A near 20,000-vote Conservative majority was overturned by the Labour Party in Tamworth as they clinched victory for the first time in the area since a bellwether byelection took place in 1996.

Sarah Edwards from the Labour Party clinched 11,719 votes ahead of Tory candidate Andrew Cooper, who received 10,403 votes, which clearly gave Labour a lead of 1,316 votes. The result was a 23.89 per cent swing to the party of Keir Starmer.

The voter turnout in the by-election was also low at 35.87 per cent, which was a little more than half of the turnout seen in 2019. The byelections of Thursday seemed like a signal for the Labour Party which took away the Tory majority and won Mid Bedfordshire, which was the former seat of Nadine Dorries.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-charged-by-uk-police-after-being-held-over-climate-protest-648524">Greta Thunberg charged by UK police after being held over climate protest</a>

Edwards, in her victory speech, stated that the voters of Tamworth had “sent a clear message to Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives that they have had enough of this failed government, which has crashed the economy and destroyed our public services. The people of Tamworth have made it clear. It’s time for change.”

Conservative candidate Cooper reached the counting hall after other candidates had reached and were standing on the stage and waiting for the announcement of the results.

Just before he arrived, Conservative party operatives were warned by the council officials that the declaration of results could happen without his presence. One Tory staffer was heard commenting that Cooper got lost in the parking area.

<h2>What triggered the Tamworth elections?&nbsp;</h2>

The Tamworth elections took place when Chris Pincher, who was elected to the seat in 2010, resigned after it was found that he had groped two men in an "egregious case of sexual misconduct".

UK's then-prime minister Boris Johnson, who was handling the case, saw the submission of ministerial resignations which started the end of his premiership.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is the UK set to be on the worst place to live?

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This week, Cooper faced flak for sharing a Facebook post in 2020 in which jobless parents, who were not able to feed their children, were asked to “f*** off” if they were able to pay a £30 phone bill.

While refusing to condemn the comments of Cooper at prime minister's questions, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that he was proud of the fact the government was able to support families during the cost of living crisis.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror on Wednesday (Oct 18), Cooper defended sharing the Facebook post, stating, “There are too many people on out-of-work benefits and there needs to be improved incentives to get people into work.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A near 20,000-vote Conservative majority was overturned by the Labour Party in Tamworth as they clinched victory for the first time in the area since a bellwether byelection took place in 1996.

A near 20,000-vote Conservative majority was overturned by the Labour Party in Tamworth as they clinched victory for the first time in the area since a bellwether byelection took place in 1996. Sarah Edwards from the Labour Party clinched 11,719 votes ahead of Tory candidate Andrew Cooper, who received 10,403 votes, which clearly gave Labour a lead of 1,316 votes. The result was a 23.89 per cent swing to the party of Keir Starmer. The voter turnout in the by-election was also low at 35.87 per cent, which was a little more than half of the turnout seen in 2019. The byelections of Thursday seemed like a signal for the Labour Party which took away the Tory majority and won Mid Bedfordshire, which was the former seat of Nadine Dorries. ALSO READ | Greta Thunberg charged by UK police after being held over climate protest Edwards, in her victory speech, stated that the voters of Tamworth had “sent a clear message to Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives that they have had enough of this failed government, which has crashed the economy and destroyed our public services. The people of Tamworth have made it clear. It’s time for change.” Conservative candidate Cooper reached the counting hall after other candidates had reached and were standing on the stage and waiting for the announcement of the results. Just before he arrived, Conservative party operatives were warned by the council officials that the declaration of results could happen without his presence. One Tory staffer was heard commenting that Cooper got lost in the parking area. What triggered the Tamworth elections? The Tamworth elections took place when Chris Pincher, who was elected to the seat in 2010, resigned after it was found that he had groped two men in an "egregious case of sexual misconduct". UK's then-prime minister Boris Johnson, who was handling the case, saw the submission of ministerial resignations which started the end of his premiership. WATCH | Gravitas: Is the UK set to be on the worst place to live? This week, Cooper faced flak for sharing a Facebook post in 2020 in which jobless parents, who were not able to feed their children, were asked to “f*** off” if they were able to pay a £30 phone bill. While refusing to condemn the comments of Cooper at prime minister's questions, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that he was proud of the fact the government was able to support families during the cost of living crisis. Speaking to the Daily Mirror on Wednesday (Oct 18), Cooper defended sharing the Facebook post, stating, “There are too many people on out-of-work benefits and there needs to be improved incentives to get people into work.” (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK's ruling Conservatives suffer major setback as Labour win second by-election

Chandy Oommen is the son of the late Ommen Chandy, a veteran Congress leader and a two-time Chief Minister of Kerala. He retained the Puthupally assembly constituency in Kerala by a margin of over 36,000 votes in the bypoll held on Friday, September 8.

