NEW DELHI / KOLKATA / CHENNAI: Vote counting is currently underway for crucial by-elections held across six constituencies spanning four states and union territories, including two assembly segments each in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, one in Puducherry, and a high-profile Lok Sabha seat in Assam. Early trends indicate a strong performance by the ruling parties and key contenders, drawing intense national attention as the first major electoral test following recent state assembly outcomes.
West Bengal: BJP Takes Early Leads in Nandigram and Rejinagar
In West Bengal, where the BJP assumed power earlier this year, the ruling party has established early leads in both the high-stakes Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly seats.
Nandigram: The bypoll was necessitated after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari—who won both Nandigram and Bhabanipur in the 2026 assembly elections—chose to retain Bhabanipur. The BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath, whose son Chandranath Rath was killed following the assembly polls. Early counting trends show the BJP candidate leading the opposition.
Rejinagar: This segment went to polls after Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief Humayun Kabir retained the Nowda seat. The early round of counting shows the BJP leading by over 6,500 votes, with the Congress trailing in second place. Strict security and Section 163 of the BNSS have been enforced around counting venues to maintain law and order.
Tamil Nadu & Puducherry: TVK and AINRC Exhibit Early Strength
In Tamil Nadu, the by-elections in the SC-reserved Madurantakam and Dharapuram constituencies have become a crucial proving ground for actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s newly-formed party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
In Madurantakam, TVK candidate K. Maragatham Kumaravel has taken an early lead over rivals from the DMK and AIADMK.
Meanwhile, Dharapuram is witnessing a nail-biting, neck-and-neck contest, with AIADMK's K. Banumathi holding a razor-thin lead of just five votes over TVK's P. Sathyabama in early trends. In the neighboring Union Territory of Puducherry, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy’s ruling AINRC candidate Ashok Anand is comfortably ahead in the Thattanchavady assembly segment.
Assam: BJP Widens Lead in Nagaon Lok Sabha Seat
In Assam, counting for the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency—vacated after Pradyut Bordoloi switched to the BJP and won the Dispur assembly seat—has seen robust participation. BJP candidate Devasish Sharma has raced ahead, widening his lead significantly over opposition contenders, while AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal and Congress candidates fight to catch up.
Counting centers across all states remain heavily guarded as election authorities process postal ballots followed by EVM votes, with final results expected later today.
