Bypoll: Candidates cross fingers as campaigning comes to a close
‘Nerves running high’ is the exact condition of political parties, their candidates, voters and supporters in the Ludhiana West constituency, where hectic campaigning ended on Tuesday. Leaving no stone unturned, the last-minute efforts are being made by all candidates to woo voters as for all of them, it’s a do-or-die situation. For them, the time is not far to bear fruit for the hard efforts they made in the past over two-three months.
As the campaigning comes to an end, The Tribune asks these candidates a few quick questions, particularly about their campaigning, experiences with voters, challenges in the constituency and advantages, which will make them stand apart. The candidates talk about real issues during the election, their plans to deal with them and how optimistic they are about the victory.
Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu
What were real issues during this election?
The law and order has completely deteriorated. Criminals have no fear of law. Nobody is feeling safe. Civic amenities have gone for a toss. Just see for yourself the state of affairs of how garbage is littered on roads. It was not like that three years ago when we were there. Besides, vendetta and victimisation of our party workers and leaders were major issues.
How do you plan to resolve the same?
It is not the Chief Minister or ministers who do the work. It is officials who are supposed to do the job. I have a great experience of thirty years, most of it while being in the Opposition, as a public representative. I never faced any difficulty in getting things done. Officials do respect public representatives. It depends on how you deal with them. You need to have a vision and people are there to support and cooperate with you, irrespective of which party you belong to.
Why should people vote for you?
I believe that I have gained credibility and earned the trust of people over the past three decades having been with them and for them. Our people know how I work. You won’t find anyone in Ludhiana or elsewhere who will tell you that Ashu refused to help him or wanted to know which party the person belonged to. I belong to the Congress, but as a public representative I belong to everyone.
How much are you sure about your win?
As sure and certain as the rising of the sun in the morning. This is my seventh personal election I am fighting. Besides, I have helped others also. I can feel the pulse of people. There has been an overwhelming outpouring of support for me. Now, people of Ludhiana West are in the best position to judge me. They have seen me and they have seen others. I leave it to them with faith, confidence and trust that they will support me this time.
What were your challenges and advantages during this byelection?
There are always multiple challenges during elections, particularly the byelection when the entire government paraphernalia is working against you. The government resorted to blunt and shameless vindictiveness and vendetta against me and supporters. One of my colleagues was slapped with an FIR and thankfully he got the bail. I was summoned with clear intention to be arrested. Later, the government backed out as it boomeranged on them. But let me add, along with the challenges, I have got immense support and love from people. Those challenges seemed nothing with the support I have got from friends, colleagues, workers and everyone.
SAD candidate Parupkar Singh Ghuman
What were real issues during this election?
“During this election, we witnessed critical challenges that strike at the heart of our democracy. Misuse of money and muscle power continue to distort the will of the people, with reports of excessive campaign spending undermining fairness. Economic distress, particularly unemployment and inflation, weighed heavily on voters, especially our youth. A critical challenge was the rival parties’ relentless campaign to lure voters with fake promises of development and progress, eroding trust in the electoral system. These issues, rooted in systemic flaws, demand urgent reform to restore trust in our democratic institutions.”
How do you plan to resolve the same?
I am committed to a clear roadmap for reform. A cornerstone of my strategy is empowering voters with knowledge to see through deception and make informed choices. It will help tackle Rival parties’ fake promises of development and progress, alongside systemic challenges such as money power, transparency deficits and economic distress. I will champion policies to create sustainable jobs for our youth and tackle inflation through targeted welfare schemes. To unite our society, I will promote inclusive governance that transcends caste and religion, fostering policies that uplift every community. My legal expertise and dedication to justice will drive these changes, ensuring a stronger, fairer democracy.
Why should people vote for you?
People should vote for me because I stand for integrity, justice, and the common citizen. As an advocate, I have spent my career fighting for the rights of the marginalized and holding the powerful accountable. Unlike others swayed by money or muscle, my campaign is driven by a vision of inclusive progress—jobs for our youth, dignity for our farmers, and unity for our nation. I bring a fresh perspective, untainted by political dynasties or criminal affiliations, and a commitment to transparent governance. Your vote for me is a vote for a leader who listens, acts, and delivers, ensuring your voice is heard in the halls of power.
How much are you sure about your win?
I am optimistic about our victory because it is not just mine — it belongs to the people who yearn for change. The overwhelming support I received from voters across communities, coupled with our grassroots campaign built on trust and transparency, gives me immense confidence. While I respect the democratic process and every voter’s choice, I am certain that our message of justice, unity and progress resonates strongly. With your continued support, I am confident we will achieve a resounding mandate to serve and transform our constituency.”
What were your challenges and advantages during this byelection?
Challenges we faced were formidable. Competing against entrenched political machines backed by vast financial resources and muscle power was daunting. As a newcomer, breaking through the dominance of established parties required tireless effort. However, our advantages were even greater. My legal background and reputation for integrity gave voters a trusted alternative. Our grassroots campaign, powered by dedicated volunteers and genuine public support, connected directly with the people. The growing demand for clean politics and accountable leadership aligned perfectly with our vision. Most importantly, the faith of voters in our commitment to justice and progress was our biggest strength, propelling us forward in this historic election.
AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora
What were real issues during the byelection?
As I have been with voters in the constituency for long as compared to others, I feel key issues include roads and public transport, crime and safety, cleanliness, drinking water, youth employment and the menace of stray dogs. For all these, I would need the support of my voters, they can see a sea-change in the constituency if they put trust in Sanjeev Arora.
How do you plan to resolve the same?
I have already resolved many issues and remaining issues will also be resolved with a visionary approach. On Tuesday, I have released a vision document for the particular constituency and it covers all aspects and issues. I am fully committed to the voters in the constituency.
Why should people vote for you?
I bring with me a proven track record, vision and intent to deliver. I have shown real work for development of the city in the past three years.
How much are you sure about your win?
I’m confident of winning as I have got a lot of response from Ludhiana resdients during my 100-day election campaign. I hope the response I got from people will convert into votes.
What were your challenges and advantages during this byelection?
I feel grateful for the strong backing I’ve received from friends and family. Residents of Ludhiana (West) have shown great warmth and support, making the journey smoother. Rather than challenges, it was great to serve the people and getting their works done. I get internal satisfaction when I saw smile on faces of people whose work were done.
BJP candidate Jiwan Gupta
What were real issues during this byelection?
The real issues were poor law and order situation, running away from poll promises by the present government and development of Ludhiana that has been halted for the past three-and-a half years.
How do you plan to resolve the same?
To resolve these issues, it is required to make Punjab free from cobwebs and to do the same, it is required to bring the BJP into the state. As double engine governments in other states are progressing at a high pace.
Why people should vote for you?
People have given chance to all parties like the Congress, AAP and SAD, now, people have high hopes from the BJP as BJP-led governments have delivered good governance in other states, it would deliver here in Punjab as well.
What were your challenges and advantages during the byelection?
My main challenge was I got only 14 days to campaign, whereas other party candidates got three months for the same. My challenge was to reach out to all 1.74 lakh voters in Ludhiana West, so I was telling people here that if you all like my vision, you should support me. People are giving me support with a hope that I and the BJP will deliver in the constituency.
How much are you sure about your win?
I’m sure about my win as people are liking our party’s development agenda. Residents of the constituency have become my power and they are only fighting this election. People have faith in me as they started joining me in large numbers.
Ludhiana