The by-election results for five key assembly constituencies across four Indian states — Gujarat, Punjab, Kerala, and West Bengal — are unfolding today, offering a political litmus test for the major parties ahead of crucial state and national elections. Among these, the seat of Ludhiana West in Punjab has garnered significant national attention, emerging as a prestige contest between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The bypolls were conducted on June 19 in five assembly constituencies: Visavadar and Kadi in Gujarat, Nilambur in Kerala, Kaliganj in West Bengal, and Ludhiana West in Punjab. The vote counting began early Monday, and early trends reveal tight races, with the AAP taking an initial lead in Ludhiana West, a vital urban seat in Punjab’s political landscape.
AAP Eyes a Comeback in Ludhiana West
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party, which suffered significant setbacks during the Delhi Assembly elections, is looking to regain lost ground by winning Ludhiana West. Industrialist and former Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, AAP’s candidate, has surged ahead in the early rounds of counting. This constituency, long considered a Congress stronghold, is now witnessing a fierce triangular contest.
AAP’s campaign in Ludhiana West was aggressive and highly strategic. Senior leaders including Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Atishi led roadshows and rallies to boost Arora’s chances. The party’s determination to hold on to Ludhiana West, which it won in the 2022 elections, is reflective of its broader ambitions in Punjab.
This bypoll was triggered by the tragic death of sitting AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi earlier this year. Gogi’s popularity and local goodwill had helped AAP establish itself in Ludhiana West, and now the party is striving to preserve that political legacy through Sanjeev Arora’s candidacy.
Congress Still in the Race
The Congress, which has historically dominated Ludhiana West, is represented by veteran leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu. Despite early trends favoring AAP, Ashu remains a strong contender. The Congress has won Ludhiana West six times since the seat’s inception in 1977, making it a historically important base.
Ashu’s reputation as a grassroots leader who understands the pulse of the local voters may still pose a threat to the AAP lead. His campaign focused on the unfulfilled promises of the AAP government in Punjab, such as employment generation, improved healthcare, and law and order.
BJP Trails but Stays in the Fray
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has traditionally struggled in Ludhiana West, fielded Jiwan Gupta as its candidate. While early numbers place Gupta behind AAP and Congress, the BJP hopes that consolidating urban Hindu votes may give them a surprise advantage.
Given its national presence and recent wins in other states, BJP’s performance in Ludhiana West is being closely watched, even if it remains a distant third at present. The seat presents an opportunity for the BJP to expand its influence in Punjab’s urban pockets, which have historically leaned towards Congress or regional parties.
Why Ludhiana West Matters
The Ludhiana West seat is not just another by-election; it is symbolic of the political mood in Punjab. With its dense population, industrial base, and a mix of urban and semi-urban voters, Ludhiana West often reflects broader electoral trends. The outcome here will be closely analyzed as a measure of public sentiment, especially toward the AAP-led state government.
Moreover, the bypoll serves as an opportunity for the opposition to test waters and build momentum for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The result of Ludhiana West could act as a morale booster for whichever party clinches it, especially in the current volatile political climate.
Overview of Other Bypoll Battles
While Ludhiana West is in the spotlight, other constituencies also witnessed crucial battles.
Gujarat: BJP Breaks an 18-Year Jinx?
In Gujarat, bypolls were held in two constituencies — Visavadar and Kadi. The BJP is currently leading in both, attempting to reclaim ground it hasn’t held for years. Visavadar, vacated by an AAP legislator who later joined BJP, is witnessing a triangular contest. BJP’s Kirit Patel is ahead, followed by AAP’s Gopal Italia, a popular figure from the Patidar agitation days, while Congress’s Nitin Ranpariya lags far behind.
In Kadi, the BJP has fielded Rajendra Chavda, and early leads suggest that he is on course to secure the seat. The constituency, reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates, was vacated after the death of BJP MLA Karsan Solanki.
Kerala: Congress Ahead in Nilambur
In Kerala’s Nilambur, part of the politically sensitive Wayanad region, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Aryadan Shoukath is leading. The bypoll here is significant as it is being seen as a prestige battle for Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who represents Wayanad in Parliament.
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) fielded M Swaraj, while the BJP’s candidate is Advocate Mohan George. Nilambur was earlier held by independent PV Anvar, who switched allegiance to the Trinamool Congress after resigning, triggering the by-election.
West Bengal: TMC Strong in Kaliganj
In Kaliganj, West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is dominating. TMC candidate Alifa Ahmed, daughter of late MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed, is leading the count. The constituency, predominantly rural with a 54% Muslim population, is seen as a stronghold of the TMC, although Congress and BJP are also trying to increase their footprints here ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
INDIA Bloc vs NDA: High Stakes in Regional Turf
The bypoll results are also a litmus test for the performance of the INDIA bloc, particularly in states like Kerala and West Bengal, where opposition unity and regional narratives often overpower national rhetoric. In this context, the performance in Ludhiana West becomes even more relevant as a bellwether for the coalition’s ability to challenge the BJP in Hindi-speaking and non-Hindi-speaking states alike.
Final Word: All Eyes Still on Ludhiana West
With early trends favoring the AAP in Ludhiana West, the battle is far from over. The constituency has become a political battlefield that encapsulates the ideological clash between old-guard Congress, the resurgent AAP, and a nationally driven BJP. As counting continues, the results in Ludhiana West will not only determine the local MLA but also send a powerful message about the state of political affairs in Punjab.
Voter turnout, campaign narratives, candidate profiles, and public dissatisfaction with governance are all playing their part in this fiercely fought election. While other states show regional variations, Punjab’s Ludhiana West remains the heart of today’s electoral drama.
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