West bypoll: AAP inaugurates Arora’s election office with show of strength

Ludhiana: In a show of strength, seven cabinet ministers from other districts attended the inauguration function of AAP bypoll candidate, Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjeev Arora's election office at Malhar Road on Sunday. Ministers who attended the function included AAP Punjab president and minister Aman Arora, Mohinder Bhagat, Barinder Goyal, Hardeep Singh Mundian, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Laljit Singh Bhullar, and Tarunpreet Singh Sond. Party MLAs from Ludhiana, Ashok Parashar Pappi, Daljit Singh Grewal Bhola and Madan Lal Bagga, were also among the guests. The office was inugurated by AAP Punjab president and cabinet minister Aman Arora to the accompaniment of drum beats and a ceremonial "Ardas" performed by a granthi.
Talking to TOI, AAP district (urban) president Sharanpal Singh Makkar admitted that it was a show of strength. He added that besides the ministers, MLAs, etc, in-charges of 192 booths were present at the function and they would carry out the campaign from Monday.
The AAP district president said that during the campaign, party leaders and volunteers would highlight work done by the party and its candidate. He added that seven ministers and 17 MLAs from other districts as well as five local MLAs would also join the campaign.
Addressing the gathering, Aman Arora congratulated party workers and declared the event as the official beginning of AAP's poll campaign in Ludhiana West, even though the election date had not been announced yet. He urged party members to work tirelessly to ensure a thumping victory for Sanjeev Arora, who he described as a "development-oriented leader" with a clean image.
Highlighting the work done by the AAP-led state govt under chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and MP Sanjeev Arora, Aman Arora said that significant strides had been for all sections of society including industry and farmers, over the last three years. "Both the govt and our candidate enjoy credibility due to their excellent performance, and people of Ludhiana (West) are ready to vote," he said.
Aman Arora claimed that during door-to-door verification over the past two months, AAP workers had detected numerous fake voters allegedly listed by rival parties. He said that their effort was to ensure free and fair elections.
Taking a dig at rival parties, he said, "While AAP stands united, the Congress is marred by factionalism. No other candidate comes close to Sanjeev Arora, whose work in Ludhiana has already earned public trust." He added that AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal had recognised his capabilities, which led to his nomination as a Rajya Sabha MP. "He understands the pulse of industry and the people. Now, it's time for people to elect him with a decisive mandate," he said.
Punjab minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond called upon workers to intensify the campaign by installing party flags and banners—respecting houseowners' consent.
In his address, Sanjeev Arora spoke at length about various development initiatives he had undertaken in the last three years. Expressing gratitude towards the party leadership, he said that his responsibilities would grow after the election and promised to continue working for public welfare.
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