Kohima, May 4: The Bharatiya Janata Party has expanded its presence in the Northeast after securing victories in Assembly by-elections in Nagaland and Tripura, with results declared on May 4.
In Nagaland, BJP candidate Daochier I Imchen won the Koridang (ST) seat, which had fallen vacant following the death of veteran leader Imkong L. Imchen. His principal challenger, Congress candidate T Chalukumba Ao, was unable to close the gap, while BJP leader Imchainba Jamir withdrew from the contest, consolidating support in Imchen’s favour.
In Tripura, Jahar Chakraborti secured victory in the Dharmanagar constituency, defeating Congress nominee Chayan Bhattacharjee and CPI(M) candidate Amitabha Datta. The by-election was necessitated by the death of Speaker and four-time MLA Biswa Bandhu Sen.
Both constituencies witnessed strong voter participation during polling held on April 9. Koridang recorded a turnout of 75.06 per cent, the highest among the seats, while Dharmanagar registered 70.09 per cent, indicating significant public engagement.
In contrast, turnout in other states remained comparatively moderate, with Bagalkot in Karnataka recording 54.82 per cent polling and Davanagere South 49.66 per cent.
The Election Commission of India had announced by-elections across eight Assembly constituencies in six states. Polling in Umreth in Gujarat, and Rahuri and Baramati in Maharashtra, was held on April 23, with counting conducted alongside other results.
A proposed by-election in Goa’s Ponda constituency was cancelled following a directive from the Bombay High Court.
The outcome further consolidates the BJP’s position in the Northeast, where the party has steadily expanded its organisational base and electoral influence in recent years.
