Ludhiana, April 17:— Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has nominated Parupkar Singh Ghuman, former president of the Ludhiana Bar Association, as its candidate for the upcoming Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll.
Ghuman joins a race that already includes Congress’s Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Sanjeev Arora. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has yet to announce its nominee.
The Ludhiana West seat fell vacant after the death of AAP legislator Gurpreet Bassi Gogi on January 10. Gogi, who was elected in 2022, died of a gunshot wound at his residence. Police said the injury occurred when his licensed firearm discharged accidentally.
SAD leaders described Ghuman as a “seasoned advocate with grassroots connect” and expressed confidence in his chances. “He has long been associated with local issues and understands the pulse of the constituency,” said a party functionary.
Congress had declared former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu as its choice earlier this month. “Ashu has a proven record in Ludhiana politics and will offer strong representation,” a party leader noted.
Meanwhile, AAP has chosen Rajya Sabha member Sanjeev Arora to defend the party’s hold on the seat. An AAP spokesperson said, “Arora carries forward Gogi’s legacy and has the trust of the people.”
The Election Commission is expected to announce the polling schedule soon.
