In a bold return to frontline politics, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has kicked off a high-stakes campaign in Punjab and Gujarat, signaling his party’s push to stay politically relevant after recent setbacks. With by-elections set for June 19, these contests could determine the future trajectory of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) across key battleground states.

Punjab Bypoll 2024: AAP Eyes Parliament Entry via Ludhiana West

Following its electoral defeat in Delhi, AAP is turning its full attention to Punjab—its remaining stronghold. The Ludhiana West by-election presents a pivotal opportunity for the party, not just to secure a legislative seat but potentially to pave the way for Kejriwal’s entry into the Rajya Sabha.

In a strategic move, AAP has nominated sitting Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora as its candidate for the Ludhiana West Assembly seat. The seat became vacant after the passing of MLA Gurpreet Singh Gogi in January 2024. Under election regulations, the vacancy must be filled within six months, making this contest time-sensitive and politically significant.

If Arora wins and vacates his parliamentary seat, Kejriwal could be nominated and elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha, given AAP’s overwhelming majority in the Punjab Assembly—93 out of 117 seats. This maneuver is seen by many as Kejriwal’s path back into national politics, especially after losing his Delhi seat in the 2025 elections.

The Ludhiana West contest features four candidates: BJP’s Jiwan Gupta, Congress veteran Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Shiromani Akali Dal’s Parupkar Singh Ghumman, and AAP’s Sanjeev Arora. During a roadshow supporting Arora, Kejriwal highlighted Punjab’s support in 2022 and praised Arora as a candidate “with Ludhiana in his veins.”

For a deeper look at Arora’s nomination and its implications, visit the News18 report.

Gujarat Bypolls 2024: Gopal Italia Leads AAP’s Challenge in Visavadar

Meanwhile, Gujarat presents a different kind of challenge for AAP: testing its grassroots influence in a state dominated by the BJP for over two decades. The Visavadar by-election was triggered by the resignation of former AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani, who defected to the BJP earlier this year.

In response, AAP has fielded Gopal Italia, a prominent party figure and former Gujarat unit chief. Kejriwal joined Italia on Saturday for a roadshow in the region, accusing the BJP of political poaching and declaring that Italia represents “AAP’s biggest hero” in the fight for voter trust. “Let BJP try to break Gopal Italia, and I will leave politics,” Kejriwal declared during his fiery address.

In addition to Visavadar, AAP is contesting the Kadi constituency, where Jagdish Chavda has been named the party’s candidate following the passing of BJP MLA Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki. Both bypolls are scheduled for June 19, with vote counting on June 23.

What These Bypolls Mean for AAP and India’s Political Map

While these bypolls won’t shift power dramatically, their outcomes carry major symbolic weight. AAP’s performance could signal whether the party can regain momentum after its fall in Delhi and whether Kejriwal can reinvent himself as a national figure through Punjab’s Rajya Sabha route.

As Gujarat prepares for assembly elections in 2027, a strong showing now could help AAP carve out a long-term foothold. Likewise, another win in Punjab would reinforce AAP’s hold on the state and open doors for broader national ambitions.

These developments mark a crucial chapter for AAP—a party seeking not just survival, but resurgence.