Chandy Oommen is the son of the late Ommen Chandy, a veteran Congress leader and a two-time Chief Minister of Kerala. He retained the Puthupally assembly constituency in Kerala by a margin of over 36,000 votes in the bypoll held on Friday, September 8. He surpassed his father's record of a victory margin of 33,255 votes in the constituency. Oommen gained a clear edge since the initial round. His nearest rival, LDF Party's Jaick C Thomas, did not surpass him in even one of the rounds. The bypoll elections happened as Oommen Chandy's demise on September 5 left the seat vacant. Here's everything you need to know about Puthupally's new choice, Chandy Oommen. Chandy Oommen: Education & Political Career Chandy Oomen was born in March 1986 in Puthupally's Kottayam district, Kerala. He completed his schooling at Loyola School in 1992. He pursued his BA honours and MA in History from New Delhi's St. Stephen's College. In college, he was the president of the students' union between 2006 and 2007. He was also the state secretary of Youth Congress in 2013. After his post-graduation, Chandy finished his LLB from Delhi University and LLM in Constitutional Law at Christ University in Bengaluru in 2015-16. Chandy Oommen attended the summer course 2016 at the London School of Economics. He also completed his LLM in criminology at the National Law University, New Delhi. ALSO READ | Rahul Gandhi calls out govt for not inviting Congress president to G20 dinner Chandy Oommen is a practising lawyer. He served as adjunct faculty at Amity University and Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. Since his college days, Chandy Oommen has been a part of Congress's organisational structure. The 37-year-old is the chairman of the Youth Congress's national outreach cell. He is also a member of KPCC (Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee). Chandy Oommen also participated in Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. However, he skipped it midway due to his father's illness. His father, Oommen Chandy, had represented the constituency for over 53 years. In the Puthupally by-elections, Oommen won the seat, bagging 78,098 votes, while the LDF candidate Jaick C Thomas received 41,644 votes. Seven candidates participated in the face-off, and the voter turnout was around 72 per cent. After his victory, Chandy Oommen addressed the media and said, "My father has been a member of every family in Puthuppally. He was a father, a brother, and a son for the people of Puthuppally. I would be here for all of you as my father had been for you. It is the victory of the people who loved my father." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Who is Chandy Oommen? Puthupally bypoll winner who surpassed father and ex-Kerala CM Oommen Chandy's record

The results for the by-elections that were held across six Indian states will be declared today on Friday (Sept 8), as the counting of votes has begun.

It will be a litmus test for the INDIA alliance—a coalition of 26 regional and national parties that was formed to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The results of Friday’s bypolls would give a sense of which the voters are leaning ahead of the general elections, where Modi will seek to retain his third term.

Across&nbsp;six states, seven seats saw tough between the parties on Sept 5. These are: Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, Ghosi in Uttar Pradesh, Puthuppally in Kerala, Dhupguri in West Bengal, Dumri in Jharkhand, and Boxanagar and Dhanpur in Tripura.

<h2>Security tightened, counting underway</h2>

Out of the seven seats, three (Dhanpur, Bageshwar and Dhupguri) were held by the BJP and one each by the Samajwadi Party (Ghosi), CPI(M) (Boxanagar), JMM (Dumri) and the Congress (Puthuppally).

In the Ghosi constituency, the polling percentage was recorded at 50.77 per cent and in Jharkhand's Dumri a total of 64.84 per cent voter turnout was recorded.

The Ghosi seat fell vacant after the resignation of SP MLA and OBC leader Dara Singh Chauhan, who rejoined the BJP.

For the Bageshwar assembly bypoll in Uttarakhand, the counting will be done at 14 tables with 130 polling personnel on the job, District Magistrate Anuradha Pal said on Thursday.

In Tripura, the counting of votes began at 8 am on Friday for the by-elections to the two assembly seats in Sepahijala district.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unfair-for-pm-modi-to-tamil-nadu-cm-stalin-defends-sons-eradicate-sanatan-remarks-633352">‘Unfair for PM Modi to…’: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin defends son's ‘eradicate Sanatan’ remarks</a>

The polling for the by-elections to the Dhanpur and Boxanagar seats was held on September 5. An average turnout of 86.50 per cent was recorded in the two seats.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asean-central-pillar-in-indias-act-east-policy-pm-modi-in-jakarta-633131">'21st century belongs to Asia', declares PM Modi at ASEAN Summit</a>

The counting was being held at the Sonamura Girls' School amid tight security.

Alleging large-scale rigging during the polling and inaction by the Election Commission, the opposition CPI(M) was boycotting the counting of votes. The two seats are witnessing a one-on-one fight between the ruling BJP and the CPI(M) with the other two opposition parties, Tipra Motha and Congress, not fielding any candidates.&nbsp;

In West Bengal's Dhupguri, personnel of CAPFs and the state police are guarding the strong room on the second campus of North Bengal University in Jalpaiguri, an official said.

Around 76 per cent of 2,60,000 eligible voters exercised their franchise in the by-election.

