WEST BENGAL BYPOLL
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.
BJP names 8 candidates for Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sabha polls
The Bharatiya Janata Party's Central Election Committee has nominated eight candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections. These elections will take place on October 16 across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. Among the candidates are Uttar Pradesh minister Dharampal Singh and Radhakant Ojha, who are contesting for seats. The current members from Uttar Pradesh are set to retire on November 25.
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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.
Can Didi's foot note turn into a headline?
In a bold move, Suvendu Adhikari disputes Mamata Banerjee's assertions regarding her injury from the 2021 election campaign, asserting her statements lack truth. He introduced a medical report that contradicts her claims, casting doubt on her trustworthiness. This controversy emerges just as bypolls loom in Nandigram, a district where Adhikari had triumphed over Banerjee.
Rajya Sabha polls: BJP names Dinesh Arya from Uttarakhand, Rukmini Mallick from West Bengal
BJP has revealed its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for October 16. Rukmini Mallick will represent West Bengal while Dinesh Arya will be the candidate from Uttarakhand. Elections are set to cover twelve seats, including ten from Uttar Pradesh. The current terms of existing members are concluding on November 25. Additionally, there will be a bypoll for one seat in West Bengal.
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.
Bengal CM Adhikari claims Mamata Banerjee faked leg injury during 2021 election campaign, CID to investigate
Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that Mamata Banerjee misrepresented her leg injury during the 2021 elections. He stated that reports from the hospital confirmed no fracture was present. After the bypolls on October 6, Adhikari intends to reveal documents supporting his claims. He called for the minority community’s support during his campaign in Nandigram. Adhikari aims to honor the memory of Chandrnath Rath and assure development in the area.
'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.
West Bengal appeal against Milan Pradhan will be dismissed, indicates Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is set to review the West Bengal government's plea challenging Milan Pradhan's interim bail during a session on Monday. This case revolves around six criminal proceedings linked to the violent protests in Nandigram back in 2007. Previously, the Calcutta High Court allowed Pradhan to secure bail for electoral purposes.
Bengal bypolls likely to decide relationship dynamics between Cong, TMC's Mamata faction
The upcoming October 6 assembly bypolls in West Bengal present a significant test for political alliances. Mamata Banerjee's faction and Congress are exploring electoral cooperation amid their separate contests. In Nandigram, the Congress candidate has gained the support of Banerjee's faction after their candidate withdrew. Rejinagar will show the ability of both parties to hold their political ground independently.
SC agrees to hear on Oct 5 West Bengal's plea challenging interim bail to Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan
The West Bengal government's plea against Milan Pradhan's interim bail will be heard by the Supreme Court soon. Pradhan was granted bail for six criminal cases linked to the 2007 Nandigram anti-land acquisition protests. The Calcutta High Court has allowed him to campaign for the upcoming Nandigram bypoll scheduled for October 6.
Calcutta HC grants interim bail to Congress' Nandigram candidate
HC allowed Nandigram bypoll Congress candidate, Milan Pradhan to campaign for the bypoll, scheduled for October 6, and granted Pradhan relief till October 20. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh directed Pradhan to surrender before the trial court on October 21 and deposit a Rs 20,000 bail bond in each of the six cases for which he was arrested.
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.
"Vijay running govt on reels": EPS Palaniswami hits out at TVK chief over farmer issues ahead of Dharapuram by-poll
Edappadi K. Palaniswami addressed a campaign rally supporting AIADMK candidate Banumathi in Dharapuram. He criticized the government led by Chief Minister Vijay for failing to release irrigation water to farmers. Palaniswami stated that locals are struggling to access drinking water due to administrative negligence. While urging Vijay to focus on governance, he highlighted his own approach when he was Chief Minister.
SC rejects plea to advance hearing on Bengal SIR ahead of byelections
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to advance the hearing of pleas challenging the pendency of appeals linked to the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, ahead of the October 6 bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh alleges attack, takes refuge in police station
Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh alleged that he faced a a "life-threatening attack" from BJP men for the second time in two days. The politician has now taken refuge at the Narkeldanga police station after the miscreants followed him. Ghosh claimed that his security personnel had to draw his revolver to deter them and also highlighted the time when his car was egged and stoned by a mob in Hoogly.
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.
Calcutta HC criticises EC over reassignment of election symbol to contesting parties in Nandigram bypoll
The Calcutta High Court expressed concerns regarding the Election Commission's decision to reassign the 'envelope' symbol. Justice Krishna Rao questioned the rationale behind this decision, citing an abundance of available symbols. The court is hearing a petition from the Indian Secular Front challenging the reassignment amid upcoming bypolls. The bypoll for the Nandigram assembly seat is scheduled for October 6.
Nandigram bypoll: Congress candidate Milan Pradhan denied bail, HC to hear plea on Thursday
Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for Nandigram, was denied bail by a local court and remanded to custody. The Congress party moved a bail petition on Pradhan's behalf and challenged discrepancies in the BJP candidate's affidavit. Concerns were raised regarding the age and educational qualifications stated by Hasirani Rath, the BJP nominee. Bypolls for Nandigram are set for October 6, with counting scheduled on October 9.
Suvendu targeting Opposition like Mamata did, says Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has accused BJP Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari of targeting the Opposition similarly to Mamata Banerjee. He stated that Adhikari is using state power against Opposition parties, mirroring Banerjee's tactics. Chowdhury pointed out the inconsistency of TMC candidates in the ongoing byelections for West Bengal assembly. He emphasized that only Congress remains as a consistent force opposing the BJP's actions.
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.
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.
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.
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