New Delhi:
The counting of votes for byelections has begun. Over the past few weeks, bypolls were held on 48 assembly seats in 14 states – Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Elections were also held on two Lok Sabha seats – Kerala’s Wayanad and Maharashtra’s Nanded.
These elections mark the electoral debut of Congress’ Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is contesting in Wayanad, earlier held by her brother Rahul Gandhi. The election was necessitated in Wayanad after Rahul Gandhi won both Wayanad and Rae Bareli seats and decided to retain the latter.
Rahul Gandhi has been actively campaigning for his sister Priyanka Gandhi. In one of the election rallies, he said, “If she likes you, she will do whatever; beyond anything you can imagine. She is also going to like Wayanad a lot. You see, a huge part of being a good MP is that you like the people and place you work for. She is going to like it.”
As of 10:50 am, Priyanka Gandhi is leading in Wayanad with over 2.26 lakh votes. Communist Party of India’s Sathyan Mokeri is trailing with nearly 77,973 votes while the BJP’s Navya Haridas is in the third spot with 43,352 votes.
Priyanka Gandhi has secured a margin of over 1 lakh votes.
READ | Will Priyanka Gandhi Be A Better MP For Wayanad? Rahul Gandhi Responds
The bypolls results for six assembly seats in West Bengal will be interesting and a test for the ruling Trinamool Congress as protests in the RG Kar rape and murder case continue.
The TMC hopes to maintain the momentum set since 2021, having won nearly all assembly by-polls, except Sagardighi in February 2023.
Here Are Live Updates On Bypoll Results 2024:
Rajasthan Bypoll Results: BJP Leads On 3 Seats
In Rajasthan, bypolls were held on seven seats – Jhunjhunu, Dausa, Deoli-Uniara, Khinvsar, Chorasi, Salumber and Ramgarh. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading on three seats – Jhunjhunu, Deoli-Uniara and Khinvsar. While Congress is leading on Ramgarh and Dausa, Bharat Adivasi Party has taken the lead in Salumber and Chorasi.
BJP spokesperson Tom Vadakkan calls out Congress for taking support of PFI and SDPI to win Lok Sabha elections in Kerala’s Wayanad. “These are anti-national organisations,” he said. “The reality is, if you win or lose, you have done something which is anti-national because they are people who are divisive and want to create an India which is part of the deep-state plotm,” he addedDebutant Priyanka Gandhi is leading with over 2 lakh votes from Wayanad.
#WATCH | Delhi: On #WayanadBypolls trends showing Congress’ Priyanka Gandhi Vadra leading, BJP spokesperson Tom Vadakkan says, “It is not a question of who wins or loses in Wayanad. It’s a question of whose support you take. Demographically, it is a particular community in… pic.twitter.com/TlMRfTe4HL
– ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024
Priyanka Gandhi has garnered over 1.6 lakh (1,65,487). Congress leader, who made her debut after brother Rahul Gandhi left the Wayanad seat, is leading by over 1 lakh votes, as of 10:25 am. CPI’s Sathyan Mokeri is trailing with 56,929 votes while the BJP’s Navya Haridas is on the third spot with 31,018 votes.
In West Bengal, bypolls were held on six seats – Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, Taldangra, Sitai (SC), and Madarihat (ST). Currently, the All India Trinamool Congress is leading on all six seats.What is interesting is Madarihat, a BJP bastion. After four rounds of counting, TMC’s Jayprakash Toppo is leading with 39,353 votes. Whereas, BJP’s Rahul Lohar has got 21,375 votes.
In Punjab, bypolls were held on four assembly seats – Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, Gidderbaha and Barnala. The four seats are divided between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress. AAP’s Dr Ishank Kumar is leading from Chabbewal and Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon is leading from Gidderbaha. Congress’ Kuldeep Singh has taken the lead in Barnala and Jatinder Kaur Randhawa in Dera Baba Nanak.
Kerala Bypoll Results: Priyanka Gandhi Gets Over 1 Lakh Votes In Wayanad
After two hours of counting votes, Priyanka Gandhi has garnered over 1.2 lakh (1,21,476). Congress leader who made her debut after brother Rahul Gandhi left the Wayanad seat is leading by 85,533 votes, as of 10 am. CPI’s Sathyan Mokeri is trailing with 35,943 votes while the BJP’s Navya Haridas is on the third spot with 21,442 votes.
On security arrangements for counting of votes for Karhal assembly bypoll, SP City Rahul Mithas says, “As per EC guidelines, there is a three-tier security arrangement. Barricades and barriers have been placed, counting officials being allowed inside after frisking. Central Armed Police Forces are guarding the strong room. We are confident that the counting process will happen under security.”Votes are being counted for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh. In Karhal, Samajwadi Party’s Tej Pratap Singh is leading with over 8,000 votes.
