AAP Nominates Sanjeev Arora for Ludhiana West Bypoll Amid Rajya Sabha Speculations

Introduction
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced its Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjeev Arora, as its candidate for the Ludhiana West assembly bypoll. This move has ignited widespread speculation about whether the party is paving the way for its national convener, Arvind Kejriwal, to enter the Rajya Sabha. While AAP spokespersons have denied these claims, opposition parties have criticized the decision, calling it a desperate attempt by Kejriwal to retain power after AAP’s recent electoral setbacks in Delhi.

The Ludhiana West Bypoll Context
The Ludhiana West assembly seat fell vacant on 10th January 2024 after the sitting AAP MLA, Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, died in an accidental gunshot incident. The bypoll date is yet to be announced, but the AAP’s decision to field Sanjeev Arora, a sitting Rajya Sabha MP, has raised eyebrows.

Arora, a Ludhiana-based industrialist and philanthropist, was elected to the Rajya Sabha in March 2022. His nomination for the assembly bypoll has led to speculation that he may vacate his Rajya Sabha seat, creating an opportunity for Arvind Kejriwal to enter the Upper House of Parliament.

Opposition Criticism and Speculations
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress. Union Minister Ravneet Bittu accused Kejriwal of being “greedy for power,” while BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill questioned whether Arora’s candidacy was a ploy to facilitate Kejriwal’s Rajya Sabha entry.

Congress leader Sukhpal Khaira condemned the move, calling it a “backdoor entry” for Kejriwal into the Rajya Sabha. Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia echoed similar sentiments, stating that Punjab was being made to “surrender before Delhi.”

AAP’s Response
AAP spokesperson Neel Garg dismissed the speculations as “baseless rumors.” He clarified that Arora would continue as a Rajya Sabha MP until the Ludhiana West bypoll results are declared. Garg emphasized that the party would decide on Arora’s replacement in the Rajya Sabha only after he wins the assembly seat and vacates his current position.

Sanjeev Arora’s Profile
Sanjeev Arora is a prominent industrialist and philanthropist from Ludhiana. He is the managing director of Ritesh Properties and Industries Limited and runs a charitable trust for cancer patients. Arora has been an active Rajya Sabha member, with an 88% attendance record and participation in over 80 debates. He has also raised critical issues such as farmers’ welfare, tourism in Punjab, and the affordability of cancer drugs.

The Ludhiana West Contest
In the 2022 assembly elections, AAP’s Gurpreet Bassi Gogi defeated Congress leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu in the Hindu-dominated Ludhiana West seat. Ashu, who is currently out on bail in a corruption case, is likely to be the Congress candidate against Arora.

Arora’s nomination is seen as a strategic move by AAP to retain the Ludhiana West seat while potentially creating a vacancy in the Rajya Sabha. His deep connection to Ludhiana and philanthropic work could work in his favor during the bypoll.

Conclusion
The AAP’s decision to field Sanjeev Arora for the Ludhiana West bypoll has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties accusing Arvind Kejriwal of orchestrating a backdoor entry into the Rajya Sabha. While AAP has denied these claims, the bypoll results will be closely watched to see how this political maneuver unfolds.