CII Meet turns into show of strength for AAP’s Sanjeev Arora as industrialists pledge support

Ludhiana, April 22, 2025: Majority of the industry seems to be backing Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora – the AAP candidate from Ludhiana (West) constituency. This was evident from an interaction with Arora organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here on Monday late evening. Almost even industrialist present there was seen lauding Arora for his initiatives taken for overall growth and development of the city in the last three years.

Speaking on the occasion, Kamal Oswal (Oswal group) said Arora is his childhood friend and he knows that Arora is a man of commitment. Arora does whatever he says. He said no doubt Arora is going to win in the upcoming election but the thing is to see that with what margin he gets victory. He, therefore, made an appeal to all to vote in maximum numbers to Arora because growth and development of this city will depend on number of votes Arora gets. He remarked, “In-fact, this is the number game. Therefore, everyone should vote for Arora”.

Amit Thapar (Ganga Acrowools Ltd) also praised Arora’s dedication of working for the industry and other sections of the society. He said Arora is a very pushing leader who is seen following others to give him representations so that he may get their work done. He said there is a long list of works done by Arora. At the same time, Thapar said the Right to Business Act in Punjab is meant for MSME and there is a need to extend it to large industrial units also.  In reply to this demand, Kamal Kishor Yadav, Administrative Secretary- Industries and Commerce; Investment Promotion, IT, Government of Punjab said the state government is already working on it and soon the industry will get good news in this regard.

Another industrialist Sandeep Jain, lauded Arora for raising voice of industry with the government. He said people call Sanjeev Arora with his nickname “Sunny Bhaia”, adding that if people consider Sanjeev Arora their brother, then it’s right time to poll for Arora in coming Ludhiana (West) assembly elections. Jain sought that the government should give more attention for growth of garment industry in Punjab. In reply, Sanjeev Arora asked Jain to provide him specific details comparing with some other states. Arora said the state government is committed to give push to every industry.

Rahul Ahuja (Apex Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Punjab) also praised Arora for his commendable work in the last three years and raised some issues including related to the PSIEC and power breakdown. In reply, Kamal Kishor Yadav assured to look into all these issues. Another industrialist Rakesh Gupta raised the issue of GST refund and in answer to it, Arora said the state government has earmarked Rs.265 crore against Rs.95 crore for incentives in shape of GST refund in this fiscal’s budget. Kamal Kishor Yadav also assured that process is already on to release these incentives.

Upkar Singh Ahuja (CICU) appreciating Arora’s efforts for growth of the industry, also raised some issues. He laid stress that the government should focus towards R&D. Another leading industrialist JR Singal sought that keeping in view the Arora’s work it is duty of everyone to poll for Arora in coming by-poll. The issue of textile park was among other issues raised at the event. Both Arora and Kamal Kishor Yadav assured to look into every issue for proper resolution. 

Responding to power breakdown, Arora said a huge grid is being set up in Sherpur area at a cost of around Rs.70 crore. He hoped that the industry will get a big relief after this grid starts functioning.  

KK Seth, Subhash Lakra, Arshpreet Singh Sahni, Rakesh Gupta, Ashwin Nagpal, Lokesh Jain, Harpreet Nibber and Gautam Dhall also spoke.