Ashu’s Absence from Hoardings Sparks Political Buzz

Ludhiana, April 5, 2025: As the temperature soars with the changing season, the political climate in Ludhiana West is heating up just as quickly. All eyes are now on the upcoming by-election in this crucial Assembly constituency. For weeks, Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora has been actively campaigning, setting the tone for a high-stakes contest. In a response to the evolving political dynamics, the Congress high command named former state minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu as their candidate on Friday. This marks the third time Ashu has been fielded from this seat, signalling apparent confidence from the party’s top brass and giving his campaign an early boost—though he had already started engaging with the public ahead of the announcement.

However, beneath this outward show of unity, there are signs of discord within the Congress ranks—an ominous sign for Ashu’s prospects.

Ashu’s first press conference after being declared a candidate was held on Saturday. While former CM and MP Charanjit Singh Channi made an appearance, two key party figures—Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Ludhiana district president Sanjay Talwar—were notably absent. Whispers of internal factionalism began circulating, with concerns being raised that such disunity could hinder the party’s performance in a high-stakes electoral battle.

Meanwhile, PPCC president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, an MP from Ludhiana, along with former local MLAs and other senior party leaders, visited Bharat Bhushan Ashu’s residence this evening. However, they had to leave without meeting him. The leaders reportedly waited for a considerable time, but Ashu did not return home, forcing them to leave disappointed. Their frustration was evident on their faces as they made their way back.

Adding fuel to the fire was a massive Navratri greeting hoarding put up the same day on Ferozepur Road by district president Sanjay Talwar. What raised eyebrows among party insiders was not the festive wishes, but the fact that the hoarding prominently displayed photos of state president Warring, Rahul Gandhi, and other Congress leaders—conspicuously omitting Bharat Bhushan Ashu’s photograph. It is being observed an unusual scene to erect such a hoarding for a festival, especially with the candidate's absence so apparent, raising further suspicions of brewing rivalries.

As such, with internal rifts starting to surface, it remains to be seen whether Congress can project a unified front in the days ahead—or whether these cracks will cost Ashu at the ballot box.

As such, with internal rifts starting to surface, it remains to be seen whether Congress can project a unified front in the days ahead—or whether these cracks will cost Ashu at the ballot box.

Sure! Here's a polished and clearer version of your paragraph with improved flow, grammar, and structure, while keeping the intended message intact:

Meanwhile, PPCC president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, an MP from Ludhiana, along with former local MLAs and other senior party leaders, visited Bharat Bhushan Ashu’s residence this evening. However, they had to leave without meeting him. The leaders reportedly waited for a considerable time, but Ashu did not return home, forcing them to leave disappointed. Their frustration was evident on their faces as they made their way back.

When questioned by the media, Warring explained that one of the party members had informed Ashu in advance about their visit, intending to congratulate him on receiving the party ticket. He speculated that Ashu might have had prior commitments or was occupied elsewhere, which could explain his absence.

Nonetheless, the incident has left many surprised and sparked widespread speculation within party circles. As some put it, “Abhi to ibtida hai…”—this is just the beginning.

Finally, it can be said that there sound alarming bells for Ashu.