BYPOLLS 2026
Bengal bypolls: 79 pc turnout in Nandigram, Rejinagar amid violence, intimidation claims
In the West Bengal Assembly bypolls, a robust turnout of nearly 79 percent was recorded, despite disturbing reports of violence and intimidation. Opposition parties alleged that their agents faced eviction from voting booths, heightening tensions. The arrest of AJUP chief Humayun Kabir during a confrontation sparked further unrest. While the BJP defended the voting process, Congress accused local police of bias.
Rejinagar bypoll: AJUP chief Humayun Kabir detained after heated clash with police
Humayun Kabir was detained due to a confrontation with police at his party office during the bypoll. He criticized the heavy police presence near his residence and polling booths before voting. After casting his vote, Kabir accused the police of voter intimidation and partisanship while arguing with them. The Rejinagar assembly seat became vacant after Kabir retained Nowda in the previous election.
Bypolls 2026: Four regions, six seats and a fresh test for India’s political map
Voting began in six constituencies across West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry on Tuesday morning. The results of the elections will be announced on October 9, carrying political significance for various parties. In West Bengal, the focus includes the symbolic Nandigram constituency and its contest involving various candidates. Assam's Nagaon constituency is experiencing a triangular contest among prominent parties, including the BJP and Congress.
West Bengal bypolls: Over 70 pc voter turnout recorded in Nandigram, Rejinagar till 3 pm
Bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly seats in West Bengal saw over 70 percent voter turnout. Polling began at 7 am and continued until 6 pm amidst mostly peaceful conditions. The Nandigram seat is significant due to its historical land acquisition movement, and the BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath. Multiple candidates from different parties are contesting, contributing to a complex political landscape.
Nandigram bypoll peaceful so far, Suvendu Adhikari eyes 85% turnout
Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, reported peaceful polling in the Nandigram by-election. Around 50 percent of voters had participated by midday as he cast his vote. He anticipated a turnout exceeding 85 percent based on historical trends in the constituency. Adhikari mentioned he would continue to serve as the MLA for Bhabanipur while promising to remain a voter in Nandigram.
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BJP, Bengal & bypolls: Nandigram, Rejinagar to put new government's rule to an early test
Voting for the Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls occurs on October 6, and results will be announced on October 9. The BJP seeks to assess its hold since assuming power, while opposition parties are working to reclaim lost ground. Nandigram holds significant emotional weight due to its historical role in the TMC's rise. Rejinagar presents a different challenge, with a fragmented contest and a substantial minority electorate.
Suvendu Adhikari campaigns on last day of Nandigram hustings, claims Mamata Banerjee's framed BJP for 'fake' leg injury
Suvendu Adhikari accused the previous TMC government of misusing the CID to frame BJP leaders in an attempt-to-murder case over Mamata Banerjee’s alleged 2021 leg injury. His remarks came during campaigning for the October 6 Nandigram bypoll, where TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh questioned the timing of the allegations. The bypoll will see a contest between BJP, Congress and other parties.
West Bengal bypolls: Nandigram, Rejinagar see final campaign push ahead of October 6 vote
Political parties in West Bengal are ramping up their campaigns for the upcoming Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls. Congress nominee Milan Pradhan has been actively canvassing after his recent bail, having faced multiple legal issues. The BJP's Hasirai Rath is also campaigning vigorously, receiving support from senior party leaders. Other parties, including the Left and ISF, are competing in both constituencies to gain voter support.
Tamil Nadu bypolls 2026: Vijay, Stalin and Palaniswami launch campaign in Madurantakam, Dharapuram
The Tamil Nadu bypoll campaign is heating up ahead of the October 6 elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, DMK president M K Stalin and AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami set to campaign. The contests have drawn attention after former AIADMK MLAs Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama quit their seats and joined Vijay’s TVK, turning the two constituencies into a closely watched political contest.
Bypolls: CPI (M), backing TVK-led regime from outside, alleges 'cash for votes' by Vijay's party
CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam has raised serious allegations against the ruling party TVK, claiming they are engaging in monetary inducements to sway voters ahead of the upcoming bypolls. He contended that while the TVK is known for cash-for-votes schemes, his party focuses solely on distributing informative pamphlets without resorting to bribery.
'Haven for anti-social elements': TMC's Madan Mitra hints at leaving politics after 30 years
Madan Mitra, a veteran politician, voiced his increasing disillusionment with the current state of politics. He highlighted that politics has become a refuge for anti-social elements, which has frustrated him. Mitra is contemplating a gradual withdrawal from active politics as he feels alienated from the political environment. His comments reflect a broader critique of the declining political standards in Bengal.
Tamil Nadu Bypolls: CM Vijay to campaign in AIADMK bastion of western TN
TVK founder and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to campaign in Dharapuram on Wednesday ahead of the October 6 bypoll, with the western Tamil Nadu seat drawing attention due to its traditional AIADMK support base. Around 3,000 police personnel have been deployed, while entry to the rally will be restricted to 5,000 QR-code pass holders.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari targets Mamata over Delhi visit, says she has 'Jamaat in one hand, dimagi naxals in other'
In a pointed critique, Suvendu Adhikari slammed Mamata Banerjee for her planned trip to Delhi for the INDIA bloc meeting, alleging she is conspiring with CPI(M) leaders on key electoral issues. This collaboration aims to push for accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The upcoming Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls have heightened political tensions. Additionally, Adhikari expressed support for the Calcutta High Court's ruling on the BJP candidate's nomination affidavit.
