Desh Ki Baat

Key Candidates in INDIA vs. NDA Bypolls Battle

Voting is underway in seven Indian assembly by-polls as INDIA vs. NDA tested their strength; key candidates fielded in significant races. The ruling CPI(M) has fielded Jaick C Thomas as their candidate from this constituency.

Key candidates in INDIA vs. NDA by-polls battle across India’s states, testing their political strength in critical races.


Voting is currently taking place for seven assembly seats in different states across India. These INDIA vs. NDA by-polls are significant as they will provide insight into the level of public support for the Opposition’s I.N.D.I.A bloc, which stands for the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. The results of these elections are scheduled to be announced on Friday.

Bypolls Test INDIA vs. NDA

The assembly seats where voting is underway include Ghosi in Uttar Pradesh, Dhupguri in West Bengal, Dumri in Jharkhand, Boxanagar and Dhanpur in Tripura, Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, and Puthuppally in Kerala. Both the I.N.D.I.A bloc and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have campaigned vigorously for these by-polls, recognizing their importance as a litmus test for I.N.D.I.A’s popularity.

These by-polls hold added significance as they precede major assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana later this year, which are considered a crucial semi-final before the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Given the high stakes involved, both political alliances have carefully chosen their candidates, hoping to influence the outcomes in their favour.

Dumri Bypoll Candidates

In Jharkhand, the Dumri assembly seat fell vacant due to the unfortunate demise of the sitting MLA, Jagarnath Mahto, who was also a minister in the Hemant Soren government. The I.N.D.I.A bloc has nominated Bebi Devi, the wife of the late leader, as their candidate. Meanwhile, the NDA has placed its bets on Yashoda Devi, a leader from the All Jharkhand Student Union (AJSU), who had previously contested the 2019 assembly election on an AJSU ticket, finishing as the runner-up to Mahto.

These by-polls have become a focal point of political activity, with both sides aiming to secure victory and prove their dominance in the lead-up to more significant electoral battles later on.

Tripura Bypolls

In Tripura, two crucial by-polls are underway in the Boxanagar and Dhanpur constituencies. The Boxanagar seat became vacant due to the passing of the sitting MLA, Samsul Haque, while in Dhanpur, Union minister Pratima Bhoumik’s resignation led to the election. Boxanagar has traditionally been a stronghold of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M). The Left has nominated Mizan Hussain, the son of the late MLA Haque, as their candidate. On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chosen Tafajjal Hussain, who contested the previous assembly election from Boxanagar.

Read more:I.N.D.I.A. Bypolls: Special Session and Sanatan row

In Dhanpur, a fierce contest has emerged between the BJP’s Bindu Debnath and the CPI(M)’s Kaushik Debnath. This constituency was once considered a CPI(M) stronghold, but the BJP secured victory here for the first time in the last assembly poll, held seven months ago.

West Bengal Triangular Contest

West Bengal’s Dhupguri assembly seat is witnessing a triangular contest following the demise of sitting MLA Bishnu Pada Ray. This election puts the unity of the I.N.D.I.A bloc to the test, as the Trinamool Congress is competing against the Congress-CPI(M) alliance, both of which are part of the Opposition bloc. The BJP currently holds the seat, and the CPI(M)’s Ishwar Chandra Roy is contesting on behalf of the Congress-Left alliance. The TMC has fielded Nirmal Chandra Roy, a teacher by profession, while the BJP nominated Tapasi Roy, the widow of a CRPF jawan who lost his life-fighting terrorists in Kashmir a few years ago.

UP and Uttarakhand Bypolls

In Uttar Pradesh, the Ghosi by-poll is a significant election battle between I.N.D.I.A and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in India’s most populous state. The seat became vacant after Samajwadi Party’s Dara Singh Chauhan resigned to join the BJP. The I.N.D.I.A. parties have rallied behind Samajwadi Party’s candidate Sudhakar Singh, who is challenging the incumbent MLA Chauhan seeking re-election.

Read more: I.N.D.I.A. Alliance: Mumbai Meet Agenda Announced.

Lastly, in Uttarakhand, the Bageshwar seat was left vacant following the demise of the sitting MLA Chandan Ram Das. The BJP’s Parvati Das is contesting to retain her late husband’s seat, while the Congress has nominated Basant Kumar as their candidate.

Kerala’s Puthuppally seat has become vacant due to the passing of Congress veteran Oommen Chandy. The Congress-United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate for this seat is Chandy Oommen, the son of the late former chief minister who represented the constituency for 50 years. The ruling CPI(M) has fielded Jaick C Thomas as their candidate from this constituency.

Liked this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.

Back to top button