Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The much-anticipated counting of votes for bypolls across 46 Assembly constituencies and two Lok Sabha segments began at 8 am on Saturday. These bypolls, spread across 13 states, include key seats such as Nanded in Maharashtra and Wayanad in Kerala, where Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is making her electoral debut.
Crucial Battles in Uttar Pradesh
Nine Assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh witnessed multi-cornered contests. These include Meerapur, Kundarki, Sisamau, Katehari, Phulpur, Majhawan, Ghaziabad, Karhal, and Khair.
In 2022, the BJP had won Phulpur, Ghaziabad, Majhawan, and Khair, while the SP claimed Sisamau, Katehari, Karhal, and Kundarki. The RLD, then aligned with SP, won Meerapur but now contests under the BJP-led NDA.
The Congress supported the SP but did not field its own candidates, while the BSP contested independently. Other contenders included AIMIM in three seats and Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) in all but one constituency.
Rajasthan: Security Tight for 7 Assembly Seats
In Rajasthan, bypolls took place in Jhunjhunu, Ramgarh, Dausa, Deoli-Uniara, Khinvsar, Salumbar, and Chaurasi. The vote counting involves extensive security, with rounds ranging from 18 to 22 per constituency.
Punjab: AAP Faces Litmus Test
The bypolls in Punjab’s four seats—Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC), and Barnala—are pivotal for CM Bhagwant Mann’s government, which is halfway through its tenure.
The elections also hold significant implications for Congress leaders Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Sukhjinder Randhawa, whose spouses are contesting. Meanwhile, the BJP, which failed to secure a seat in the Lok Sabha elections, seeks to establish its presence in the state.
Key Contests in Karnataka
Three Assembly seats in Karnataka—Sandur, Shiggaon, and Channapatna—are witnessing fierce competition. These bypolls are critical for CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM DK Shivakumar to reaffirm their government’s stability.
For the BJP, these results could bolster state president BY Vijayendra’s leadership. The Channapatna bypoll is also significant for JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, with his son Nikhil in the fray.
Chhattisgarh: Raipur City South Sees BJP-Congress Faceoff
The Raipur City South seat in Chhattisgarh has emerged as a key battleground. The bypoll was necessitated by the resignation of BJP MLA Brijmohan Agrawal.
West Bengal: Tensions Amid 6 Seat By-Elections
West Bengal’s bypolls were marred by tensions, including a crude bomb attack near the Naihati Assembly constituency. The elections saw approximately 69.29% voter turnout across six constituencies.
Key Seats to Watch
•Nanded, Maharashtra: A high-profile Lok Sabha seat with 67.81% voter turnout.
•Wayanad, Kerala: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra leads in her debut election.
•Budhni, Madhya Pradesh: A stronghold previously held by Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
•Channapatna, Karnataka: JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy’s son faces a critical challenge.
Implications for Political Landscape
These bypoll results could reshape alliances and set the tone for the 2024 general elections, with all major parties testing their electoral strategies in high-stakes contests.
