By-Election Speculation Rises After Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Gogi’s Death. The sudden death of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Gurpreet Gogi from Ludhiana West has thrown open the issue of an impending assembly by-election in Punjab. Gogi died under mysterious circumstances late Friday night, reportedly from a gunshot wound. Even before his final rites, political circles are abuzz with speculation over potential candidates and party strategies.
According to electoral rules, any vacant assembly or parliamentary seat has to be filled through a by-election within six months. This would be the third by-election under AAP’s current tenure in Punjab after contests in Sangrur and Jalandhar Lok Sabha constituencies and assembly seats in Jalandhar West, Chabbewal, Dera Baba Nanak, and Gidderbaha. Notably, the Jalandhar Lok Sabha by-election occurred after Congress MP Santokh Chaudhary’s demise during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Rahul Gandhi’s presence. Gogi had joined the Aam Aadmi Party just before the 2022 assembly elections and secured a significant victory over Congress heavyweight and two-time MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu.
The victory reflected a sea change in the political situation in Ludhiana West as Gogi defeated a former colleague and cabinet minister, with whom he has worked closely during his time in Congress. His relations with the Congress leader Ravneet Bittu also soured as he crossed over to another camp, and there have been evident tensions between them during Lok Sabha elections. It’s likely to be an election battle here as Bharat Bhushan Ashu spent much time behind the bars and he would raise his claim over Congress. The AAP wants its position back would surely nominate. BJP, being more aggressive this time would surely make an attempt while there are indications that the Shiromani Akali Dal is staying out and one will have more clarity closer to the elections. Political observers think that this by-election could determine political dynamics within the province of Punjab, especially keeping in view the untimely death of Gogi, which has initiated political maneuvering across parties.
