NEW DELHI — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has widened its lead in the ongoing by-elections in West Bengal, while the Tamil Maanila Makkal Iyakkam (TVK) maintains a commanding position in Tamil Nadu, according to live results declared on October 9, 2026. The polls, held across six constituencies in the two southern and eastern states, are being closely monitored as a significant indicator of shifting political dynamics ahead of future general elections.
In West Bengal, the BJP candidate in the Nandigram by-election is currently leading, extending the party’s recent gains in the state. The result reflects a continued trend of the BJP consolidating its support base in regions that have historically voted for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The party’s performance in Nandigram is seen as a test of its ability to sustain momentum in a state where it has traditionally struggled to break through the TMC’s stronghold.
Tamil Nadu: TVK’s Strong Show
In Tamil Nadu, the TVK candidate in the Madurantakam by-election is leading by a substantial margin. The party, led by V. K. Sasikala, has been making significant inroads in the state, challenging the dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The TVK’s strong performance in Madurantakam is attributed to its effective grassroots mobilization and its ability to appeal to a broader cross-section of voters, including those who have been disillusioned with the traditional ruling parties.
The Dharapuram by-election in Tamil Nadu also saw a competitive contest, with the TVK candidate maintaining a lead over the DMK and AIADMK candidates. The results from Dharapuram further underscore the TVK’s growing influence in the state, particularly in constituencies where it has a strong organizational presence.
Other Constituencies
In the Thattanchavady by-election in Kerala, the results are closely contested, with the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) candidates neck and neck. The outcome of this by-election is expected to provide insights into the political landscape in Kerala, where the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) have traditionally been the main contenders.
The Nagaon by-election in Assam is also being closely watched, with the BJP and the Assam Gana Parishad (AGP) candidates competing for the top position. The result in Nagaon is seen as a reflection of the BJP’s ability to consolidate its support base in the northeastern state, where it has been making significant gains in recent years.
Political Implications
The by-election results are expected to have significant implications for the national political landscape. The BJP’s gains in West Bengal and the TVK’s strong performance in Tamil Nadu suggest that both parties are making inroads in states where they have traditionally been weaker. This could have implications for the upcoming general elections, as both parties seek to expand their support bases and challenge the ruling parties in these states.
Political analysts noted that the by-election results reflect a broader trend of voter realignment, with voters increasingly looking for alternatives to the traditional ruling parties. The BJP’s ability to consolidate its support base in West Bengal and the TVK’s growing influence in Tamil Nadu are seen as signs of a shifting political landscape, where new parties and alliances are emerging to challenge the status quo.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has stated that the final results will be declared after the completion of the counting process. The ECI has also urged all political parties and candidates to maintain peace and order during the counting process, emphasizing the importance of a free and fair election.
