Counting for by-elections held in multiple Assembly constituencies across West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on October 9, 2026, indicated significant leads for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the former and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the latter. The results are being closely watched for indications of the political mood in these states.
In West Bengal, the BJP established a commanding lead in both Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies. Reports indicated that the BJP candidate in Nandigram, Hasirani Rath, was leading by a substantial margin, with sources suggesting a lead of over 49,000 votes after several rounds of counting. Similarly, in Rejinagar, the BJP’s Shankharavh Sarkar was reported to be ahead by over 34,000 votes. These leads suggest a strong performance by the BJP in these seats, which were subject to high voter turnout amidst allegations of irregularities during polling.
The bypolls in Nandigram were necessitated after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur seat following the 2026 Assembly elections, thus vacating Nandigram. The BJP fielded Hasirani Rath, mother of Adhikari’s former aide, in Nandigram. In Rejinagar, the by-election was triggered by the decision of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief Humayun Kabir to retain the Nowda seat over Rejinagar. His son, Golam Nabi Azad, is contesting from Rejinagar on an AJUP ticket.
Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) showed strong performance, leading in both the Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC) Assembly constituencies. P. Sathyabama of TVK was reported to be leading in Dharapuram by a significant margin, over candidates from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Similarly, in Madurantakam, TVK’s K Maragatham Kumaravel was also reported to be ahead, indicating the TVK’s continued popularity following its performance in the April Assembly elections.
The by-elections in Tamil Nadu were held to fill the seats vacated by TVK candidates in the recent Assembly elections. The outcomes are seen as a crucial test of popularity for the ruling TVK and an attempt by the AIADMK to regain lost ground. The counting process in Tamil Nadu, as in West Bengal, was conducted under strict security arrangements.
The by-election results are significant as they offer an early indicator of the BJP’s electoral strength in West Bengal after it ended the Trinamool Congress’s long rule, and for the TVK in Tamil Nadu, which aims to consolidate its position. The performance of other parties, including the Congress and regional players, is also under scrutiny.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
