Polling for the high-stakes Ludhiana West Assembly by-election continued on Thursday, with voter turnout reaching 49.07 per cent by 5 pm, according to election officials.
Voting began at 7 am amid tight security and is scheduled to conclude at 6 pm. As per the latest figures, 21.51 per cent of voters had cast their votes by 11 am, which rose to 33.42 per cent by 1 pm and 41.04 per cent by 3 pm.
The bypoll is being seen as a litmus test for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), particularly in urban constituencies. The seat had fallen vacant following the sudden demise of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January, who died of a gunshot wound at his residence.
14 Candidates in Fray
A total of 14 candidates are contesting the bypoll. AAP has fielded Rajya Sabha MP and industrialist Sanjeev Arora, while the Congress has nominated former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who previously held this seat in 2012 and 2017. The BJP is represented by senior leader Jeevan Gupta, and SAD has named advocate Parupkar Singh Ghuman as its candidate.
Model Code Violation
The bypoll has not been without controversy. A case of alleged bogus voting surfaced at Booth No. 112 in Guru Nanak Public School, Sarabha Nagar, where a voter claimed that when he presented his voter slip, polling staff told him that his vote had already been cast.
On June 18 evening, locals in Shimlapuri intercepted a truck loaded with ration suspected to be used to influence voters. The police reached the spot, seized the truck, and booked the driver Amarjeet Singh alias Vicky under Section 173 of the IPC. The authorities have launched an investigation and assured strict action against any Model Code of Conduct violations.
Political Stakes
The outcome of this bypoll carries significant political implications. A victory for AAP's Sanjeev Arora could pave the way for Arvind Kejriwal’s potential nomination to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab, according to political observers. Kejriwal and CM Mann had both joined the campaign trail in Ludhiana West, participating in a roadshow to boost party prospects. The Congress is aiming to reclaim its stronghold, while the BJP is looking to expand its urban voter base in Punjab.
Voting & Security Arrangements
Polling is being conducted at 194 polling stations, all equipped with CCTV surveillance and live webcasting. Over 1.75 lakh voters are eligible to vote. Officials confirmed that all necessary security and logistical arrangements are in place.
Counting of votes is scheduled for June 23.
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