# Voters Turn Out in Large Numbers Across Six Bypoll Seats as Bengal and Tamil Nadu Witness Political Friction

> Bypolls across five Assembly constituencies and one parliamentary seat concluded with robust voter turnout on Tuesday. Polling was marked by heated political disputes and high-profile complaints in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

**Type:** article · **Category:** India · **Published:** 2026-10-07 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/national/voters-turn-out-in-large-numbers-across-six-bypoll-seats-as-bengal-and-tamil-nadu-witness-political-friction-44344 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Byelections 2026, Assembly Bypolls, Nagaon Lok Sabha, Nandigram Bypoll, Rejinagar Bypoll, Madurantakam Bypoll, Dharapuram Bypoll, Voter Turnout

Electoral exercises across five Assembly segments and one parliamentary constituency concluded on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, recording significant voter participation across multiple regions. Polling stations opened their doors at 7 a.m., witnessing sustained queues throughout the day as citizens exercised their democratic franchise. Ballots sealed during this round of voting are scheduled to be counted on October 9, 2026. While the polling remained largely orderly in most areas, intense political arguments, administrative objections, and police actions created moments of tension in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

## High Participation Marked in Tamil Nadu's Madurantakam and Dharapuram
Voters across Tamil Nadu displayed considerable enthusiasm, resulting in high polling percentages in both contested Assembly seats. Official figures released by the Election Commission of India indicated that Madurantakam (SC) reached an 85.98% turnout, while Dharapuram recorded 80.30% participation by the time voting drew to a close. Historical turnout data reflects a similar tradition of active voting in these areas; during the general Assembly elections held in April 2026, Dharapuram had logged an 89.90% turnout and Madurantakam stood at 93.20%. These byelections were triggered following the resignations of AIADMK legislators K. Maragatham Kumaravel from Madurantakam and P. Sathyabama from Dharapuram, both of whom stepped down shortly before crossing over to the ruling TVK, which subsequently fielded them again from their respective seats.

Candidates from major political outfits shared their perspectives from the ground in Madurantakam. AIADMK contender Kanitha Sampath and DMK candidate I. Paranthamen monitored the proceedings, with the latter asserting that voters felt the election was an unnecessary burden thrust upon them, arguing that visible public discontent would tilt the mandate in favor of the DMK. CPI(M) candidate P. Suganthi was also in the fray. Meanwhile, Naam Tamilar Katchi candidate Janakiraman, contesting under the banner of the Seeman-led party, leveled serious allegations after casting his ballot, claiming that TVK workers distributed money to sway voters and stating that the contest had become a struggle between democratic values and financial muscle.

## Dharapuram Experiences Booth Disruption and Video Expenditure Controversy
Commercial establishments and retail shops remained shut across Dharapuram on polling day as security personnel watched over the voting centers. However, polling at a booth in the Kavundachipudur center came to a sudden halt for approximately an hour following objections from DMK workers against TVK polling agent Saravanan. The protesting party cadre contended that Saravanan, a former DMK member, did not reside in that specific municipality ward. The stalemate required the direct intervention of Returning Officer and Revenue Divisional Officer Felix Raja, who informed the protesting group that statutory provisions permit election agents appointed via Form 10 to operate anywhere within the constituency boundaries.

Even after polling briefly restarted, fresh protests erupted demanding the removal of the agent. The situation was resolved only after former Minister and TVK functionary K.V. Ramalingam met the Revenue Divisional Officer in person, leading to official confirmation that Saravanan could continue his duties inside the booth. Concurrently, an external controversy emerged around TVK nominee P. Sathyabama following the circulation of a video in which she appeared to mention spending ₹31 crore on election-related logistics, including air travel and accommodations. The footage did not specify whether the expenses pertained to her earlier campaign in April or the ongoing bypoll. DMK MLA S. Austin formally submitted a complaint to Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik at the Chennai Secretariat, demanding scrutiny over non-disclosure of campaign finances and Model Code of Conduct violations. In response, P. Sathyabama submitted materials to the poll panel, insisting that the circulating clip was an orchestrated smear by her opponents.

## Puducherry's Thattanchavady Registers 80.81% Turnout
The single Assembly byelection in the Union Territory of Puducherry saw brisk and steady voter mobilization in Thattanchavady. Official tracking dashboards confirmed an 80.81% turnout by the close of the poll. The voting trajectory showed persistent growth from the morning hours, opening with 19.20% between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., moving up to 39.16% by 11 a.m., reaching 56.27% at 1 p.m., climbing to 68.91% at 3 p.m., and recording 78.83% by 5 p.m. before settling at the final figure. Ruling AINRC candidate Ashok Anand cast his vote during the morning session. Polling stations were equipped with accessibility arrangements, including ramps and wheelchairs, ensuring smooth access for elderly voters and individuals with disabilities.

## Bengal Bypolls Feature Heavy Turnout and Arrest of Humayun Kabir
West Bengal's Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies registered heavy polling amidst stringent security supervision. The Nandigram Assembly constituency in Purba Medinipur recorded 79.39% voter turnout, while Rejinagar in Murshidabad registered 78.42%. Election officials confirmed that close to 79% of the 5.24 lakh registered voters across the two segments took part in the exercise. Progress reports highlighted that by 1 p.m., Nandigram had touched 60.32% and Rejinagar stood at 56.435%, which climbed to 71.79% and 69.29% respectively by 3 p.m. Voting officially concluded at 6 p.m., with officials ensuring that all voters waiting within the queues before the cutoff time were allowed to cast their ballots.

