ECI is counting the votes for five
constituencies across Kerala, Punjab, West Bengal and Gujarat.
Election Commission of India Declares Assembly Bypoll Results for Five Constituencies Across Four States.
On June 23, 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the results of assembly bypolls held across five constituencies in Gujarat, Punjab, Kerala, and West Bengal.
The polling, conducted on June 19, 2025, covered Visavadar and Kadi in Gujarat, Ludhiana West in Punjab, Nilambur in Kerala, and Kaliganj in West Bengal. These bypolls, triggered by resignations and deaths of sitting legislators, served as a critical litmus test for major political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (Congress), and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), ahead of upcoming state elections in 2026 and 2027. The results highlighted a mixed political landscape, with each party securing victories that reinforced their regional strongholds while exposing vulnerabilities in others.
Overview of the Bypolls
The bypolls were necessitated by a combination of resignations and deaths of incumbent MLAs, reflecting the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Indian politics. The constituencies involved were:
Visavadar, Gujarat: Vacated after AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani resigned in December 2023 and joined the BJP, prompting a high-stakes contest in a seat the BJP has not won since 2007.
Kadi, Gujarat: Fell vacant following the death of BJP MLA Karshan Solanki in February 2025. As a Scheduled Caste (SC)-reserved seat, it drew attention for its potential to reveal Dalit voting patterns.
Ludhiana West, Punjab: Became vacant after the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January 2025, making it a prestige battle for AAP to retain its urban stronghold.
Nilambur, Kerala: Triggered by the resignation of CPI(M)-backed Independent legislator P. V. Anvar in January 2025, who later joined TMC, turning the contest into a referendum on the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF).
Kaliganj, West Bengal: Held after the death of TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed in February 2025, testing TMC’s dominance amid controversies like the teacher recruitment scam.
The polling on June 19 saw varying voter turnouts, with Nilambur recording the highest at 73.26%, followed by Kaliganj at 69.89%, Kadi at 57.90%, Visavadar at 56.89%, and Ludhiana West the lowest at 51.33%. Despite scattered incidents, including a tragic bomb explosion in Kaliganj that killed a nine-year-old girl, the voting process was largely peaceful, with robust security arrangements and near-complete webcasting at polling stations.
The bypolls were necessitated by a combination of resignations and deaths of incumbent MLAs, reflecting the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Indian politics. The constituencies involved were:
Visavadar, Gujarat: Vacated after AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani resigned in December 2023 and joined the BJP, prompting a high-stakes contest in a seat the BJP has not won since 2007.
Kadi, Gujarat: Fell vacant following the death of BJP MLA Karshan Solanki in February 2025. As a Scheduled Caste (SC)-reserved seat, it drew attention for its potential to reveal Dalit voting patterns.
Ludhiana West, Punjab: Became vacant after the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January 2025, making it a prestige battle for AAP to retain its urban stronghold.
Nilambur, Kerala: Triggered by the resignation of CPI(M)-backed Independent legislator P. V. Anvar in January 2025, who later joined TMC, turning the contest into a referendum on the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF).
Kaliganj, West Bengal: Held after the death of TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed in February 2025, testing TMC’s dominance amid controversies like the teacher recruitment scam.
The polling on June 19 saw varying voter turnouts, with Nilambur recording the highest at 73.26%, followed by Kaliganj at 69.89%, Kadi at 57.90%, Visavadar at 56.89%, and Ludhiana West the lowest at 51.33%. Despite scattered incidents, including a tragic bomb explosion in Kaliganj that killed a nine-year-old girl, the voting process was largely peaceful, with robust security arrangements and near-complete webcasting at polling stations.
Counting Process and Security Measures
The ECI commenced vote counting at 8 a.m. on June 23, 2025, under stringent security protocols. Counting centers, such as Khalsa College for Women in Ludhiana and various locations in Nadia, Malappuram, Junagadh, and Mehsana districts, were fortified with central security forces and local police. Webcasting ensured transparency, with 1,353 of 1,354 polling stations monitored live, adhering to the ECI’s commitment to 100% webcasting in future elections.
The counting process was closely watched, with early trends emerging within hours and final results declared by late afternoon. The ECI’s website provided real-time updates, reflecting leads and margins as rounds progressed. Despite the smooth execution, the Kaliganj counting was marred by the bomb explosion, which drew condemnation from BJP leaders and prompted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to promise strict action.
Final Results and Winners
The ECI declared the following winners for the five constituencies, showcasing a competitive electoral landscape:
Visavadar, Gujarat: AAP’s Gopal Italia won by a margin of 17,554 votes, securing 75,942 votes against BJP’s Kirit Patel. Congress’s Nitin Ranpariya trailed in third with 5,501 votes.
Kadi, Gujarat: BJP’s Rajendra Chavda triumphed with 99,742 votes, defeating Congress’s Ramesh Chavda by 39,452 votes. AAP’s Jagdish Chavda finished a distant third.
