LUDHIANA, May 30: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a massive roadshow on Friday in support of Sanjeev Arora, its candidate for the Ludhiana West Assembly by-election, drawing large crowds and senior party leaders to the streets ahead of his nomination filing.
The rally, which began at Aarti Chowk, featured AAP’s national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab AAP president Aman Arora, and former Delhi minister Atishi Meena, who joined Sanjeev Arora atop a campaign vehicle.
Originally set to pass through Ghumar Mandi and Bhai Bala Chowk before culminating at the Mini Secretariat, the route was partially modified due to intense heat. The leaders shifted from an open vehicle to cars midway to continue the procession.
Chants of “Inquilab Zindabad” echoed along the rally path as supporters thronged the streets.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, addressing the crowd earlier in the day, said, “In a day or two, you will know the placement of our election symbol on the ballot. No matter the number, we know it will come first.”
Kejriwal began his speech with the Sikh greeting, “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal,” and added, “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.” Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comment, “Hamare ragon mein sindoor daudta hai,” Kejriwal quipped, “Sanjeev Arora ke ragon mein Ludhiana daudta hai.”
Taking aim at Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Kejriwal endorsed Arora’s campaign slogan, “Na gussa, na ahankaar, Sanjeev Arora iss baar,” urging voters to support progress over conflict. “If you want development, vote for Arora. If you want anger and frustration, go with Ashu,” he said.
The bypoll is being closely watched, with AAP aiming to consolidate its hold in Punjab following previous electoral gains.