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The results for the by-elections that were held across six Indian states will be declared today on Friday (Sept 8), as the counting of votes has begun. It will be a litmus test for the INDIA alliance—a coalition of 26 regional and national parties that was formed to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The results for the by-elections that were held across six Indian states will be declared today on Friday (Sept 8), as the counting of votes has begun. It will be a litmus test for the INDIA alliance—a coalition of 26 regional and national parties that was formed to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The results of Friday’s bypolls would give a sense of which the voters are leaning ahead of the general elections, where Modi will seek to retain his third term. Across six states, seven seats saw tough between the parties on Sept 5. These are: Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, Ghosi in Uttar Pradesh, Puthuppally in Kerala, Dhupguri in West Bengal, Dumri in Jharkhand, and Boxanagar and Dhanpur in Tripura. Security tightened, counting underway Out of the seven seats, three (Dhanpur, Bageshwar and Dhupguri) were held by the BJP and one each by the Samajwadi Party (Ghosi), CPI(M) (Boxanagar), JMM (Dumri) and the Congress (Puthuppally). In the Ghosi constituency, the polling percentage was recorded at 50.77 per cent and in Jharkhand's Dumri a total of 64.84 per cent voter turnout was recorded. The Ghosi seat fell vacant after the resignation of SP MLA and OBC leader Dara Singh Chauhan, who rejoined the BJP. For the Bageshwar assembly bypoll in Uttarakhand, the counting will be done at 14 tables with 130 polling personnel on the job, District Magistrate Anuradha Pal said on Thursday. In Tripura, the counting of votes began at 8 am on Friday for the by-elections to the two assembly seats in Sepahijala district. Also read | ‘Unfair for PM Modi to…’: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin defends son's ‘eradicate Sanatan’ remarks The polling for the by-elections to the Dhanpur and Boxanagar seats was held on September 5. An average turnout of 86.50 per cent was recorded in the two seats. Also read | '21st century belongs to Asia', declares PM Modi at ASEAN Summit The counting was being held at the Sonamura Girls' School amid tight security. Alleging large-scale rigging during the polling and inaction by the Election Commission, the opposition CPI(M) was boycotting the counting of votes. The two seats are witnessing a one-on-one fight between the ruling BJP and the CPI(M) with the other two opposition parties, Tipra Motha and Congress, not fielding any candidates. In West Bengal's Dhupguri, personnel of CAPFs and the state police are guarding the strong room on the second campus of North Bengal University in Jalpaiguri, an official said. Around 76 per cent of 2,60,000 eligible voters exercised their franchise in the by-election. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India by-elections: Counting of votes underway across six states

Voters in the United Kingdom (UK) went to the polls on Thursday (July 20) in three electoral districts with the Conservative Party bracing for a drubbing over a cost-of-living crisis and a string of political scandals.

Voters in the United Kingdom (UK) went to the polls on Thursday (July 20) in three electoral districts with the Conservative Party bracing for a drubbing over a cost-of-living crisis and a string of political scandals. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, three opinion polls this week gave the Labour Party a lead of at least 15 points over the Conservatives nationwide. The Labour Party hopes to win Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency in suburban London as well as the Selby and Ainsty constituency. The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, are favoured to win in southwest England’s Somerton and Frome, the report said. The results of the election are expected early Friday. A 'tough battle' for Conservatives On Wednesday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Conservative lawmakers the bye-elections would be a tough battle but said he still thought the party could win the next general election. “I promise you we can do this, but we can only do it together as one team,” Prime Minister Sunak added. The elections are a part of the still-rippling shockwaves from the turbulent term of former prime minister Boris Johnson, who quit as a lawmaker in June after a standards watchdog concluded he had lied to Parliament about lawbreaking parties in his office during the Covid pandemic. An ally followed Johnson out the door, and another lawmaker has resigned amid sex and drugs allegations, triggering the three by-elections. And a defeat in the current elections would increase grumbles that PM Sunak is failing to turn the party’s fortunes around after the mayhem caused by Johnson. The last time, a governing party lost three by-elections in one day was in 1968 under then prime minister Harold Wilson. After becoming the prime minister in October last year, Sunak inherited an economy reeling from the brief term of former PM Liz Truss, who stepped down from the top post after her economic plans drove up the cost of government borrowing and hammered the pound. Unfavourable election results for Conservatives could prompt Sunak to shake up his government with a Cabinet shuffle. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK by-elections: Conservatives brace for drubbing over cost-of-living crisis, political scandals

Candidates representing the ruling party led by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida clinched victory over four of five parliamentary seats up in the by-elections on Sunday, stated the domestic media, in what looked like a sign of increasing support for the premier.

Political analysts said that it would be interesting to see if Kishida takes advantage of the momentum and calls for a snap election after dissolving the lower house of parliament.

However, Kishida, on Monday morning said that he was not planning to call a snap election currently. "I am determined to advance important policies while listening to the voices of the people," he said.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-shot-japans-former-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-what-was-the-motive-495459">Shinzo Abe, the assassinated ex-PM of Japan, whose rare state funeral is causing a furore</a>

The by-elections, which were closely watched, were held eight days after PM Kishida safely escaped an attack that took place when he was giving an speech outdoors for the by-elections.

A cylindrical object was hurled by a man which exploded and emitted white smoke near the prime minister in Wakayama. However, PM Kishida remained unharmed in the attack.

The incident revived people's memories of former premier Shinzo Abe's assassination at an election campaign event last July.

Former defence minister Nobuo Kishi's eldest son Nobuchiyo Kishi won a seat in the parliament's lower house in southwestern Yamaguchi prefecture, reported public broadcaster NHK as well as other media outlets.

A candidate, representing Kishida's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), also won a lower house seat in Yamaguchi which was earlier held by Abe, added the reports.

Kishida, who recently witnessed a recovery in his cabinet's support ratings, is organising a Group of Seven (G7) leaders summit in Hiroshima, which is his hometown, next month.

"This is a boost for the early dissolution of the Diet after the Hiroshima summit," stated Hiroshi Shiratori, who is a professor of political science working at Hosei University in Tokyo.

WATCH | Japan: Smoke bomb thrown at Prime Minister Fumio Kishida | World News | WION

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The candidates representing the ruling party also clinched an upper house seat in Oita prefecture which is on the southwestern island of Kyushu as well as a lower house seat in Chiba prefecture near the capital city, stated NHK said, what the analysts stated should have turned into an easier race for the LDP candidate.

