Overview

• On June 5, Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu alleged that the AAP has an “anti-national” mindset, citing its demand for proof of India’s surgical strikes and criticism of Hindu sindoor rituals.
• Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the BJP’s distribution of sindoor as a political stunt and warned against milking military uniforms for electoral gains.
• Mann insisted the armed forces remain apolitical and held the Shiromani Akali Dal responsible for the rise of gangsters and drug trafficking in Punjab.
• During his campaign rally, Mann welcomed two dozen Congress families and independent candidate Chandan Chhanaliya into the AAP, highlighting growing defections.
• The Ludhiana West seat, vacant since the January death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, will go to vote on June 19 with counting set for June 23.