EC announces 5 assembly bypolls in Indian four states—West Bengal, Gujarat, Kerala, and Punjab. The polling will be held on June 19, 2025, and counting of votes will take place on June 23, 2025.
These by-elections, although limited in number, carry political significance, acting as mini-referendums for parties in power and a platform for opposition resurgence.
Key Dates
- Date of Polling: June 19, 2025
- Counting of Votes: June 23, 2025
- Last Date for Filing Nominations: June 2, 2025
- Scrutiny of Nominations: June 3, 2025
- Last Date for Withdrawal: June 5, 2025
Where Are the Bypolls Being Held?
The five Assembly constituencies heading to the polls are:
- Kaliaganj (West Bengal)
- The seat fell vacant after the death of sitting Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed in February 2024.
- This is seen as a high-stakes contest between the TMC and the BJP, who are locked in a prolonged political battle in the state.
- Visavadar and Khandi (Gujarat)
- Both seats are crucial for the BJP, which seeks to retain its stronghold in the state. Specific reasons for the vacancies were not detailed by the ECI at this stage.
- Neelambur (Kerala)
- This seat, representing a politically active region in Kerala, also heads to the polls due to a vacancy arising from unforeseen circumstances.
- Ludhiana West (Punjab)
- This urban constituency has been a site of multiple party shifts in recent years. The bypoll could serve as an indicator of public sentiment toward the AAP-led Punjab government.
Why Are Bypolls Being Held?
Bypolls, or by-elections, are held when a seat in a legislative body becomes vacant before the term has ended. In these five cases, the vacancies have arisen due to various reasons:
- Demise of Sitting MLAs – As seen in Kaliaganj.
- Resignations or Disqualifications – Common in cases where MLAs switch parties or are removed for legal or disciplinary reasons.
- Other Exceptional Situations – Such as annulled results or administrative vacancies.
The ECI is constitutionally obligated to fill such vacancies within six months to ensure representation of the people and maintain the legislative strength of assemblies.
Political Stakes and Signals
While by-elections may not alter the immediate balance of power in the legislative assemblies, they are often viewed as bellwethers for political trends. These contests test the popularity of ruling parties and offer opposition parties a chance to make inroads.
- West Bengal: The TMC faces a stiff challenge from the BJP, which is aiming to expand its base in North Bengal. A win here for the BJP would add to its narrative of growing influence in the region.
- Gujarat: BJP will likely view these polls as a reaffirmation of its dominance in the state, while Congress or AAP will hope to show relevance.
- Kerala and Punjab: Regional dynamics dominate. In Kerala, the CPI(M)-led Left and Congress-led UDF are traditional rivals, while in Punjab, the AAP seeks to fend off resurgent Congress and BJP efforts.
Security and Election Conduct
The ECI has laid out comprehensive arrangements to ensure peaceful and fair polling. In Kaliaganj, for instance:
- All 309 polling booths will be under CCTV surveillance.
- Central paramilitary forces will be deployed.
- Strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct has been ordered.
Additionally, updated electoral rolls have been published. In Kaliaganj alone, the voter count has reached approximately 2.5 lakh after revisions.
As the election season continues, these by-elections are an opportunity for both ruling and opposition parties to recalibrate, rebuild narratives, and engage voters at the grassroots. Whether you’re a political enthusiast or a casual observer, June 19 could offer early signs of shifts in India’s complex and ever-evolving political map.
Stay tuned—every seat counts, and sometimes, the smallest contests speak the loudest.
