Latest news with #Anvar
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Poll claims fly as UDF, LDF battle it out
Kozhikode: A day after the closely-watched and politically-significant Nilambur bypoll, UDF and LDF camps pored over internal booth-level estimates collected from the field and concluded that the outcome would be a favourable one. While UDF reviewed its estimates and claimed that the front would secure a huge majority, LDF came out with a cautious estimate expecting a narrow victory margin. UDF claimed it would win by a big margin of around 10,000 votes. It expects a lead of over 4,000 votes in Vazhikkadavu, nearly the same margin in Moothedam, 1,500 votes in Edakkara and 1,000 votes each in Nilambur municipality and Pothukallu. UDF also expects small leads in Chungathara and Karulayi. On the other hand, LDF's internal feedback showed a tighter contest, projecting a narrow win margin of around 1,600 votes. Left is counting on leads in Amarambalam, Pothukallu, Nilambur municipality and Karulayi to offset UDF's expected lead of 1,500 votes in Vazhikkadavu and other narrow leads in Moothedam and Edakkara, where UDF has historically held a strong political base. LDF is also relying on internal differences and factionalism within the Congress to strengthen its position. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo What makes the race even more complex is independent candidate PV Anvar, whose resignation triggered the bypoll. Early projections from both camps estimated his vote share at 10,000 votes, but LDF sources now believe Anvar could secure well beyond that number, mainly by drawing support from UDF voters. The BJP is expected to get around 7,000 votes, while SDPI is likely to garner around 2,500 votes. For LDF and UDF, the stakes are high. Winning this bypoll will boost morale and set the tone for the upcoming local body elections and the 2026 assembly polls. Echoing UDF's estimates, candidate Aryadan Shoukath said he would win the polls with an 'A Plus grade' and secure leads in all panchayats as well as Nilambur municipality. He added that the front had gained support even from non-UDF voters and predicted a historic majority for UDF on Monday. LDF candidate M Swaraj said LDF expects a strong win in the constituency, noting that there was no anti-incumbency sentiment against the state govt there. IUML national general secretary PK Kunhalikutty said the UDF camp is confident of a comfortable win. He added that IUML has consistently worked with full commitment to secure victory for the UDF candidate. Kunhalikutty dismissed concerns that IUML votes might have shifted to Anvar, saying that even in tougher situations, IUML cadres have never taken such a stand.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Over 1.7 lakh vote in Nilambur byelection
More than 1.7 lakh voters reached polling booths to choose their Assembly representative in a byelection held in Nilambur on Thursday. At the close of the polling at 6 p.m., there were long queues of voters at several booths waiting for their turn to exercise their franchise. The fiercely contested byelection, which saw a quadrangular fight involving Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate M. Swaraj, United Democratic Front (UDF)'s Aryadan Shoukath, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Mohan George and Independent candidate P.V. Anvar, ended peacefully. According to the Election Commission, 70.76% of the 2.32 lakh voters had exercised their franchise by 5 p.m. The final figures of voter turnout are likely to cross 75%. The polling percentage of the 2021 Assembly election in Nilambur was 75.20. Polling began on a brisk note at 7 a.m. in 263 polling stations across Nilambur. Three polling booths were inside the forest: at Vaniyampuzha, Punchakolli and Nedumkayam, where tribespeople living in Nilambur forests voted. While the first two hours registered 13.15% polling, it rose to 30.15% by 11 a.m., 46.73% by 1 p.m., 59.68% by 3 p.m., and 70.76% by 5 p.m. Polling was delayed at some booths due to faulty electronic voting machines (EVMs). However, election officials addressed the issue by replacing the EVMs. As many as 1,200 security personnel were deployed for the byelection. Enhanced security was provided for 14 critical booths, including the three stations in tribal areas. After the polling, voting machines were shifted to the strongroom at Mar Thoma Higher Secondary School, Chungathara, where the votes will be counted on Monday, June 23. Mr. Swaraj voted at Government LP School, Mankuthu. Mr. Shoukath at Government LP School, Veetikuth, and Mr. George cast his vote at Mar Thoma Higher Secondary School, Chungathara. Mr. Anvar did not have a vote in Nilambur. Mr. Swaraj and Mr. Shoukath, who are the frontrunners of the electoral battle, met and shared their camaraderie during their visits to polling booths. Talking to media later, both expressed confidence of victory. It was Mr. Anvar's resignation as an Independent MLA of the LDF following his disenchantment with the CPI(M) and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan which necessitated the byelection in Nilambur. Interestingly, Mr. Anvar, who is currently All India Trinamool Congress State convener, is contesting again as an independent. He expressed confidence that he would secure more than 75,000 votes.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bye-elections: Voting concludes in five Assembly Constituencies