"The fact that it was as close as it was is not an encouraging sign," stated Tobias Harris, deputy director of the Indo-Pacific programme at the German Marshall Fund, a Washington-based think tank.

In Wakayama prefecture, where Kishida recently faced an attack, a candidate who was representing the conservative Japan Innovation Party clinched the seat of the lower house which was left for grabs, as per the broadcaster.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Candidates representing the ruling party led by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida clinched victory over four of five parliamentary seats up in the by-elections on Sunday, stated the domestic media, in what looked like a sign of increasing support for the premier.

Candidates representing the ruling party led by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida clinched victory over four of five parliamentary seats up in the by-elections on Sunday, stated the domestic media, in what looked like a sign of increasing support for the premier. Political analysts said that it would be interesting to see if Kishida takes advantage of the momentum and calls for a snap election after dissolving the lower house of parliament. However, Kishida, on Monday morning said that he was not planning to call a snap election currently. "I am determined to advance important policies while listening to the voices of the people," he said. ALSO READ | Shinzo Abe, the assassinated ex-PM of Japan, whose rare state funeral is causing a furore The by-elections, which were closely watched, were held eight days after PM Kishida safely escaped an attack that took place when he was giving an speech outdoors for the by-elections. A cylindrical object was hurled by a man which exploded and emitted white smoke near the prime minister in Wakayama. However, PM Kishida remained unharmed in the attack. The incident revived people's memories of former premier Shinzo Abe's assassination at an election campaign event last July. Former defence minister Nobuo Kishi's eldest son Nobuchiyo Kishi won a seat in the parliament's lower house in southwestern Yamaguchi prefecture, reported public broadcaster NHK as well as other media outlets. A candidate, representing Kishida's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), also won a lower house seat in Yamaguchi which was earlier held by Abe, added the reports. Kishida, who recently witnessed a recovery in his cabinet's support ratings, is organising a Group of Seven (G7) leaders summit in Hiroshima, which is his hometown, next month. "This is a boost for the early dissolution of the Diet after the Hiroshima summit," stated Hiroshi Shiratori, who is a professor of political science working at Hosei University in Tokyo. WATCH | Japan: Smoke bomb thrown at Prime Minister Fumio Kishida | World News | WION The candidates representing the ruling party also clinched an upper house seat in Oita prefecture which is on the southwestern island of Kyushu as well as a lower house seat in Chiba prefecture near the capital city, stated NHK said, what the analysts stated should have turned into an easier race for the LDP candidate. "The fact that it was as close as it was is not an encouraging sign," stated Tobias Harris, deputy director of the Indo-Pacific programme at the German Marshall Fund, a Washington-based think tank. In Wakayama prefecture, where Kishida recently faced an attack, a candidate who was representing the conservative Japan Innovation Party clinched the seat of the lower house which was left for grabs, as per the broadcaster. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japan's ruling party clinches four of five seats in by-elections

In a big setback for the UK PM Boris Johnson, Tories lost two seats in crucial by-polls. However, Johnson has vowed not to resign. However, Tory party chairman Oliver Dowden resigned over the losses.

UK: Tories lose both seats in by-elections

The UK by-elections will decide UK PM Boris Johnson's future as counting is underway in 2 constituencies. Though, Torries are poised to lose crucial polls.

Trouble mounts for UK PM Boris Johnson as Tories are poised to lose crucial by-elections

Japan's ruling party is set to lose 2 of 3 seats in the upcoming parliamentary by-elections which are widely seen as a litmus test for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. The exit polls have predicted a huge blow to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ahead of national elections this year.

Japan's ruling party to lose 2 of 3 seats in parliamentary by-elections

The by-elections for two Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh will be held on September 23, Election Commission of India (ECI) stated on Thursday.

Polling will be held from 9am to 4pm on September 23, while counting of votes will take place on the same day.

The by-elections were necessitated after the resignations of Surendra Singh Nagar and Sanjay Seth from the Rajya Sabha and the Samajwadi Party.&nbsp;

Both the leaders joined BJP earlier this month.&nbsp;

The by-elections for two Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh will be held on September 23, Election Commission of India (ECI) stated on Thursday. Polling will be held from 9am to 4pm on September 23, while counting of votes will take place on the same day.

The by-elections for two Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh will be held on September 23, Election Commission of India (ECI) stated on Thursday. Polling will be held from 9am to 4pm on September 23, while counting of votes will take place on the same day. The by-elections were necessitated after the resignations of Surendra Singh Nagar and Sanjay Seth from the Rajya Sabha and the Samajwadi Party. Both the leaders joined BJP earlier this month.

By-elections for two Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh to be held on September 23

New UK PM faces blow in By-Elections. Johnson wants Brexit with or without a deal on October 31

WION Dispatch: Boris Johnson loses 1st Electoral test

New UK PM faces blow in By-Elections. Johnson wants Brexit with or without a deal on October 31.

Terming the SP-BSP alliance as a `scientific experiment` which did not succeed, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/samajwadi-party-to-go-solo-in-uttar-pradesh-assembly-bypolls-if-bsp-tie-ends-akhilesh-yadav-224248">SP chief Akhilesh Yadav </a>on Wednesday said that his respect for BSP supremo Mayawati remained intact even after they have parted ways.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-rld-announces-it-will-fight-up-assembly-bypolls-alone-224447">Now RLD announces it will fight UP assembly bypolls alone</a>

"I studied engineering in Mysore. As a science student, I know that all experiments do not always succeed. But still we give it a trial and learn what is lacking," said Akhilesh while talking to reporters here.

