Bypolls Begin in 5 Seats Across Four States
Voting has commenced today for five high-stakes assembly bypolls spread across Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Kerala. Though limited in number, these by-elections are significant both politically and symbolically, taking place against the backdrop of heightened national sentiment following recent security events and ahead of critical state-level elections in 2026.
Assembly Bypolls
The constituencies going to the polls are Ludhiana West in Punjab, Kaliganj in West Bengal, Visavadar and Kadi in Gujarat, and Nilambur in Kerala. Each of these seats has its own local political dynamics, but the common thread is the testing of strength between key alliances, with the INDIA bloc and the NDA locking horns in multiple states.
In Punjab’s Ludhiana West, a strong four-way contest is underway involving the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal. The seat fell vacant following the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi. Known as a bellwether constituency, Ludhiana West is expected to serve as an indicator of AAP’s urban standing amid growing criticism.
Punjab Gujarat
In Gujarat, two constituencies—Visavadar and Kadi—are witnessing intense electoral battles. Visavadar is of particular interest as it was earlier held by an AAP MLA who later defected to the BJP, triggering the bypoll. Kadi remains a BJP stronghold. Authorities have also introduced eco-friendly “green booths” and a polling station inside the Gir forest to ensure maximum voter participation.
West Bengal’s Kaliganj seat is witnessing a complex three-cornered fight involving the TMC, BJP, and Congress-CPI(M) alliance. In a first, voters had to deposit mobile phones in jute bags before casting their votes, and advanced webcasting measures have been put in place to ensure transparency. Kaliganj is being closely watched for signs of shifting rural voter patterns.
Bengal Kerala
In Kerala’s Nilambur, the contest is between the Left Democratic Front-backed M Swaraj and the United Democratic Front’s Aryadan Shoukath. The bypoll was necessitated after an independent MLA, formerly with CPI(M), resigned. The outcome will be closely read as a prelude to the evolving battle between LDF and UDF in the state ahead of the 2026 elections.
Morning turnout figures indicated moderate engagement, with approximately 30% voter participation recorded in Nilambur and Kaliganj, 28% in Visavadar, 24% in Kadi, and around 21.5% in Ludhiana West by 11 AM.
While these by-elections won’t alter any government, they are crucial in assessing public sentiment post-national crisis and in testing the organisational strength of parties ahead of larger political showdowns. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 23, and the results are expected to offer valuable insights into the political mood across regions.
