The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has declared industrialist Rajinder Gupta as its candidate for the Punjab Rajya Sabha by -election. This by -election is going to be held on 24 October. This move of the party is considered important from a political point of view, because it is trying to strengthen its hold in the state. They can complete their nomination process on Monday (October 6).

Who is Rajinder Gupta?

Rajinder Gupta was still working as Vice Chairman, Punjab Economic Policy and Planning Board in the state government. He has resigned from this post to fill the nomination for the Rajya Sabha. Gupta is also the founder and CEO of the Trident Company, and he took this responsibility in place of Sanjeev Arora.

AAP sources said that Rajinder Gupta is a prestigious Punjabi industrialist and an alumnus of Harvard. He has created employment for millions of people in India and abroad through trident group.

Aam Aadmi Party Announces Rajinder Gupta as the party’s candidate for election to the Rajya sabha pic.twitter.com/hl0a5k4v6y

– ANI (@ani) October 5, 2025

Arvind Kejriwal’s name was speculated

The party says that he is being sent to the Rajya Sabha in honor of his contribution towards Punjab and the nation. This seat was vacant after the resignation of Sanjeev Arora. Arora won the Ludhiana West Assembly by -election by a margin of 10,637 votes, with a total of 35,179 votes. Arora is the Minister of Industry in Punjab. Prior to the by -election, there was speculation that Arvind Kejriwal’s name may be under consideration for the Rajya Sabha, but the party clearly stated that the new face will be from Punjab.

The nomination process will take place in the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in the Punjab Assembly in Chandigarh. Apart from this, the name of industrialist Kamal Oswal was also under consideration for this post. According to ANI, the party has clearly given a message that the contribution in the development of Punjab and the state has been given importance behind this decision. After Rajinder Gupta went to the Rajya Sabha, the political and industrial image of Punjab is expected to be further strengthened.