'DMK, AIADMK will lose their deposits in this by-election': Congress MP MK Vishnu Prasad on Tamil Nadu By-Election
Congress MP MK Vishnu Prasad on Saturday predicted that the DMK and AIADMK would lose their deposits in the upcoming Tamil Nadu by-elections, while backing Chief Minister Vijay and Rahul Gandhi. The Madurantakam and Dharapuram constituencies will vote on October 6, with counting scheduled for October 9, amid political defections.
Lobbying intensifies ahead of Rajya Sabha, Legislative Council polls in UP
Intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering is heating up among political factions as they prepare for the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections. Rajya Sabha voting is scheduled for October 16, followed by the Legislative Council on October 23. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Samajwadi Party are set to hold meetings to confirm their candidates.
111 MPs, MLAs changed parties after winning elections since 2022: ADR
A total of 111 MPs and MLAs changed parties in India between 2022 and 2026. Nagaland and West Bengal recorded the highest instances of such defections, with Nagaland having 32 cases. Most of the changes were linked to realignments among political parties like the NDPP and NPF. The Association for Democratic Reforms suggested reforms to the anti-defection laws in light of these changes.
HC asks WB govt counsel to let Cong''s Nandigram bypoll candidate to contest properly if he gets bail
The Calcutta High Court asked the West Bengal government to ensure Congress’ Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan is able to contest the election properly, provided he secures bail in the five cases in which he has been arrested. The court was also informed that five other cases against Pradhan had been withdrawn and that he was not an accused in another.
Rajya Sabha polls for 12 seats in UP, Uttarakhand, Bengal on October 16; MLC polls for 28 seats on October 23
The Election Commission of India announced election schedules for Rajya Sabha and Legislative Councils. Biennial elections will fill 12 Rajya Sabha seats across three states. Simultaneously, 28 Legislative Council seats will see biennial elections in 4 states. Polling for Rajya Sabha seats is scheduled for October 16. Legislative Council elections will occur on October 23.
West Bengal bypolls emerge as battle for opposition space
West Bengal’s October 6 bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar have become a contest for the opposition space after the TMC split and loss of its original name and symbol. The Congress and Left seek to regain voters, while rival TMC factions compete for the party’s political inheritance, with BJP also in contention.
High Court lets team Mamata Banerjee operate three bank accounts
The Calcutta High Court permitted the Mamata Banerjee faction to operate three frozen bank accounts. The state police had frozen these accounts due to alleged illegal transactions. The court clarified that the ECI's interim order does not affect its decision. This ruling allows the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool to access funds until January 29, 2027. The ECI had previously granted separate symbols and names to two Trinamool factions.
Nandigram bypoll: Congress candidate Milan Pradhan moves Calcutta HC seeking protection in six cases
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan seeks court protection from six registered cases. He was arrested Friday in connection with five pending non-bailable warrants. Pradhan has been remanded to judicial custody until October 3, 2026. His advocate filed a writ petition seeking protection until the elections conclude. The political battle in Nandigram is expected to continue despite his incarceration.
Democracy facing deep crisis in country under BJP rule: Bengal Congress chief
West Bengal Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar has accused the BJP government and Election Commission of undermining democracy, alleging repression of dissent and calling for opposition unity ahead of the October 6 Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls. His remarks come as Congress candidate Milan Pradhan remains in judicial custody in connection with cases linked to the 2007 Nandigram agitation.
'SIR really means 'Shah Instigated Removal' of voters: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh
The Congress party has alleged that the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a "Shah Instigated Removal" of voters, constituting an "assault on the Constitution." The party claims that a significant number of deletions, particularly affecting economically and socially disadvantaged sections and women, have occurred across various states.
Assam CM's 'deflated football' swipe at Mamata after her faction gets new poll symbol
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a swipe at Mamata Banerjee after the Election Commission froze the Trinamool Congress name and symbol amid a factional feud. He predicted Banerjee would not return to power and commented on the rival factions' new names and election symbols ahead of the October 6 West Bengal bypolls.
Nandigram, Rejinagar bypolls: Final field set for multi-cornered contests
Saturday marked an eventful last day of withdrawal of nominations which witnessed the flip-flop of Banerjee's Rejinagar candidate over withdrawal from poll race, the arrest of an Independent candidate in the same seat and the judicial remand of the Congress nominee in Nandigram, effectively throwing him out of the campaign phase of the elections.
Nandigram by-election: Congress candidate Milan Pradhan sent to judicial custody
Congress’s Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan was sent to 14-day judicial custody till October 3 after being arrested over four pending non-bailable warrants linked to cases from the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement. Police said the cases involve serious offences, including murder, rioting and criminal intimidation
'Black chapter in Indian democracy': KC Venugopal on Milan Pradhan's arrest ahead of Nandigram bypoll
Congress leader KC Venugopal condemned the BJP's alleged authoritarian politics in Bengal. He stated their candidate's nomination would not be withdrawn despite his arrest. Protests will intensify nationwide against what they call undemocratic actions. The party vowed to contest the Nandigram by-election vigorously. They aim to defeat the BJP in the 2029 general elections.
Mamata Banerjee backs Congress in Nandigram and Assam bypolls after candidate withdrawal
Mamata Banerjee will support Congress candidates in Nandigram and Assam bypolls. Her party's Nandigram candidate withdrew her nomination on Friday afternoon. Banerjee's faction received a new symbol and name from the Election Commission. She stated the decision was made in the greater interest of the nation. By-elections for Nandigram and Rejinagar are scheduled for October 6.
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