UDF's Aryadan Shoukath Leads Nilambur By-Election as Counting Continues

As counting proceeds in Kerala's Malappuram district for the Nilambur Assembly by-election, Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath, representing the United Democratic Front (UDF), maintains a commanding lead. Official Election Commission trends reveal Shoukath's lead extends to 10,482 votes after 16 rounds, prompting celebrations among UDF supporters outside the counting center.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Left Democratic Front independent legislator PV Anvar, following his switch to the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). In conjunction with this, battles are unfolding in several constituencies across India. In Punjab's Ludhiana West, AAP's Sanjeev Arora has gained a lead over Congress's Bharat Bhushan Ashu, with BJP's Jiwan Gupta trailing.

In West Bengal's Kaliganj constituency, TMC's Alifa Ahmed is leading, while in Gujarat's Visavadar seat, BJP's Kirit Patel has secured an edge over AAP's Gopal Italia. Additionally, counting continues in Gujarat's Kadi seat, where BJP's Rajendra Chavda is ahead of Congress's Ramesh Chavda. These by-elections are critically significant for all parties involved.

(With inputs from agencies.)