{"vars":{"id": "114224:4797"}}

Vote Counting Begins for Crucial By-Elections Across Four States

By Newsroom TV Live Jun 23, 2025, 11:14 IST

As India gears up for a pivotal political season ahead of key state and national elections, the results of the 2025 by-elections are being closely watched across the country. On June 23, vote counting began for five legislative assembly seats—one each in Kerala and West Bengal, two in Gujarat, and one in Punjab. These bypolls, while localized, are being seen as a temperature check on the broader political mood of the electorate.

Overview of Seats Contested

The by-elections were held on June 19 and saw decent voter turnouts in most regions. The seats in contention are:

  • Visavadar and Kadi (Gujarat)

  • Ludhiana West (Punjab)

  • Kaliganj (West Bengal)

  • Nilambur (Kerala)

The contests span diverse political terrains—ranging from BJP-ruled Gujarat to Left-influenced Kerala, from AAP-governed Punjab to TMC-dominated West Bengal—making them ideal indicators of current public sentiment.

Counting Process Begins

Counting of votes commenced at 8:00 AM across designated counting centers, with adequate security deployed to ensure a peaceful process. Initial trends began emerging within the first hour, with EVM tallies from early rounds giving a glimpse into how the political winds may be blowing.

Observers, party representatives, and media personnel were present in large numbers, while voters across the country remained glued to their TV sets and phones for real-time updates.

State-Wise Breakdown

Gujarat: Visavadar and Kadi

In Gujarat, the BJP is aiming to retain both seats while facing stiff resistance from the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress. Visavadar, located in the politically sensitive Saurashtra region, is drawing attention as a battleground for emerging players.

  • Visavadar: Early leads show a close contest between the BJP and AAP, with Congress trailing behind. The AAP’s growing influence in the state is being tested here following its recent inroads into urban Gujarat.

  • Kadi: This seat appears more favorable to the BJP, with early leads indicating a comfortable position. Congress is trying to narrow the gap but is facing an uphill task.

Punjab: Ludhiana West

Ludhiana West, a seat located in a key urban center, is a litmus test for AAP’s performance. Since sweeping into power in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, the party has had to grapple with governance issues and rising opposition.

  • Initial rounds show AAP maintaining a consistent lead. The Congress is in second place, while the BJP trails further behind.

  • The outcome here will signal whether urban voters in Punjab still back the AAP or if a political shift is underway.

West Bengal: Kaliganj

Kaliganj is a rural seat in West Bengal, where the Trinamool Congress is seeking to consolidate its dominance. The BJP, which made strong gains in the state during the 2019 and 2021 elections, is contesting aggressively.

  • The TMC candidate has secured a sizable lead in the early rounds.

  • BJP is attempting to mount a comeback but is so far unable to close the gap.

  • The result will be viewed as a reflection of how strong the TMC remains in its rural strongholds.

Kerala: Nilambur

In Nilambur, the contest is primarily between the Congress-led UDF and the CPI(M)-led LDF. This by-election is seen as a prelude to the larger battle for the Kerala Assembly in 2026.

  • Early trends place the Congress candidate ahead by a comfortable margin.

  • The LDF is still in contention, but it appears that the UDF has the upper hand as more rounds of counting continue.

Voter Turnout and Polling Experience

Polling was largely peaceful across all five constituencies. Voter turnout varied from 50% to 75%, with Kerala recording one of the highest participation rates. The Election Commission implemented robust security and transparency protocols, including surveillance and real-time data tracking to ensure smooth conduct of both polling and counting.

In some urban centers, voters complained of long queues, but the overall atmosphere was marked by enthusiasm and civic participation.

Political Significance of These Bypolls

While by-elections are limited in scope, they carry considerable symbolic weight. For ruling parties in each state, a strong performance helps boost morale and claim a mandate for governance. For opposition parties, it is a chance to gain traction and build momentum ahead of larger elections.

These results will serve as:

  • A referendum on local governance: Particularly for AAP in Punjab and CPI(M) in Kerala.

  • An indicator of emerging challengers: Such as AAP's push in Gujarat and BJP's efforts in West Bengal.

  • A sign of shifting voter loyalties: In traditional strongholds, margins and vote share changes are being watched closely.

Party Headquarters on Alert

Political parties have set up war rooms to monitor results, with leaders issuing statements as trends emerge:

  • AAP is cautiously optimistic about Ludhiana West and hopeful in Visavadar.

  • BJP is confident about Gujarat and watching Kaliganj with concern.

  • Congress is banking on Kerala’s Nilambur for a morale-boosting win.

  • TMC is poised to hold Kaliganj, reinforcing its rural dominance.

Party workers across states have gathered outside counting centers, waving flags and chanting slogans as favorable results trickle in.

What Comes Next

Once final results are declared by the Election Commission of India, the victorious candidates will be handed certificates, and the updated composition of respective state assemblies will be reflected. Political strategists will conduct deep dives into vote share shifts, booth-wise performance, and demographic participation.

Expect major parties to call press conferences, especially in cases of surprise upsets or overwhelming victories. These will also form the basis for electoral strategies for the 2026 state polls and even the 2029 general elections.

The 2025 by-election results are more than just numbers—they are a mirror to the electorate's mind. With trends emerging from Gujarat, Punjab, Kerala, and West Bengal, political narratives will be reshaped, alliances re-evaluated, and leaders repositioned. As counting continues, the results will not only determine the fate of five constituencies but will also help shape India’s political roadmap for the years ahead.