By-elections were held in five Assembly constituencies in four states on Thursday (June 19, 2025). While two assembly bypolls were held in Gujarat, one each was held in Kerala, West Bengal and Punjab. Assembly bypolls 2025 LIVE Polling took place at the Assembly Constituencies of Kadi (SC) and Visavadar in Gujarat, Nilambur in Kerala, Ludhiana West in Punjab and Kaliganj in West Bengal. Nilambur Assembly segment in Kerala recorded the highest polling percentage of 73.26 % till 8 p.m., the lowest was recorded in Ludhiana West (51.33 %) in Punjab. Kadi saw a voter turnout of 54.49 %, Visavadar (54.61 %) and Kaliganj (69.89 %). The counting of votes will take place on June 23. While the bye-election in Kadi was necessitated due to the death of sitting BJP MLA Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki, in Visavadar seat, it is taking place due to sitting member Bhayani Bhupendrabhai Gandubhai resigning from the Aam Aadmi party and joining the BJP. Kerala's Nilambur seat went for bypolls because of the resignation of P.V. Anvar. Mr Anvar, had won twice from the seat with Left Democratic Front (LDF) support and then switched sides to the United Democratic Front (UDF). He had resigned as an MLA following differences with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. In Punjab's Ludhiana, bypolls are being held due to the death of sitting AAP member Gurpreet Bassi Gogi. Byelection to the Kaliganj Assembly seat in West Bengal was necessitated due to the death of sitting Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed. According to the Election Commission of India, several new initiatives launched by the ECI were implemented in these polls. The new initiatives include the provision of mobile deposit facility for the electors at all polling stations, upgraded Voter Turnout sharing process resulting in faster updation of the approximate polling trends by ensuring that the Presiding Officer updates the VTR data at the close of poll before leaving the polling station, webcasting at 100 per cent of polling stations ensuring constant vigil of the polling process and individual mock poll training of all Presiding Officers. Also, Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the Electoral Rolls was conducted before the bye-polls for the first time in nearly two decades, the ECI said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
5 Assembly bypolls: High voter turnout in Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Kerala
Kaliganj Assembly bypoll in WB's Nadia. (PTI) Bypolls conducted across five Assembly segments in Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat and Kerala on Thursday recorded high percentages of voter turnouts. Kaliganj in West Bengal - 69.85% polling by 5 pm Visavadar in Gujarat - 54.61% by 5pm Kadi in Gujarat - 54.49% by 5 pm Nilambur in Kerala - 59.68% by 3 pm Ludhiana West in Punjab - 49.07% by 5 pm The electoral process, which began at 7 am and ended at 6 pm, remained predominantly peaceful, barring a few isolated incidents, according to officials. The bypolls were required in Gujarat, West Bengal and Punjab due to the passing of sitting MLAs, whilst in Kerala and another Gujarat seat, the elections were prompted by legislative resignations. Results are scheduled for June 23. Kaliganj "Polling in Kaliganj has been peaceful. There was no report of any incident from anywhere in and around the constituency. Till 5 pm, the polling was 69.85%," an election official told PTI. The vacancy arose following TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed's death in February. The TMC selected his daughter, Alifa Ahamed, as their candidate. BJP nominated Ashis Ghosh, whilst Congress fielded Kabil Uddin Shaikh, supported by the CPI(M). To ensure fair elections, fourteen central force companies were stationed throughout the constituency. Several polling stations reported minor disturbances. At booth 56 in Chandghar Adarsha Vidyapith, Congress officials claimed their polling agent was forcibly removed by TMC workers, which the ruling party denied. