Voting for Five Assembly Bypolls to Be Held Across Four States

Voting is underway for assembly bypolls in five constituencies across Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Kerala.

On June 19, 2025, Five Assembly Bypolls to Be Held Across Four States, and voters in five constituencies across four states head to the polls for crucial assembly polls. These elections, sparked by resignations and deaths, test the strength of major parties, including AAP, TMC, and BJP, ahead of the 2026 polls in Bihar and Bengal. With tight security and live webcasting, the by-elections in Punjab, West Bengal, Kerala, and Gujarat are a battleground for political dominance. Will these results reshape alliances or signal shifts in voter sentiment? The nation watches as ballots are cast.

Key Details

Who: Voters, candidates from AAP, TMC, BJP, Congress, and others.
What: Assembly bypolls 2025 for five constituencies.
When: Polling on June 19, 2025; counting on June 23, 2025.
Where: Ludhiana West (Punjab), Kaliganj (West Bengal), Nilambur (Kerala), Kadi and Visavadar (Gujarat).
Why: Vacancies due to deaths (Ludhiana West, Kaliganj, Kadi) and resignations (Nilambur, Visavadar).

Today, June 19, 2025, marks a pivotal moment as five assembly by-polls unfold across four states—Punjab, West Bengal, Kerala, and Gujarat. These by-elections, triggered by resignations and deaths of sitting MLAs, are more than routine polls. They serve as a litmus test for political giants like the AAP, TMC, BJP, and Congress, especially with the upcoming elections in Bihar and Bengal in 2026. From Ludhiana’s urban sprawl to Nilambur’s lush hills, voters are deciding their representatives amid tight security and live webcasting. The outcomes could reshape alliances, expose rivalries, and hint at shifting public mood. With the Election Commission enforcing strict guidelines, these Assembly by-polls 2025 are a high-stakes drama. Will they signal a new political tide?

Background

The Assembly by-polls in 2025 stem from unexpected vacancies. In Punjab, Ludhiana West’s poll follows the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January 2025. West Bengal’s Kaliganj seat opened after TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed’s cardiac arrest in February. Kerala’s Nilambur became vacant when LDF-backed MLA P.V. Anvar resigned, later joining TMC. In Gujarat, Kadi’s poll was triggered by the death of BJP MLA Karsanbhai Solanki, while Visavadar followed the resignation of AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani and switched to the BJP. These polls serve as a prelude to the 2026 state elections, testing party strategies and voter loyalty.

Constituency-Wise Polling Schedule and Key Events

Ludhiana West (Punjab): Polling from 7 AM to 6 PM. AAP fields Bharat Bhushan Arora, Congress nominates Bharat Bhushan Ashu. BJP’s Jiwan Gupta and SAD’s Parupkar Singh Ghuman compete. Voter turnout was 21.51% by 11 AM.
Kaliganj (West Bengal): Voting from 7 AM to 6 PM. TMC’s Alifa Ahmed, BJP’s Ashish Ghosh, and Congress’s Kabil Uddin Sheikh contest. Turnout hit 45.23% by 1 PM despite early rain.
Nilambur (Kerala): Polling from 7 AM to 6 PM. LDF’s M. Swaraj, UDF’s Aryadan Shoukath, BJP’s Mohan George, and independent P.V. Anvar vie. Turnout reached 46.73% by 1 PM.
Kadi (Gujarat): Voting from 7 AM to 8 PM. BJP’s Rajendra Chavda faces Congress and AAP candidates. Turnout was 23.85% by 11 AM.
Visavadar (Gujarat): Polling from 7 AM to 8 PM. BJP’s Kirit Patel, Congress’s Nitin Ranpariya, and AAP’s Gopal Italia compete. Turnout was 28.15% by 11 AM.

Different Perspectives

In Ludhiana West, AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal promised cabinet induction for Arora, calling it a chance for “unparalleled development.” Congress’s Ashu accused Kejriwal of a “Rajya Sabha agenda.” In Kaliganj, TMC’s Alifa Ahmed urged voters to “choose the right party,” while BJP’s Ghosh alleged TMC intimidation, which TMC denied. In Nilambur, UDF’s Shoukath predicted a “huge margin” victory, while LDF’s Swaraj emphasized voting as a “fundamental right.” Gujarat’s Visavadar sees AAP’s Italia challenging BJP’s Patel, with Congress’s Ranpariya banking on local support.

Election Commission Bypoll Updates

The Election Commission ensured smooth state-wise polling, adhering to strict guidelines. Mobile deposit facilities were introduced outside polling stations for voter convenience. Booths issuing unofficial voter slips must be located more than 100 meters from polling stations. Security includes 14 companies of central forces in Kaliganj and full webcasting in Ludhiana’s 194 booths. Mock polling was conducted to check EVM functionality before voting began. These measures aim to enhance transparency and fairness.

Implications

These polls are more than local contests. In Punjab, AAP’s Ludhiana West result could signal its resilience after Delhi’s defeat. In West Bengal, Kaliganj tests the TMC’s grip amid controversies, including job losses. Kerala’s Nilambur, in Wayanad’s Lok Sabha constituency, is a prestige battle for LDF, UDF, and BJP. Gujarat’s Kadi and Visavadar gauge the BJP’s dominance against AAP and Congress. Results may influence alliances and strategies for the 2026 elections in Bihar and Bengal, shaping India’s political landscape.

Conclusion

The Assembly by-polls 2025 across Punjab, West Bengal, Kerala, and Gujarat are a snapshot of India’s dynamic politics. As voters in Ludhiana West, Kaliganj, Nilambur, Kadi, and Visavadar cast ballots, the outcomes will ripple beyond these constituencies. Will AAP, TMC, or BJP strengthen their hold? Can Congress or others upset the giants? With counting set for June 23, these results could foreshadow shifts in voter sentiment and alliances ahead of the 2026 state elections. The nation awaits, watching democracy unfold in these high-stakes by-elections.