Jalandhar West Bypoll Sees Lower Voter Turnout: Key Political Battles and Stakeholders

The Jalandhar West assembly bypoll in Punjab recorded a voter turnout of 55%, a decline from 67% in the 2022 state election. The multi-cornered contest saw major parties like AAP, Congress, and BJP clashing. The seat fell vacant after AAP's Sheetal Angural resigned. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed gratitude towards voters.

Around 55% voter turnout was recorded in the Jalandhar West assembly bypoll on Wednesday, a sharp decline from the 67% seen in the 2022 state election.

Polling, held from 7 am to 6 pm, remained peaceful, as confirmed by officials. The constituency witnessed heated competition among AAP, Congress, and BJP, with 15 candidates in the fray. The seat became vacant after AAP legislator Sheetal Angural joined the BJP in March.

The bypoll is crucial for Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who thanked voters for their disciplined participation. Congress candidate Surinder Kaur criticized the AAP government, while AAP's Mohinder Bhagat remained optimistic about his party’s victory. The BJP, aiming for a win, faced competition from Surjit Kaur, who received mixed support from the Shiromani Akali Dal and Bahujan Samaj Party nominees.

Total eligible voters numbered 1,71,963, with arrangements made for 874 PwD voters. The bypoll was also seen as a critical test for the competing parties' influence in the region.