The much-anticipated Ludhiana West Assembly by-election concluded with a predictable outcome—the victory of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate, Sanjeev Arora. While AAP celebrated this result as a major endorsement of its governance, political analysts and citizens familiar with Punjab’s electoral history view this win as part of a familiar pattern, not a reflection of genuine public support.
In the political landscape of Punjab, by-elections have almost always favoured the ruling party, regardless of performance. This is largely due to the considerable influence the party in power exerts through state machinery, administrative reach, and strategic advantages. Sanjeev Arora’s victory, therefore, was less about popularity and more about power at play—another chapter in the ongoing tradition of ruling-party dominance during bypolls.
As the dust settles, the Congress Party, which fielded senior leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu as its candidate, is now mired in a blame game. Instead of confronting its organizational weaknesses or evaluating the reasons behind its defeat, party leaders are pointing fingers at each other. Internal rifts, poor coordination, and lacklustre campaigning plagued the Congress effort. Their post-poll response has only deepened public scepticism about the party’s ability to revive itself in Punjab.
This intra-party mudslinging has become a recurring theme within Congress, both in Punjab and across the country. Instead of taking collective responsibility and rebuilding trust among voters, leaders seem more interested in self-preservation and scapegoating. This internal disunity is precisely what contributed to the party’s failure in Ludhiana West, and unless corrected, it will continue to cost them electorally.
The bigger question, however, is whether AAP’s win in Ludhiana West is a true reflection of its performance in Punjab. The answer is a resounding no. On the ground, Punjab is grappling with serious issues—rising unemployment, increasing drug abuse, declining law and order, and widespread disillusionment with promises of “Nava Punjab.” The enthusiasm that brought AAP to power seems to be fading rapidly, with little tangible progress visible to the average citizen.
Even within Ludhiana West, residents—particularly traders, small entrepreneurs, and youth—have voiced frustration over economic stagnation and lack of development. The low voter turnout in this by-election is itself a silent protest, signaling voter fatigue and a lack of faith in all available political options. The ruling party’s win, under such conditions, cannot be interpreted as a vote of confidence in its governance.
Moreover, several reports from polling day suggest the heavy use of government machinery. From biased administrative behavior to subtle pressure on opposition workers, the neutrality of the election environment has come under question. Such practices, sadly, are nothing new in Punjab’s political culture. Whether it was Congress in the past or AAP now, successive governments have misused their positions to tilt the field in their favor during by-elections.
The Ludhiana West result also sheds light on a deeper issue—the shrinking space for fair and democratic elections in Punjab. If bypolls continue to serve as rubber stamps for ruling parties, and if opposition parties continue to self-destruct, then public trust in the democratic process will continue to erode. Voters must feel empowered, not manipulated or ignored.
Sanjeev Arora’s win may add another seat to AAP’s legislative strength, but it does not validate the party’s governance record. Punjab still awaits the transformation it was promised. A change in political leadership is meaningless unless accompanied by honest governance, grassroots development, and genuine public engagement.
In conclusion, the Ludhiana West by-election is not a mandate for good governance—it is a reflection of the reality that those in power often win by default, not by merit. Until elections are truly fought and won based on vision, performance, and accountability, results like these will be hollow victories, offering little hope to the people of Punjab.