Challenge to the victory of Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora: HC issues notice to 14 including Election Commission

September 23, 2025

Aam Aadmi Party candidate and minister Sanjeev Arora won the assembly by-election in Ludhiana, Punjab, defeating Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu. But now, troubles appear to be mounting for Arora.

Jaswinder Malhi, a Ludhiana resident, has filed a petition in the High Court. The court has issued notices to the Election Commission and 14 others, including Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for October 13th.

Arora accused of corrupt practices and concealment of election expenses

Jaswinder Singh Malhi has accused Arora of corrupt practices and concealment of election expenses. The petitioner claims that Arora deliberately concealed crucial information in the affidavit (Form 26) submitted with his nomination papers and provided false and fabricated information to the Election Commission.

Arora accused of soliciting votes in the name of religion
The complainant also accused MLA Sanjeev Arora of soliciting votes in the name of religion and engaging professional religious preachers in his campaign. Jaswinder Malhi told the court that Arora, who is associated with the ruling party, misused the state machinery to win the election.

Allegations of Exceeding Election Expenditure
The allegation is that Sanjeev Arora exceeded election expenditure limits and failed to properly disclose his income. He misused government machinery during the election, and crores of rupees were spent, far exceeding the 40 lakh rupee limit.

Voting took place on June 19th
194 polling stations were set up for voting in the West constituency on June 19th. According to data released by the Election Commission, 51.33% voter turnout was recorded by 7 pm. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Gurpreet Gogi won this seat in 2022. However, he died of a gunshot wound some time ago, necessitating a by-election. The AAP had fielded Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora as its candidate.