NEW DELHI, October 6, 2026: Voting is underway across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry as voters cast ballots in six closely watched by-elections. The polls cover five Assembly constituencies and one Lok Sabha seat, with counting scheduled for October 9. The contests are being closely monitored because they offer an early indication of political sentiment following this year’s major electoral battles.
Polling began at 7 am amid security arrangements across the constituencies. The Assembly seats going to polls are Nandigram and Rejinagar in West Bengal, Madurantakam and Dharapuram in Tamil Nadu, and Thattanchavady in Puducherry. Assam’s Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency is also voting today.
Nandigram Remains the Biggest Spotlight
West Bengal’s Nandigram is among the most politically significant contests. The constituency has played a major role in the state’s political history and was at the centre of the land-acquisition movement that contributed to the rise of the Trinamool Congress.
The seat became vacant after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari won from two constituencies in the 2026 Assembly election and chose to retain his other seat. Rejinagar, another West Bengal constituency going to polls, has also attracted considerable political attention.
Early turnout was strong. By 11 am, Nandigram had recorded 43.95% polling, while Rejinagar reported 38.71%, according to figures cited by India Today from election authorities.
Tamil Nadu Tests TVK’s Strength
Tamil Nadu is holding bypolls in the Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC) Assembly constituencies. Both seats became vacant after their former AIADMK legislators resigned and later moved to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
The contests are particularly important for actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK, which is facing its first significant electoral test in these constituencies. The party is competing against established political forces including the DMK and AIADMK, while other parties are also in the fray.
Turnout was already substantial by late morning, with 37.28% voting in Dharapuram and 35.55% in Madurantakam by 11 am. The figures indicate considerable voter participation despite the contests being by-elections.
Nagaon Sees BJP-Congress-AIUDF Battle
In Assam, the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency is witnessing a triangular contest between the BJP, Congress and AIUDF.
The seat has attracted national attention because Congress had won Nagaon in the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP is seeking to strengthen its position, while Congress is attempting to retain its influence. AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal has added another dimension to the contest with his entry into the race.
Nagaon recorded more than 38% turnout by late morning, highlighting strong voter participation.
Puducherry Government Faces Test
In Puducherry, voting is taking place in Thattanchavady, where the contest is also being viewed as a test for the ruling political establishment.
The seat is attracting attention because its result could provide an indication of voter sentiment toward the newly established government and competing political formations in the Union Territory. Turnout reached 39.16% by 11 am, according to figures reported during polling.
Results on October 9
Although these six contests are unlikely to dramatically alter the overall national balance of power, they carry significant political value. Parties will use the results to assess voter sentiment, organisational strength and the effectiveness of their recent campaign strategies.
For TVK, the Tamil Nadu contests could offer an important measure of its electoral base. In West Bengal, Nandigram and Rejinagar could provide clues about the state’s emerging political landscape, while Nagaon remains an important test for BJP, Congress and AIUDF in Assam.
With polling continuing across the four regions, attention now shifts to final turnout figures and campaign claims before vote counting on October 9.
