The nation awaits with bated breath as the results of seven assembly bypolls in six states are set to be declared, marking a pivotal electoral showdown between the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) . These results are seen as a litmus test for both alliances ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in five states and the grand 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The seven assembly seats that went to the polls on September 5 span diverse regions of the country: Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, Ghosi in Uttar Pradesh, Puthuppally in Kerala, Dhupguri in West Bengal, Dumri in Jharkhand, and Boxanagar and Dhanpur in Tripura.
Here are the key highlights and updates on the bypoll results:
1. Ghosi, Uttar Pradesh: Ghosi witnessed a united front from the INDIA bloc in the by-election. Despite a slightly above-average voter turnout of 50.77 percent, this seat fell vacant after the resignation of Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Dara Singh Chauhan, who rejoined the BJP.
2. Dumri, Jharkhand: With a significant 64.84 percent voter turnout, Dumri saw a hotly contested battle. The main contest is believed to be between Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)’s Bebi Devi and AJSU Party’s Yashoda Devi. However, AIMIM’s Abdul Rizvi added an intriguing element to the race. Both INDIA and NDA fronts claimed victory for their candidates.
3. Bageshwar, Uttarakhand: The assembly bypoll in Bageshwar will involve 14 counting tables with 130 polling personnel overseeing the process. This seat became vacant following the passing of its MLA and cabinet minister Chandan Ram Das.
4. Tripura (Boxanagar and Dhanpur): In Tripura, the counting of votes for both Boxanagar and Dhanpur seats will occur at Sonamura Girls' HS School. Notably, the CPI(M) announced a boycott of the counting, alleging rigging during voting in these constituencies.
5. Dhupguri, West Bengal: Dhupguri, which experienced violence during previous elections, had a voter turnout of around 76 percent. The contest here includes CPI(M)'s Ishwar Chandra Roy, who is the candidate of the Congress-Left alliance, and Nirmal Chandra Roy from the ruling TMC. Tapasi Roy, the widow of a CRPF jawan, is the BJP's candidate. The bypoll resulted from the passing of sitting BJP MLA Bishu Pada Ray.
6. Puthuppally, Kerala: In Puthuppally, located in the Kottayam district, a fierce battle ensued to fill the seat left vacant by the demise of Congress stalwart Oommen Chandy. The result is highly anticipated as it represents a prestigious battle for both the ruling and opposition fronts in Kerala.
The counting of votes across these constituencies will begin at 8 am at designated counting centers in their respective states. These results carry significant implications for the political landscape of India, setting the stage for upcoming state elections and the grand parliamentary contest in 2024.
