Arvind Kejriwal, national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is back in Ludhiana, Punjab, for a series of events that will coincide with the Ludhiana West Assembly byelection, which has become a highly contested race ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle. Kejriwal’s visit includes a rally and a march against the drug menace as part of the Punjab government’s ongoing Yudh Nashe De Virudh campaign. The march will also see the participation of NCC cadets and NSS volunteers.

Ludhiana West Byelection Significance

The Ludhiana West Assembly byelection holds immense political significance for the ruling AAP, as it seeks to maintain its dominance in the state legislature. The seat became vacant after the untimely death of Gurpreet Singh Gogi, an AAP MLA, on January 11. According to the Election Commission, the byelection needs to be held by July 11, though the exact dates have not been declared yet.

The Ludhiana West seat is now a battle of prestige for AAP. Kejriwal’s frequent visits to the region underscore the importance of this seat for the party’s ongoing political narrative. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora has already been declared as the AAP candidate for the byelection. With Kejriwal's direct involvement in the campaign, the party aims to retain the seat and further solidify its grip on Punjab’s political landscape.

Kejriwal’s Previous Visit and Impact on State Politics

Kejriwal’s last visit to Ludhiana had a notable impact on the state’s political dynamics. During that visit, Kejriwal met with industrialists, who expressed concern over the farmers' protests at the Shambhu and Khnauri border points. These protests, which had been ongoing for over a year, had disrupted trade and caused significant economic losses in the state, particularly on highways connecting Punjab and Haryana. In response to these grievances, the Punjab government launched a crackdown on the protesting farmers, leading to the detention and arrest of union leaders, and eventually getting the protest sites vacated.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema defended the government's action, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open highways for economic activity. He explained, “The traders have been facing losses. There has been no investment. We have been telling the farmers that their fight is with the Centre. We have been supporting them. We have told them that we can wean off our youth from drugs only if we can give them employment. The employment can only be given if there is investment in the state. Such dharnas harm the interests of everyone.”

The Political Context and AAP’s Strength

The AAP had an impressive victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, securing 92 seats out of the 117-member Assembly. Since then, it has successfully won three byelections, bringing its tally to 94 seats. A victory in the Ludhiana West byelection would bring the party’s strength to 95 seats, further consolidating its power in the state.

The stakes are high for AAP, as this byelection is not only a political contest but also a prestige battle. Opposition parties have already claimed that Kejriwal’s frequent visits to Ludhiana West indicate his personal investment in this race. There are also speculations about Kejriwal’s future political ambitions, particularly with regard to his potential plans for Rajya Sabha entry through this constituency, should Arora secure victory.

Conclusion

With the Ludhiana West byelection looming on the horizon, Kejriwal’s renewed focus on the region signals the AAP’s strategic efforts to retain the seat and strengthen its position in Punjab politics. Through rallies and campaigns, the party aims to address local issues like the drug menace while solidifying its control over the state’s political landscape. How these events unfold will have significant implications for the party’s future in Punjab and beyond.

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