Mayawati Reappoints Akash Anand As BSP National Convener, Says ‘Much Depends’ On Him

Amit Shah Says People Have Rejected INDIA Alliance After BJP-NDA Wins In Bypolls, Civic Polls

Sagarika Chakraborty — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 19:51:06 +0530

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the BJP and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners had received renewed public support following by-election victories in West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry, as well as recent municipal election results in Rajasthan and Tripura.

In a post on X, Shah claimed that voters had rejected the INDIA bloc, accusing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the opposition alliance of spreading “lies, confusion, and malicious propaganda”. He said the BJP had continued to win elections under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shah Accuses Opposition Of Questioning Institutions After Defeats

Shah alleged that opposition parties questioned institutions after electoral defeats because they had lost their public support.

राहुल गांधी और INDI अलायंस के झूठ, भ्रम व दुष्प्रचार के बावजूद प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के नेतृत्व में भाजपा एक के बाद एक चुनाव जीत रही है। पश्चिम बंगाल, असम व पुडुचेरी के उपचुनावों और हाल ही में हुए राजस्थान व त्रिपुरा के निकाय चुनावों में NDA को मिली जीत बताती है कि जनता ने INDI अलायंस को पूरी तरह नकार दिया है। जनाधार खो चुके ये दल हर हार के बाद संस्थाओं पर सवाल उठाते हैं, पर जनता इनका यह चरित्र पहचान चुकी है। इसीलिए एक बार फिर प्रचंड जनादेश देकर भाजपा पर अपना अटूट विश्वास व्यक्त किया है। इस जीत के लिए पश्चिम बंगाल के मुख्यमंत्री श्री @SuvenduWB जी, असम के मुख्यमंत्री श्री @himantabiswa जी, राजस्थान के मुख्यमंत्री श्री @BhajanlalBjp जी, त्रिपुरा के मुख्यमंत्री प्रो. @DrManikSaha2 जी व पुडुचेरी के मुख्यमंत्री श्री एन. रंगासामी जी सहित सभी प्रदेश अध्यक्षों और परिश्रमी कार्यकर्ताओं को हार्दिक बधाई।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 9, 2026

“Having lost their public base, these parties question institutions after every defeat, but the people have recognized this character of theirs,” he said.

ALSO READ: UP Rajya Sabha Results: BJP Sweeps 8 Seats, Samajwadi Party Wins 2

He added that voters had once again expressed their faith in the BJP by giving it what he described as a “resounding mandate”.

Congratulates Chief Ministers, Party Workers

Shah congratulated West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy.

He also extended his congratulations to the respective state party presidents and party workers, crediting them for the electoral victories.

ALSO READ: ‘Victory Is Certain’: Vijay Takes Swipe At DMK After Maduranthakam, Dharapuram Bypoll Wins

‘Victory Is Certain’: Vijay Takes Swipe At DMK After Maduranthakam, Dharapuram Bypoll Wins

Sagarika Chakraborty — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 18:49:19 +0530

Tamil Nadu Victory League (TVK) chief Vijay on Friday described his party’s victories in the Maduranthakam and Dharapuram by-elections as a triumph of the people, political civility and individual dignity. He claimed the results demonstrated that elections could be won without money power, cash-for-votes practices or what he called the humiliation of voters through lists.

In a statement thanking voters and alliance partners, Vijay said the victories reflected the people’s faith in TVK and their desire for a conscientious democracy. He also took aim at the DMK, referring to it as an “evil force”, and questioned what might have happened if his party had been allowed to campaign across Tamil Nadu during the state Assembly elections in April.

Vijay Says Bypoll Results Reject Money Power

Vijay asserted that the victories were secured without spending money to influence voters or relying on methods he associated with the Thirumangalam and Erode East elections.

