Aam Aadmi Party's candidate Sanjeej Arora on Monday registered a thumping victory in the Ludhiana West By-election. Sanjeev Arora garnered 35,179 votes, while his closest rival, Congress’ Bharat Bhushan Ashu, secured 24,542 votes. BJP candidate Jiwan Gupta received 20,323 votes, and Shiromani Akali Dal’s Advocate Parupkar Singh Ghuman stood fourth with 8,203 votes. The result marks a significant urban win for the ruling AAP in Punjab, reaffirming its political footing in the state ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Now, the question arises who is Sanjeev Arora, MLA-elect from Ludhiana West? Below is all you need to know-
Who is Sanjeev Arora?
61-year-old Sanjeev Arora is a Ludhiana-based industrialist who runs the Krishna Pran Breast Cancer Charitable Trust in Punjab. As per reports, Arora is a graduate from Bachelor of Commerce from SCD Government College in Ludhiana. He has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2022. Sanjeev Arora in his affidavit submitted to the Election Commission of India, declared assets worth over Rs 301 crore (including his wife’s holdings). His wealth includes Rs 268 crore in movable assets, ranging from shares and mutual funds to bank deposits, and ₹10.36 crore in immovable property. Arora’s declared liabilities stand at Rs 19.43 crore.
As a result, Arora will now be the richest MLA of Punjab. Notably, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has promised that Arora will be inducted into the Punjab Cabinet if he wins the Ludhiana West By-election. Hence, Arora may soon be inducted into the Punjab Government Cabinet.
Speaking at a road show, Kejriwal struck a personal note, saying, “Sanjeev Arora ke raghon mein Ludhiana daudta hai”, framing Arora as someone deeply rooted in the city. He contrasted this with Congress’s Bharat Bhushan Ashu, asking voters to choose progress over old grievances.
Talking about Sanjev Arora's business empire, he has been in the export industry for decades, with exports primarily to the United States. In 2006, he diversified into real estate and renamed the company to Ritesh Properties and Industries Ltd (RPIL). As per reports, under RPIL, he developed the “Hampton Business Park” and “Hampton Homes” on Chandigarh Road, creating a hub for multiple industries.
In 2018, Arora founded Femella Fashions Ltd, launching the “Femella” women’s wear brand, which sells on several online retail portals. In 2019, he ventured into the non-ferrous metal business with Teneron Limited, collaborating with Suzuki Motors under the Make in India initiative.