Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Bengal Bypolls See 19.47% Turnout in Initial Hours
People voted in by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar, two areas in West Bengal.
Reports said the combined turnout during the initial polling period was 19.47 percent.
Nandigram’s reported turnout was 20.89 percent, and Rejinagar’s was 18.05 percent.
The reports describe these figures as being recorded by 9 a.m., while also calling them the first two hours of voting.
Voting was scheduled to continue until 6 p.m.
Some parties said their polling agents faced problems getting into or staying in booths.
The BJP candidate in Nandigram denied a Congress candidate’s claim that BJP supporters drove his agents out.
Humayun Kabir was arrested in Rejinagar, and police said he had broken rules about moving between polling booths.
Officials also sought a report about his arrest.
The combined turnout in the Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls was reported at 19.47% during the initial polling period.
Nandigram recorded 20.89% turnout and Rejinagar 18.05%; reports give the figures as of 9 a.m., while also describing them as covering the first two hours.
Polling was scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; reports described the process as largely peaceful, with stray incidents.
In Rejinagar, authorities sought a report after AJUP founder Humayun Kabir was arrested; police said he had no authority to move between booths and make provocative statements.
CPI(M) and Congress alleged polling-agent interference; Nandigram BJP candidate Hasirani Rath denied the Congress candidate’s allegation.
- Who
- Voters and candidates in the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly by-elections; party representatives including Humayun Kabir.
- What
- By-elections were held, with a reported combined turnout of 19.47% in the initial polling period, alongside complaints and an arrest.
- When
- Tuesday; reports give turnout figures as of 9 a.m. and describe them as covering the first two hours. Polling was scheduled to continue until 6 p.m.
- Where
- Nandigram in East Midnapore (Purba Medinipur) district and Rejinagar in Murshidabad district, West Bengal.
- Why
- The Nandigram bypoll followed Suvendu Adhikari retaining Bhabanipur after winning Nandigram in the 2026 assembly election. Rejinagar fell vacant after Humayun Kabir retained Nowda.
Party allegations
Denials and police explanation
Polling agents in Nandigram
Party allegations
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan alleged BJP supporters forced his polling agents out of booths while central forces did not intervene.
Denials and police explanation
BJP candidate Hasirani Rath denied the allegation and called it false.
Polling agents in Rejinagar
Party allegations
CPI(M) alleged its polling agents were not allowed into or to sit in four booths in Dadpur.
Denials and police explanation
The reports give no response to the CPI(M)’s allegation.
Humayun Kabir’s arrest
Party allegations
The reports do not include Kabir’s response to his arrest.
Denials and police explanation
A district police officer said Kabir was not a candidate or polling agent, had no authority to move between booths and make provocative statements, and had violated rules.
Sheikh Asraful Tulla’s arrest
Party allegations
Congress alleged its Nandigram Block-1 president was detained unnecessarily.
Denials and police explanation
The reports provide no response from police or other authorities to that allegation.
- Combined reported turnout
- 19.47% in the initial polling period
- Nandigram turnout
- 20.89%, reported as of 9 a.m.
- Rejinagar turnout
- 18.05%, reported as of 9 a.m.
- Scheduled polling hours
- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Rejinagar polling-agent complaint
- CPI(M) alleged its agents were not allowed into or to sit in booths 112, 113, 114 and 122 in Dadpur.
- Nandigram polling-agent complaint
- Congress candidate Milan Pradhan alleged BJP supporters forced his agents out; BJP candidate Hasirani Rath denied the allegation.
- Arrest in Rejinagar
- AJUP founder Humayun Kabir was arrested; the West Bengal CEO’s office sought a report from the Murshidabad district administration.
- Additional arrest
- Nandigram Block-1 Congress president Sheikh Asraful Tulla was arrested; Congress said he was detained unnecessarily.
