The INDIA bloc achieved a landslide victory in the Assembly by-polls held on Saturday, securing 10 out of 13 seats across seven states. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered a major setback, winning only two seats.
The majority of these by-polls were held in opposition-ruled states such as West Bengal (4), Himachal Pradesh (3), Punjab (1), and Tamil Nadu (1). Additionally, by-polls were conducted in NDA-governed Uttarakhand (2), Madhya Pradesh (1), and Bihar (1).
The INDIA bloc not only won the seats in West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab, where they hold power, but also defeated BJP candidates in Uttarakhand, a state governed by the saffron party. However, Ashish Sharma of the BJP secured victory in the Hamirpur seat in Himachal Pradesh.
Rahul Gandhi, former Congress president and Rae Bareli MP, celebrated the victory on X (formerly Twitter), stating in Hindi, “The results of the by-elections in 7 states have made it clear that the web of ‘fear and confusion’ woven by the BJP has been broken.” He further added, “Every class including farmers, youth, labourers, businessmen and employed people want to completely destroy dictatorship and establish the rule of justice. The public is now completely standing with INDIA for the betterment of their lives and protection of the Constitution. Jai Hindustan, Jai Samvidhaan (Constitution).”
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera expressed confidence that the BJP will continue to lose in upcoming elections. He stated, “This is a trend which began with the Lok Sabha elections and is moving forward. BJP will continue losing all the upcoming elections,” as quoted by news agency ANI.
Meanwhile, the BJP alleged rigging in the West Bengal by-polls. Amit Malviya, BJP media in charge, claimed on X, “Bengal (4) – The elections were completely rigged. There was no semblance of a free and fair poll. In some seats, Congress contested against the TMC. Does it look like I.N.D.I Alliance’s win or TMC intimidating voters and abusing the state machinery? The TMC, short of decent candidates, had to field former BJP MLAs on two of the four seats.”
Malviya further argued that the Congress, despite being in power, should be disappointed for not winning all three seats in Himachal Pradesh, where the BJP secured victory in Hamirpur. He questioned the Congress’ celebration in Uttarakhand, where they retained the Badrinath seat due to a defection from their own party. He also attributed the Congress victory in the Manglaur seat in Uttarakhand to demographic changes.
Regarding the ruling parties’ wins in Tamil Nadu and Punjab, Malviya questioned if the DMK expected to lose. He concluded by stating that the by-poll results reflect the INDI Alliance’s desperation for a positive outcome. He questioned the celebration of these wins, asking, “For what joy?”
