Arvind Kejriwal, the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party and Delhi's former Chief Minister, has clarified that he is not aiming for the Rajya Sabha. Speculations were rife when AAP nominated Sanjeev Arora for the Ludhiana West by-election, suggesting Kejriwal might take his place in the Upper House if victorious. On Monday, results confirmed AAP’s Sanjeev Arora triumphed in Ludhiana West.
When Aaj Tak questioned AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal about this win and the Rajya Sabha path, he remarked, 'The Political Affairs Committee of the party will decide who goes to the Rajya Sabha, but it won't be me.' This victory in Ludhiana West heralds a political opening for AAP after its loss in Delhi this past February. With Sanjeev Arora resigning his legislative post, a seat in the Rajya Sabha is now open from Punjab, inviting curiosity as to AAP’s nominee.
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AAP’s Sanjeev Arora Wins in Ludhiana West
In the wake of its loss in the Delhi elections, neither the party nor Kejriwal has officially outlined future strategies. Kejriwal has channelled significant focus into Punjab, where party operations are centralized around governance. Assembly elections are anticipated for early 2027 in Punjab. Sanjeev Arora garnered 35,179 votes, surpassing Congress leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu by 10,637 votes, while the BJP's Jeevan Gupta stood third.
In 2015 and 2020, AAP boasted a sweep of over 60 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly. However, by 2025, this tally shrank to just 22, with Kejriwal and other key leaders facing defeat from their seats. To remain politically relevant, AAP is actively seeking new strategies until it gains power elsewhere. Arora's resignation necessitates filling his Rajya Sabha seat within six months. The Election Commission will soon outline the schedule, followed by elections. Given AAP’s 94 seats in the 117-member Punjab Assembly, winning the Rajya Sabha election is largely procedural for the party.
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AAP Clinches Gujarat By-election Seat
AAP contested two Gujarat Assembly by-elections in addition to Ludhiana West – winning both Visavadar and Kadi. In Visavadar, Gopal Italia emerged victorious with 75,942 votes, edging past BJP's Kirit Patel by 17,554 votes. AAP's hold on Visavadar dates back to their 2022 legislative win, with a by-election called after legislator Bhupendra Bhayani defected to BJP earlier this year. Despite BJP’s consistent rule since 1998, Visavadar last saw a BJP win in 2007.
