The results of by-elections held across five assembly constituencies in four states – Gujarat, Punjab, Kerala, and West Bengal – are being declared today, June 23, 2025. The counting of votes commenced at 8 am, with security tightened at all counting centers. These bypolls are particularly significant as they pit the BJP, AAP, and Congress against each other in a fierce battle, potentially setting the tone for upcoming assembly elections in some of these states next year.
In Gujarat, by-elections were held in two constituencies: Visavadar and Kadi. The Visavadar seat became vacant after the sitting AAP MLA, Bhupendra Bhayani, defected to the BJP. The BJP has nominated Kirit Patel for this seat, while the Congress has fielded Nitin Ranpariya, and AAP has nominated Gopal Italia. The Kadi seat, reserved for Scheduled Castes, was necessitated by the death of BJP MLA Karshan Solanki. The BJP is represented by Rajendra Chavda, the Congress by Ramesh Chavda, and the AAP by Jagdish Chavda. The Kadi seat is crucial as its result could indicate the voting preferences of the Dalit community in the region.
Punjab's Ludhiana West constituency also underwent a by-election following the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi. The key candidates in the fray are Sanjeev Arora from AAP, Bharat Bhushan Ashu from Congress, Jiwan Gupta from BJP, and Parupkar Singh Ghumman from Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), setting up a four-cornered contest. AAP is striving to retain this seat.
Kerala's Nilambur constituency witnessed a by-election due to the resignation of CPI(M)-backed Independent legislator P. V. Anvar. This seat is considered a prestige battle, particularly for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, as it falls within her Wayanad constituency. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has fielded M Swaraj, the United Democratic Front (UDF) has fielded Aryadan Shoukath and the BJP has fielded Mohan George.
West Bengal's Kaliganj constituency held a by-election following the death of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Nasiruddin Ahmed. His daughter, Alifa Ahmed, is now contesting to retain the seat for the TMC. The BJP has nominated Ashish Ghosh, while the Congress has nominated Kabil Uddin Sheikh, supported by the Left Front.
The voter turnout varied across the constituencies. Nilambur in Kerala recorded the highest turnout at 73.26%. West Bengal's Kaliganj saw 69.85% voting. In Gujarat, Visavadar recorded 56.89% and Kadi 57.90%. Ludhiana West in Punjab had the lowest turnout at 51.33%.
These by-elections are not just about filling vacant seats; they serve as a crucial indicator of the political climate and voter sentiment in these states. For the BJP, a victory in Gujarat, especially in Visavadar, would signify strengthening its hold in the state. AAP is looking to maintain its presence in Punjab by retaining the Ludhiana West seat and to make inroads in Gujarat. For Congress, these bypolls are an opportunity to regain lost ground and prove its relevance in these states ahead of future elections. The results will be closely analyzed for their implications on the broader political landscape and the strategies of the major political parties.