Ludhiana West, Punjab: AAP’s Sanjeev Arora retained the seat with 35,179 votes, defeating Congress’s Bharat Bhushan Ashu by 10,637 votes. BJP’s Jiwan Gupta and Shiromani Akali Dal’s Parupkar Singh Ghuman placed third and fourth, respectively.
Nilambur, Kerala: Congress’s Aryadan Shoukath secured 77,737 votes, winning by 11,077 votes over CPI(M)’s M Swaraj. Independent P. V. Anvar, backed by TMC, came third with 19,946 votes.
Kaliganj, West Bengal: TMC’s Alifa Ahmed clinched a landslide victory with 102,759 votes, defeating BJP’s Ashish Ghosh by 50,049 votes. Congress’s Kabil Uddin Sheikh, backed by CPI(M), trailed in third.
These results underscored the regional strengths of each party, with AAP consolidating its presence in Punjab and Gujarat, BJP maintaining its dominance in Gujarat’s SC-reserved seat, Congress capitalizing on anti-incumbency in Kerala, and TMC reinforcing its grip on West Bengal.
Constituency-Wise Analysis
Visavadar, Gujarat: AAP’s Breakthrough Victory
The Visavadar bypoll was a high-profile contest following Bhupendra Bhayani’s defection from AAP to BJP in 2023. AAP fielded its former Gujarat president, Gopal Italia, a prominent figure from the 2015 Patidar agitation, against BJP’s Kirit Patel and Congress’s Nitin Ranpariya. Despite early trends showing a narrow BJP lead, Italia surged ahead after the sixth round, ultimately winning by 17,554 votes.
The victory was a significant boost for AAP, which has struggled to break BJP’s stranglehold in Gujarat. AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal hailed the win as a sign of growing public discontent with BJP, stating, “People of Gujarat are now fed up with BJP and are seeing hope in AAP.” Gujarat AAP leader Isudan Gadhvi declared, “If there is anyone who can defeat the BJP, it is AAP… A foundation has been laid today for 2027.”
The result exposed BJP’s inability to reclaim Visavadar, a seat it last won in 2007, despite Bhayani’s defection. Congress’s poor performance highlighted its diminishing relevance in the constituency, where local dynamics and Italia’s Patidar roots played a pivotal role.
Kadi, Gujarat: BJP’s Resounding Win
In the SC-reserved Kadi constituency, BJP’s Rajendra Chavda secured a commanding victory with 99,742 votes, defeating Congress’s Ramesh Chavda, a former MLA, by 39,452 votes. AAP’s Jagdish Chavda trailed in third, underscoring BJP’s dominance in the Mehsana district.
The bypoll, necessitated by the death of BJP MLA Karshan Solanki, was seen as a test of Dalit voting patterns. BJP’s strong organizational machinery and Chavda’s appeal among SC voters ensured a comfortable win, increasing BJP’s tally in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly to 162 seats. Congress’s defeat, despite fielding a seasoned candidate, reflected its struggle to regain ground in Gujarat, while AAP’s distant third place highlighted its limited traction in SC-dominated areas.
Ludhiana West, Punjab: AAP Retains Urban Stronghold
AAP’s Sanjeev Arora, a Rajya Sabha MP and industrialist, retained the Ludhiana West seat with 35,179 votes, defeating Congress’s Bharat Bhushan Ashu by 10,637 votes. BJP’s Jiwan Gupta polled 20,323 votes, while Shiromani Akali Dal’s Parupkar Singh Ghuman secured 8,203 votes.
The bypoll, triggered by the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, was a prestige battle for AAP, which faced intense scrutiny after its Delhi Assembly election loss. AAP’s top leadership, including Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Atishi, campaigned extensively, with Kejriwal personally overseeing the effort. The victory was seen as a validation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s governance and a boost for AAP ahead of the 2027 Punjab elections.
Congress’s defeat, despite Ashu’s local influence, exposed its organizational weaknesses in urban Punjab. BJP’s third-place finish reflected its limited appeal in the constituency, while SAD’s poor performance underscored its declining relevance.
Nilambur, Kerala: Congress Capitalizes on Anti-Incumbency
Congress’s Aryadan Shoukath, son of late Congress stalwart Aryadan Muhammed, won the Nilambur seat with 77,737 votes, defeating CPI(M)’s M Swaraj by 11,077 votes. Independent P. V. Anvar, backed by TMC, finished third with 19,946 votes, while BJP’s Mohan George trailed.
The bypoll, triggered by Anvar’s resignation after a fallout with CPI(M), was a prestige battle for Congress, particularly as Nilambur falls within Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. Shoukath’s victory was attributed to anti-incumbency against the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government, with Shoukath stating, “This victory is really against the state government.”
The result was a setback for LDF, which had backed Anvar in 2021. CPI(M)’s Swaraj failed to counter Congress’s momentum, while Anvar’s third-place finish highlighted TMC’s limited influence in Kerala. BJP’s poor performance underscored its marginal presence in the constituency.
Kaliganj, West Bengal: TMC’s Landslide Victory
TMC’s Alifa Ahmed secured a resounding victory in Kaliganj with 102,759 votes, defeating BJP’s Ashish Ghosh by 50,049 votes. Congress’s Kabil Uddin Sheikh, backed by CPI(M), trailed with significantly fewer votes.
