Ludhiana West by-poll counting to begin at 8 am on June 23: Punjab CEO
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), June 22, 2025 (ANI): The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Punjab Sibin C clarified that the counting of votes in the Ludhiana West Assembly by-election is to begin at 8 am on June 23. He said there was not change in the timing but only the clarification was communicated to the Deputy Commissioner through an official letter on Saturday.
The by-election has drawn significant attention with BJP fielding Jiwan Gupta and AAP nominating Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora as its candidate, following the demise of sitting MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi. The political stakes are high, and the outcome is expected to set the tone for upcoming political strategies in the region.
As the crucial vote count approaches, Khalsa College for Women in Ludhiana is fully prepared to host the process, which will unfold over 14 rounds.
On Sunday, General Observer Rajeev Kumar, IAS, and District Election Officer (DEO) Himanshu Jain conducted an on-ground review of the arrangements to ensure a smooth and transparent process.
The inspection covered the main examination hall where 14 tables have been placed for EVM vote counting, along with two additional tables dedicated to postal ballots and Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) votes.
A separate media center has been set up in the college auditorium, offering comprehensive facilities for journalists covering the event.
District authorities have made elaborate security arrangements, deploying an adequate police force and securing the entire perimeter of the counting center. Parking logistics for candidates, agents, and officials have also been streamlined to prevent congestion and ensure smooth movement on counting day.
Both Rajeev Kumar and Himanshu Jain expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and emphasized that the counting will take place in a peaceful, fair, and transparent environment. They reiterated the administration’s commitment to upholding electoral integrity and public confidence in the process.
With political momentum at its peak and public anticipation running high, the final vote count on Monday, June 23, will reveal who takes charge of the Ludhiana West Assembly seat in one of Punjab’s most closely watched electoral contests.