Assembly bypolls on 13 seats across seven states today, big names including Kamlesh Thakur in fray

New Delhi: By-elections for 13 assembly constituencies in seven states will be held on Wednesday. This electoral exercise, the first since the Lok Sabha elections, will determine the fate of several veterans and some newcomers. The seats have become vacant due to the unfortunate demise and resignations of several members.

Madhya Pradesh's Amarwara seat in the spotlight

In Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, voters are heading to the polls for the Amarwara assembly seat by-election. This election follows the BJP's sweep of all Lok Sabha seats in the state recently. Nine candidates are contesting, with a fierce BJP vs. Congress battle unfolding. Amarwara holds significance as it falls within the home constituency of veteran Congress leader Kamal Nath.

West Bengal: TMC and BJP clash in key constituencies

Simultaneously, by-elections are underway in Raiganj, Ranaghat South, Bagda, and Maniktala seats in West Bengal. The Maniktala seat, previously held by TMC MLA Sadhan Pandey until his passing in February 2022, sees TMC striving to capitalize on recent electoral gains against a determined BJP seeking to maintain its momentum.

Bihar's Rupauli seat up for grabs

In Bihar, the Rupauli assembly seat by-election has drawn attention with over 3 lakh voters set to decide among 11 candidates. Former JDU MLA Bima Bharti's resignation and subsequent switch to RJD triggered this election, highlighting the region's shifting political landscape.

Punjab's Jalandhar West: A test for CM Bhagwant Mann

The by-election in Jalandhar West, a reserved seat in Punjab, is seen as a litmus test for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's popularity. A multi-cornered contest is anticipated among AAP, Congress, BJP, and BSP candidates.

Himachal Pradesh and Beyond: Dehra, Hamirpur, Nalagarh seats in focus

Further by-elections are being held in Dehra, Hamirpur, and Nalagarh seats in Himachal Pradesh, alongside elections in Badrinath and Mangalore seats of Uttarakhand, and Vikravandi seat of Tamil Nadu. The electoral buzz underscores the high stakes and intense campaigning witnessed in the lead-up to today's voting.