Despite Sukhbir’s aggressive campaign, SAD slips to 4th spot

In a major setback to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the party failed to make a mark in the Ludhiana byelection, finishing a distant fourth with only 8,203 votes despite an intense campaign led by party president Sukhbir Badal. The result underscores the party’s continued struggle to regain political ground in urban Punjab.

Sukhbir had thrown his weight behind the campaign in the constituency. His strategy focussed on reconnecting with traditional voter bases, highlighting alleged failures of AAP government and presenting SAD as the only alternative to both AAP and Congress. However, the results told a different story.

Political observers say SAD’s poor performance is indicative of a deepening disconnect between the party and the urban electorate. Once dominant in parts of Punjab, SAD has increasingly found itself unable to resonate with voters in key cities like Ludhiana. The low voter turnout of just 51.33%, the lowest in nearly two decades, further complicated matters for the party.

Despite claims of voter manipulation, misuse of government machinery and the exploitation of government schemes by the ruling AAP, SAD could not convert public discontent into electoral gains.

This latest defeat is likely to intensify questions about SAD’s strategy and leadership direction. “This result is a wake-up call. Despite our hard work, we failed to strike a chord with voters. We need serious introspection, not excuses,” admitted a senior SAD leader on condition of anonymity.

As SAD continues to grapple with its declining influence, especially in urban constituencies, the bypoll serves as a harsh reminder that reinvention, not just aggressive campaigning, is necessary for a political revival.

SAD candidate Parupkar Singh Ghuman said he was satisfied with the results and he was thankful to the people who worked so hard.

Ludhiana