Akhilesh on Tuesday announced that his party would contest all 11 Assembly by-elections in the state after BSP chief Mayawati announced that her party has decided to contest these elections on its own following the poor performance of SP-BSP alliance in the recently held Lok Sabha elections.

Samajwadi Party had got 5 seats in the state, while BSP got 10 taking the `mahagathbandhan` tally to a dismal 15, far behind the BJP`s 62 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Maintaining that his respect for Mayawati remains intact, Akhilesh said: "In the very first press conference, I had said that my respect is Mayawati ji`s respect and even today I stand by that statement.

"To the possibility of his party joining hands with the BSP again in the UP assembly elections which are due in 2022, Akhilesh said, "We are fighting by-elections on our own. After consultation with senior party leaders, we will finalise the strategy for 2022."

"We can have different paths and different working styles and I would extend my best wishes to everybody," he added.

Extending his wishes to the whole nation on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Akhilesh said, "We all should commit to preserving Ganga-Jamuni culture and the beauty of the nation where people of all castes and religion live in harmony."

Taking on the state BJP government in the wake of the killing of his party functionary in Ghazipur, Akhilesh said, "In Amethi, a BJP leader was killed by the BJP people only and immediate action was taken by police. But in the case of SP worker who was killed in Ghazipur, no action has been taken."

"A girl was burnt alive while another girl was picked by goons in Lucknow. The whole state is reeling under lawlessness," he said.

To a query of whether he would like to extend birthday wishes to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Akhilesh quipped: "I don`t generally wish people on their birthdays. I believe we should not feel happy on our birthdays as we grow one year older."&nbsp;

Terming the SP-BSP alliance as a `scientific experiment` which did not succeed, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that his respect for BSP supremo Mayawati remained intact even after they have parted ways.

Terming the SP-BSP alliance as a `scientific experiment` which did not succeed, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that his respect for BSP supremo Mayawati remained intact even after they have parted ways. Also read: Now RLD announces it will fight UP assembly bypolls alone "I studied engineering in Mysore. As a science student, I know that all experiments do not always succeed. But still we give it a trial and learn what is lacking," said Akhilesh while talking to reporters here. Akhilesh on Tuesday announced that his party would contest all 11 Assembly by-elections in the state after BSP chief Mayawati announced that her party has decided to contest these elections on its own following the poor performance of SP-BSP alliance in the recently held Lok Sabha elections. Samajwadi Party had got 5 seats in the state, while BSP got 10 taking the `mahagathbandhan` tally to a dismal 15, far behind the BJP`s 62 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Maintaining that his respect for Mayawati remains intact, Akhilesh said: "In the very first press conference, I had said that my respect is Mayawati ji`s respect and even today I stand by that statement. "To the possibility of his party joining hands with the BSP again in the UP assembly elections which are due in 2022, Akhilesh said, "We are fighting by-elections on our own. After consultation with senior party leaders, we will finalise the strategy for 2022." "We can have different paths and different working styles and I would extend my best wishes to everybody," he added. Extending his wishes to the whole nation on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Akhilesh said, "We all should commit to preserving Ganga-Jamuni culture and the beauty of the nation where people of all castes and religion live in harmony." Taking on the state BJP government in the wake of the killing of his party functionary in Ghazipur, Akhilesh said, "In Amethi, a BJP leader was killed by the BJP people only and immediate action was taken by police. But in the case of SP worker who was killed in Ghazipur, no action has been taken." "A girl was burnt alive while another girl was picked by goons in Lucknow. The whole state is reeling under lawlessness," he said. To a query of whether he would like to extend birthday wishes to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Akhilesh quipped: "I don`t generally wish people on their birthdays. I believe we should not feel happy on our birthdays as we grow one year older."

We are fighting by-elections on our own, will finalise the strategy for 2022: Akhilesh Yadav

Myanmar voters cast their ballots in a small but key by-election Saturday, a rare local test of support for embattled leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party more than halfway through her time in office.

Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) swept to power in 2015 in a landslide victory ending decades of military rule.

But her tenure has been marred by a failure to speak up for Rohingya Muslims driven out of the country by the army and stumbling peace talks with insurgent groups in lawless border areas.

A mere 13 positions are in play in the country's second by-election since the national poll three years ago, but they are spread out across the country and include parliamentary and regional assembly seats.

Some two-dozen parties are in the mix and 69 candidates are taking part.

At one polling station in Yangon's Tamwe township residents showed support for Suu Kyi while acknowledging some of the criticism.

"I voted NLD this morning," Maung Maung, 34, a software engineer who lives in Tamwe, told AFP.

"I was a strong supporter of the NLD for years but during the years when NLD took power, there were some failures that they are working on," he added, without going into detail.

Aye Soe, a 52-year-old street vendor, expressed full-throated backing.

"I will support her until I die," she said.

Initial results are expected to be announced on Sunday.

Nobel laureate Suu Kyi's reputation at home is more secure than it is abroad, where her image as a rights icon has been shattered by the Rohingya crisis.

More than 720,000 from the stateless Muslim minority have fled to Bangladesh since a military crackdown in August 2017.