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Electoral officials confirmed no rule violations but requested a district magistrate report regarding the incident. EC officials removed party symbols within 100 metres of polling stations. Mobile phones were prohibited inside voting areas, with designated storage spots supervised by EC-appointed volunteers. Nilambur The constituency's 263 polling stations saw substantial participation from its 2.32 lakh registered voters. The main contestants among ten candidates include LDF's M Swaraj, UDF's Aryadan Shoukath, independent candidate P V Anvar (TMC state convenor), and NDA's Mohan George. Anvar, whose resignation necessitated the bypoll, discussed constituency developments during his tenure. He noted that wildlife conflicts weren't addressed by any front - UDF, LDF or NDA - during campaigning. Anvar resigned following allegations against chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and associates, subsequently becoming TMC state convenor. Gujarat's Visavadar and Kadi BJP, Congress and AAP contested both seats. Visavadar became vacant in December 2023 after AAP legislator Bhupendra Bhayani joined BJP. The Kadi seat, reserved for SC candidates, was vacated following BJP MLA Karsan Solanki's death on February 4. AAP fielded former Gujarat president Gopal Italia, who isn't registered locally. BJP hasn't won Visavadar since 2007 despite dominating Gujarat. Bhayani defeated BJP's Harshad Ribadiya by 7,063 votes in 2022. BJP nominated Rajendra Chavda for Kadi, while Congress selected former MLA Ramesh Chavda. Chavda won in 2012 but lost to BJP's Karsanbhai Solanki in 2017. AAP's Jagdish Chavda makes it a three-way contest. Gujarat's 182-member Assembly comprises 161 BJP, 12 Congress, 4 AAP legislators, one SP member and two independents. Ludhiana West The seat became vacant after AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi's death in January. AAP's Sanjeev Arora voted with family after visiting religious sites. Congress's Bharat Bhushan Ashu, BJP's Jiwan Gupta and SAD's Parupkar Singh Ghuman cast their votes. EC implemented webcasting at 1,353 of 1,354 polling stations.
The Wire
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Wire
A Test for Ruling Parties as Bypolls in Five Crucial Constituencies Get Underway
Voting for bypolls in five crucial assembly constituencies spread across four states began on June 19, amidst pitched campaigns by all parties in the fray. The bypolls will especially test the political mettle of ruling parties, especially in West Bengal and Kerala, where assembly elections are slated next year, while in Gujarat and Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party that has kept a low profile since its loss in Delhi assembly polls, will look to recover some ground. The constituencies where bypolls were held are Nilambur (Kerala), Kaliganj (West Bengal), Ludhiana West (Punjab), Visavadar and Kadi (Gujarat). The polls in Nilambur are particularly interesting, as the seat was vacated by two-time Left-backed independent legislator P.V. Anvar after his much-publicised fallout with the chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Anvar, who began as a leader of Congress-backed Kerala Students Union has had a patchy political journey; he joined the breakaway faction Democratic Indira Congress led by the late K. Karunakaran after breaking ranks with the Congress and later joined hands with the Left Democratic Front as an independent contestant from Nilambur. He was seen as a zealous supporter of chief minister Vijayan but later blamed the state police for its alleged anti-minority mindset. He accused the police under Vijayan of stigmatising Muslim residents of Malappuram district as 'gold smugglers' and 'hawala operators' and severely lashed out at the chief minister for its conspicuous silence. Anvar even attempted to seek support from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, only to be rebuffed by Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin. Finally, he joined the Trinamool Congress, declared that he would lead its expansion in Kerala, and submitted his resignation as the Nilambur MLA to evade anti-defection law. Although popular, Anvar is not contesting the bypolls himself. In this absence, the Left Democratic Front-led by Vijayan will look to win the seat to establish its control in the important Malabar seat. Vijayan has picked M. Swaraj, who has sharply risen in stature in the CPI(M) over the last few years, as the LDF's candidate, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front has nominated its 2016 candidate Aryadan Shoukath to the constituency. Shoukath's father Aryadan Mohammad had won the seat eight times. The UDF faces a challenge too, as it has lost two successive state elections and a win from its traditional seat will boost its confidence and galvanise edgy allies like the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). In any case, the contest is likely to be tight as Anvar has won the seat with a margin of only 2,700 votes in 2021 when he defeated Congress's V.V. Prakash. The urban constituency in Punjab has suddenly become keenly-watched fare, as its electoral outcome will signal whether the ruling Aam Aadmi Party still enjoys its popularity in the state or not. Many observers have noted that the AAP government in the state has been facing