Despite strong anti-incumbency sentiments, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) retained Ludhiana West in the 2025 Assembly by-election. Here are five key factors behind this unexpected but strategic win:
1. Industrial Backing for Sanjeev Arora
AAP’s candidate Sanjeev Arora, a sitting Rajya Sabha MP and prominent industrialist, earned massive goodwill in Ludhiana’s business circles. His efforts to address long-standing issues like VAT refunds, industrial approvals, and civic bottlenecks built a solid support base across the manufacturing sector.
2. Congress Defections Boosted Local Machinery
Over 30 families and functionaries from Congress switched sides to AAP during the campaign. These grassroots leaders energized booth-level campaigns and helped counter the opposition’s narrative.
3. Focused Messaging on Development
AAP’s campaign strategically highlighted development work in Ludhiana West—improved roads, civic infrastructure, better healthcare, and electricity subsidies. The local impact of these policies helped neutralize dissatisfaction from rural and protest-hit regions.
4. Heavyweight Campaign Support
The combined campaigning of Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Mann added credibility and visibility. The presence of multiple AAP MLAs and ministers across wards gave voters a strong sense of continuity and leadership investment.
5. Candidate Perception: Accessible vs Arrogant
Sanjeev Arora was portrayed as humble, people-centric, and responsive, in contrast to Congress’s Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who faced public criticism for arrogance and alleged misuse of authority. This contrast worked heavily in AAP’s favor, especially among youth and first-time voters.
Conclusion
AAP’s win in Ludhiana West is more than a lucky escape from anti-incumbency—it reflects smart candidate selection, industrial trust, tactical defections, and grassroots mobilization. The victory signals that, when done right, local governance and targeted outreach can still override national discontent.
FAQs
Q1: Was anti-incumbency not a factor in Ludhiana West?
A: It was present, but AAP’s strategic moves and local credibility helped contain it.
Q2: How significant was industrial support in this win?
A: Extremely. Arora’s pro-industry image played a key role in retaining the seat.
Q3: Did Congress run a weak campaign?
A: Congress’s campaign lacked local traction due to defections and negative perception of its candidate.
published on 24th june
Publisher : SMITA
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