என் நெஞ்சில் குடியிருக்கும் அனைவருக்கும் வணக்கம். மதுராந்தகம் மற்றும் தாராபுரம் இடைத்தேர்தல் முடிவுகள் வெளிவந்துவிட்டன. மக்கள் மனத்தில் நம் தமிழக வெற்றிக் கழகத்திற்கென இருக்கும் முதன்மைச் சக்திக்கான முதலிடமும், நமது மனசாட்சி உள்ள மக்களாட்சி மீதான நம் சொந்தங்களின் ஆழ்மன விருப்பமும் மீண்டும் நிரூபிக்கப்பட்டு உள்ளன. வாக்குகளுக்கு ஒரு பைசா கொடுக்காமல், யாரையும் பட்டியில் அடைத்து அவமானப்படுத்தாமல், திருமங்கலம், ஈரோடு கிழக்கு ஃபார்முலா என்று எந்த ஃபார்முலாவும் இல்லாமல் அன்பு, பாச, உறவு ஃபார்முலா மற்றும் ஜனநாயகம் காக்கும் ஃபார்முலாவை வைத்து வென்ற தேர்தல் இது. தமிழகம், ஊழல் சக்திகளின் கோட்டை இல்லை. மாறாக, மாபெரும் மக்கள் சக்தியின் கோட்டை, மக்கள் மனத்தில் நீங்கா இடம் பெற்ற அன்பு மிக்க தூய சக்தியின் கோட்டை என்பதை நிரூபித்துள்ளது. தமிழக இடைத்தேர்தல் வரலாற்றில் இதுவரை இல்லாத வகையில், பணநாயகச் சூத்திரத்தையே அடித்து நொறுக்கிப் பெற்றுள்ள வெற்றியே இது. கண்டகண்ட பேரங்கள் நடந்ததாக அவதூறு பேசிய மிருகக் குணப் பேச்சுக்கு எல்லாம் மக்கள் தகுந்த பதிலடியைத் தரமாகத் தந்துள்ளனர். அப்படிப் பேசியவர்களை மக்கள் வெகுதூரத்தில் ஒதுக்கி வைத்து, அவர்கள் மனத்தில் மீண்டும் தோல்வி பாரத்தை ஏற்றி உள்ளனர். இரண்டு தொகுதிகளிலும் நாம் இரண்டு நாள்கள் பிரசாரம் மேற்கொண்டதை நக்கலாகவும் நையாண்டியாகவும் பேசியவர்களுக்குத்தான் இப்போது மக்கள் பதிலடி தந்துள்ளனர். இதேபோல கடந்த ஏப்ரல் மாதம் நடந்த சட்டமன்றப் பொதுத்தேர்தலிலும், தமிழகம் முழுக்கப் பிரசாரம் செய்ய அன்றைய தீய சக்தி தி.மு.க., நம்மை அனுமதித்து இருந்தால் என்ன நடந்திருக்கும் என்பதை மக்களிடமே கேட்டுத் தெரிந்துகொள்ளட்டும். நம்மைப் பொறுத்தவரை, என்றைக்கும் நாம் மக்கள் பக்கம்தான் நிற்போம். மக்களோடு மக்களாகத்தான் இரண்டறக் கலந்து இருப்போம். அது நம் கடமை மட்டுமன்று. மக்களுக்கான நமது நன்றிக் கடன் அது. எப்போதும் நம் தமிழக மக்களுக்காக முழுமூச்சுடன் நன்றி விசுவாசத்துடனேயே இருப்போம் என்பது நூறு சதவீதம் உறுதி. இந்த வேளையில், மதுராந்தகம் மற்றும் தாராபுரம் தொகுதிகளில் வாக்களித்து வெற்றி பெறச் செய்துள்ள நம் சொந்தங்கள் அனைவருக்கும் உங்கள் குடும்பத்தில் ஒருவனாக, உறவாக நன்றி சொல்வதில் மனம் மகிழ்கிறேன். நெஞ்சம் நெகிழ்கிறேன். இரண்டு தொகுதிகளிலும் வெற்றிக்காக உழைத்த மதச்சார்பற்ற சமூகநீதி வெற்றிக் கூட்டணியில் இடம்பெற்றுள்ள காங்கிரஸ், வி.சி.க., ம.தி.மு.க., இந்திய யூனியன் முஸ்லிம் லீக் கட்சிகளின் மதிப்பிற்குரிய தலைவர்களுக்கும், மாண்புமிகு அமைச்சர்களுக்கும், கூட்டணிக் கட்சிகளைச் சேர்ந்த மாநில, மாவட்ட மற்றும் அனைத்து நிலை நிர்வாகிகளுக்கும் நெஞ்சார்ந்த நன்றியைத் தெரிவித்துக்கொள்கிறோம். மேலும், எப்போதும் போலச் சிறப்பாகக் களப் பணியாற்றிய நம் மாண்புமிகு அமைச்சர்களுக்கும் மாநில, மாவட்ட மற்றும் அனைத்து நிலை த.வெ.க. நிர்வாகிகளான நம் தோழர்களுக்கும் நம் நெஞ்சார்ந்த நன்றியையும் பாராட்டுகளையும் தெரிவித்துக்கொள்கிறோம். இந்த இடைத்தேர்தலில், வெற்றிச் சின்னமாம் விசில் சின்னத்தில் போட்டியிட்டு வெற்றி பெற்றுள்ள நம் வேட்பாளர்களான சகோதரி திருமதி மரகதம் குமரவேல் (மதுராந்தகம் தொகுதி), சகோதரி திருமதி சத்தியபாமா (தாராபுரம் தொகுதி) ஆகியோருக்கும் நம் வாழ்த்துகளைத் தெரிவித்துக்கொள்கிறோம். இப்போதும் சொல்கிறேன். இந்த வெற்றி, தனிப்பட்ட இந்த விஜய்யின் வெற்றியோ, தனிப்பட்ட தமிழக வெற்றிக் கழகத்தின் வெற்றியோ அல்ல. இது முழுக்க முழுக்கப் பெண்கள் மீதான அவதூறு பேச்சுக்கு எதிரான வெற்றி. தரம் தாழ்ந்த வகையில் நடத்தப்பட்ட தனிப்பட்ட தாக்குதலுக்கு எதிரான வெற்றி. அப்பழுக்கற்ற தலைவர்களுக்கும் அவர்களின் தொண்டர்களுக்கும் செய்த துரோகத்திற்கு எதிரான வெற்றி. மொத்தத்தில், அரசியல் நாகரிகத்திற்குக் கிடைத்த வெற்றி. தனிமனித நாகரிகத்திற்குக் கிடைத்த வெற்றி. எல்லாவற்றுக்கும் மேலாக மக்களுக்குக் கிடைத்த வெற்றி. வாக்காளர்களுக்குக் கிடைத்த வெற்றி. இது இனிமேலும் தொடரும். தொடர்ந்தேதான் தீரும். மீண்டும் மீண்டும் இனிவரப் போகும் வெற்றிகளுக்கும் சேர்த்து இப்போதே நன்றி. நல்லதே நடக்கும். வெற்றி நிச்சயம்.
— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) October 9, 2026

