New Delhi: Today marks a monumental clash in Indian politics as the opposition’s INDIA bloc locks horns with the BJP-led alliance in crucial by-elections across six states. A total of seven seats are up for grabs in this electoral showdown, with vote counting scheduled for September 8.
Here are the top 10 key points surrounding this high-stakes event:
The contesting states
The battlegrounds for today’s by-elections include Ghosi in Uttar Pradesh, Dhupguri in West Bengal, Puthuppally in Kerala, Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, Dumri in Jharkhand, and Boxanagar and Dhanpur in Tripura.
First INDIA Bloc elections
These by-elections represent the debut electoral challenge for the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), a coalition of opposition parties committed to contesting elections collectively whenever possible.
Bypolls due to various reasons
The by-elections in Dhupguri, Puthuppally, Bageshwar, Dumri, and Boxanagar were triggered by the unfortunate demise of the incumbent MLAs. Meanwhile, Ghosi and Dhanpur witnessed MLAs’ resignations, necessitating fresh polls.
Ghosi’s unique contest
In Ghosi, Samajwadi Party’s Dara Singh Chauhan, who resigned as MLA and joined BJP, faces off against his former party’s Sudhakar Singh, also endorsed by the Congress.
Dhanpur’s family duel
Dhanpur witnesses a familial electoral clash as BJP’s Pratima Bhoumik’s resignation to retain her Lok Sabha seat resulted in her brother, Bindu Debnath, contesting for BJP, while CPM presents Kaushik Chanda.
Boxanagar’s battle: Left vs Right
Following the demise of Left party legislator Samsul Haque, Boxanagar becomes a direct contest between CPM and BJP.
Bageshwar’s political legacy
Bageshwar’s by-election, initiated by BJP MLA Chandan Ram Dass’s passing, witnesses his wife Parwati entering the electoral arena against rivals from Congress and Samajwadi Party.
Oommen Chandy’s son in Puthuppally
The Puthuppally by-poll, resulting from Oommen Chandy’s demise, sees the veteran leader’s son, Chandy Oommen, representing the Congress-led front, competing with CPM’s Jaick C Thomas.
Dumri’s contestants
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA Jagarnath Mahto’s vacant seat in Dumri sees his wife Bebi Devi, representing the ruling party, face off against NDA’s Yashoda Devi and AIMIM’s Abdul Rizvi.
Dhupguri’s BJP Replacement
Dhupguri’s by-election, following BJP’s Bishnupada Roy’s passing, features BJP’s Tapasi Roy contesting against Trinamool’s Nirmal Chandra Roy and CPM’s Ishwar Chandra Roy.
As the nation holds its breath in anticipation, the results of these critical by-elections are sure to have far-reaching implications for Indian politics. Stay tuned for live updates as the electoral drama unfolds across these six states.
