Ludhiana, Punjab – June 1, 2025 – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formally announced senior party leader Jiwan Gupta as its official candidate for the high-stakes Ludhiana West Assembly by-election, scheduled for June 19. This crucial urban constituency, which fell vacant after the untimely demise of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January 2025, is now poised for a multi-cornered electoral battle, with the BJP aiming to capitalize on its recent electoral successes and establish a stronger foothold in Punjab.
The decision to field Jiwan Gupta, a veteran party functionary with deep roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and extensive experience as BJP’s state vice-president and general secretary, comes just two days before the nomination deadline. Despite the relatively late announcement compared to other major parties, the BJP leadership has expressed unwavering confidence in Gupta’s ability to secure a victory. Party cadres are reportedly energized, with senior leaders indicating that the “political equation in the constituency will change” rapidly, demonstrating the BJP’s intent to wage an aggressive and focused campaign in the coming weeks.
Jiwan Gupta, a first-time electoral candidate in an Assembly election, brings a wealth of organizational experience to the contest. His long-standing association with the BJP, spanning over two decades, has seen him rise through the ranks, actively engaging in the party’s organizational and disciplinary affairs. Hailing from Bassi Pathana in Fatehgarh Sahib district, Gupta’s family shifted to Ludhiana, fostering a local connection critical for urban constituencies. He is known for his vocal criticism of the ruling AAP government in Punjab, frequently highlighting issues such as unfulfilled promises and the deteriorating drug situation in the state. This critical stance against the incumbent government is expected to be a central pillar of his campaign narrative.
A significant factor bolstering the BJP’s confidence in Ludhiana West stems from its strong performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In that parliamentary contest, BJP candidate Ravneet Singh Bittu garnered the highest number of votes from the Ludhiana West Assembly segment, signalling a discernible shift in urban voter sentiment towards the saffron party. This unexpected lead in a constituency traditionally considered a Congress stronghold, which AAP had wrested in 2022, provides the BJP with a compelling narrative of growing influence in Punjab’s urban centers. The party is strategically aiming to leverage this recent momentum to translate Lok Sabha support into Assembly success.
The BJP’s campaign strategy for Ludhiana West will meticulously highlight the central government’s welfare schemes and developmental initiatives, positioning them as a blueprint for Ludhiana and Punjab’s progress. Gupta himself has affirmed that he will seek votes not for personal gain but for the comprehensive welfare of the city and the state, promising to articulate the Central government’s vision and plans directly to the voters of the Ludhiana West constituency. This focus on governance and development is a calculated move to appeal to the discerning urban electorate.
To ensure robust grassroots mobilization and effective outreach, the BJP has deployed a formidable team of experienced leaders. Former MP Avinash Rai Khanna has been appointed as the Ludhiana West constituency in-charge, with former Union Minister Vijay Sampla serving as co-in-charge. This duo is complemented by the appointment of in-charges for the five mandals (divisions) within the Assembly constituency. Prominent leaders such as former minister Manoranjan Kalia, former state president Ashwani Sharma, and former state president Shwait Malik have been tasked with overseeing specific mandals, demonstrating a multi-layered approach to campaign management and voter engagement. This structured approach aims to ensure that the party’s message penetrates deep into every locality and polling booth.
The Ludhiana West by-election is shaping up to be a compelling four-cornered contest. Jiwan Gupta will face formidable opponents in Bharat Bhushan Ashu, the Congress heavyweight and former minister who previously held the seat, and Sanjeev Arora, the sitting Rajya Sabha MP fielded by the Aam Aadmi Party. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has nominated Advocate Parupkar Singh Ghumman, also a first-time contender, adding another dimension to the electoral landscape. The outcome of this by-election will be closely watched as a critical indicator of public sentiment in urban Punjab and a potential bellwether for the broader political dynamics in the state ahead of the 2027 Vidhan Sabha elections. The BJP’s confident launch of Jiwan Gupta underscores its ambition to emerge as a significant force in Punjab’s evolving political narrative.
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This is a web-generated news report based on available information.
