Voting is underway for byelections in five Assembly constituencies across four Indian States, with polling commencing at 7 am on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The Election Commission has deployed security and logistical measures to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of the electoral process.

The Assembly bypolls are being conducted in:

• Nilambur constituency in Kerala

• Ludhiana West in Punjab

• Kaliganj in West Bengal

• Visavadar and Kadi in Gujarat

The voting will continue till 6 pm, and counting of votes is scheduled for June 23, 2025.

High-stakes political contest

These byelections are not just about filling vacant seats — they come at a politically significant juncture, ahead of crucial state elections later in the year and serve as a litmus test for both ruling and opposition parties in each State. They are also being closely watched for early signs of voter sentiment post Lok Sabha elections.

The byelections are being conducted due to:

• Resignations

• Disqualifications

• Deaths of incumbent MLAs

First test for CEC Gyanesh Kumar

This is also the first electoral exercise overseen by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, who took charge in February 2025. The Commission stated that full arrangements have been made for free and fair elections in all five constituencies.

Gyanesh Kumar, a former bureaucrat known for administrative reform work, has been keen on improving the transparency and efficiency of India's election machinery. His approach is being closely evaluated as he steers the Commission toward multiple upcoming State polls and the 2026 Rajya Sabha elections.

Polling constituencies in detail

Nilambur, Kerala

Located in Malappuram district, Nilambur is a politically sensitive seat with high voter literacy and participation rates. The bypoll was necessitated due to the resignation of the sitting MLA following elevation to the Rajya Sabha.

Both the UDF and LDF are looking to claim this constituency, with the BJP aiming to increase its vote share in Kerala.

Ludhiana West, Punjab

The urban constituency of Ludhiana West is witnessing a triangular contest between the AAP, Congress, and BJP. This seat fell vacant after the disqualification of the incumbent due to conviction in a criminal case.

Punjab’s ruling AAP is looking to consolidate its urban support base, while the Congress and BJP aim to revive their footprint.

Kaliganj, West Bengal

Kaliganj has traditionally been a stronghold of the TMC, but the BJP and Congress-Left alliance are putting up a stiff fight. This byelection follows the death of the previous MLA.

Given the polarised political landscape in West Bengal, violence-free polling is a top priority, and the Election Commission has deployed Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure law and order.

Visavadar and Kadi, Gujarat

The two Gujarat constituencies are in Saurashtra and North Gujarat, respectively. These byelections were necessitated due to the resignation of the MLAs, both of whom were elected to the Lok Sabha in 2024.

The ruling BJP, which dominates Gujarat politics, aims to retain both seats, while the Congress and AAP are trying to make inroads into BJP bastions.

Voter turnout and live updates

As per early reports from State Election Offices, brisk voting is being observed across all five constituencies, with queues forming from early morning. The weather remained favourable in most regions, boosting turnout.

Authorities have appealed to voters to come out in large numbers, especially the youth and first-time voters.

Live updates are being provided through:

• Election Commission’s Voter Helpline app

• State CEO portals

• National Voter Service Portal

The Voter Turnout app will provide real-time data throughout the day.

Security and arrangements

The Election Commission has deployed:

• CAPF troops in sensitive areas

• Webcasting facilities at key polling stations

• Model Code of Conduct (MCC) teams for monitoring violations

• Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams to maintain integrity

Senior poll officers are also stationed across the constituencies to provide oversight. Special arrangements have been made for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and lactating mothers.

Political implications

While these are bypolls for just five seats, the political signals they send are far-reaching:

• For the BJP, especially in Gujarat, a clean sweep will reaffirm dominance post the 2024 Lok Sabha elections

• For AAP in Punjab and TMC in West Bengal, retaining urban bastions remains crucial

• For the Congress, which is trying to regroup nationally, even one or two wins will boost morale

• Smaller regional parties and independents will also gauge their prospects for upcoming State polls

ECI encourages peaceful voting

CEC Gyanesh Kumar, in a statement ahead of polling, said:

“The Election Commission is committed to ensuring free, fair, peaceful and inducement-free elections. We call upon all citizens to participate responsibly in the democratic process.”

Helpline numbers and voter assistance booths have been established across polling areas.

Counting and result day: June 23

The ballots will be stored in strongrooms with multi-tier security until June 23, when counting of votes will begin at designated counting centres under CCTV surveillance.

Final results will be uploaded on:

• www.eci.gov.in

• Election Commission’s mobile app

• State CEO portals

Conclusion: Prelude to a political season

These five Assembly bypolls, though limited in scale, come at a politically volatile and electorally charged period, as several major States prepare for full Assembly elections in the coming months.

The outcome on June 23 will provide a first glimpse into voter mood and the performance of political parties under new leaderships, such as CEC Gyanesh Kumar and emerging regional players.

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