In a major development ahead of the Ludhiana West Assembly By-election, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has expressed its intent to consider a change in the current Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana. In light of this, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab has written to the Additional Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs and Justice, Punjab Government, requesting a panel of three eligible senior police officers for consideration.
The communication, marked “Most Urgent”, underscores the importance of having a panel ready in case the ECI decides to replace the current police commissioner during the election process. As per the letter dated May 28, 2025, the proposed officers must meet the prescribed norms of eligibility for the post and be free from any administrative encumbrances, including ongoing vigilance inquiries, disciplinary proceedings, or involvement in election-related duties.
The CEO’s office has emphasized the need for urgent finalization and has requested that the panel be submitted at the earliest for onward transmission to the Election Commission of India.
Ludhiana West By-election Schedule
As per ECI's official notification, voting for the Ludhiana West By-Election is scheduled to take place on June 19, and the results will be declared on June 23. With the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in the constituency. Below are the key dates for the Ludhiana West By-Election-
- Date of Poll: 19th June 2025 (Thursday)
- Counting of Votes: 23rd June 2025 (Monday)
- Last Date for Nominations: 2nd June 2025
- Scrutiny of Nominations: 3rd June 2025
- Last Date for Withdrawal: 5th June 2025
- Election to be completed by: 25th June 2025