Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party’s Punjab unit has officially nominated industrialist Rajinder Gupta as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election in the state. The seat became vacant after the resignation of Sanjeev Arora, who left the Upper House upon being elected to the Punjab Legislative Assembly.
Gupta, a prominent figure in Punjab’s business landscape and the founder-chairman of the Trident Group, has long been associated with various state government advisory roles. He recently resigned from his positions as vice-chairman of the Punjab State Economic Policy and Planning Board and as head of the Kali Devi temple advisory committee — moves that had sparked speculation about his political entry.
With the bypoll scheduled for October 24, AAP’s decision to back Gupta signals the party’s continued effort to bring professionals and industry leaders into legislative roles. The party, which holds a comfortable majority in the Punjab Assembly, is expected to secure the seat with ease.
Gupta’s nomination is seen as part of AAP’s broader strategy to infuse governance with private sector expertise and strengthen its policy-making credentials at the national level. The businessman is known for his contributions to industrial development in Punjab, particularly in the textile sector.
This bypoll win would mark Gupta’s formal debut in parliamentary politics, adding another influential voice to AAP’s presence in the Rajya Sabha.
