High Stakes and Drama: By-elections in Kaliganj Heat Up

A by-election in West Bengal's Kaliganj assembly witnessed 45.23% voter turnout by 1 pm. Polling was generally peaceful, though a controversy arose over a Congress polling agent's removal. The election fills a seat vacated by the late TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed, with multiple parties vying for victory.

The by-election for the Kaliganj assembly seat in West Bengal's Nadia district recorded a 45.23 percent voter turnout by 1 pm, as polling continued smoothly with no incidents reported, according to officials.

The election, prompted by the death of Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed, has seen his daughter Alifa Ahamed running to retain the seat for the ruling party. The BJP's Ashis Ghosh and Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh, supported by the CPI(M), are also in the fray.

Despite a peaceful atmosphere, tensions arose when Congress accused Trinamool Congress workers of removing its polling agent from a booth, a claim denied by the ruling party. Fourteen companies of central forces ensured security in the constituency, where voting will conclude at 5 pm.

(With inputs from agencies.)