India, May 31 -- The Ludhiana West byelection is a crucial battle between Congress and AAP's leadership.

NEW DELHI: The by-election for the Ludhiana West Assembly seat in Punjab is shaping up to be a closely watched contest. It has become a matter of prestige for both the Congress and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). From AAP's national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the party is putting its full strength into retaining this crucial seat.

A victory here would open the door to the Rajya Sabha for Kejriwal. The party has fielded Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora as its candidate. Following its defeat in Delhi, AAP quickly announced Arora's candidacy, fuelling speculation that K...