a lot of criticism from many sections of the population. Since Ludhiana (West) is an affluent constituency, majorly comprising Hindu Khatris, the BJP is looking to make a comeback and has fielded the popular Jiwan Gupta to take on AAP's Rajya Sabha MP and industrialist Sanjeev Arora, who is contesting his maiden election. The seat fell vacant after sitting AAP legislator Gurpreet Bassi Gogi's death in an accident. AAP's top brass – Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Atishi – have camped in Ludhiana to campaign for Arora, and is said to be overseeing all preparations. In 2022, Gogi defeated Congress's Bharat Bhushan Ashu by a little over 7,500 votes. Ashu has been fielded by the Congress again. The BJP believes that its candidate Gupta will get votes from traditional AAP and Congress supporters, and is likely to challenge the two parties like never before. However, the BJP has never won this seat. On the other hand, the Congress has won the seat six times since its creation in 1977, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) has won it twice. In this image released by @msisodia via X on June 17, 2025, AAP leader Manish Sisodia during a roadshow for the Ludhiana West Assembly constituency by-elections, in Ludhiana, Punjab. Photo: X/@msisodia via PTI. The saffron party, however, hopes to repeat its Lok Sabha performance in the seat. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the Ludhiana seat was won by Congress's Amarinder Singh Raja Warring but the BJP's candidate Ravneet Singh Bittu, who had recently defected from the Congress, had taken a lead in the assembly segment. The party's performance will also be a test case for Sunil Jakhar, who was made the party president of the state after the former senior Congress leader defected to the BJP. The SAD has fielded Parupkar Singh Ghuman, a prominent lawyer in the city, and it will look to claw back into relevance after a series of electoral setbacks in the state. However, its presence in the urban seat has been marginal lately. Here, the contest appears to be polarised between the ruling Trinamool Congress and a fledgling BJP. While TMC has fielded Alifa Ahamed, daughter of the sitting MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed who died of a cardiac arrest, the BJP has nominated Ashish Ghosh. The seat has historically seen a tight contest between the TMC and the Congress, the latter having been dominant for many years. However, over the last decade, the TMC has registered its strong organisational presence in the seat, while Congress has weakened considerably. The shift can be seen in the difference between the electoral outcomes of 2016 and 2021. In 2016, the Congress's Hasanuzzaman S.K. narrowly defeated the TMC 's Nasiruddin Ahamed but the grand old party faded into a distant third position in 2021 registered on around 12% votes. TMC's Ahamed won the seat with over 53% votes in 2021 but the BJP, which had received only 5.56% votes in 2016, shot to the second position with nearly 31% votes, indicating a strong Hindu-Muslim polarisation. The saffron party has yet again attempted to polarise the elections along religious lines by raking up memories of the recent Murshidabad riots where Hindus were allegedly attacked by Muslim protestors against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. It has attempted to consolidate Hindu votes, while hoping a division among the Muslims between the TMC and the Congress in the minority-dominated seat. The Congress has fielded a relatively new face, Kabil Uddin. TMC candidate Alifa Ahmed during a campaign rally for the bypoll of Kaliganj Assembly constituency, in Nadia district, West Bengal, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Photo: PTI. The saffron party will look to consolidate its presence in Kadi, which it has won with over 50% votes in the last two elections. However, the Visavadar seat has turned out to be an interesting battleground, with the Aam Aadmi Party fielding Gopal Italia, who shot to fame during the 2015 Patidar agitation in the state. Kejirwal has himself addressed multiple rallies in Visavadar in support of Italia. AAP's Bhupendrabhai Gandubhai Bhayani had won Visavadar in Gujarat's Junagadh in 2022, but his recent switch to the BJP left the seat vacant. Bhayani had won the seat by securing nearly 45% votes and defeated BJP's Harshadkumar Ribadiya by over 7000 votes. However, the BJP did not field Bhayani for the bypolls and has instead chosen its former district president Kirit Patel. Making the contest triangular is Congress's Nitin Ranpariya, who will be looking to gain a foothold in this former party bastion. BJP appears to be confident in Kadi which it secured over 50% even amidst strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the party in 2017. The chief opposition here is the Congress, which has only fallen through the charts in the last two elections. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