Describing the results as a rejection of money power, he said, “In the history of Tamil Nadu by-elections, this is a victory that has shattered and crushed the formula of money power like never before.”

He also claimed that voters had rejected allegations of cash-for-votes and those who had mocked TVK’s two-day campaigns in the two constituencies.

Targets DMK, Questions April Assembly Election Campaign Restrictions

Taking a swipe at the DMK, Vijay said the party’s actions during the previous Assembly elections had limited TVK’s campaigning opportunities.

He said, “Similarly, let the people themselves tell us what would have happened if the evil force DMK of that time had allowed us to campaign across all of Tamil Nadu during the last April's state assembly general elections.”

Vijay maintained that his party would remain closely connected with the people and continue working for them with dedication and loyalty.

ALSO READ: How Will BJP Make Inroads Into SP Strongholds? Plan To Be Drawn Up With RSS Support Under New Strategy

Thanks Alliance Partners, Congratulates Winning Candidates

Vijay thanked voters in Maduranthakam and Dharapuram for making the victories possible. He also expressed gratitude to leaders and workers of the Congress, VCK, MMK and Indian Union Muslim League, which he identified as constituents of the secular social justice victory alliance.

He acknowledged the contributions of ministers and functionaries at the state, district and other levels of the alliance parties, along with TVK office-bearers and workers.

The TVK chief congratulated the party’s winning candidates, Maragatham Kumaravel from Maduranthakam and Sathyabhama from Dharapuram, who contested under the party’s whistle symbol.

‘Victory For Political Civility’: Vijay

Vijay said the results should not be seen as a personal victory for him or a triumph for TVK alone. Instead, he described them as a response to defamatory remarks targeting women, personal attacks and what he called betrayal of leaders and their workers.

“In sum, a victory for political civility. A victory for individual dignity. Above all, a victory for the people. A victory for the voters,” he said.

Concluding his message, Vijay thanked supporters for their backing and expressed confidence in further victories, signing off with the words: “Good things will happen. Victory is certain.”

ALSO READ: UP Rajya Sabha Results: BJP Sweeps 8 Seats, Samajwadi Party Wins 2

UP Rajya Sabha Results: BJP Sweeps 8 Seats, Samajwadi Party Wins 2

Sagarika Chakraborty — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 16:55:13 +0530

The results of the 10 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh have been announced, with all candidates elected unopposed. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured eight seats, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) won two.

The elections for all 10 seats were scheduled for October 16. However, polling was not required as only 10 candidates were in the fray for the 10 available seats.

The results were declared after scrutiny of nomination papers and the completion of the deadline for withdrawal of nominations.

How Many Rajya Sabha MPs Does The Samajwadi Party Have Now?

The Samajwadi Party previously had four MPs in the Rajya Sabha: Ram Gopal Yadav, Javed Ali, Ramji Lal Suman and Jaya Bachchan.

With the election of Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Nathwani, the party's representation in the Upper House has increased to five, according to the information provided.

Which BJP Leaders Were Elected To Rajya Sabha From UP?

The BJP won eight of the 10 seats in Uttar Pradesh. Among the newly elected MPs are Uttar Pradesh government minister Dharampal Singh, party OBC wing chief Prakash Pal, Shruti Gangwar, Vidya Sagar Sonkar, Priyanka Rawat, Radhakant Ojha, Gopi Krishna Pandey and Ram Pratap Singh Chauhan.

All eight BJP candidates were elected unopposed.

