Eight Independent candidates add diversity to Ludhiana (West) byelection

The Ludhiana (West) byelection featured a diverse slate of 14 candidates, but the contest was largely dominated by four major parties: Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, BJP and SAD. Eight Independent candidates were also in the fray. While most remained on the margin after the vote count, their presence added depth to the democratic process.

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In addition to these, two other political outfits also fielded candidates, though they struggled to leave a mark. Jatinder Kumar Sharma, representing the National Lok Seva Party, and Navneet Kumar Gopi, from the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), led by Simranjeet Singh Mann, were also among the 14 candidates in the fray.

Of these 14, it was Independent candidate Neetu who drew attention, not for his vote tally, but for the raw emotion he displayed as early trends started to surface. By the fourth round, Neetu had received only 26 votes, a crushing blow for someone who had likely poured heart, time and personal resources into the campaign. Seeing the vote tally, he left the counting centre after the fourth round, visibly shaken. In a moment of anguish, he even smashed his mobile phone in frustration.

What made the scene even more poignant was the contrast outside, where his supporters stood waiting with garlands, unaware of the situation inside. Their hopes and anticipation clashed with the reality Neetu had just faced. His supporters and friends garlanded him, celebrating not the votes he received, but the courage he showed in contesting. Neetu was visibly emotional and reluctant to accept the garlands.

“This incident is a stark reminder that behind every name on the ballot is a person with dreams, expectations and vulnerabilities. For many Independents, the journey is not just political, it’s deeply personal,” said Balbir Singh, a resident from Ludhiana .