Bypoll Counting Live: AAP Leads in Key Seats

Chandigarh: The counting of votes for by-elections on five key assembly constituencies across India is underway, with early trends pointing toward a mixed outcome for major political parties. The most significant developments have come from Punjab and Gujarat, where both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are facing crucial tests of popularity and political momentum.

In Ludhiana West, considered a prestige battle, AAP has taken a slender but growing lead, turning the contest into a close fight. The ruling party in Punjab has thrown its full weight behind this constituency, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann actively campaigning and calling the bypoll a “fight between humility and arrogance.” The outcome here is expected to reflect public sentiment toward the Mann government and AAP’s governance in the state.

In Gujarat’s Visavadar seat, AAP is also showing early signs of strength, taking an unexpected lead. If this trend holds, it could signal AAP’s slow but steady inroads into a BJP-dominated state. Political analysts are closely watching the vote swing here, given Gujarat’s significance in national politics and BJP’s long-standing stronghold in the region.

Meanwhile, the BJP has suffered an early jolt in Gujarat, with their candidates trailing in at least two seats. This has raised concerns within party ranks, especially as the state remains a crucial pillar of BJP’s national strategy. However, party leaders maintain that the final results may still shift as later rounds of counting continue.

In other constituencies, the Congress and regional parties are also putting up strong performances, making these bypolls a microcosm of the national political landscape ahead of upcoming state elections. The Election Commission has reported a smooth and peaceful counting process, with results expected by the end of the day.

The bypolls are being seen as a barometer for public mood and a litmus test for parties ahead of the 2025 electoral calendar. With vote shares, turnout patterns, and victory margins under scrutiny, the final outcome could influence party strategies in several upcoming state and national contests.