Huddled in crowded camps, they have recounted stories of murder, rape and villages burned to the ground.

Myanmar has denied almost all of the allegations, saying soldiers were defending themselves against Rohingya militants.

UN investigators have called for the situation to be referred to the International Criminal Court and for senior members of the Tatmadaw, as the armed forces are known, to be investigated on genocide charges.

Myanmar voters cast their ballots in a small but key by-election Saturday, a rare local test of support for embattled leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party more than halfway through her time in office.

Myanmar voters cast their ballots in a small but key by-election Saturday, a rare local test of support for embattled leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party more than halfway through her time in office. Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) swept to power in 2015 in a landslide victory ending decades of military rule. But her tenure has been marred by a failure to speak up for Rohingya Muslims driven out of the country by the army and stumbling peace talks with insurgent groups in lawless border areas. A mere 13 positions are in play in the country's second by-election since the national poll three years ago, but they are spread out across the country and include parliamentary and regional assembly seats. Some two-dozen parties are in the mix and 69 candidates are taking part. At one polling station in Yangon's Tamwe township residents showed support for Suu Kyi while acknowledging some of the criticism. "I voted NLD this morning," Maung Maung, 34, a software engineer who lives in Tamwe, told AFP. "I was a strong supporter of the NLD for years but during the years when NLD took power, there were some failures that they are working on," he added, without going into detail. Aye Soe, a 52-year-old street vendor, expressed full-throated backing. "I will support her until I die," she said. Initial results are expected to be announced on Sunday. Nobel laureate Suu Kyi's reputation at home is more secure than it is abroad, where her image as a rights icon has been shattered by the Rohingya crisis. More than 720,000 from the stateless Muslim minority have fled to Bangladesh since a military crackdown in August 2017. Huddled in crowded camps, they have recounted stories of murder, rape and villages burned to the ground. Myanmar has denied almost all of the allegations, saying soldiers were defending themselves against Rohingya militants. UN investigators have called for the situation to be referred to the International Criminal Court and for senior members of the Tatmadaw, as the armed forces are known, to be investigated on genocide charges.

Myanmar by-election rare local test for Aung San Suu Kyi

Asked what Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has changed since becoming Myanmar's leader two years ago, most residents of Kachin state in the far north say the roads: new tarmac smoothes the path for cars, motorbikes and campaign trucks ahead of a by-election set for Saturday.

But beyond the city limits, near-perpetual civil war rumbles on. Many here say the administration's inability to tackle the country's toughest problems, including continued ethnic fighting, has soured the mood among voters ahead of polls this weekend being closely watched as a barometer on Suu Kyi's government and the future of Myanmar's democratic transition.

Suu Kyi swept to power pledging that a peace process to end Myanmar's myriad ethnic conflicts was her top priority. But since then Kachin has seen some of the most intense fightings between the military and ethnic rebels since a ceasefire broke down seven years ago, with thousands of people displaced.

"We voted for her and she won and came into power," said 40-year-old Htu Lun, who was driven from her home in 2011 and has since lived in one of the dozens of displacement camps in Myitkyina, the state capital.

"But in reality, nothing has changed. Now the election time has come again, we will choose the party that serves our interest."

Thirteen seats in the upper and lower houses of parliament and regional assemblies across Myanmar are being contested in Saturday's by-elections. Eleven fell vacant when legislators died in office, a reflection of Myanmar's ageing political leadership, while one MP, Win Myint, became president.

The election of the NLD in late 2015 brought an end to half-a-century of junta rule but the new government, which must still share power with the military, is now facing multiple crises.

The army has been accused by UN&nbsp;rights investigators of acting with "genocidal intent" against Rohingya Muslims in a crackdown in western Rakhine state last year. Meanwhile, the economy has slowed and peace talks with rebels from Kachin and other ethnic minority areas have faltered.

Suu Kyi's administration has no control over the army, but has denied almost all the allegations against troops in Rakhine. NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt told Reuters economic progress has stalled but not reversed, and the expectations of the people were too high. Making peace is the government's top priority, he said, but all parties, including ethnic leaders and the military, have to co-operate.

While several of the seats up for grabs on Saturday lie in the country's Buddhist heartland and are likely to remain under NLD control, representatives of the ruling party have voiced jitters about areas where they face stiff competition from ascendant ethnic parties.

Low turnout in some places could skew the result against the NLD, analysts said. Though Myitkyina is one of the most hotly contested seats, several people there whom Reuters spoke to were not aware a by-election was taking place, while others said they did not plan to vote.

"This time we have to struggle for victory – it will not be easy," said Aung Shin, a spokesman for the NLD.

Late last month, Suu Kyi flew to Myitkyina, visiting displacement camps and a drug rehabilitation centre funded by her charity.

Yan Hkawn, the party's candidate in the city, said the vote would likely be split.

Suu Kyi is trying to solve all the country's problems, she said. "It's not easy to achieve that by walking alone, by herself," she said.

Ethnic alliance

While supporters say the government needs more time to effect change, disillusionment runs high in ethnic areas, where residents harbour longstanding distrust of the Bamar Buddhist majority.

"Daw Suu Kyi promised us, 'We will change everything, everyone will get equal rights',” said Win Aung, an 80-year-old Muslim leader, sitting by the side of the road after watching campaign trucks bearing her face pass by.

