As India’s political pulse beats post the high-stakes Lok Sabha elections, the spotlight now turns to five Assembly constituencies across four states where by-polls are currently underway. These elections, held in Kaliganj (West Bengal), Nilambur (Kerala), Ludhiana West (Punjab) and Kadi and Visavadar (Gujarat) are more than just routine electoral exercises, they are micro referendums on regional party strength, alliance stability and public sentiment heading into future state elections.

Although only a few constituencies are in play, the stakes are high for both the ruling NDA and the INDIA bloc, as local prestige battles and underlying alliance tensions take centre stage.

What are by-polls and why are they important?

By-elections or “by-polls” are held to fill vacant legislative seats between general elections. These vacancies may arise due to the death, resignation, or disqualification of sitting members.

While they may involve a limited number of constituencies, by-polls can often produce outsized political ripples. They act as crucial indicators of public mood, especially after a major election, and give parties the opportunity to test their campaign narratives, strategies, and candidate choices on the ground.

Seats in focus: Where the contests are happening

Kaliganj, West Bengal: A rural constituency in Nadia district, where the TMC is defending the seat it won in 2021.

Nilambur, Kerala: Located in Wayanad district, this seat became a four-way battleground following a split within the Left front.

Ludhiana West, Punjab: An urban seat with a diverse voter base, it became vacant after the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Singh Gogi.

Kadi and Visavadar, Gujarat: These seats opened up due to the death and defections of MLAs and are witnessing triangular contests among BJP, Congress, and AAP.

What’s at stake politically?

While these by-elections won’t change any government, the political stakes are high. The contests will test whether ruling parties can retain ground or if opposition forces – especially those aligned in the INDIA bloc – can claw back lost influence.

Additionally, these elections offer voters the first chance to react to Lok Sabha outcomes and evolving political alliances, particularly in states like Punjab and Kerala where intra-bloc competition is now visible.

Key contests to watch

Ludhiana West (Punjab): Congress’ Bharat Bhushan Ashu is up against AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora. Despite being INDIA bloc allies in the general election, both parties are contesting independently here. The seat could also be strategically important for AAP’s national plans if it helps facilitate a Rajya Sabha entry for top leaders.

Kaliganj (West Bengal): Following the death of MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed, TMC has fielded his daughter Alifa Ahmed. She faces BJP’s Ashish Ghosh and Congress-Left alliance’s Kabil Uddin Sheikh. Communal overtones, teacher recruitment scams, and TMC’s governance record are dominating the campaign narrative.

Nilambur (Kerala): Once a CPI(M)-backed seat held by P V Anvar, the seat is now hotly contested among the UDF (Congress), LDF (Left), BJP, and Anvar himself as an Independent. The constituency’s location in Wayanad—now represented by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra—adds symbolic importance.

Kadi and Visavadar (Gujarat): While Kadi is being contested due to the death of BJP MLA Karsanbhai Solanki, Visavadar became vacant following the defection of AAP’s Bhupendrabhai Bhayani to the BJP. Gopal Italia, a prominent AAP face, is contesting Visavadar, making it a key battleground.

ALSO READ Polling begins for assembly by-elections across five states

Voter participation and ground reports

Despite weather challenges like rain in Kerala and summer heat in Gujarat, early voter turnout across the states has been steady. In places like Nilambur, voters braved the rain to arrive at polling stations with umbrellas and plastic covers. Tight security arrangements, webcasting, and public holidays in some states like Gujarat aim to encourage smooth polling and higher turnout.

Date of result

Votes will be counted on June 23, 2025, and results will be declared the same day. The outcome is expected to influence strategies for the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala (2026) and possibly West Bengal and Punjab, depending on how parties interpret the voter signals.