By-Elections In 13 Assembly Constituencies Across Seven States Today

A month after the conclusion of the Lok Sabha elections, voting is currently taking place for by-elections in 13 assembly constituencies across seven states. The states involved are Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh.

In West Bengal, the main contenders are the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The TMC aims to build on its improved performance in the Lok Sabha polls, while the BJP seeks to leverage its gains in four constituencies. The TMC won one seat and the BJP won three seats in the last Assembly elections. However, BJP MLAs later switched to TMC.

Himachal Pradesh Bypolls

Himachal Pradesh is holding bypolls for three assembly constituencies. These seats became vacant after three independent legislators resigned. The BJP has fielded these former independent MLAs from their respective seats after they joined the party. The Congress has also put forward candidates in these constituencies.

Uttarakhand's Manglaur Constituency

The Manglaur constituency in Uttarakhand will see a three-way contest between the Congress, BJP, and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). This bypoll was necessitated by the death of the sitting BSP MLA. Historically, this seat has been held either by Congress or BSP; BJP has never won here.

Tamil Nadu's Vikravandi Seat

In Tamil Nadu, a three-cornered contest is unfolding in Vikravandi between DMK, PMK (an NDA constituent), and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK). The AIADMK has chosen to boycott this bypoll. All three candidates belong to the OBC Vanniyar community.

Bihar's Rupauli Bypoll

The Rupauli constituency in Bihar is witnessing a bypoll due to a JD(U) MLA resigning and joining RJD. The RJD has given a ticket to this former MLA, while JD(U) has fielded its own candidate.

Madhya Pradesh's Amarwara Constituency

A bypoll is being held in Madhya Pradesh's Amarwara constituency after a sitting Congress leader switched to BJP and resigned before the Lok Sabha polls. This seat falls under Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency, which is known as a stronghold of Congress veteran Kamal Nath.

Punjab's Jalandhar West Bypoll

The Jalandhar West bypoll in Punjab has become significant for AAP with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann leading their campaign. This bypoll was necessitated following an AAP MLA's resignation who then joined BJP. Both Congress and BJP are also contesting here.

The counting of votes for all these bypolls will take place on July 13th.