Voters across seven Indian states are voting today for Assembly Bypoll 2024. This election will fill vacancies in 13 assembly constituencies, and the outcomes are eagerly anticipated as they may shift the political balance in these states.
These by-elections are a consequence of various factors, including the unfortunate passing of sitting members and several high-profile resignations.
Assembly Bypoll 2024: Seven states
West Bengal: Contest for Four Seats
West Bengal is witnessing intense electoral battles in four assembly constituencies: Raiganj, Ranaghat Dakshin, Bagda, and Maniktala. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is striving to reinforce its dominance, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is eager to reclaim lost territory. Notably, the BJP had secured three of these seats in the 2021 state elections, only to see them slip away to the TMC in subsequent Lok Sabha elections. This by-election is a crucial test for both parties, with the TMC aiming to cement its authority and the BJP seeking a resurgence.
#WestBengal: People cast their votes at a polling booth in Bagda, North 24 Parganas pic.twitter.com/7i31qvTaTA
— DD News (@DDNewslive) July 10, 2024
Uttarakhand: Two Constituencies
In Uttarakhand, voters in Badrinath and Manglaur are casting their ballots amidst a backdrop of tension and expectation. The by-election in Manglaur has been particularly dramatic, marred by a violent clash between rival groups resulting in several injuries. Despite the disruptions, the electoral process continues with hopes for a peaceful resolution. The outcomes here will be significant in gauging the ruling party’s influence and the opposition’s strength in the state.
Himachal Pradesh: Dehra
Himachal Pradesh’s political landscape is under scrutiny as by-elections unfold, particularly in Dehra. Here, the Chief Minister’s wife, Kamlesh Thakur, is a prominent candidate, adding an extra layer of intrigue and importance to the race. This by-election is seen as a litmus test for the ruling party’s policies and popularity, as well as for the opposition’s ability to mobilize support and challenge the incumbency.
Punjab: Jalandhar West
In Punjab, the Jalandhar West constituency is a focal point of the by-elections. This seat has drawn significant attention due to its strategic importance and the high stakes involved for both major political players. The outcome here will be closely watched as an indicator of the prevailing political sentiments and future electoral strategies in the state.
Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh: Key Contests in Crucial States
The electoral action extends to Bihar’s Rupauli, Tamil Nadu’s Vikravandi, and Madhya Pradesh’s Amarwara. Each of these constituencies presents unique challenges and opportunities for the contesting parties. In Bihar, the Rupauli seat is critical for maintaining political momentum and influence. In Tamil Nadu, Vikravandi’s by-election will reflect the public’s response to recent political developments and governance.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh’s Amarwara is a battleground where both the ruling and opposition parties are vying to demonstrate their electoral strength and connect with voters. In the Amarwada seat, reserved for the Scheduled Tribe category, the BJP fielded the former Congress MLA Kamlesh Shah, while the Congress placed its bet on a new face Dheeran Shah Inwati, hoping to retain its hold on the constituency.
The stakes are undeniably high, and the Assembly Bypoll 2024 is shaping up to be a significant chapter in the political narrative of these states. The results will not only determine the immediate composition of the assemblies but also influence broader political strategies and alignments moving forward.