ALSO READ: West Bengal Bypolls See Brisk Voting In Nandigram, Rejinagar, Turnout Cross 58%; Kabir Detention Adds Heat

What Did SP Leader Dhanraj Nathwani Say After His Election?

Following his unopposed election to the Rajya Sabha, SP MP Dhanraj Nathwani thanked party national president Akhilesh Yadav and the party leadership for their support.

In a post on X, Nathwani wrote, "My heartfelt gratitude to the entire senior party leadership and honorable MLAs who have placed their unwavering faith in me. I will remain fully dedicated to carrying forward Akhilesh's progressive vision for the all-round development of Uttar Pradesh, modern infrastructure, and a bright future for the youth on the floor of Parliament."

He also announced that he would formally receive his victory certificate on October 12 at noon.

"During the auspicious festival of Sharadiya Navratri, I will formally receive my victory certificate on October 12th at noon. Thank you all for your immense love, blessings, and good wishes!" he wrote.

Shruti Gangwar Thanks BJP Leadership

Newly elected BJP MP Shruti Gangwar also expressed gratitude to the party's central and state leadership for placing their trust in her.

"I am deeply grateful to the party, the central leadership, and the state leadership for placing so much trust in me. This responsibility and trust has been placed not only on me, but on half the country's population, and I will work to fulfill this responsibility with complete honesty, dedication, and commitment," she said.

ALSO READ: How Will BJP Make Inroads Into SP Strongholds? Plan To Be Drawn Up With RSS Support Under New Strategy

Bypoll Results 2026 Highlights: PM Modi Congratulates BJP-NDA Candidates On Win

Bharathi SP — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 08:43:54 +0530

Bypoll Results 2026 Live: Counting of votes has begun for bypolls covering five Assembly constituencies across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, along with the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in Assam. In West Bengal, Nandigram fell vacant after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari retained Bhabanipur, while Rejinagar was vacated by Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir after he won two seats.

Tamil Nadu is counting votes in Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC), vacated by former AIADMK legislators Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama, who resigned after backing the TVK government and joining the ruling party. In Puducherry, Chief Minister N Rangasamy vacated Thattanchavady after choosing to retain Mangalam. Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha seat became vacant after former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi switched to the BJP and won the Dispur Assembly seat in the recent elections.

Bengal’s Two Seats

West Bengal is counting votes in Nandigram and Rejinagar, both of which fell vacant after the 2026 Assembly elections.

Nandigram was vacated by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who chose to retain Bhabanipur. Adhikari had defeated former chief minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur.

Rejinagar became vacant after Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief Humayun Kabir won both Rejinagar and Naoda in the Assembly elections. He subsequently gave up the Rejinagar seat, necessitating the bypoll.

Two Seats In Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, counting is taking place in Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC), both reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates.

AIADMK candidates Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama had won Madurantakam and Dharapuram, respectively, in the recent Assembly elections. Both were part of a group of rebel AIADMK legislators who supported Chief Minister Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government during a floor test.

The two legislators later resigned from their Assembly seats and joined the ruling TVK, paving the way for bypolls in both constituencies.

Puducherry’s Thattanchavady

Puducherry is counting votes for the Thattanchavady Assembly constituency, which was vacated by Chief Minister and All India NR Congress chief N Rangasamy.

Rangasamy had contested and won from both Thattanchavady and Mangalam in the Assembly elections. He opted to retain Mangalam and resigned from Thattanchavady, triggering the bypoll.

Assam’s Nagaon Seat

In Assam, the bypoll is being held for the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency. The seat was previously held by Pradyut Bordoloi, who won it on a Congress ticket in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Bordoloi later switched to the BJP and won the Dispur Assembly seat in the recent state elections. His departure from the Nagaon parliamentary constituency led to the bypoll.

How Will BJP Make Inroads Into SP Strongholds? Plan To Be Drawn Up With RSS Support Under New Strategy

Pavan Kumar Goad — Thu, 8 Oct 2026 12:57:33 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party has stepped up preparations for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for 2027. BJP national president Nitin Nabin and Uttar Pradesh in-charge Vinod Tawde are visiting different regions of the state, seeking ground-level feedback from party leaders and workers. At the same time, regional coordination meetings are being held with volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to discuss preparations for the elections.

The meetings with the RSS are focusing not only on ground reports but also on strategies to connect people with the party at the grassroots level, particularly in rural areas.

BJP's Focus With 'Gramodaya Se UP Vijay' Mantra

Amid preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the BJP and the RSS are focusing on strengthening the organisation from villages to polling booths and increasing direct engagement with people. Under the 'Gramodaya Se UP Vijay' (From Village Development to Victory in UP) mantra, the party's focus is on increasing public outreach in rural areas, taking government schemes and achievements to every village, and establishing direct contact with ordinary voters, beneficiaries and weaker sections of society.

