Polling is underway in six constituencies across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, with votes to be counted on October 9. The contests are a direct test for the new governments, particularly the BJP in Bengal and Vijay's TVK in Tamil Nadu, which have faced early challenges in consolidating power. The seats fell vacant after MLAs who won on two tickets had to surrender one, triggering the by-polls.
In Bengal, the focus is on Nandigram and Rejinagar. Nandigram, won by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, will see a fierce triangular contest with the BJP, Trinamool, and CPI. The BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath, mother of Chandranath Rath, a former aide of Adhikari who was killed after the Assembly election. In Rejinagar, won by Trinamool rebel Humayun Kabir, the contest is multi-cornered, with 34 companies of central forces and 819 state police personnel deployed to ensure security.
Tamil Nadu's by-polls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram are a critical test for TVK, which fell short of a majority in the April election and formed a government with the Congress. K Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama switched to TVK after winning on AIADMK tickets, and Vijay has campaigned extensively in both constituencies, drawing criticism from the Opposition. The contests are four-cornered, with the DMK, CPI, TVK, and AIADMK in the fray.
Puducherry's Thattanchavady and Assam's Nagaon add further dimensions, testing the ruling alliances' ability to convert broader electoral gains into constituency-level victories. The Election Commission has implemented tight security measures in violence-prone areas, ensuring peaceful polling. The results on October 9 will offer a clear gauge of the new governments' strength and their ability to hold their ground in a highly competitive political landscape.
The by-elections are not just about the seats but a referendum on the new governments' performance. In Bengal, the BJP's performance in Rejinagar will be closely watched, while in Tamil Nadu, TVK's ability to retain the seats will determine its future in the state. The results will shape the political dynamics in these regions, potentially impacting the ruling alliances and their strategies for the upcoming elections.