On Tuesday, voters will cast their ballots for by-polls in seven Assembly seats across six states, marking the first electoral test for INDIA’s opposition bloc against the BJP.
While the opposition alliance presents a united front in the Ghosi constituency of Uttar Pradesh, constituencies like Dumri in Jharkhand, Dhanpur, and Boxanagar in Tripura, and Bageshwar in Uttarakhand see members of the same bloc competing against each other. In contrast, Dhupguri in West Bengal and Puthuppally in Kerala host contests between different parties.
The counting of votes is scheduled for September 8.
By-Poll Constituencies in Focus
In Uttar Pradesh, the Ghosi seat became vacant after Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA and OBC leader Dara Singh Chauhan resigned and rejoined the BJP. While the ruling BJP-led NDA has nominated Chauhan, the Samajwadi Party’s Sudhakar Singh enjoys the support of the Congress and Left parties. Chauhan, a former minister in the BJP government led by Yogi Adityanath, resigned from the Council of Ministers on January 12, 2022, and switched to the SP.
Campaigning for these by-polls has been intense, as both sides recognize them as a litmus test for opposition unity. A victory here could set the tone for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections next year. Uttar Pradesh, with its 80 MPs, holds significant sway in the 543-member Lok Sabha.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken the lead in the BJP’s campaign, while SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, who had skipped campaigning for the last two prestigious by-polls in Rampur and Azamgarh, addressed an election rally in Ghosi, declaring that the election would bring about a change in the country’s politics.
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In north Bengal’s Dhupguri assembly constituency, a three-way battle is unfolding among the TMC, BJP, and the Congress-supported CPI(M). The TMC won the seat in 2016 but lost it to the BJP in 2021.
In Tripura’s Sepahijala district, the Dhanpur and Boxanagar assembly seats are witnessing Chief Minister Manik Saha leading the campaign for his party. Tipra Motha, the main opposition, and Congress have refrained from contesting, urging people to vote for the INDIA bloc candidates.
In Boxanagar, BJP’s Tafajjal Hussain challenges CPI(M)’s Mizan Hussain, while in Dhanpur, once a communist stronghold, BJP’s Bindu Debnath faces off against CPI(M)’s Kaushik Debnath.
Additional Chief Electoral Officer UG Mog assured that all necessary arrangements have been made for free, fair, and peaceful elections. The international border has been sealed to prevent any intrusion from Bangladesh, as both constituencies share a boundary with the neighboring country. Senior police officers have stated that adequate security measures are in place to ensure a peaceful voting process.
In Jharkhand’s Dumri, INDIA bloc candidate Bebi Devi is engaged in a direct contest with NDA candidate Yashoda Devi. This seat holds immense prestige for both alliances. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) claims that the INDIA bloc’s journey to victory will commence in Dumri, while the NDA expresses confidence in wresting the seat from the JMM.
The INDIA bloc comprises 28 parties, including the Congress, NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT), TMC, JMM, AAP, DMK, NC, PDP, CPI(M), CPI, RJD, SP, and RLD. The by-election was necessitated by the passing of JMM MLA Jagarnath Mahto, a former education minister who had represented the seat since 2004.
However, in the Puthuppally by-poll in Kerala, the Congress and the ruling Left find themselves in a face-off, with the state’s opposition party banking on “anti-incumbency” and the legacy of the late Oommen Chandy. The Congress-led UDF opposition has fielded Chandy’s son, Chandy Oommen, capitalizing on the sympathy wave following the former CM’s demise. On the other hand, the ruling Left has once again chosen DYFI leader Jaick C Thomas, who had previously contested in 2016 and 2021 against the late Chandy.
In Uttarakhand, a straight contest unfolds between the BJP and the Congress. The BJP, in its bid to retain the seat, has nominated Parvati Das, succeeding her late husband Chandan Das, who had won the seat in four consecutive elections since 2007. Chandan Das’s demise necessitated the by-poll. The campaign witnessed Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other senior BJP leaders actively canvassing for Das. In contrast, Congress heavyweights, including Harish Rawat, PCC president Karan Mahara, and Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Yashpal Arya, have been mobilizing support for party candidate Basant Kumar in Bageshwar.
In July, the opposition alliance, formed to challenge the ruling BJP-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, announced that it would be known as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). These by-elections serve as the first electoral battleground for this emerging political force.
These by-elections serve as a pivotal litmus test for the newly forged Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) against the incumbent ruling BJP-led NDA. The political atmosphere is charged with anticipation and significance as the nation closely watches the outcome of these contests.
As the electoral battle unfolds, the parties and candidates have left no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory. Each constituency presents its unique set of challenges and opportunities, making these by-polls a microcosm of India’s diverse political landscape.
The results of these by-polls will not only determine the immediate representation in the respective state assemblies but also have broader implications for the political discourse at the state and national levels. The shifting sands of political alliances, the voters’ verdict, and the strategies deployed by political parties will be closely scrutinized as they hint at the evolving political landscape in India.
While some constituencies witness a fierce tussle between established political forces, others reflect the aspirations and choices of the electorate. These by-polls, therefore, offer a multifaceted view of India’s democratic fabric, where every vote counts, and every constituency tells a unique story.
As the voting process commences and the political drama unfolds, the nation awaits the verdict with bated breath. The results on September 8 will not only declare the winners of these by-polls but also set the stage for the political dynamics that will shape India’s future.
In this whirlwind of political activity and democratic fervor, these by-polls stand as a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving democracy that is India. They remind us that, in the world’s largest democracy, the power to shape the future lies in the hands of its diverse and dynamic electorate.
So, as the candidates make their final appeals, and the voters cast their ballots, the nation witnesses democracy in action, reaffirming the enduring spirit of electoral participation and the power of the people’s voice. The journey from the polling booths to the declaration of results is a reflection of India’s commitment to democratic values, and these by-polls are an integral part of that journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are by-polls, and why are they significant in India?
Answer: By-polls, also known as by-elections, are elections held to fill vacant seats in legislative bodies between regular elections. They are significant as they can have wide-ranging impacts on the nation’s political landscape.
- Which states in India are hosting the upcoming by-polls?
Answer: The article discusses by-polls in Tripura, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala. Each state has its unique political dynamics, and these elections are crucial in understanding regional politics.
- Can you provide information about the key candidates and their parties in these by-polls?
Answer: Absolutely, the article delves into detailed profiles of the primary contenders in each state, along with insights into their political affiliations, past performances, campaign strategies, and public reception.
- How can the outcomes of these by-polls impact India’s national politics?
Answer: The article examines the potential ripple effects of these regional by-polls on India’s national politics. It explores how shifts in state legislative assemblies can influence alliances, power dynamics, and central-level policy decisions.
- Is there an analysis of historical voting trends in these states?
Answer: Yes, the article offers a thorough analysis of historical voting patterns, providing readers with valuable insights into how voters in these states have historically leaned and how this might affect the by-polls’ outcomes.
- What strategies do political parties employ during these by-polls?
Answer: The article discusses the diverse campaign strategies employed by political parties in these by-polls. It sheds light on the approaches and tactics used to engage with voters and secure electoral victories.
- Are there predictions or possible outcomes mentioned in the article?
Answer: Indeed, the article outlines a spectrum of potential outcomes for each state, considering various scenarios. This section helps readers grasp the possible ramifications of the by-polls on India’s political landscape.