Bypolls 2024: Voting Underway in 15 Assembly Seats Across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand
On November 20, voting is underway for bypolls in 15 assembly constituencies spread across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand, with the results set to be counted on November 23. These bypolls are not just a local matter—they carry significant political weight, offering early signals of voter preferences that may shape the broader political landscape heading into the 2024 general elections.
In Uttar Pradesh, elections are taking place in nine assembly constituencies: Katehari, Karhal, Meerapur, Ghaziabad, Majhawan, Sisamau, Khair, Phulpur, and Kundarki. A total of 90 candidates are vying for these seats, with Ghaziabad seeing the highest competition, with 14 contenders. The electorate across these constituencies totals 34,35,974 voters, including 18,46,846 men, 15,88,967 women, and 161 third-gender voters. Ghaziabad has the largest voter base, while Sisamau has the smallest. These bypolls represent the first major electoral test for both the INDIA alliance and the NDA since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, providing a crucial glimpse into regional political trends.
In the 2022 assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party (SP) claimed Sisamau, Katehari, Karhal, and Kundarki, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won seats in Phulpur, Ghaziabad, Majhawan, and Khair. Meerapur was secured by the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), a BJP ally. The results of these bypolls will not only influence the current political dynamics but will also impact the strategies of both alliances as they prepare for upcoming state elections. These bypolls could also act as a bellwether, providing insights into how the political winds are shifting in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2024 elections.
In Punjab, bypolls are being held in four key assembly constituencies—Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC), and Barnala. These elections were necessitated by the election of the sitting MLAs to the Lok Sabha earlier this year. Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, and Chabbewal were previously held by Congress, while Barnala was under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). High-profile candidates in this contest include former Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal (BJP), Congress’s Amrita Warring, Jatinder Kaur, AAP’s Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon, and Dr. Ishank Kumar Chabbewal.
The bypolls in Punjab come at a crucial time of shifting political alliances. With AAP’s growing influence and BJP’s strategic maneuvers to expand its reach, the election results could reshape the future political equations in the state. Congress, eager to reclaim its former dominance, is looking to gauge voter sentiment through key candidates like Manpreet Singh Badal. The results will likely offer a valuable snapshot of voter mood and provide clues about the future direction of Punjab’s political landscape, particularly with regard to AAP’s role in the state.
In Kerala, the Palakkad assembly seat is up for grabs following the election of Congress MLA Shafi Parambil to the Lok Sabha from Vadakara. This bypoll is crucial for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), which is keen on reinforcing its position in the state as it prepares for the 2024 general elections. A strong performance here would not only bolster Congress’s momentum but also serve as a testament to its ability to maintain its influence in Kerala, where the Left and BJP continue to pose formidable challenges.
In Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath seat is being contested after the passing of BJP MLA Shailarani Rawat in July. For the BJP, this bypoll presents an opportunity to retain control over this important seat, thereby reaffirming its leadership in the region. The party is keen to maintain its stronghold in Uttarakhand as it prepares for the larger electoral contests looming on the horizon.
The results of these bypolls are likely to have far-reaching consequences, influencing not just local politics but also national party strategies. Voter behavior across these constituencies will offer a window into evolving political trends and provide insights into the shifting loyalties of voters. Political analysts are watching these bypolls closely for early indicators of what the future may hold for each of these states, and for the broader electoral landscape in India.
As the political dynamics evolve in each state, the bypolls will serve as a key reference point for how major political parties adjust their strategies in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. Whether it is Uttar Pradesh’s long-standing rivalry between the SP and BJP, Punjab’s complex multi-party contest, or Kerala and Uttarakhand’s focus on maintaining regional dominance, the results of these bypolls will offer critical insights into the changing political tides. As these bypolls unfold, they set the stage for the political contests that will dominate India’s electoral future, shaping both state and national campaigns as the clock ticks toward the general elections in 2024.
