Just days before the Ludhiana West by-election, a political storm has erupted with the Punjab government suspending SSP (Vigilance) Jagatpreet Singh. The officer had issued a summons to senior Congress leader and candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu, but his suspension has halted the appearance and stirred fresh controversy in the poll-bound city.
Top sources in the state administration suggest that the summons may have been orchestrated by Ashu himself, allegedly as a calculated move to draw public sympathy. Investigators are examining frequent and private communications between Ashu and the officer, suggesting a deeper personal-professional nexus.
Insiders from the Vigilance Bureau have claimed that Ashu had previously played a key role in Jagatpreet Singh’s elevation to the post of DSP, raising questions about potential political interference and conflict of interest. Further compounding concerns is the revelation that a closed-door meeting between the two was held just before the official announcement of the bypoll.
The summons in question was reportedly issued overnight without proper documentation or necessary approvals, violating standard procedural norms. This unorthodox issuance raised red flags within the Bureau and triggered the internal review that resulted in Singh’s suspension.
A senior vigilance official confirmed, “The matter is under review. Procedural lapses are being examined, and appropriate action will follow once the inquiry is complete.”
This development has added a new dimension to the already tense Ludhiana West bypoll. With Bharat Bhushan Ashu facing criticism from AAP and BJP over various governance issues, the opposition has now intensified its attack, alleging misuse of government machinery for electoral benefits.
AAP leaders have called the incident a “mockery of institutional integrity,” accusing Congress of stage-managing drama for electoral mileage. “Law enforcement must remain independent. This is an attempt to manipulate perceptions before voters,” an AAP spokesperson said.
BJP’s Jiwan Gupta, also contesting the seat, slammed the Congress for “sympathy stunts.” He said, “Every time Ashu faces scrutiny, a controversy follows. The voters are watching, and they deserve the truth.”
Political commentators believe the timing and nature of the incident could significantly influence the bypoll. While Ashu may attempt to portray himself as a victim of targeted scrutiny, the broader public might interpret it as electoral theatrics if the allegations of manipulation hold ground.
This episode not only throws the Congress campaign into a tight spot but also underscores concerns about the politicisation of investigative bodies in Punjab. With the Vigilance Bureau’s internal inquiry underway, the spotlight is now on whether the state government will extend the probe to examine deeper ties between political actors and law enforcement.
As the Ludhiana West electorate gears up to vote, this case highlights a growing pattern in Punjab politics—where institutions risk becoming entangled in election strategy, prompting urgent questions about transparency, institutional independence, and democratic accountability.