Polling commenced on Wednesday for by-elections in 15 Assembly seats across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand.

In Uttar Pradesh, nine constituencies—Meerapur, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair, Karhal, Sishamau, Phulpur, Katehari, and Majhawan—are up for by-polls. These elections hold particular significance for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which faced a major setback in the state during the last elections, winning only 36 of 80 seats.

In Punjab, by-elections are underway in four Assembly constituencies: Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC), and Barnala. Kerala is witnessing by-polls in the Palakkad constituency, while Uttarakhand is holding elections in the Kedarnath Assembly seat.

To ensure a smooth voting process, mock polls were conducted earlier in all constituencies. Election officials finalized preparations, and security has been tightened at polling stations to maintain peace and order.

Polling for Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand has also begun.

(Ani)