As part of the strategy, the party is preparing to launch a series of programmes under which BJP and RSS workers will visit villages and interact directly with residents. While government schemes will be discussed during these interactions, workers will also seek ground-level feedback about the government and the party.

The Jan-Sparsh campaign will focus on visiting villages and increasing direct contact with ordinary voters, beneficiaries and weaker sections of society.

How Will BJP Strengthen Its Presence In Villages?

Jan-Samvad Sankalp: The party will listen to the grievances and problems of traditional voters, workers and local residents and attempt to address them in time. Development works, welfare schemes and governance achievements of the central and state governments will be taken from Lucknow to villages across the state.

Sangathan-Samvad Abhiyan: The strategy involves improving coordination among party workers, local leaders and MLAs and addressing gaps in communication between the organisation and the government. Rural Uttar Pradesh will be given special focus in preparations for 2027, with efforts to rebuild the BJP's support base in villages where it has weakened.

Jan-Setu Abhiyan: The BJP aims to create a stronger bridge between the government, organisation and people so that public grievances and feedback can effectively reach the party organisation. The strategy is not intended to remain limited to an outreach exercise but seeks to turn engagement with voters into electoral support.

Gramodaya Se Boothodaya: The focus will be on strengthening the organisation at the village level and activating every polling booth and Shakti Kendra. The party will seek to expand its outreach among women, youth, weaker sections and its traditional voters in an effort to build broader social support.

According to political observers, the BJP is focusing on rural areas as part of its efforts to make inroads into regions where the Samajwadi Party (SP) has a strong presence. The SP is considered to have considerable influence in rural areas. Against this backdrop, the BJP is seeking to strengthen its foothold in rural Uttar Pradesh ahead of the upcoming elections and attempt to weaken the SP's base.

West Bengal Bypolls See Brisk Voting In Nandigram, Rejinagar, Turnout Cross 58%; Kabir Detention Adds Heat

Bharathi SP — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 16:05:32 +0530

Voting continued in West Bengal's Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies on Tuesday as polling for the by-elections entered the second half of the day. As of 3:30 PM, the latest available official turnout figures were those recorded at 1 PM, when Nandigram had registered 60.32% polling and Rejinagar 56.43%. The combined turnout across the two constituencies stood at 58.37%.

The bypolls, which began at 7 AM and are scheduled to continue until 6 PM, have seen heavy deployment of police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). The polling has also been marked by political allegations and the detention of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief and MLA Humayun Kabir in Rejinagar.

Nandigram Leads Turnout

Nandigram recorded 60.32% turnout by 1 PM, the highest figure among the two West Bengal constituencies voting on Tuesday. Rejinagar recorded 56.43%, taking the combined polling percentage to 58.37%.

The figures available by the afternoon showed substantial voter participation in both constituencies, with Nandigram remaining ahead of Rejinagar.

The bypolls are being conducted under heightened security arrangements, with webcasting and multi-layered deployment in place across the constituencies.

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BJP Raises Allegations

The BJP accused opposition parties of attempting to create tension around the bypolls through provocative statements and political messaging.

State BJP chief spokesperson Debjit Sarkar alleged that opposition leaders were making false, inflammatory and divisive statements and attempting to create an atmosphere of unrest. He also alleged that such messaging was aimed at creating grounds to question the election result.

Sarkar referred to remarks concerning a '70:30 ratio', the reconstruction of a Babri mosque and a statement "wishing death upon Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari". He argued that these incidents should be viewed as part of a broader pattern of political statements during the bypoll campaign.

Kabir Detained

Kabir was detained from his party office in Murshidabad after police accused him of violating election-related rules. Beldanga SDPO Anandjit Hore said the situation was under control and adequate police and CAPF personnel had been deployed.

Kabir had earlier alleged police interference at polling booths after casting his vote. The detention subsequently became a major political talking point during the Rejinagar bypoll.

Adhikari Defends Action

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari defended the police action against Kabir, saying election rules applied equally to political leaders irrespective of their position.

On the detention of AJUP chief and MLA Humayun Kabir, West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari said, "I too could be detained. CM, MLA, MP and ministers are all protectees. Do we have permission to step out of the booths? He stepped out of the booth and intervened. In Nandigram, it is the rule of Election Commission. There is no role of the State Govt in this. I voted at the booth, following this I would go to the rental booth and after resting a little, I will go to Kolkata. If I go to another booth, I too would be detained. This is the rule..."

"The Election Commission's rules apply in Nandigram and Rejinagar, right? The state government has no role in this."

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Why Nandigram Is Voting

The Nandigram seat became vacant after Suvendu Adhikari won from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur in the 2026 Assembly election and subsequently retained the latter constituency. He therefore resigned from Nandigram, triggering the bypoll.

