Ludhiana West may shape ’27 poll dynamics

Anticipation runs in the Ludhiana West segment as political parties await the outcome of the crucial bypoll, a result that may influence Punjab’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The counting of votes is slated for Monday.

The by-election followed the demise of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi and has emerged as a high-stakes battleground among the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

AAP fielded industrialist and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, a key figure in the party’s Punjab strategy. A win here could pave the way for AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal’s entry into the Rajya Sabha. “I’ve done my part with sincerity and respect. Now it’s in the hands of the voters. Whatever the outcome, I remain committed to Ludhiana’s development," Arora said.

The Congress hopes to regain the lost ground through former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, banking on his experience and loyal support base. “We’ve run a clean, people-centric campaign. I trust the voters will choose experience and accountability,” Ashu stated.

The BJP, encouraged by growing urban support in Punjab, nominated Jiwan Gupta, a businessman with appeal among traders. “The BJP’s national performance has inspired confidence. Ludhiana’s people recognise that. We’ve connected on real issues like industry and governance,” Gupta said.

SAD’s Parupkar Singh Ghuman focused on grassroots outreach and community presence and hopes to use this contest to signal a revival. “I’m ready for whatever the outcome may be, with full faith in the democratic process,” he said.