#WATCH | Mainpuri, UP | On security arrangements for counting of votes for Karhal assembly bypoll, SP City Rahul Mithas says, “As per EC guidelines, there is a three-tier security arrangement. Barricades and barriers have been placed, counting officials being allowed inside after… pic.twitter.com/klsO7fIDiQ
– ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s son Bharath Bommai is in the fray at Shiggaon. Third-generation leader, Bharath Bommai is facing a debut electoral challenge at Shiggaon which was vacated by his father Basavarj Bommai as he contested for Lok Sabha polls. After three of the 18 rounds of counting of votes, BJP’s Bharath Bommai is leading with over 16,000 votes. Congress’ Pathan Yasirahmedkhan is not far behind with 15,631 votes.Elections were held on three assembly seats in Karnataka – Shiggaon, Sandur and Channapatna.
It has barely been two hours into counting and Congress’ Priyanka Gandhi is leading with over 35,000 votes as of 9:20 am. CPI’s Sathyan Mokeri is trailing with 9,555 votes while the BJP’s Navya Haridas is on the third spot with 3,984 votes.
Sikkim Bypoll Results: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s Candidates Remain Uncontested
The bypolls were held on two assembly seats in Sikkim – Namchi – Singhithang and Soreng – Chakung. Sikkim Krantikari Morcha fielded candidates from both constituencies. Satish Chandra Rai from Namchi – Singhithang and Aditya Golay (Tamang) from Soreng – Chakung won uncontested.
Byelections were held on five assembly seats in Assam – Dholai, Sidli, Bongaigaon, Behali and Samaguri – and one in Meghalaya – Gambegre. All eyes will be on whether or not the BJP and its allies will be able to hold on to the four seats in Assam they had earlier. Samaguri, a Muslim majority seat is a Congress stronghold. NDTV’s Ratnadip explains who has the edge in the northeastern states.
#ResultsWithNDTV | Who has the edge in the Northeast?
NDTV’s @RatnadipC explains
Track LIVE Coverage: https://t.co/ukRuaIvn00#AssamByelectionResults2024pic.twitter.com/u5A3WS8dRC
– NDTV (@ndtv) November 23, 2024
All eyes are on Priyanka Gandhi’s performance in Kerala bypolls from Wayanad constituency. Early leads show Priyanka Gandhi is leading in her debut. Congress is hoping for a higher margin than what Rahul Gandhi secured in 2024.It is a triangular contest with CPI fielding Sathyan Mokeri and BJP fielding Navya Haridas.
Ms Gandhi has won 5,672 votes so far. CPI veteran Sathyan Mokeri is trailing with 1,298 votes while the BJP’s Navya Haridas is in the third spot with 1,133 votes.
The district administration and election officials are ready to count of votes for Channapatna constituency bypoll, at Government Engineering College, Ramanagara. 31 candidates are competing for this seat including Janata Dal’s Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Congress’ C P Yogeeshwara
#WATCH | Karnataka | District administration and election officials all set for counting of votes for Channapattana constituency bypoll, at Government Engineering College, Ramanagara pic.twitter.com/Tb2lK9o5jW
– ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024
Counting of votes for Karhal assembly byelections in Mainpuri is underway. In Uttar Pradesh, bypolls were held on nine assembly seats – Meerapur, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair, Karhal, Sishamau, Phulpur, Katehari and Majhawan.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh Assembly by-elections | Counting of votes for Karhal Assembly by-elections in Mainpuri is taking place today. Visuals from a counting centre in Naveen Galla Mandi.
(Video: Information Officer) pic.twitter.com/BrcDZSjPwX
– ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024
“During the campaigning, we saw that the public was in our support. It is clear that we are going to win with a huge majority,” said Sujoy Hazra, TMC candidate from Medinipur as votes are being counted.In West Bengal, bypolls were held on six seats – Sitai, Madarihat, Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur and Taldangra.
#WATCH | Medinipur, West Bengal By-Election Results: TMC candidate from Medinipur, Sujoy Hazra says “During the campaigning, we saw that the public was in our support. It is clear that we are going to win with a huge majority.” pic.twitter.com/1ik6KNjpiE
– ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024
#WATCH | Wayanad, Kerala | Ahead of elections results, BJP candidate for Wayanad bypoll, Navya Haridas says, “…Last time Rahul Gandhi had won from Wayanad but he rejected this Mandal and retained Rae Bareli. This time the voting percentage came down as they were not in the mood… pic.twitter.com/dEpbhalCCD
– ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024
Kerala Bypoll Results: Lok Sabha seat Wayanad is known as Congress’ bastion. It was vacated by Rahul Gandhi after he won from both Wayanad and Rae Bareli and chose to retain the latter. Priyanka Gandhi’s maiden electoral contest is backed by her brother Rahul Gandhi. In 2024, Mr Gandhi won Wayanad with a margin of 3.5 lakh votes and Priyanka Gandhi aims to take the margin over 4 lakh votes.West Bengal Bypoll Results: These are the first elections being held in the state after RG Kar rape and murder. BJP aims to take advantage of the public outrage and take over from ruling Trinamool Congress. NDTV’s Saurabh Gupta tells what is at stake here.
