Aam Aadmi scores big wins in Punjab and Gujarat by-elections after Delhi setback

LUDHIANA: After facing a significant electoral setback in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made a strong political comeback by securing impressive victories in two key by-elections held in Punjab and Gujarat.

Ludhiana West
In the Ludhiana West constituency of Punjab, AAP successfully retained its seat with a majority of over 10,000 votes. The party fielded former Rajya Sabha MP and industrialist Sanjeev Arora as its candidate. He defeated BJP's Jeevan Gupta, while Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu secured second place. The by-election was necessitated by the demise of sitting AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi.

AAP had launched an intensive campaign in Ludhiana West to ensure victory. Senior leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Atishi, actively campaigned for Sanjeev Arora, underscoring the party’s focus on the state ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, which are just two years away.

Visavadar in Gujarat
In Gujarat’s Visavadar constituency, AAP dealt a significant blow to the BJP by defeating former BJP district president Kirit Patel. AAP candidate Gopal Italia, the party's former state president in Andhra Pradesh, won the seat with a margin of over 17,000 votes, securing 75,942 votes in total. The victory is particularly notable given Gujarat’s status as a BJP stronghold.

Kadi, Gujarat
In Kadi, Gujarat, the BJP retained the seat with candidate Rajendra Chavda winning by a margin of 39,000 votes. The seat had been vacant since the death of BJP MLA Karshan Solanki in February.

Kaliganj, West Bengal
In West Bengal’s Kaliganj constituency in Nadia district, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) emerged victorious. TMC candidate Alif Ahmed won the by-election, which was held following the death of his father and former MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed in February. BJP had fielded Ashish Ghosh as its candidate in the contest.