Adhikari cast his vote at Polling Station 79 at Nandanayakbar Primary School in Nandigram on Tuesday. His continued political association with the constituency has made the bypoll a closely watched contest.

Rejinagar, meanwhile, went to a bypoll after Humayun Kabir, who had won from two constituencies, resigned from one of them.

Voting Across States

The West Bengal bypolls are part of a wider round of by-elections being held across six constituencies in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Assam.

In Tamil Nadu, Dharapuram and Madurantakam recorded 56.09% and 55.19% turnout respectively by 1 PM, while Puducherry's Thattanchavady recorded 56.27%. Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency registered approximately 56.35% turnout during the same period.

Counting for the bypolls is scheduled for October 9.

Tamil Nadu Bypolls: Dharapuram Leads Madurantakam With 37.28% Turnout, Voting Peaceful

PTI — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 14:12:52 +0530

Chennai, Oct 6 (PTI) Voting in the SC reserved constituencies of Madurantakam and Dharapuram byelections in Tamil Nadu was progressing briskly on Tuesday with no major untoward incidents or widespread technical failure with Dharapuram sustaining the momentum since morning registering 37.28 percent polling, according to EC.

Polling that began at 7 am is scheduled to continue until 6 pm. An election official said the polling stations in both constituencies have been witnessing a steady footfall of voters across various age profiles since morning.

There were some minor technical glitches which the local election officials handled with brief delays at a few booths. At the Thandarai polling booth in Madurantakam, voting experienced a brief pause after opposition DMK agents protested alleging that indelible ink marks had been placed on the EVM button next to the TVK candidate's "Whistle" symbol, potentially influencing voters.

Election officers quickly inspected the machine, cleared the issue, and resumed polling.

In the Vilvarayanallur polling station (Madurantakam), DMK cadres accused local police of allowing ruling TVK party workers to stand closer to the booth entrance than the distance strictly permitted under the Election Commission Model Code of Conduct.

A few polling stations experienced standard mock-poll delays early in the morning due to minor VVPAT or EVM connection glitches, but these were cleared by standby engineers before official voting gained full momentum.

Despite the isolated and brief interruptions, voter turnout surged dramatically as the day progressed, indicating a strong midday participation. Madurantakam registered 35.55 percent polling while Dharapuram polled 37.28 percent as per the 11 am polling percentage announced by the EC.

Dharapuram led the morning momentum with 17.55 percent voter turnout officially recorded by 9 am. The election officials noted slightly heavier queues in urban polling stations within Dharapuram town compared to smaller rural areas. Madurantakam registered 15.99 per cent at 9 am.

Long queues of women voters were the defining visual trends outside polling stations in both the rural and semi-urban pockets in the two constituencies.

Polling was progressing peacefully under heavy local police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) surveillance.

As the heat intensified in the afternoon, voting speed slowed and it is likely to pick up post lunch.

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led TVK if facing its first electoral battle of legitimacy following government formation in May. Its candidates K Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama - both former AIADMK legislators who shifted their political loyalties to the TVK days after winning the April 2026 polls on the Dravidian party ticket, have become the cause for intense political campaigns with the opposition AIADMK and DMK accusing them of "betrayal" and involved in horse-trading.

The TVK came to power in May. Both the specific seats were won by the AIADMK in April. TVK accepted the defectors and immediately re-nominated them, even as the party has dismissed "horse-trading" charges.

A win will prove the mandate for the ruling party's leadership, while a loss may suggest how the public views the switch as a political betrayal. TVK has 107 MLAs and heads a coalition ministry of Congress, VCK and IUML, a rarity in Tamil Nadu politics. The Left parties-- CPI (M) and CPI with two MLAs each extend crucial outside support to the government.

DMK president M K Stalin aggressively assailed the TVK leadership during the election campaign, labeling the by-elections an unnecessary financial burden engineered by "political horse-trading" and "betrayal".

For his part, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, who is facing humiliation due to the defections of the sitting MLAs under his leadership, has accused the TVK candidates of "blatantly betraying" his party and the voters who ensured their victory in the April Assembly elections. He had called upon the voters to punish the defectors and also teach a lasting lesson to the TVK for allegedly encouraging defections.

AIADMK's S Kanitha Sampath (Madurantakam) and K Bhanumathi (Dharapuram) engaged in hectic efforts to reclaim what they consider traditional party strongholds.

The DMK had fielded I Paranthamen in Madurantakam - who has emerged as a strong Dalit voice - and S Suganya, an advocate, in Dharapuram.

The presence of the Left Front and actor-politician Seeman-led NTK have made the electoral battle a keenly watched five-corner contest.

(Disclaimer: This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

MLA Humayun Kabir Arrested After Voting In Rejinagar Bypoll, Scuffle Breaks Out

ABP Live News — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 08:48:08 +0530

Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief and MLA Humayun Kabir was arrested by police on Tuesday shortly after casting his vote in the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll in West Bengal.

