Battle for 15 Seats: Key bypolls heat up in 4 Indian states

Bypolls for 15 assembly seats across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand will take place on Wednesday, November 20. These elections follow the resignation or death of former legislators. The results could signal voter sentiment ahead of upcoming state polls.

In Kerala, voters in the Palakkad constituency will head to the polls. Similarly, Uttarakhand will conduct a bypoll in the Kedarnath seat. Punjab will see elections in four constituencies: Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC), and Barnala. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh leads with nine bypolls, including key seats such as Ghaziabad, Katehari, Karhal, and Meerapur.

A total of 90 candidates are in the fray, with Ghaziabad alone witnessing 14 contenders. These contests are expected to reflect the ruling parties’ performance and their hold on regional politics. The stakes are particularly high in Uttar Pradesh, a politically critical state.

The bypolls come at a time when all major parties aim to consolidate their positions before the next state elections. For ruling parties, a strong performance could boost morale and reinforce their mandate. For opposition parties, it presents a chance to regain ground.

Political analysts are watching these elections closely. The results might hint at emerging trends and shifts in voter preferences. The stakes go beyond the immediate contests, as the outcomes could reshape alliances and strategies in these four states.

With polls set to close on November 20, the counting day will be crucial. Parties will gauge their strengths and prepare for the electoral battles ahead.