Voting is underway today for by-elections to eight Assembly constituencies spanning six states and one Union Territory. Residents in Jammu and Kashmir (Budgam, Nagrota), Rajasthan (Anta), Jharkhand (Ghatsila), Telangana (Jubilee Hills), Punjab (Tarn Taran), Mizoram (Dampa), and Odisha (Nuapada) are heading to polling stations. Tight security measures are in place across all locations to ensure a smooth electoral process. In Telangana’s Jubilee Hills, BRS candidate Maganti Sunitha cast her vote early, with the seat becoming vacant due to the passing of her husband, MLA Maganti Gopinath. Over 4.01 lakh voters are eligible to decide the fate of 58 candidates in this constituency, with a significant number of polling stations identified as critical. Similarly, in Odisha’s Nuapada, polling is ongoing, with a focus on sensitive areas. The bypoll was necessitated by the demise of BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia. Jharkhand’s Ghatsila constituency sees a contest for over 2.56 lakh voters deciding among 13 candidates, following the death of JMM MLA Ramdas Soren. Mizoram’s Dampa by-election, bordering Bangladesh and Tripura, is also underway. In Punjab, the Tarn Taran seat, vacated by the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal, is witnessing a significant electoral battle. Rajasthan’s Anta constituency is also polling today, with the seat becoming vacant after the disqualification of the sitting BJP MLA. Counting for these crucial by-elections is expected to provide insights into the current political landscape.
