The counting of votes for 13 Assembly bypolls is currently underway across 7 states in India, following the first electoral contest since Lok Sabha polls in 2024. The results are expected to impact the political fate of ruling and opposition parties. So far, Congress' Hardeep Singh Bawa and Kamlesh Thakur have secured victories in Himachal Pradesh, while TMC candidate Supti Pandey leads in West Bengal and Congress candidates lead in Uttarakhand bypolls. In Madhya Pradesh, BJP and Congress candidates are in a close race for the Amarwara seat.
India's By-Elections: A Barometer of Political Fortunes
By-elections, held to fill vacant legislative seats, provide a crucial barometer of the political climate and the popularity of ruling and opposition parties. In India, 13 Assembly bypolls are currently underway across 7 states, following the general elections in 2024.
Current By-Elections
The ongoing by-elections are being closely watched for their potential impact on the political landscape. Early trends indicate that:
Background
By-elections are triggered when a vacancy arises in a legislature due to the death, resignation, or disqualification of a sitting member. They provide an opportunity for parties to gauge public sentiment and test their electoral strategies ahead of larger polls.
Significance
By-election results can have a significant impact on the political fortunes of parties:
FAQs
1. What are the key factors influencing by-election results?
2. How are by-election results interpreted?
3. What has been the historical significance of by-elections in India?
4. What are the major by-elections that have occurred in India in recent years?
5. What are the expected outcomes of the current by-elections?
The recently concluded assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand have once again brought the accuracy of exit polls into question. These surveys, which aim to provide an idea about the voter's choice shift and expected results, have been plagued by inaccuracies in recent years. This article delves into the factors that contribute to inaccurate exit poll predictions, including sampling methods, voter honesty, and data analysis, using the 2019 Indian assembly elections as an example.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has slammed the central government for failing to address the alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi. Citing statistics showing Delhi as the most polluted city in the world, Tharoor expressed concern over the government's lack of action despite years of warnings. With the city's air quality reaching hazardous levels, Tharoor called for immediate measures to improve the situation.
The Supreme Court has granted four more weeks to the Centre to respond to Balwant Singh Rajoana's petition seeking commutation of his death sentence. Rajoana, a member of the militant Sikh separatist group Babbar Khalsa, was convicted in the assassination case of Punjab CM Beant Singh in 1995. The delay in deciding his mercy petition, which has been pending before the President for 1 year and 4 months, was deemed "shocking" by his lawyer. The court has adjourned the matter, with the Centre seeking more time to verify the status of the plea.
Police have filed seven FIRs in connection with the violent protests against the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, naming prominent Samajwadi Party leaders as accused. Three people were killed on Sunday, and one more person succumbed to their injuries on Monday as protesters clashed with security personnel. The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders and declared a holiday in all schools as a precautionary measure. A press conference by officials has confirmed the arrest of 25 people and efforts to identify others involved in the violence.
Yesterday, a Delhi court called the Special Director of Enforcement Directorate to appear in person after a counsel for the probe agency behaved offensively and disrespectfully towards the judge during a hearing for a money laundering case involving Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The judge felt that the agency's behavior was a threat to the court's dignity and issued a directive for appropriate action to be taken. This comes after an application was filed by an accused seeking the release of confiscated evidence. The ED, on the other hand, requested a 15-day adjournment leading the judge to record in the order about "higher-ups" exerting influence.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made the decision to exempt the film 'The Sabarmati Report' from taxes in the state, joining several other BJP-ruled states in doing so. The film portrays the truth of the Sabarmati Express train burning incident in Gujarat and CM Yogi hopes more people can see it to understand the real narrative of the event. He congratulated the film's team for their efforts in exposing the truth and emphasized the need for such bold steps in exposing incidents that harm the nation and society. The screening was attended by top officials and lead actors, and the CM notably chose to sit in the last row of the multiplex during the show.
The recent announcement by Muhammad Yunus that Bangladesh's interim government will seek the extradition of former premier Sheikh Hasina from India has put the Indian government in a difficult position. With strained relations between the two countries and concerns over safety and stability, India must carefully weigh the pros and cons of complying with the request. This situation also raises questions about India's legal obligations and the potential impact on their relationship with Bangladesh's ruling parties.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to centralize government control over Waqf properties, has sparked debate and opposition from minority communities, civil society, and opposition leaders. As the Winter Session of Parliament approaches and the Joint Parliamentary Committee prepares to submit its report, all eyes are on whether TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu and JDU leader Nitish Kumar will support the government or the opposition. Amidst calls for more time for review, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has promised to pass the controversial bill, prompting further controversy and debate.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPM held a public march in Tirupati on Sunday, demanding better facilities for devotees and addressing issues faced by contract workers. Party leaders highlighted their efforts to improve conditions at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), as well as the rising cost of living and unemployment in the city. They called on the TTD to allocate a budget for the city's development and played a key role in resolving grievances of forest and contract workers.
Once known only as Hemant Soren's wife, Kalpana Soren has now established herself as a key leader in Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). She played a pivotal role in the party's victory in the recent legislative assembly elections, and her potential roles in the new government are being speculated. With no prior political experience, Kalpana has become a formidable figure in Jharkhand politics, earning the admiration and support of both her family and the people.