AAP Scores Major Win in Punjab Bypoll

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured a notable win in the Ludhiana West bypoll, where AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora defeated Congress’s Bharat Bhushan Ashu by a margin of 10,637 votes on 23 June 2025.

The win boosts AAP’s morale, especially following recent setbacks in Delhi civic polls. In addition to Punjab, the party also showed strength in Gujarat’s Visavadar by-election, reflecting a broader expansion of its voter base.

Why This Win Matters for AAP

• Grassroots Strategy: AAP’s focus on local governance and direct voter engagement played a crucial role.
• Strong Candidate Choice: Sanjeev Arora’s clean image and business background resonated with urban voters.
• Opposition Disarray: Internal rifts in Congress and lack of presence by BJP provided AAP with an open field.

Kejriwal Refuses Rajya Sabha Entry

Amid speculation over Arvind Kejriwal potentially moving to Rajya Sabha following his arrest in the excise policy case and current legal hurdles, the Delhi Chief Minister made a firm statement:
I have no intention of going to the Rajya Sabha. The decision lies with the Political Affairs Committee

This statement quells rumors and reaffirms Kejriwal’s commitment to his executive role in Delhi. Sources within AAP also hinted that the leadership wants to focus on state governance and grassroots revival ahead of the 2025 assembly elections.

What’s Next for AAP?

• Rajya Sabha Candidates Yet to Be Finalized: AAP has three seats to fill from Punjab; discussions are ongoing.
• Delhi Politics in Flux: With legal pressure on Kejriwal, the party’s internal strategy is under close watch.
• National Expansion Plans: AAP eyes upcoming elections in Haryana, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.

Hospitalisation: What Happened?

Sonia Gandhi was admitted on June 15, 2025, following complaints related to abdominal discomfort. According to the hospital bulletin:
She was diagnosed with a bacterial abdominal infection and responded well to medical management. Her condition is stable,” said Dr Ajay Swaroop, Chairman of the Board of Management at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital

She was under the care of a multi-disciplinary team including renowned gastroenterologists Dr S. Nundy and Dr Amitabh Yadav.

Medical Treatment & Progress

• Diagnosis: Bacterial abdominal infection
• Treatment: Conservative, non-surgical treatment including antibiotics and hydration
• Response: Positive, with vital signs stabilising within 72 hours
• Discharge Plan: She will continue follow-up consultations as an outpatient

Doctors emphasized that she does not require further hospitalisation at present, and will continue her recovery at home under medical supervision.

Background: Her Recent Health History

Earlier in the month on June 7, Sonia Gandhi had undergone a routine health check-up at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla. During that visit, she experienced mild restlessness and slightly elevated blood pressure but was deemed fit after initial evaluation.

This current hospital visit was not linked to the earlier check-up, but came as a precaution after recurring abdominal symptoms.

Political Reactions

Several political leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, visited or called the hospital during her stay. Party sources have confirmed she will be taking a few days of rest before resuming any public or political engagements.

Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh stated:
Mrs. Gandhi is recovering well. We request the media to respect her privacy during this time

Evacuation Details

• Who: 110 Indian students (including ~90 from Jammu & Kashmir) from Urmia Medical University
• Transit route: Evacuated by Indian Embassy from Iran into Armenia, landed in Yerevan yesterday, en route to Delhi today
• Final destination: Their flight to New Delhi is scheduled for today, Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Context & Background

• Safety concerns: Amid missile and drone exchanges between Israel and Iran, the Indian Embassy issued advisories urging all Indian nationals—especially students—to move from Tehran to safer regions
• Internal relocations: Around 600 students from Tehran were relocated to Qom; others moved from cities like Shiraz, Isfahan to Yazd, Kerman, and Kermanshah
• Embassy support: Emergency helpline and 24×7 control room set up by MEA; Indians in Iran are urged to register and seek relocation.

Voices from the Ground

• Sabia, a fourth-year MBBS student in Tehran, described the rising panic: “On Saturday, I heard jets overhead and sirens blaring… Panic spread… we were moved to Qom, then another secret location.”
• Faizan, from Kerman, mentioned: “A hospital in Kermanshah was attacked… Indian students are extremely traumatised