Ludhiana, (National Times): As voting for the Ludhiana West bypoll kicks off, the four major contenders have laid out contrasting visions and promises to woo the 1.74 lakh voters. From grand infrastructural ambitions to pledges for justice and transparency, candidates representing AAP, Congress, BJP and SAD have shared their game plans for the high-stakes urban seat.
Sanjeev Arora (AAP): “Roads Like Europe, Green Ludhiana in 100 Days”
Aam Aadmi Party’s candidate, industrialist and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, has made ambitious promises, vowing to transform Ludhiana’s road network into one inspired by European infrastructure standards.
“Ludhiana will soon have roads that resemble those of Europe. Potholes will be repaired, and damaged roads reconstructed within 100 days,” said Arora, who is contesting his first election. He has also promised mass plantation drives, pledging to plant thousands of trees to address the city’s rapidly depleting green cover.
Arora’s campaign has focused on governance with a corporate touch, highlighting his experience in business and his national reach through his MP role.
Bharat Bhushan Ashu (Congress): “Only Punjabis Will Decide Punjab’s Future”
Congress veteran Bharat Bhushan Ashu has framed his campaign around Punjabi pride and local governance, asserting that decisions about Punjab should be made by Punjabis, not outsiders.
“Punjab de faisle Punjabi lainge (Only Punjabis will take decisions about Punjab),” Ashu declared. He highlighted his previous two terms, during which he claimed 50–60 acres of land in Ludhiana West were converted into green zones.
Ashu has also raised political questions, targeting AAP’s intentions behind fielding Arora. “Can Kejriwal answer what will be the status of the Rajya Sabha seat if Arora wins or loses?” he asked, referring to speculations that Arora’s victory could be used to open a RS berth for Kejriwal.
Jiwan Gupta (BJP): “Punjab Has Tried All Others, Now It’s Time for BJP”
BJP’s Jiwan Gupta, a local face and first-time candidate, is positioning himself as the fresh alternative, promising development, better governance, and an end to lawlessness and corruption.
“It’s time to make a difference. People have already tried Congress, AAP, and SAD. Now, they should try BJP for Punjab,” Gupta said, calling out the AAP government for its handling of law and order and alleged corruption.
BJP has grown in strength in Ludhiana post-2024 Lok Sabha elections, and Gupta’s campaign hopes to convert that momentum into a win.
Parupkar Singh Ghumman (SAD): “Vote for Justice, Development and Security”
Advocate Parupkar Singh Ghumman, representing the Shiromani Akali Dal, has rooted his campaign in grassroots activism and justice for the underprivileged.
“As a lawyer, I’ve fought cases for those without a voice. I know what justice means to ordinary people. If elected, I will ensure every citizen’s voice in Ludhiana West is heard,” Ghumman said, promising a people-centric approach to development and safety.
SAD is attempting to rebuild its base after consecutive electoral setbacks and sees this bypoll as an opportunity to reintroduce its traditional values.
A Choice Between Vision and Legacy
As Ludhiana West votes today, the electorate faces a choice between a wealthy businessman promising global-standard infrastructure, a seasoned politician invoking regional pride, a first-time BJP hopeful pledging clean governance, and a grassroots lawyer advocating justice.
The outcome will be closely watched as a potential bellwether for Punjab’s political future.
