New Delhi, India – June 23, 2025 – The Election Commission of India (ECI) today announced the results of crucial by-elections held across five assembly constituencies in four states, offering a fresh glimpse into the prevailing political currents and voter sentiments. While these contests were localized, their outcomes provide valuable insights for major political players as they strategize for future electoral battles.
The by-elections, necessitated by various reasons including the demise of sitting legislators and resignations, saw keen contests in:
Gujarat: Visavadar and Kadi (SC)
Kerala: Nilambur
Punjab: Ludhiana West
West Bengal: Kaliganj
The results, as declared by the ECI, reveal a mixed bag for major parties, underscoring the dynamic nature of Indian politics.
Key Victories and Emerging Trends:
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) – A Strong Showing:
The Aam Aadmi Party emerged as a notable gainer, securing victories in two crucial seats:
Ludhiana West, Punjab: AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora secured a decisive victory, defeating his closest rival, Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu, by a margin of 10,637 votes. This win allows AAP to retain a seat it previously held, reinforcing its stronghold in Punjab where it is the ruling party. The bypoll was necessitated by the demise of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January.
Visavadar, Gujarat: In a significant win for AAP in Gujarat, Gopal Italia, the former AAP state president, triumphed over BJP’s Kirit Patel by a margin of 17,554 votes. This victory is particularly noteworthy as the seat had fallen vacant after the previous AAP MLA, Bhupendra Bhayani, resigned and joined the BJP. This outcome suggests AAP’s continued relevance and ability to challenge the ruling BJP in Gujarat, with Italia himself stating that AAP is the only party capable of defeating the BJP in the state.
Indian National Congress (INC) – A Crucial Win:
The Congress registered an important victory, snatching a key seat from the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF):
Nilambur, Kerala: Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath secured a decisive victory in Nilambur, defeating CPI(M)’s M Swaraj by a margin of 11,077 votes. This win is a significant setback for the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government and could indicate shifting public sentiment in Kerala ahead of next year’s state elections. The bypoll was triggered by the resignation of the CPI(M)-backed independent legislator P. V. Anvar.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – Retaining a Stronghold:
The BJP successfully retained one of its bastions:
Kadi (SC), Gujarat: BJP’s Rajendrakumar (Rajubhai) Daneshwar Chavda emerged victorious from the Kadi (SC) constituency, defeating Congress’ Ramesh Chavda by a significant margin of 39,452 votes. This outcome reaffirms BJP’s dominance in this particular seat and contributes to its overall tally in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of BJP MLA Karshan Solanki.
All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) – A Landslide Victory:
The ruling party in West Bengal showcased its strength with a comprehensive win:
Kaliganj, West Bengal: All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Alifa Ahmed secured a massive victory, winning by a landslide margin of 50,049 votes over her nearest rival, BJP’s Ashish Ghosh. This impressive win allowed TMC to retain the seat, which became vacant following the demise of Alifa Ahmed’s father, Nasiruddin Ahmed, who was the sitting MLA. The substantial margin indicates strong public support for the TMC in this constituency.
Implications and Analysis:
The by-election results, though limited in scope, offer several key takeaways:
AAP’s Resurgence in Gujarat: The victory in Visavadar, especially after a defection, signals AAP’s resilience and its continued efforts to establish a stronger foothold in Gujarat, traditionally a BJP bastion.
Congress’s Boost in Kerala: The win in Nilambur provides a much-needed morale boost for the Congress in Kerala and highlights potential anti-incumbency sentiments against the LDF government.
BJP’s Continued Dominance in Gujarat: The retention of Kadi (SC) underscores the BJP’s consistent performance in its strongholds.
TMC’s Unchallenged Sway in Kaliganj: The massive victory margin for TMC in Kaliganj reinforces its formidable presence in West Bengal.
Coalition Dynamics: The results also subtly hint at the ongoing friction and competition between allies within the INDIA bloc, particularly between AAP and Congress, despite their nominal alliance at the national level.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, these by-election outcomes will undoubtedly be scrutinized by political strategists nationwide. They serve as a reminder that local issues and candidate strength play a pivotal role, even as national narratives dominate the broader political discourse. The ECI’s transparent and efficient declaration of results further solidifies public trust in the electoral process, laying the groundwork for future democratic exercises.