Ludhiana West may shape ’27 Assembly poll dynamics

With the stage set for counting tomorrow, there’s high anticipation in the Ludhiana West segment as political parties brace for the outcome of the crucial bypoll that may influence Punjab’s 2027 Assembly landscape.

The by-election followed the untimely 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).

The 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. Despite internal challenges, the party ran a high-pitched campaign. “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.

The voter turnout stood at 51.33%, significantly lower than 64% recorded in 2022, sparking speculation that the result may hinge on which party best mobilised its core base.

With political equations likely to shift based on tomorrow’s verdict, parties are closely watching Ludhiana West, not just as a local contest, but as a bellwether for what lies ahead in Punjab’s evolving political landscape.