Ludhiana West Bypoll: Over 33% Voter Turnout by 1 PM as Midday, Evening Surge Anticipated

Ludhiana West Bypoll: Ludhiana West Assembly by-election sees 33.42% voter turnout by 1 PM. AAP, Congress, BJP, and SAD in tight contest; final results to be declared on June 23.

Ludhiana, June 19, 2025 — Voting for the crucial Ludhiana West Assembly by-election began on a steady but slow note on Thursday morning, with just 8.50% voter turnout recorded by 9 am. However, as temperatures rose, so did voter enthusiasm, with polling picking up pace and reaching 33.42% by 1 pm, according to officials. The Election Commission anticipates higher participation during the late afternoon and evening hours, following the traditional trend observed in previous elections.

The bypoll was necessitated after the untimely demise of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi earlier this year. With 1,75,469 eligible voters and 14 candidates in the fray, the stakes are high for all major political parties aiming to claim or reclaim this critical urban constituency in Punjab’s industrial heartland.

AAP Bets Big on Sanjeev Arora

The ruling AAP has fielded Rajya Sabha MP and prominent industrialist Sanjeev Arora as its candidate. Known for his philanthropic work and strong community outreach, Arora is hoping to consolidate AAP’s previous win in the constituency. Arora and his family cast their votes early in the day, encouraging others to follow suit.

Speaking to reporters, Arora said, “This election is about continuing the progress we’ve made in Ludhiana. I’m confident that the voters will reward development and clean governance.”

Congress Banks on Former MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu

The Congress, on the other hand, is looking to stage a comeback with senior leader and former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu. Ashu, who previously held the seat in 2012 and 2017, was narrowly defeated by Gogi in the 2022 Assembly elections. Ashu cast his vote in the early hours and interacted with supporters throughout the day.

“This is not just a political battle; it’s a fight to restore Ludhiana’s dignity and reclaim its developmental agenda,” Ashu said after casting his vote.

BJP’s Jiwan Gupta Emerges as a Key Contender

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated its veteran leader Jiwan Gupta, a respected figure within the party’s Punjab core committee. Gupta, accompanied by his family, voted at Naurya Mal Jain School. The BJP, bolstered by recent gains in urban areas, is hoping to split the traditional AAP-Congress vote bank.

Gupta stated, “People are ready for change. Our focus is on infrastructure, industry revival, and law and order.”

SAD Fields Parupkar Singh Ghuman

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has fielded Parupkar Singh Ghuman, a prominent lawyer and former president of the Ludhiana Bar Association. Ghuman began his day by paying obeisance at Gurdwara Nanaksar before heading to the polling booth at GGN Public School.

Ghuman shared, “The response on the ground is phenomenal. Voters are fed up with empty promises. SAD represents stability and tradition.”

Polling Day Highlights

• Smooth Voting Process: The voting began at 7 am across all polling booths, with no major incidents reported.
• Heat Strategy: Many voters arrived early to avoid the afternoon heat, while others planned to cast their votes post-lunch.
• Facilities for Differently-Abled & Seniors: The Election Commission provided vehicle assistance for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, drawing widespread appreciation.
• Security Measures: Heavy police deployment ensured peaceful polling.
• Secrecy & Transparency: For the first time, safe mobile phone deposit counters were established at all booths to maintain the integrity of the voting process.
• Model Code Compliance: Ludhiana Police seized a vehicle suspected of vote-buying activities, loaded with rations. A case has been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Statements from Officials

Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain, who also cast his vote early, noted, “Polling is progressing peacefully. We expect a more accurate turnout picture post-lunch. Historically, there’s a surge in participation after 3 pm.”

He emphasized the administration’s preparedness in terms of logistics, law enforcement, and voter facilitation.

Voters Speak: A Day of Civic Duty

At several polling booths, especially in the middle-class colonies of Ludhiana West, voters cited personal responsibility as the key motivation for turning up.

Ravneet Kaur, a first-time voter, shared, “It feels empowering to vote. I came before office hours because I didn’t want to miss the opportunity.”

Meanwhile, retired teacher Baldev Singh said, “I have seen many elections, but today the arrangements were better than ever. The ECI did a commendable job.”

The Road Ahead

The fate of Ludhiana West will be sealed by 6 pm, when polling concludes. Counting of votes is scheduled for June 23, and all eyes will be on which party manages to secure this prestigious urban seat.

Will AAP manage to retain its hold? Can Congress make a comeback? Will BJP make a breakthrough in Punjab’s industrial capital? Or will SAD surprise everyone? The answers will unfold soon.