Sweeping Victories: TMC Shines in Kaliganj By-Elections

Trinamool Congress candidate Alifa Ahmed leads significantly in the Kaliganj by-election, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee praises voters for their overwhelming support. In Kerala, UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath secures a notable win. AAP's Italia Gopal defeats BJP in Visavadar amidst a spate of by-elections.

As the vote count progressed on Monday afternoon in the Kaliganj by-election held in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Alifa Ahmed extended her lead considerably. According to Election Commission data, Ahmed led by 33,255 votes, securing her position as the potential winner of the by-poll necessitated by the passing of TMC leader Nasiruddin Ahmed.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to social media platform X to express her heartfelt gratitude to voters. Banerjee praised the inclusive turnout, stating, "People from all religions, castes, communities, and all walks of life have overwhelmingly blessed us by exercising their voting rights." She attributed the victory to the values of 'Maa-Mati-Manush' and congratulated her colleagues while dedicating the win to the late Nasiruddin Ahmed.

The Kaliganj contest saw the All India Trinamool Congress field Alifa Ahmed against opponents from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress. In Kerala, the ruling LDF faced a setback as UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath triumphed over CPI(M)'s M Swaraj with a substantial margin in the Nilambur by-election. Furthermore, in Gujarat, AAP's Italia Gopal defeated BJP's Kirit Patel in Visavadar following the demise of AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi, marking a series of upsets in recent by-polls.

(With inputs from agencies.)