The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has secured a resounding victory in the by-elections held for the Ludhiana West (Punjab) and Visavadar (Gujarat) Assembly seats.
Ludhiana Election Result 2025: In the by-elections held for three Assembly seats in Punjab and Gujarat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won two seats, not only declaring its political resurgence but also signaling its continued relevance and vibrancy in national politics. The victories in Ludhiana West (Punjab) and Visavadar (Gujarat) have injected renewed energy into AAP workers and represent a political rebirth for the party leadership.
Victory After Delhi Setbacks
AAP suffered a significant political blow earlier this year in the Delhi Municipal Corporation and Assembly by-elections. Following allegations of corruption and the arrest of senior leaders, the party appeared politically weakened. Political analysts even considered Arvind Kejriwal's national political career to be virtually over. However, AAP's b comeback in the Gujarat and Punjab by-elections could prove to be a significant revitalization for the party.
Ludhiana West: Congress Stronghold Breached
In Ludhiana West, traditionally a b Congress bastion, AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora defeated senior Congress leader and former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu. AAP began preparations for this seat well in advance, with Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann actively participating in the campaign.
- Sanjeev Arora (AAP): 35,144 votes
- Bharat Bhushan Ashu (Congress): 24,510 votes
- Jeevan Gupta (BJP): 20,299 votes
- Paropkar Singh (Akali Dal): 8,198 votes
Visavadar: Surprising BJP and Congress in Gujarat
The most surprising result came from the Visavadar Assembly seat in Gujarat, where AAP's young leader Gopal Italia secured a landslide victory. This seat fell vacant after the resignation of BJP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani. Gopal Italia's win indicates that AAP is now in a position to establish a foothold in Gujarat, surpassing the Congress.
- Gopal Italia (AAP): 75,942 votes
- Kirit Patel (BJP): 58,388 votes
- Nitin Ranpariya (Congress): 5,501 votes
- Khadi setback, but lessons in defeat
However, the party faced a significant defeat in the Khadi seat in Gujarat, where AAP came in third place. BJP's Rajendra Chawda defeated Congress' Ramesh Chawda, while AAP's Jagdish Chawda finished far behind.
- Rajendra Chawda (BJP): 99,742 votes
- Ramesh Chawda (Congress): 60,290 votes
- Jagdish Chawda (AAP): 3,090 votes
AAP's Delhi president, Saurabh Bharadwaj, stated, "Some said AAP would be finished. But these by-election results show that Arvind Kejriwal's politics is still alive and relevant." Senior leader Manish Sisodia posted, "The semi-final victory in Punjab is achieved; now it's time for the final."
