New Delhi, June 19, 2025 — Voting proceeded smoothly on Thursday for by-elections to five assembly constituencies in West Bengal (Kaliganj), Kerala (Nilambur), Punjab (Ludhiana West), and Gujarat (Kadi and Visavadar). Polling, conducted amid tight security, began at 7 am and closed at 6 pm, with results scheduled for June 23.
Early turnout varied by constituency. In Kaliganj, voter participation reached over 30 percent within four hours, hitting approximately 45.3 percent by midday. Kerala’s Nilambur recorded exceptionally high engagement, with turnout near 70.8 percent by 5 pm. In Punjab’s Ludhiana West, turnout stood at around 49 percent by evening. Gujarat’s Visavadar and Kadi reported lower figures, at roughly 39.3 percent and 34.8 percent respectively.
The Election Commission introduced several first-time measures aimed at enhancing transparency: real-time voter turnout updates, full webcasting of polling stations, and mobile phone deposit facilities at booth entrances. These steps were piloted in Kaliganj where voters deposited mobile phones in jute bags before entering booths and all activities, including naka checks, were live-streamed.
No major incidents were reported during polling. Central security forces were deployed at all sensitive locations, and the process remained largely calm throughout the day. A minor procedural glitch was flagged in Kaliganj when a BJP candidate alleged that ink was marked on his middle finger instead of the usual forefinger; local authorities have sought a report from the district election office.
These bypolls are the first held since recent national developments, including the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. They are being viewed as a bellwether for public sentiment ahead of the 2026 state elections.
