Saptrishi Soni: In what is being seen as a litmus test for all major political forces in Punjab, voters in Ludhiana West turned out on June 19 to cast their ballot in a tightly contested by-election that has national ramifications. The electoral contest, unfolding in the heart of Ludhiana, has become the center of attention for political observers and parties alike, as it is expected to reflect shifting public sentiments in the state ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
The voting began at 7 am amid tight security arrangements. Barricades were placed across entry points, voter identity checks were stringent, and polling booths were under round-the-clock surveillance. The Election Commission declared the day as a dry day, and flying squads remained on alert to prevent any attempt at influencing the vote. By early morning, the turnout was modest, with only 8.5 percent of registered voters exercising their right by 9 am. But as the day progressed and weather conditions eased slightly, the numbers began to climb steadily, showing promising signs of citizen engagement.
The Ludhiana West seat, previously held by the Aam Aadmi Party, has become a stage where not just regional leaders but also national figures have staked their reputations. The AAP, banking on its governance narrative and development initiatives under Delhi and Punjab leadership, has fielded a candidate with the backing of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The BJP, under the supervision of former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani and with intensified outreach by the state cadre, is pushing to gain urban ground in a city long considered a Congress bastion. Meanwhile, the Congress, buoyed by recent traction among urban voters, has aggressively campaigned to reclaim lost territory, organizing door-to-door outreach and protests alleging misuse of state machinery by the ruling party.
The polling day saw not only political rivalry but also tensions on the ground. Opposition parties raised allegations of inducements and irregularities. BJP and Akali Dal leaders accused the AAP of attempting to sway voters through the distribution of freebies, while Congress workers staged demonstrations over trucks loaded with ration supplies that they claimed were linked to the state ruling party. AAP leaders, however, dismissed these accusations, calling them politically motivated stunts by frustrated rivals.
Despite these controversies, voting proceeded without any major law and order issues. The Election Commission has praised the conduct of the polling process, which continues until 6 pm. The Ludhiana constituency, historically known for its moderate to high voter turnout, is once again proving to be a battleground where every vote could tilt the balance. In 2022, the seat had shown a shift toward AAP’s fresh brand of politics, but with evolving voter expectations, no outcome is being taken for granted this time.
The final vote count is scheduled for June 23. Along with Ludhiana, bypolls in four other states, including Gujarat, West Bengal, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh, are underway. Yet it is Ludhiana West that holds symbolic importance for all parties looking to recalibrate their presence in Punjab. Whether the result reinforces the current power structure or signals a reshuffle in Punjab’s political deck will soon be known, but the mood on the ground hints at a keenly fought battle that could resonate far beyond city limits.
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