In a gripping Ludhiana Election Result 2025, AAP’s Sanjeev Arora clinches Ludhiana West, while TMC’s Alifa Ahmed dominates Kaliganj. These victories reshape the political landscapes of Punjab and West Bengal, signalling shifts ahead of the 2026 elections. With voter turnout dipping in Ludhiana but soaring in Kaliganj, the results reflect local sentiments and strategic party moves. From Arvind Kejriwal’s jubilant tweets to Mamata Banerjee’s heartfelt thanks, the wins spark hope and debate. What do these outcomes mean for India’s political future?
Key Details
Who: AAP’s Sanjeev Arora won Ludhiana West; TMC’s Alifa Ahmed won Kaliganj.
What: Ludhiana Election Result 2025 for Ludhiana West and Kaliganj seats announced.
When: Voting on June 19, 2025; results on June 23, 2025.
Where: Ludhiana West, Punjab; Kaliganj, Nadia district, West Bengal.
Why: Ludhiana bypoll due to AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi’s death; Kaliganj due to TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed’s demise.
On June 23, 2025, the Election Commission of India announced the results of bypolls in Ludhiana West, Punjab, and Kaliganj, West Bengal. IN Ludhiana Election Result 2025, AAP’s Sanjeev Arora secured a decisive victory in Ludhiana West, defeating Congress’s Bharat Bhushan Ashu by over 10,637 votes. In Kaliganj, TMC’s Alifa Ahmed triumphed with a commanding 49,755-vote margin. These outcomes, marked by contrasting voter turnouts, highlight shifting political tides. As AAP strengthens its urban grip and TMC solidifies its rural stronghold, both parties eye broader influence ahead of the 2026 state elections. This article explores the results, reactions, and consequences.
Result Highlights
AAP’s Sanjeev Arora won Ludhiana West with 35,179 votes, defeating Congress’s Bharat Bhushan Ashu (24,542 votes) by 10,637 votes. BJP’s Jiwan Gupta trailed with 20,323 votes, and SAD’s Parupkar Singh Ghuman polled 8,203. In Kaliganj, TMC’s Alifa Ahmed secured 49,755 votes, leading BJP’s Ashish Ghosh by over 50,049 votes. Congress’s Kabil Uddin Shaikh finished third. The Election Commission confirmed AAP’s doubled margin in Ludhiana compared to 2022, while TMC maintained its dominance in Kaliganj.
Voter Turnout
Ludhiana West recorded a 51.33% voter turnout, down from 64% in 2022, reflecting urban voter apathy. Kaliganj saw a 69.85% turnout, lower than the 83.39% recorded in 2021, yet robust for a bypoll. The Election Commission noted that polling was peaceful, with webcasting available at 1,353 of 1,354 stations. Kaliganj’s high turnout underscored emotional voting after Nasiruddin Ahmed’s death, while Ludhiana’s dip suggested campaign fatigue.
Candidate Profiles
Sanjeev Arora, a Rajya Sabha MP and industrialist, leveraged AAP’s governance record in Punjab. Known for philanthropy, Arora’s campaign focused on development promises. Alifa Ahmed, daughter of late TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed, inherited her father’s legacy. A grassroots worker, she connected with Kaliganj’s rural, Muslim-majority voters, backed by Mamata Banerjee’s endorsement.
Local Reactions
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “Punjab’s people are happy with our work, voting us in with double the margin.” Sanjeev Arora thanked Ludhiana voters, promising “unparalleled development.” In Kaliganj, Mamata Banerjee said, “I’m grateful to Kaliganj for trusting Alifa.” Local TMC supporters celebrated, though BJP’s Amit Malviya alleged violence during victory rallies, claiming a bomb blast killed a girl. Residents in Ludhiana expressed mixed feelings; shopkeeper Rajesh Kumar said, “AAP’s win is good, but turnout was low.” In Kaliganj, farmer Abdul Sheikh noted, “Alifa’s win honours her father.”
Election Commission Data
The Election Commission reported 1,75,469 eligible voters in Ludhiana West, with 85,371 women and 10 third-gender voters. Kaliganj had 2,52,670 voters, including 1,22,303 women. Counting began at 8 AM on June 23 at Khalsa College for Women (Ludhiana) and Panighata UDM High School (Kaliganj). Official trends after 14 rounds in Ludhiana and 10 in Kaliganj confirmed victories for AAP and TMC.
Political Significance
AAP’s Ludhiana win bolsters its urban foothold in Punjab, crucial after Delhi’s electoral setbacks. Kejriwal’s campaign oversight and cabinet induction promises energized voters, signalling the AAP’s 2027 state election strategy. TMC’s Kaliganj triumph reinforces Mamata Banerjee’s grip on West Bengal’s rural heartland, which is vital before the 2026 polls. Both wins challenge the BJP’s national narrative, with AAP eyeing Gujarat and the TMC countering communal polarization. Congress’s third-place finishes highlight its weakening regional influence.
Comparison with Previous Polls
Ludhiana West, an AAP stronghold since 2022, saw a larger victory margin in 2025, reflecting growing trust. Congress won the seat six times since 1977, but its 2025 loss underscores AAP’s dominance. Kaliganj, a TMC bastion since 2021, maintained its trend, with Alifa Ahmed’s margin mirroring her father’s 46,987-vote win. BJP’s consistent third place in both seats shows limited inroads.
Background and Key Events
Ludhiana West’s poll followed the tragic death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January 2025. A 14-candidate race ensued, with AAP, Congress, BJP, and SAD clashing. Kejriwal, Mann, and Sisodia campaigned heavily, framing the election as a referendum on governance. In Kaliganj, Nasiruddin Ahmed’s February death sparked a sentimental contest. Alifa Ahmed faced BJP’s Ashish Ghosh and Congress’s Kabil Uddin Shaikh in a Muslim-majority seat. Tensions rose over alleged polling irregularities, with the BJP claiming interference by the TMC.
Perspectives from Involved Parties
AAP’s Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann called Ludhiana’s win “a mandate for honest governance.” Congress’s Bharat Bhushan Ashu accused AAP of “vote-buying tactics.” In Kaliganj, BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari criticized TMC’s “anti-Gujarati bias” in webcasting contracts. Local TMC leader Mohua Moitra hailed Alifa’s victory as “Mamata’s triumph.” Voters like Ludhiana’s Priya Sharma hoped for “better roads and schools,” while Kaliganj’s Rina Begum sought “peace and jobs.”
Likely Future Effects
These polls signal AAP’s rising star in Punjab and Gujarat, challenging BJP’s dominance. TMC’s Kaliganj win strengthens its 2026 campaign, but allegations of violence raise concerns. Low voter turnout in Ludhiana highlights urban disillusionment, while Kaliganj’s engagement reflects rural loyalty. As 2025 general elections loom, AAP and TMC’s strategies—grassroots outreach and emotional appeals—could reshape India’s political map.
Conclusion
The 2025 by-elections in Ludhiana West and Kaliganj mark pivotal victories for the AAP and the TMC. Sanjeev Arora’s urban triumph and Alifa Ahmed’s rural landslide reflect regional trust in their parties’ visions. Yet, low turnout and allegations of violence underscore the challenges. As AAP eyes national expansion and TMC fortifies Bengal, these results foreshadow intense battles in 2026, shaping India’s political future.
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