Uttar Pradesh Bypoll Results: Byelections were held for nine assembly seats, a direct faceoff between BJP and Samajwadi Party.
#ResultsWithNDTV | #KeralaBypoll: Priyanka Gandhi’s Wayanad debut in focus among 50 seats#WestBengalBypoll: Will Trinamool retain its stronghold?@jsamdaniel, @MickyGupta84 and @ranveer_sh report
Track #ElectionResults live updates here: https://t.co/9cxCZ7iXsDpic.twitter.com/7qwVl6rDNe
– NDTV (@ndtv) November 23, 2024
In Chhattisgarh, bypolls were held on one assembly seat – Raipur City South. This seat has been the stronghold of the BJP for decades. “These elections were an election of active vs dormant. I ensured I visited every home and voter while campaigning. In Raipur South, which has been the base of the BJP, people are still devoid of basic facilities. I am confident that people have voted for change this time,” said Congress candidate Akash Sharma ahead of counting of votes.
#WATCH | Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Ahead of the counting of votes for Raipur South Assembly by-elections, Congress candidate Akash Sharma says, “Since the day Congress gave me the ticket I have been saying just one thing – these elections will not decide the PM of the country or CM… pic.twitter.com/Oe5EnCcotT
– ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024
Among the two Lok Sabha seats where elections were held, Kerala’s Wayanad is of high interest as Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi is making her debut. The seat was earlier held by her brother Rahul Gandhi.Priyanka Gandhi is competing against BJP’s Navya Haridas.
Here are the visuals from outside a counting centre in Kalpetta of Wayanad district.
#WATCH | Kerala: Counting for #Wayanad Lok Sabha by-elections to take place today. The constituency saw a contest between Congress’ Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and BJP’s Navya Haridas.
Visuals from outside a counting centre in Kalpetta of Wayanad district. pic.twitter.com/ihWsKOiz3t
– ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024
In Punjab, bypolls were held on four assembly seats – Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, Gidderbaha and Barnala. Here are visuals from a counting centre in Punjab’s Gidderbaha where BJP’s Manpreet Singh Badal, Congress’ Amrita Warring and AAP’s Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon are in a triangular fight.
#WATCH | Outside visuals from a counting centre in Punjab’s Gidderbaha as counting for the by-polls on 4 assembly seats to begin shortly
Manpreet Singh Badal of BJP, Amrita Warring of Congress and Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon of AAp are in a triangular fight at the assembly seat. pic.twitter.com/Qv5CpXyzSX
– ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024
#WATCH | Kerala: Counting of votes for Palakkad Assembly by-elections to take place today. Visuals from a counting centre as security personnel and polling officials arrive. pic.twitter.com/U2GnZOxPw1
– ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024
Chhattisgarh Bypoll Results: 30 Candidates Compete For Raipur City South
In Chhattisgarh, 30 candidates are competing for one assembly seat – Raipur City South. The need for a bypoll on one seat arose after sitting BJP legislator and former state minister Brijmohan Agrawal resigned following his election to the Lok Sabha from the Raipur parliamentary constituency.
Bihar Bypoll Results: Four Assembly Seats, 38 Candidates. Who Will Win?
In Bihar, bypolls were held on four assembly seats – Tarari, Imamganj, Belaganj and Ramgarh – with 38 candidates in the queue. All the poll-bound seats fall in the area south of the Ganga, considered a stronghold of the Mahagathbandhan, comprising Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Indian National Congress (INC) and Left parties.
West Bengal Bypoll Results: Will Trinamool Retain Its Stronghold?
Of the six seats in the picture – Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, Taldangra, Sitai (SC), and Madarihat (ST) – five are in the Trinamool strongholds of south Bengal. Madarihat remains a BJP bastion in the northern part of the state.
Seven seats, namely Jhunjhunu, Dausa, Deoli-Uniara, Khinvsar, Chorasi, Salumber and Ramgarh, will seal the fates of 69 candidates — 10 women and 59 men. Apart from the BJP and the Congress, Hanuman Beniwal’s Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) and Rajkumar Rathore’s Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) have also fielded candidates as they face the challenge of defending their strongholds.
The Jat-dominated Khinsvar seat will witness a triangular contest with the BJP’s Revant Ram Danga up against the Congress’ Ratan Chaudhary and the RLP’s Kanika Chaudhary, the wife of party chief Hanuman Beniwal. The seat fell vacant after Hanuman Beniwal got elected to Lok Sabha this year. Danga and Beniwal were once close aides but later parted ways.