The Jalandhar Lok Sabha by-poll elections have reached a crucial point as every political party is campaigning aggressively to secure votes for the upcoming May 10th election. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leaving no stone unturned to make its mark in Jalandhar, Punjab. The BJP has been campaigning with great fervor, with its leaders such as Vijay Rupani; former CM of gujrat, Hardeep Singh Puri,Sardar Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Smriti Irani, Anurag Thakur and other state ministers actively campaigning in Punjab for the past 15 to 20 days, accompanied by their supporters. Initially, it appeared that BJP had no vote share in Jalandhar, but now the party is taking the election seriously.
BJP has a significant influence in four areas, including the low urbanized areas of Jalandhar West, North, Central, and Cantt, where they have been fighting previously. Moreover, areas like Shahkot, Phillaur, Nakodar, and Adampur and Kartarpurwhich previously had no influence of BJP, have witnessed an increase in the party's base and influence.
Atwal, BJP's candidate, was previously a member of Akali Dal and joined BJP just a month ago. His father, who also joined BJP, was a deputy speaker and fought in the 2019 elections. If BJP will be able to influence the urban hindus , valmaki community and few sikh organisations it will turn out to be a big threat to congress. BJP is expected to win 2.2 to 2.25 lakh votes, including from both urban and rural areas. This trend is a matter of concern for Congress, as urban Hindus usually give their vote to Congress. Still, this time the trend is different as people from urban areas are seen coming under BJP's influence.
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The rise of BJP in Jalandhar Lok Sabha by-poll elections could determine the fate of both Congress and AAP in Punjab. With BJP increasing its base in areas where it had no prior influence and making inroads in both urban and rural areas, Congress and AAP could face a tough challenge in the upcoming assembly elections. Moreover, Atwal, a prominent face of the Majhabi Sikh community, could sway the community's votes in favor of BJP, further reducing Congress's vote share. AAP, on the other hand, has been making strides in Punjab and is trying to consolidate its position as a third alternative to Congress and BJP. However, with BJP now entering the fray, the election could become a three-cornered contest, making it difficult for AAP to gain a significant foothold.
In conclusion, with the Jalandhar Lok Sabha by-poll elections nearing, the BJP has stepped up its campaign aggressively. The party's growing influence in both urban and rural areas, particularly in areas where it had no prior influence, has become a matter of concern for Congress. Moreover, Atwal, a prominent face of the Majhabi Sikh community, could garner support from his community, which could tip the balance in BJP's favor. With just two days left for the election, the political climate in Jalandhar is charged, and the results will be eagerly awaited by all political parties.