Counting of votes began Sunday morning for high-stakes Assembly bye-elections across five constituencies in four states — Nilambur (Kerala), Ludhiana West (Punjab), Kaliganj (West Bengal), and Visavadar and Kadi (Gujarat) — with results expected later in the day.
The counting process began at 8 AM, and security has been heightened at various counting centres.
Ludhiana West (Punjab):
Security was beefed up outside Khalsa College for Women, the designated counting centre.
The by-election was necessitated after the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi earlier this year.
- AAP: Sanjeev Arora (Rajya Sabha MP)
- BJP: Jiwan Gupta
- Congress: Bharat Bhushan Ashu (former state minister)
SP DK Chaudhary said over 450 policemen were deployed and a three-tier security system was in place.
Kadi (Gujarat):
In Kadi, postal ballots were counted first. The seat became vacant after the passing of BJP MLA Karsanbhai Solanki.
- BJP: Rajendra Chavda
- Congress: Ramesh Chavda (former MLA)
- AAP: Jagdish Chavda
Nilambur (Kerala):
The Nilambur bypoll follows the resignation of LDF-backed independent MLA PV Anvar, who later joined the TMC.
- LDF: M Swaraj
- UDF: Aryadan Shoukath
- BJP: Adv. Mohan George
Kaliganj (West Bengal):
The by-election in Kaliganj was held after the death of TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed.
- TMC: Alifa Ahmed
- BJP: Ashish Ghosh
- Congress: Kabil Uddin Shaikh
Visavadar (Gujarat):
This seat was vacated following the resignation of BJP MLA Bhayani Bhupendrabhai Gandubhai.
- BJP: Kirit Patel
- Congress: Nitin Ranpariya
- AAP: Gopal Italia (former Gujarat state president)
The outcomes of these bye-elections are being closely watched for political signals ahead of upcoming state polls and potential shifts in voter sentiment post-general elections.
