Bypoll Live Updates 2026: Polling began at 7 am in all six constituencies where by-elections are being held today across three states and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Voting is underway in four Assembly constituencies – Nandigram and Rejinagar in West Bengal, Madurantakam and Dharapuram in Tamil Nadu – along with Thattanchavady in Puducherry and the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency in Assam.
The bypolls are being closely watched as they could offer early indications of the direction of post-election politics in the respective states.
In West Bengal, attention is particularly focused on Nandigram and Rejinagar. The BJP’s performance is being watched after its victory in the April Assembly elections and its subsequent formation of the state government. Nandigram has also drawn attention due to the BJP fielding Hasirani Rath, mother of Chandranath Rath, a former aide of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari who was killed shortly after the Assembly election victory.
The Opposition remains fragmented in both constituencies, with multiple parties and factions in the fray.
In Tamil Nadu, Madurantakam and Dharapuram are witnessing four-cornered contests involving the TVK, DMK, AIADMK and CPI. Former AIADMK MLAs K Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama are contesting on TVK tickets.
The votes will be counted on October 9.