Kabir, who represents Nowda, was arrested for violating the law and was taken to Rejinagar Police Station after being detained while trying to leave his party office in Rejinagar. A scuffle broke out during the detention.

The Election Commission has sought a report on the incident. The detention came shortly after Kabir, following his vote, said he would visit various polling booths and, if required, confront the police.

Humayun Kabir Detained After Voting

Kabir had cast his vote earlier in the day before heading to his party office. Police detained him as he attempted to leave the premises, following which a scuffle took place.

The incident occurred as polling was underway in Rejinagar and Nandigram, where by-elections began at 7 am on Tuesday amid tight security arrangements.

A total of 71 companies of central forces have been deployed for the two bypolls, officials said. Voting will continue until 6 pm.

#WATCH | West Bengal: Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief and MLA Humayun Kabir being taken away by Rejinagar Police from his party office in Murshidabad. More details awaited. Earlier today, he cast his vote in the Rejinagar Assembly constituency by-election. https://t.co/64BUjurfKQ
— ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2026

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Rejinagar Contest Features Multiple Candidates

The Rejinagar seat fell vacant after Kabir, who won both Rejinagar and Nowda in the 2026 Assembly election, retained Nowda. His AJUP has fielded his son, Golam Nabi Azad, from Rejinagar.

The contest also features BJP nominee Sakharav Sarkar, a former Murshidabad district president, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, rival TMC candidate Safiuzzaman Sheikh, Congress nominee Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi and CPI(M)'s Syed Asad Ali.

Rejinagar has around 2.57 lakh electors and 315 polling stations. Webcasting is available at all polling booths in the constituency.

Nandigram Bypoll Carries Political Significance

Nandigram in Purba Medinipur district is witnessing a politically significant contest. The constituency was the centre of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's anti-land acquisition movement, which helped pave the way for the TMC's rise to power in 2011.

It was also where BJP's Suvendu Adhikari defeated Banerjee in the 2021 Assembly election. Adhikari, now chief minister, won Nandigram again in the 2026 Assembly election but retained Bhabanipur, leading to the bypoll.

The BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath, mother of Chandranath Rath, a former aide of Adhikari. Chandranath was shot dead on May 6, two days after the BJP won the Assembly elections. Hasirani's candidature has added an emotional dimension to the contest.

TMC Candidate Withdraws, Congress Backs Mamata

The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction's nominee Sanchita Pradhan Dey withdrew from the Nandigram contest after meeting Adhikari. Banerjee, left without a candidate, subsequently backed Congress nominee Milan Pradhan and described the move as an effort to strengthen the INDIA bloc.

Nandigram has 2.67 lakh voters and 323 polling stations, with webcasting available at every booth. Polling in both constituencies will end at 6 pm.

The votes cast in Rejinagar and Nandigram will be counted on October 9.

TMC Vs BJP In Nandigram, Rejinagar As Bypolls Kickoff; Voting Underway In Assam, TN

ABP Live News — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 08:17:08 +0530

Voting for by-elections in the Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly constituencies in West Bengal began began at 7 am on Tuesday amid tight security, officials said. The administration has made multi-layered security arrangements across both constituencies to maintain law and order and facilitate peaceful polling.

A total of 71 companies of central forces have been deployed across the two constituencies. Voting will continue until 6 pm.

Rejinagar has 2.57 lakh registered voters, while Nandigram has 2.67 lakh electors. There are 315 polling stations in Rejinagar and 323 in Nandigram, with webcasting available at every polling booth in both constituencies, PTI reported.

The bypolls are being closely watched as an early indication of voter response to the BJP government's governance since it assumed office in May. The contests are also expected to offer political parties an indication of voting preferences among minority voters. Votes will be counted on October 9.

Nandigram Contest Carries Political Significance

The Nandigram contest in Purba Medinipur carries particular political significance. The constituency was at the centre of former chief minister Mamata Banerjee's anti-land acquisition movement, which contributed to the Trinamool Congress' rise to power in 2011.

Nandigram also witnessed BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's defeat of Banerjee in the 2021 assembly election. Adhikari, now the chief minister, won the seat again in the 2026 assembly polls but retained Bhabanipur, leading to the by-election.

The BJP has nominated Hasirani Rath, the mother of Chandranath Rath, a former aide of Adhikari. Chandranath was shot dead on May 6, two days after the BJP's victory in the assembly elections. Her candidature has brought an emotional element to the Nandigram contest.

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Multiple Candidates In Fractured Contest

Sanchita Pradhan Dey, the nominee of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction, withdrew from the race after meeting Adhikari. With the faction left without a candidate, Banerjee backed Congress nominee Milan Pradhan, calling the move an effort to strengthen the INDIA bloc.

