Ludhiana, June 24 -- Once the Congress party's undisputed stronghold, Ludhiana West continues to drift away from its historical political alignment. In a significant blow to the party's prospects, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured yet another victory in the recent by-election, signalling a clear shift in voter sentiment. The seat, which has repeatedly sent Congress MLAs to the Punjab assembly, now appears to be realigning its political loyalty.

The bypoll was necessitated after the accidental death of sitting AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi. Despite the historical significance - this being the first-ever byelection in Ludhiana West seat since its formation in 1977 - the voter turnout dropped to 51.33%, one of the lowest ever, mirroring a sense of poli...