Nilambur To Ludhiana By-Elections: Voting For High-Voltage Bypoll In Punjab, Bengal, Guj, Kerala Begins

Polling began on Thursday for crucial assembly bye-elections in five constituencies across Kerala, Punjab, West Bengal, and Gujarat, marking a significant political contest ahead of key state elections.

The voting, which started at 7 AM, will determine the fate of candidates in Nilambur (Kerala), Ludhiana West (Punjab), Kaliganj (West Bengal), and Visavadar and Kadi (Gujarat). The results will be declared on June 23.

Kerala: Nilambur Sees Three-Way Contest

In Nilambur, the bypoll has turned into a high-profile battle, with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) fielding M Swaraj, the United Democratic Front (UDF) nominating Aryadan Shoukath, and the BJP putting forward Adv. Mohan George.

Congress leader and Kerala's Leader of Opposition (LoP) VD Satheesan termed the Nilambur election a "semi-final" before the 2026 Assembly polls. Speaking to ANI, he expressed confidence in a UDF victory, stating, "This is a direct fight between UDF and LDF. A win here will mark the beginning of our resurgence in Kerala and hold the Pinarayi Vijayan government accountable for its nine-year rule."

Punjab: AAP vs BJP in Ludhiana West

The Ludhiana West seat, which fell vacant after the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, is witnessing a contest between the BJP's Jiwan Gupta and AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora. The outcome will test AAP's hold in Punjab amid growing political tensions.

West Bengal: TMC Faces BJP & Congress in Kaliganj

In Kaliganj, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has fielded Alifa Ahmed, while the BJP has nominated Ashish Ghosh, and the Congress has put forward Kabil Uddin Shaikh. The bypoll is crucial for the BJP as it seeks to regain momentum in the state after recent electoral setbacks.

Gujarat: BJP, Congress, and AAP Vie for Two Seats

In Visavadar, the BJP has fielded Kirit Patel, the Congress has nominated Nitin Ranpariya, and the AAP has placed its former state president Gopal Italia in the fray. Meanwhile, in Kadi, the contest is between the BJP's Rajendra Chavda, Congress's Ramesh Chavda (a former MLA), and AAP's Jagdish Chavda.

Outcome to Shape Political Narratives

These bye-elections are being closely watched as they could influence political strategies ahead of major state elections. The results, to be announced on June 23, will indicate voter sentiment and party strength in these key regions.