Pradhan had been arrested in connection with old cases related to the 2007 Nandigram land-acquisition agitation. He later obtained interim bail and returned to campaign.

A rival TMC faction headed by Ritabrata Banerjee has fielded Mohammad Eteshamul Haque under the envelope symbol and a separate temporary party identity. The CPI has nominated Santigopal Giri.

Rejinagar Sees Different Political Equation

In Murshidabad's Rejinagar, the bypoll was necessitated after Humayun Kabir, who won both Rejinagar and Nowda in the 2026 assembly election, retained Nowda. His Aam Janata Unnayan Party has fielded his son, Golam Nabi Azad.

The BJP has nominated former Murshidabad district president Sakharav Sarkar, while the Mamata-led TMC has fielded Rabiul Alam Chowdhury. Safiuzzaman Sheikh is contesting for the rival TMC faction.

Congress has nominated Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi, while the CPI(M) candidate is Syed Asad Ali.

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Voting Begins In Triangular Contest In Assam Nagaon Bypoll

Polling began at 7 am on Tuesday for the by-election to Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency, with the BJP, Congress and AIUDF locked in a triangular contest.

Voters, with women making up a significant number of those seen at polling stations, began queuing up early in the morning as voting got underway.

The by-election was necessitated after Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the Lok Sabha and later successfully contested the assembly election from Dispur on a BJP ticket.

The ruling BJP is looking to widen its support base in the Muslim-majority constituency, while the Congress is seeking to retain the seat by holding on to its minority support base.

The AIUDF, led by Badruddin Ajmal, is also looking to preserve its political influence after its strength fell sharply in the April assembly election, when it was reduced to two MLAs from 16.

A total of 15 candidates are contesting the bypoll, though the main contest is expected to be between BJP's Devashish Sharma, a former IAS officer, former Congress MLA Sibamoni Bora and AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal.

The district administration has made extensive security arrangements for the polling process. Officials said 624 polling stations have been identified as sensitive.

Voting Begins In Puducherry

Polling began at 7 am on Tuesday for the Thattanchavady Assembly constituency by-election in Puducherry, with voters turning up at polling stations ahead of the start of voting amid elaborate security arrangements.

The by-election is being viewed as a test of the popularity of the four-month-old NDA government led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy.

Rangasamy's resignation from the Thattanchavady seat necessitated the by-election.

Although 11 candidates are contesting the bypoll, the main contest is being seen as a three-cornered battle.

The ruling AINRC-led NDA is facing the Congress and its former ally, the DMK, in the Thattanchavady constituency.

Mayawati Reappoints Akash Anand As BSP National Convener, Says ‘Much Depends’ On Him

ABP Live News — Mon, 5 Oct 2026 18:44:13 +0530

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has reinstated Akash Anand as the party’s national convener, handing him a key organisational responsibility months after he was removed from the post. Announcing the decision, Mayawati said it was taken after “careful consideration” and in the interest of the party and the movement. She also said Anand’s return would be closely linked to his conduct and ability to maintain discipline within the organisation.

Mayawati said the BSP had drawn inspiration from the ideals and struggles of BR Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram, and was preparing for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections with all sections of society.

She said the “entire Bahujan Samaj” was her family and that its welfare remained her priority. According to Mayawati, she had taken several strict decisions in recent days to maintain discipline in the party, with relatives and their families not being exempted.

Why Anand Was Removed

Mayawati said Anand’s personality and functioning had generally been satisfactory, but certain developments had previously forced the party to make organisational changes.

She also referred to Anand’s father-in-law Ashok Siddharth, saying he was ultimately forced to retire from politics. Mayawati claimed that people had since noticed changes in Anand’s personality and working style, pointing in particular to a recent post on X in which he expressed his desire to return to the party.

Mayawati said most party members had supported accepting Anand’s request and giving him another opportunity to work with the BSP in his earlier responsibilities.

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What Happens To Ishan?

Mayawati said Anand’s father and younger brother Ishan Anand had also supported his return. She highlighted Ishan’s willingness to work for the party without holding any position, saying he had expressed his readiness to carry out any responsibility assigned to him under her direction.

Mayawati said the BSP had therefore decided to reappoint Akash Anand as its national convener.

She expressed hope that the party would function smoothly following Ashok Siddharth’s retirement from politics and that repeated organisational changes would no longer be necessary. However, she stressed that much would depend on Anand himself.

Concluding her statement, Mayawati wished Anand a bright political future and extended her “love and blessings” to him, Ishan Anand and their father Anand Kumar. She also thanked members of the Bahujan Samaj and her supporters for standing by her through recent developments.

Also Read: UP Rajya Sabha Election: BJP Announces 8 Candidates, Drops Smriti Irani, Hardeep Puri