The assembly bypoll results declared today reveal a complex political landscape across five crucial constituencies, with the Bharatiya Janata Party making significant gains in Gujarat while regional parties maintain their strongholds in other states. The results serve as important indicators ahead of next year's assembly elections in West Bengal and Kerala.
Key Highlights:
- BJP leads both Gujarat seats - Kadi and Visavadar, breaking 18-year losing streak in Visavadar
- AAP's Sanjeev Arora ahead in Punjab's Ludhiana West, with Congress's Bharat Bhushan Ashu trailing second
- Congress UDF takes lead in Kerala's Nilambur with 2016 candidate Aryadan Shoukath
- TMC's Alifa Ahmed dominates Bengal's Kaliganj with substantial margin over Congress rival
- Results test political strength ahead of West Bengal and Kerala assembly elections next year
- Counting began Monday for five constituencies across four states following June 19 polling
Gujarat: BJP Breaks 18-Year Drought
In a major breakthrough, the BJP is leading in both Gujarat constituencies - Kadi and Visavadar. The victory in Visavadar is particularly significant as the party hasn't won this seat since 2007, breaking an 18-year jinx. The BJP fielded former district president Kirit Patel, who is comfortably ahead of AAP's former state president Gopal Italia, who gained prominence during the 2015 Patidar agitation.
The Visavadar seat became vacant in 2023 after AAP legislator Bhupendra Bhayani resigned and joined the BJP, making this contest a direct battle between his former and current parties. Congress candidate Nitin Ranpariya trails at a distant third, indicating the bipolar nature of the contest.
In Kadi, a constituency reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates under Mehsana district, the BJP's Rajendra Chavda is leading against Congress's Ramesh Chavda and AAP's Jagdish Chavda. The seat fell vacant following the death of BJP MLA Karsan Solanki in February. Notably, Ramesh Chavda had previously won this seat in 2012, making his current trailing position significant for Congress.
Punjab: AAP Maintains Ground Despite Delhi Setback
Former Rajya Sabha MP and industrialist Sanjeev Arora of AAP is leading in Punjab's Ludhiana West, providing much-needed relief to the party after its devastating loss in the Delhi Assembly elections. Congress's Bharat Bhushan Ashu occupies the second position, while BJP's Jiwan Gupta trails behind.
The bypoll was necessitated after sitting AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi died by suicide in January. AAP's top leadership, including Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Atishi, campaigned extensively for Arora, treating this as a crucial test of their continued popularity in Punjab.
Historically, Congress has dominated this constituency, winning six times since its creation in 1977, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) has secured it twice. AAP's potential victory would mark a significant shift in the constituency's political alignment.
Kerala: Congress UDF Leads in Priyanka Gandhi's Constituency
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has taken the lead in Kerala's Nilambur constituency, fielding its 2016 candidate Aryadan Shoukath. This contest holds special significance as a prestige battle for Congress's Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, since Nilambur falls within her Wayanad parliamentary constituency. Gandhi had actively campaigned in the region with a roadshow ahead of the June 19 bypolls.
The seat was vacated by Left-backed independent legislator PV Anvar, who resigned following his fallout with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and subsequently joined the Trinamool Congress. Anvar had won the seat by a narrow margin of just 2,700 votes in 2021. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) fielded M Swaraj, while the BJP nominated Advocate Mohan George for this crucial battle.
West Bengal: TMC Strengthens Position
In Bengal's Kaliganj constituency under Nadia district, the ruling Trinamool Congress candidate Alifa Ahmed has established a substantial lead over her nearest rival, Congress's Kabil Uddin Shaaikh. The bypoll was necessitated due to the death of Alifa's father and TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed in February.
This predominantly rural seat, with a Muslim voter population of approximately 54 percent, is being closely watched as a vital face-off between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool and the opposition ahead of next year's Assembly elections. The BJP has fielded Ashish Ghosh, but appears to be trailing significantly.
Political Implications
These results will significantly impact political strategies ahead of the West Bengal and Kerala assembly elections scheduled for next year. The BJP's success in Gujarat reinforces its dominance in the state, while AAP's performance in Punjab suggests the party retains considerable influence despite recent setbacks. The mixed results across states highlight India's diverse political landscape, where regional dynamics continue to play crucial roles in electoral outcomes.