But religious discrimination against Christians – the majority in Kachin state – and Muslims has continued, he said.

"We need permission when we are planning a religious ceremony," he said. "Still now, we never get permission."

NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt said the government was working to bridge religious and racial divides.

"The person who understands Myanmar politics will know that a huge number of religious fanatics exist," he told Reuters. "We can't change that in a short time."

As well as more than 700,000 Rohingya forced to flee Rakhine for Bangladesh after the military crackdown in 2017, more than 68,000 people have been internally displaced by fighting in Kachin and northern Shan state since January 2017, according to the UN&nbsp;Organisation for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

In an October report published by the independent election monitoring group PACE, a quarter of respondents said ethnic conflict had worsened since the NLD took power.

Six of the seats being contested on Saturday are in ethnic areas, and analysts are watching the result for signs of what might happen when the country goes to the polls in the next general election in 2020.

In recent months, minority parties that previously competed against one another have merged to run under one banner, forming alliances that could pose a strong challenge to the NLD, which currently holds a comfortable majority in parliament despite the constitution reserving 25 per cent of seats for the military.

"We can see that the ethnic movement in the election is quite powerful," said Yangon-based analyst Maung Maung Soe. "If there is no landslide win like in 2015, it will be difficult for the NLD to form a government by itself. We have to prepare for an alliance or to combine with the ethnic parties."

In Kachin, four ethnic parties are competing under the banner of the Kachin Democratic Party, after a recent merger that resulted from five years of negotiation, according to its leader, Gumgrawng Awng Hkam.

The former activist, who spent years in exile under the junta, was once a strident supporter of Aung San Suu Kyi. He said her government had failed to be transparent in its response to allegations of human rights abuses against the Rohingya in Rakhine or express sympathy for the suffering of ethnic Kachin.

"She dropped the hand of ethnic and democratic allies and took the hand of the military," he said, sitting in the party headquarters in Myitkyina.

His vision is for a grand alliance of ethnic parties that could mount a strong challenge to the NLD in 2020.

"We cannot form a government by ethnic forces by ourselves," he said. "We will make an alliance with the party which is harmonious for us ... There are no constant enemies, no constant friends in politics."

Asked what Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has changed since becoming Myanmar's leader two years ago, most residents of Kachin state in the far north say the roads: new tarmac smoothes the path for cars, motorbikes and campaign trucks ahead of a by-election set for Saturday.

Asked what Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has changed since becoming Myanmar's leader two years ago, most residents of Kachin state in the far north say the roads: new tarmac smoothes the path for cars, motorbikes and campaign trucks ahead of a by-election set for Saturday. But beyond the city limits, near-perpetual civil war rumbles on. Many here say the administration's inability to tackle the country's toughest problems, including continued ethnic fighting, has soured the mood among voters ahead of polls this weekend being closely watched as a barometer on Suu Kyi's government and the future of Myanmar's democratic transition. Suu Kyi swept to power pledging that a peace process to end Myanmar's myriad ethnic conflicts was her top priority. But since then Kachin has seen some of the most intense fightings between the military and ethnic rebels since a ceasefire broke down seven years ago, with thousands of people displaced. "We voted for her and she won and came into power," said 40-year-old Htu Lun, who was driven from her home in 2011 and has since lived in one of the dozens of displacement camps in Myitkyina, the state capital. "But in reality, nothing has changed. Now the election time has come again, we will choose the party that serves our interest." Thirteen seats in the upper and lower houses of parliament and regional assemblies across Myanmar are being contested in Saturday's by-elections. Eleven fell vacant when legislators died in office, a reflection of Myanmar's ageing political leadership, while one MP, Win Myint, became president. The election of the NLD in late 2015 brought an end to half-a-century of junta rule but the new government, which must still share power with the military, is now facing multiple crises. The army has been accused by UN rights investigators of acting with "genocidal intent" against Rohingya Muslims in a crackdown in western Rakhine state last year. Meanwhile, the economy has slowed and peace talks with rebels from Kachin and other ethnic minority areas have faltered. Suu Kyi's administration has no control over the army, but has denied almost all the allegations against troops in Rakhine. NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt told Reuters economic progress has stalled but not reversed, and the expectations of the people were too high. Making peace is the government's top priority, he said, but all parties, including ethnic leaders and the military, have to co-operate. While several of the seats up for grabs on Saturday lie in the country's Buddhist heartland and are likely to remain under NLD control, representatives of the ruling party have voiced jitters about areas where they face stiff competition from ascendant ethnic parties. Low turnout in some places could skew the result against the NLD, analysts said. Though Myitkyina is one of the most hotly contested seats, several people there whom Reuters spoke to were not aware a by-election was taking place, while others said they did not plan to vote. "This time we have to struggle for victory – it will not be easy," said Aung Shin, a spokesman for the NLD. Late last month, Suu Kyi flew to Myitkyina, visiting displacement camps and a drug rehabilitation centre funded by her charity. Yan Hkawn, the party's candidate in the city, said the vote would likely be split. Suu Kyi is trying to solve all the country's problems, she said. "It's not easy to achieve that by walking alone, by herself," she said. Ethnic alliance While supporters say the government needs more time to effect change, disillusionment runs high in ethnic areas, where residents harbour longstanding distrust of the Bamar Buddhist majority. "Daw Suu Kyi promised us, 'We will change everything, everyone will get equal rights',” said Win Aung, an 80-year-old Muslim leader, sitting by the side of the road after watching campaign trucks bearing her face pass by. But religious discrimination against Christians – the majority in Kachin state – and Muslims has continued, he said. "We need permission when we are planning a religious ceremony," he said. "Still now, we never get permission." NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt said the government was working to bridge religious and racial divides. "The person who understands Myanmar politics will know that a huge number of religious fanatics exist," he told Reuters. "We can't change that in a short time." As well as more than 700,000 Rohingya forced to flee Rakhine for Bangladesh after the military crackdown in 2017, more than 68,000 people have been internally displaced by fighting in Kachin and northern Shan state since January 2017, according to the UN Organisation for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. In an October report published by the independent election monitoring group PACE, a quarter of respondents said ethnic conflict had worsened since the NLD took power. Six of the seats being contested on Saturday are in ethnic areas, and analysts are watching the result for signs of what might happen when the country goes to the polls in the next general election in 2020. In recent months, minority parties that previously competed against one another have merged to run under one banner, forming alliances that could pose a strong challenge to the NLD, which currently holds a comfortable majority in parliament despite the constitution reserving 25 per cent of seats for the military. "We can see that the ethnic movement in the election is quite powerful," said Yangon-based analyst Maung Maung Soe. "If there is no landslide win like in 2015, it will be difficult for the NLD to form a government by itself. We have to prepare for an alliance or to combine with the ethnic parties." In Kachin, four ethnic parties are competing under the banner of the Kachin Democratic Party, after a recent merger that resulted from five years of negotiation, according to its leader, Gumgrawng Awng Hkam. The former activist, who spent years in exile under the junta, was once a strident supporter of Aung San Suu Kyi. He said her government had failed to be transparent in its response to allegations of human rights abuses against the Rohingya in Rakhine or express sympathy for the suffering of ethnic Kachin. "She dropped the hand of ethnic and democratic allies and took the hand of the military," he said, sitting in the party headquarters in Myitkyina. His vision is for a grand alliance of ethnic parties that could mount a strong challenge to the NLD in 2020. "We cannot form a government by ethnic forces by ourselves," he said. "We will make an alliance with the party which is harmonious for us ... There are no constant enemies, no constant friends in politics."

