As vote counting commenced for the assembly bypolls, BJPs Ludhiana West candidate Jiwan Gupta offered prayers at Durga Mata Mandir in Ludhiana on Monday. Speaking to ANI, Gupta said, “I start all my work with divine blessings. Today is the day of counting. I am a devotee of Lord Shiv, who has always showered blessings upon me. I came here to seek his blessings and prayed for Punjab’s progress and a bright future. I will respectfully accept whatever outcome He decides.”

Counting for by-elections in five assembly constituencies across four states — Gujarat, Kerala, West Bengal, and Punjab — began at 8 am on Monday. The bypolls were conducted on June 19 in Gujarat’s Kadi (SC) and Visavadar seats, Kerala’s Nilambur, Punjab’s Ludhiana West, and West Bengal’s Kaliganj. Among these, Nilambur recorded the highest voter turnout at 73.26%, while Ludhiana West had the lowest at 51.33%. Kadi reported 54.49%, Visavadar 54.61%, and Kaliganj 69.89%.

The Ludhiana West seat became vacant after the demise of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi in January. In the bypolls, AAP fielded Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, Congress nominated former state minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) put forward Parupkar Singh Ghumman. Security was heightened outside Ludhianas Khalsa College for Women, where vote counting is underway. Superintendent of Police DK Chaudhary informed ANI that a three-tier security arrangement has been enforced since 5 am, with around 450 police personnel deployed. Only authorized individuals are allowed inside the counting centre.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.