The electoral process in Rejinagar was punctuated by legal action against Aam Janata Unnayan Party founder and Nowda legislator Humayun Kabir, who was taken into custody following an altercation with police personnel at a voting center. Murshidabad Superintendent of Police Sachin Makkar explained that Humayun Kabir had no legal standing as a candidate or an authorized polling agent in the constituency, making his movements across booths impermissible. Authorities acted on allegations that he attempted to incite and influence electors. Commenting on the development after casting his ballot in Nandigram, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the law applies equally to all citizens and that nobody has the right to breach established rules. Meanwhile, AJUP candidate Golam Nabi Azad, the son of Humayun Kabir, alleged that voters in minority-heavy localities faced systemic intimidation, home raids, and vandalism by law enforcement over the preceding two months, questioning the fairness of the electoral process.

## Congress Alleges Irregularities While BJP Denounces Opposition Rhetoric
The West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee lodged sharp protests regarding the conduct of polling in both constituencies, demanding a comprehensive repoll. State Congress president Subhankar Sarkar addressed a press conference at Bidhan Bhavan in Kolkata, alleging that party agents were forcibly evicted and physically assaulted across dozens of booths in Rejinagar. The party's nominee in Rejinagar, Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi, staged a sit-in demonstration in front of the local police station to press for the cancellation of the vote. In Nandigram, Congress nominee Milan Pradhan claimed that party agents were systematically barred from entering booths and reported incidents of lathicharge against voters in Chakraberia, where he faced hostile demonstrations from BJP supporters during his field visit.

Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury visited Rejinagar and strongly criticized the administrative handling of the poll, characterizing the environment as an era of silent intimidation. Speaking to reporters, he remarked that silent terror and fraudulent voting defined the Rejinagar election, pointing out that while the state's traditional electoral violence featuring crude bombs and gunfire was absent, administrative coercion facilitated irregular voting and compromised the process. The ruling BJP strongly rejected these allegations, with state chief spokesperson Debjit Sarkar asserting that opposition parties were fabricating excuses in anticipation of an impending electoral loss. He cited provocative public rhetoric concerning demographic ratios, the rebuilding of historical structures, and inflammatory remarks directed at Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari as evidence of deliberate attempts to disturb public order.

## Assam's Nagaon Parliamentary Bypoll Closes Peacefully at 76%
In Assam, the byelection for the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency concluded smoothly with a 76% turnout among its 19.05 lakh registered electors. The parliamentary contest became necessary after Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the seat earlier this year to contest and win the Dispur Assembly constituency on a BJP nomination. Voting began at 7 a.m. across all eight Assembly segments encompassed within the parliamentary boundary, recording 17.68% by 9 a.m., 37.82% by 11 a.m., 56.35% by 1 p.m., and 70.25% by 3 p.m. before concluding at 5 p.m.

Among the individual Assembly segments under the seat, Samaguri registered the highest voter turnout at 80.22%, whereas Raha reported the lowest participation at 70.27% by 5 p.m. Election administration personnel confirmed that no major untoward incidents disrupted the process throughout the day. Although minor technical glitches involving Electronic Voting Machines occurred in a handful of stations, quick replacements by technical teams ensured that polling proceeded without substantial delay.

## What this means for you
The conclusion of these byelections sets the stage for updated representation and governance across the contested regions.

- **Across India:** The outcome of the Nagaon parliamentary byelection in Assam will finalize representation in the Lok Sabha, influencing party strengths at the national legislative level. Counting scheduled for October 9, 2026, will formally establish the winner.
- **In West Bengal and Tamil Nadu:** The Assembly results will directly influence local political dynamics and determine priority areas for developmental projects in these constituencies. Residents will soon have dedicated local legislators to address pending civic issues.
- **Citizen Participation:** The strong voter turnout underscores significant civic engagement with local issues and political representation. Following the relaxation of the Model Code of Conduct, routine administrative and developmental works will resume in these areas.
- **Administrative Scrutiny:** Inquiries into complaints and field disruptions are likely to lead to tightened security protocols in future electoral exercises. This will provide greater procedural assurance for voters participating in subsequent elections.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. When is the vote counting scheduled for these byelections?
The counting of votes for all five Assembly seats and the single Lok Sabha seat is scheduled for October 9, 2026.

### 2. Which Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu went to polls?
Byelections were conducted in the Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

### 3. What was the final voter turnout in Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha seat?
The Nagaon parliamentary constituency in Assam recorded a voter turnout of 76% out of 19.05 lakh registered electors.

### 4. Who was arrested during polling in West Bengal's Rejinagar?
Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief and MLA Humayun Kabir was arrested following an altercation with police personnel.

### 5. What was the recorded voter turnout in Puducherry's Thattanchavady?
Thattanchavady constituency in Puducherry registered a final polling turnout of 80.81% by the close of voting.

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