Today in Politics: Voting to be held for five Assembly bypolls in four states

By | June 19, 2025
Voters casting ballots in Assembly Bypolls 2025 in Kerala

In a significant development on the Indian political calendar, voting is taking place today (June 19, 2025) for five Assembly by-elections spread across four states — Punjab, West Bengal, Kerala, and Gujarat. Though bypolls often fly under the radar, these elections are crucial markers of political sentiment, particularly in the post-general election phase.

Polling began at 7:00 AM and will continue till evening across the respective constituencies, with adequate security arrangements and webcasting in place to ensure free and fair voting.

Where Are the Bypolls Being Held?

The five constituencies witnessing polling today include:

  • Ludhiana West in Punjab
  • Kaliganj in West Bengal
  • Nilambur in Kerala
  • Visavadar and Kadi in Gujarat

Each seat holds local significance and may have broader implications for state-level politics and party strength ahead of upcoming elections in 2026.

Why Are These Bypolls Important?

By-elections usually occur due to resignations, deaths, or disqualifications of sitting legislators. But politically, they often signal early voter mood and provide momentum — or setbacks — for major parties. Here’s why today’s contests matter:

1. Punjab (Ludhiana West)

Following the unfortunate death of the sitting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA, the Ludhiana West seat became vacant. AAP, which governs the state, is keen on retaining the constituency. A win here would not only reaffirm their urban support base but also impact Rajya Sabha calculations where seat counts matter.

2. West Bengal (Kaliganj)

In West Bengal, the bypoll for Kaliganj is drawing attention amid the backdrop of ongoing friction between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP. With the CPI(M) also fielding a strong candidate, the triangular contest here is a throwback to earlier Bengal politics, where three-way fights were the norm.

3. Kerala (Nilambur)

The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) is hoping to secure Nilambur, a seat vacated due to disqualification. The opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) sees this as a chance to build narrative ahead of the 2026 state elections. Meanwhile, the BJP is trying to gain a foothold, though it remains a marginal force in Kerala.

4. Gujarat (Visavadar and Kadi)

The Gujarat bypolls are especially interesting as they feature three-way contests between the BJP, Congress, and AAP. The BJP, already dominant in Gujarat, is aiming to reassert its strength. The Congress and AAP, on the other hand, are battling not just the BJP but also each other to be seen as the true opposition.

Voter Turnout Trends (Till Midday)

As of early afternoon, voter turnout figures indicate moderate participation:

  • Nilambur (Kerala): ~46.7%
  • Kaliganj (West Bengal): ~45.2%
  • Visavadar (Gujarat): ~39.3%
  • Kadi (Gujarat): ~34.8%
  • Ludhiana West (Punjab): ~33.4%

The Election Commission has deployed central forces and made arrangements for live video monitoring at polling stations. No major violence or disruption has been reported so far.

Political Stakes: Local and National Echoes

While the number of seats may seem small, the political consequences can be large.

  • For AAP, Ludhiana West is a prestige battle. A defeat could raise questions about governance and urban discontent.
  • In West Bengal, a TMC win would reaffirm Mamata Banerjee’s dominance, while a loss might embolden the BJP ahead of 2026.
  • The outcome in Kerala will influence how CPI(M) and Congress prepare for the next state polls, especially in the Malabar region.
  • In Gujarat, AAP’s performance will be closely watched to assess whether it can challenge the BJP’s supremacy in the long run.

What Comes Next?

The votes will be counted and results declared on June 23, 2025. Parties have intensified door-to-door campaigning, and backroom mobilization continues until the last hour of polling. All candidates have appealed for high voter turnout, a sign of how closely fought these bypolls are expected to be.

Broader Political Context

These elections are being held just weeks after major events like the Pahalgam terror attack, India’s diplomatic wins at the G7 Summit, and the ongoing Operation Sindoor. While these bypolls are driven by local factors, national sentiment — especially in Gujarat and Punjab — might play a silent role.

Final Thoughts

Assembly bypolls are often mini-referendums on state governments and opposition strength. They may not change a government, but they can shape political momentum and narrative — which is often more valuable in politics than raw numbers.

As India watches, these five constituencies may offer early clues into the battles that lie ahead in 2026.