The ongoing by-elections in India, coinciding with the first phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections, are making headlines for their political significance. Alongside the assembly polls, by-elections are being held for the Wayanad parliamentary seat in Kerala and six legislative assembly seats in West Bengal. These elections are crucial, especially in West Bengal, where the ongoing political battle is complicated by the fallout from the horrific rape and murder case at Kolkata’s RG Medical College, which continues to overshadow the Mamata Banerjee-led government.

Bengal’s Bypolls Intensified by RG Kar Case

The West Bengal by-polls, covering the constituencies of Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, Taldangra, Sitai (SC), and Madarihat (ST), have taken a dramatic turn due to the RG Kar incident. The case, which involves the rape and murder of a junior doctor inside the medical college, has sparked public outcry and become a focal point of the election campaigns. The TMC, which holds five of these seats, faces significant challenges, with BJP accusing the state government of mishandling the case. TMC insiders are keen to gauge the current political sentiment, as this case has led to growing unrest and scrutiny of Mamata Banerjee’s administration.

The election results are crucial for political control and the broader perception of the ruling party’s ability to handle public safety issues. BJP, seizing on the discontent, is confident it can win most of the seats, capitalizing on the criticism surrounding the RG Kar case. Both parties are engaged in a fierce battle to sway voters, with the RG Kar case as a pivotal issue.

Priyanka Gandhi’s Bypoll Debut in Wayanad

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is making her political debut in Kerala by contesting the Wayanad parliamentary by-election. This seat, previously held by her brother, Rahul Gandhi, is under intense scrutiny as Priyanka seeks to establish her political foothold. She faces competition from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate Satyan Mokeri and BJP’s Navya Haridas.

The Gandhi family has thrown its total weight behind Priyanka’s campaign, with Sonia, Rahul, and Priyanka leading multiple rallies and roadshows to emphasize development promises for Wayanad. Congress is confident that Priyanka’s presence will secure the seat, showcasing her potential to advance the party’s legacy. Should Priyanka win, she will join her mother, Sonia Gandhi, and brother, Rahul Gandhi, as part of the family’s parliamentary representation, further solidifying the Gandhi family’s influence in Indian politics.

The Wayanad bypoll has thus become a high-profile political event, as it not only tests Priyanka’s political appeal but also highlights Congress’s position in Kerala. Additionally, the by-polls in West Bengal and Kerala have national implications, with political narratives in both states intertwining with broader governance, justice, and development issues.