A significant electoral event is unfolding today as by-elections commence for eight Assembly seats across six Indian states and one Union Territory. Key constituencies include Budgam and Nagrota in J&K, Anta in Rajasthan, Ghatsila in Jharkhand, Jubilee Hills in Telangana, Tarn Taran in Punjab, Dampa in Mizoram, and Nuapada in Odisha. Comprehensive security arrangements have been deployed to facilitate peaceful voting. In the Jubilee Hills constituency of Telangana, BRS candidate Maganti Sunitha, whose husband’s passing led to the vacancy, cast her vote with family. This election involves over 4.01 lakh registered voters evaluating 58 candidates. Over 400 polling stations are operational, with a notable portion designated as ‘critical’ and requiring heightened security. The Nuapada bypoll in Odisha is also a focal point, with polling concluding at different times for regular and sensitive booths, including those in LWE-affected regions. The seat was vacated due to the death of a BJD legislator. Ghatsila in Jharkhand is seeing intense competition among 13 candidates for over 2.56 lakh voters, following the demise of a JMM MLA. The Dampa Assembly by-election in Mizoram, located near international borders, is also taking place. In Punjab, the Tarn Taran seat, previously held by the AAP, is contested following the death of its MLA. Voting in Rajasthan’s Anta constituency concludes later today, with the seat having become vacant due to a disqualification. These by-elections are crucial indicators of public sentiment ahead of future electoral cycles.
