balwinder Singh Bains bounced back strongly and maintained comfortable lead in all rounds that followed.

Balwinder thanked voters for reposing faith in him again. He gave the credit to his supports. The Ludhiana-South Constituency has SAD councillors in majority, but Balwinder changed the odds in his favour. Sources in SAD said the win has marked the end of political innings of former Jail Minister Hira Singh Gabria, who has lost twice in Assembly elections and ended up third this time.— Mohit Khanna

Top three candidates

• 1st: Balwinder Bains - (LIP) Votes polled: 53, 955  
• 2nd: Bhupinder Sidhu - (Congress) Votes polled: 23, 038 
• 3rd: Hira Singh Gabria - (SAD) Votes polled: 20, 554