Opinion polls have pointed to a sharp dip in the Congress political graph in Ludhiana.
The reluctance on the part of key Congress leaders to face the electoral battle has reinforced the impression that general elections 2014 would be a tough test, as the ruling camp has been facing serious anti-incumbency.
The reasons are undercutting the Congress attempt to project in the run-up for 2014 polls, as the party is facing an uphill task after successive wins in 2004 and 2009 elections.
Election campaign has hit in full swing in one of the major constituencies of Punjab ahead of general elections, with slew of promises pouring in from various political parties.
Meanwhile, taking a dig at took a dig at Shiromoni Akali Dal (SAD) led Punjab Government, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said the Congress Party has always advocated a pluralistic approach to unite the nation.
"On one end we have the party (Congress) who have advocated for a pluralistic view to unite the nation and on the other end we have the party (BJP) who has spread the majoritarian and sectarian venom," said Tiwari.
SAD candidate Manpreet Singh Aiyali criticized the Congress for neglecting the constituency and causing a major damage to the automotive industry.
"The central government has always neglected the Punjab. We have never been given any support and added to that it has always tried to drive out industries from the province with support and subsidies to the other regions." said Ayali.
Echoing with Tewari, Aam Aadmi Party candidate H.S. Phoolka pointed out a slew of scams that have dogged the state in the last few years.
"The kind of corruption and scams that have dogged the provincial government during the Akali Dal regime supported by BJP has spread to every nook and corner of the province," said Phoolka.
Independent candidate from Ludhiana Constituency, a former SAD leader Simmarjeet Singh Bais praised AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal for his fight against graft.
"I respect Arvind Kejriwal for his anti graft stand, for his service to mankind, to the poor and for the hardworking people." said Bais.
