Ludhiana Bypoll Tension: Congress alleges police acting as AAP agents after worker detained
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), June 18, 2025: Tensions flared in the Jawahar Nagar camp area during the Ludhiana West by-election campaign after Punjab Police allegedly detained a Congress worker who reported illegal ration distribution by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The incident unfolded when Congress workers intercepted an Activa scooter carrying ration kits reportedly meant to influence voters.
According to eyewitnesses, the rider fled the scene after being confronted, leaving behind the ration-laden vehicle. Congress workers immediately lodged a complaint with the Election Commission and local police, accusing AAP of violating the Model Code of Conduct.
However, the situation escalated when police detained Lakhan Bhagat, the Congress worker who raised the complaint. This move triggered sharp criticism from Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who rushed to the spot and accused Punjab Police of acting as “polling agents” for the AAP.
“Punjab Police has made the broom makers wear their uniforms and conscience,” Ashu said, alleging that the police have become complicit in election malpractice.
Ashu further charged that the state police have surrendered their impartiality and are serving the political interests of the ruling party. Following his protest, the police released Lakhan Bhagat without filing any charges.
Speaking to the media, Ashu declared, “The government has lost its nerve. Police brutality is at its peak. The Congress party will fight back within the law and will not tolerate this intimidation.”
The incident has added to the already heated political atmosphere ahead of the poll, with opposition parties accusing the ruling AAP of electoral misconduct and abuse of state machinery.