Crucial Bypolls: 8 Assembly Seats Vote Today

Today marks a significant electoral day with by-elections being held for eight Assembly constituencies spread across six states and one Union Territory. The areas participating in this electoral process are Budgam and Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir, Anta in Rajasthan, Ghatsila in Jharkhand, Jubilee Hills in Telangana, Tarn Taran in Punjab, Dampa in Mizoram, and Nuapada in Odisha. Robust security forces are ensuring the integrity of the polls. The Jubilee Hills by-election in Telangana, triggered by the death of sitting MLA Maganti Gopinath, sees his wife, BRS candidate Maganti Sunitha, among those vying for the seat. More than 4.01 lakh voters will cast their ballots for 58 contenders. A substantial number of polling stations have been designated as ‘critical’. In Odisha’s Nuapada, polling is proceeding smoothly, with special considerations for sensitive polling stations, including those in Naxal-affected areas. The vacancy arose from the death of a BJD MLA. Jharkhand’s Ghatsila constituency is witnessing a close contest for over 2.56 lakh voters and 13 candidates, following the demise of a JMM legislator. The Dampa Assembly seat in Mizoram, sharing borders with neighboring countries, is also holding its by-election. Punjab’s Tarn Taran constituency is seeing voters decide the fate of their representative after the passing of the incumbent AAP MLA. Meanwhile, Rajasthan’s Anta constituency is voting to fill the vacancy caused by the disqualification of its former MLA. The outcomes of these by-elections will be closely watched.