The bypoll, necessitated by the death of TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed, was a test for Mamata Banerjee’s party amid controversies like the teacher recruitment scam. TMC’s landslide win reinforced its dominance in Nadia district, with Ahmed leading from the third round onward.
The victory was overshadowed by a bomb explosion during vote counting, which killed a nine-year-old girl. BJP’s Amit Malviya accused TMC of violence, stating, “TMC’s celebration ends with blood on its hands.” Mamata Banerjee condemned the incident and promised strict action.
Congress’s poor performance, despite CPI(M) support, highlighted the Left-Congress alliance’s struggle to challenge TMC’s rural base. BJP’s defeat reflected its inability to capitalize on TMC’s controversies.
Political Implications
The bypoll results offer insights into the evolving political landscape ahead of state elections in West Bengal and Kerala in 2026 and Punjab in 2027:
Aam Aadmi Party candidate and Rajya Sabha member Sanjeev Arora (centre) along with AAP Punjab president Aman Arora and cabinet minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond during a victory procession after he won the Ludhiana West assembly seat on Monday. Arora defeated former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu of the Congress by 10,637 votes.
AAP’s Resurgence: AAP’s victories in Visavadar and Ludhiana West signal a revival after its Delhi setback. Gopal Italia’s win in Gujarat positions AAP as a credible alternative to BJP, while Sanjeev Arora’s triumph in Punjab strengthens AAP’s urban base. Kejriwal’s claim that “Congress, BJP contested elections to defeat AAP; people rejected them” underscores AAP’s growing appeal.BJP’s Mixed Fortunes: BJP’s win in Kadi reinforces its dominance in Gujarat, but the loss in Visavadar exposes vulnerabilities in non-SC constituencies. The party’s poor showing in Punjab, Kerala, and West Bengal highlights its struggle to expand beyond its strongholds.
Congress’s Regional Strength: Congress’s victory in Nilambur, backed by Priyanka Gandhi’s campaign, boosts its morale in Kerala, where anti-incumbency against LDF is growing. However, its defeats in Gujarat and Punjab underscore its organizational challenges.
TMC’s Unshaken Grip: TMC’s landslide in Kaliganj reaffirms its dominance in West Bengal, despite controversies. The result strengthens Mamata Banerjee’s position ahead of the 2026 elections, though the bomb explosion raises concerns about political violence.
LDF’s Setback in Kerala: The loss in Nilambur is a blow to the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF, signaling voter discontent. The result could embolden the Congress-led UDF as it prepares for 2026.
Voter Turnout and Electoral Dynamics
The varying voter turnouts reflected local dynamics and voter enthusiasm. Nilambur’s 73.26% turnout indicated high stakes in Kerala, while Ludhiana West’s 51.33% suggested urban voter apathy in Punjab. Kaliganj’s 69.89% turnout underscored TMC’s mobilization prowess, while Gujarat’s moderate turnouts in Visavadar (56.89%) and Kadi (57.90%) reflected competitive but not overly polarized contests.
The bypolls highlighted local issues, such as Dalit voting patterns in Kadi, Patidar influence in Visavadar, urban governance in Ludhiana, anti-incumbency in Nilambur, and TMC’s rural dominance in Kaliganj. The results also tested alliances, with the Congress-CPI(M) tie-up in Kaliganj failing to dent TMC, and AAP’s solo campaigns in Gujarat and Punjab paying dividends.
Reactions from Political Leaders
Arvind Kejriwal (AAP): Celebrated the wins in Visavadar and Ludhiana West, stating, “We have reclaimed both the Gujarat and Punjab seats with a double margin.” He accused BJP and Congress of colluding against AAP, claiming voters rejected them.
Mamata Banerjee (TMC): Congratulated Alifa Ahmed and condemned the Kaliganj bomb explosion, promising strict legal action.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (Congress): Hailed Aryadan Shoukath’s win in Nilambur as a victory against LDF’s governance failures, reinforcing her influence in Wayanad.
Amit Malviya (BJP): Criticized TMC over the Kaliganj explosion, calling it a “gang of vultures” and highlighting violence in TMC’s victory celebrations.
Pinarayi Vijayan (CPI(M)): Acknowledged the Nilambur loss but vowed to address voter concerns ahead of 2026.
The 2025 assembly bypoll results reflect India’s complex and fragmented political landscape, with each party drawing strength from its regional bastions. AAP’s wins in Visavadar and Ludhiana West signal its growing ambition, while BJP’s Kadi victory reinforces its Gujarat dominance. Congress’s Nilambur triumph highlights its potential in Kerala, and TMC’s Kaliganj landslide underscores its unassailable position in West Bengal. However, the Kaliganj tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the challenges in ensuring peaceful elections.
As India heads toward crucial state elections, these bypolls offer valuable lessons for parties to refine their strategies, address voter grievances, and navigate alliance dynamics. The ECI’s efficient conduct of the bypolls, despite challenges, reaffirms its role as a cornerstone of India’s democratic process.
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