Suu Kyi's government on test as Myanmar readies for by-elections

Australia's embattled conservative coalition was bracing for defeat as polls opened in a crucial by-election Saturday, with a loss set to snuff out its slim parliamentary majority.

The by-election in the wealthy Sydney seat of Wentworth was triggered after former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull was ousted in a party-room coup in August -- the sixth change of leader in the last decade.

Turnbull's successor, Scott Morrison, is facing public anger about the leadership merry-go-round and constant infighting in Canberra, and could be made to pay at Wentworth, traditionally a Liberal Party seat.

The Liberal-National coalition has a one-seat parliamentary majority, and a loss in Wentworth would transform it into a minority government and effectively turn Morrison into a lame duck prime minister.

The sprawling Sydney constituency takes in the famous Bondi Beach and the haunts of stars like Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman.

While the seat was easily held by Turnbull, polls before the by-election were pointing to defeat for the Liberal Party's Dave Sharma at the expense of high-profile independent candidate Kerryn Phelps.

A defeat would prove hugely embarrassing to Morrison, who even&nbsp;floated the idea of moving the Australian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem -- upending decades of Australian foreign policy -- in a bid to woo Wentworth's Jewish voters.&nbsp;

On Friday the prime minister appeared resigned to a defeat.

"The events of a couple of months ago would have caused a great deal of anger and outrage here in Wentworth," Morrison told reporters of Turnbull's removal.

"I know, I was in the parliament."

Counting will start after polls close on Saturday evening.&nbsp;

Australia's embattled conservative coalition was bracing for defeat as polls opened in a crucial by-election Saturday, with a loss set to snuff out its slim parliamentary majority.

Australia's embattled conservative coalition was bracing for defeat as polls opened in a crucial by-election Saturday, with a loss set to snuff out its slim parliamentary majority. The by-election in the wealthy Sydney seat of Wentworth was triggered after former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull was ousted in a party-room coup in August -- the sixth change of leader in the last decade. Turnbull's successor, Scott Morrison, is facing public anger about the leadership merry-go-round and constant infighting in Canberra, and could be made to pay at Wentworth, traditionally a Liberal Party seat. The Liberal-National coalition has a one-seat parliamentary majority, and a loss in Wentworth would transform it into a minority government and effectively turn Morrison into a lame duck prime minister. The sprawling Sydney constituency takes in the famous Bondi Beach and the haunts of stars like Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman. While the seat was easily held by Turnbull, polls before the by-election were pointing to defeat for the Liberal Party's Dave Sharma at the expense of high-profile independent candidate Kerryn Phelps. A defeat would prove hugely embarrassing to Morrison, who even floated the idea of moving the Australian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem -- upending decades of Australian foreign policy -- in a bid to woo Wentworth's Jewish voters. On Friday the prime minister appeared resigned to a defeat. "The events of a couple of months ago would have caused a great deal of anger and outrage here in Wentworth," Morrison told reporters of Turnbull's removal. "I know, I was in the parliament." Counting will start after polls close on Saturday evening.

Australia government braces for defeat in crucial by-election

The improved poll performance by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the by-elections is "indicative of the times to come," party supremo and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday.

Speaking to the media outside an accountability court here where he is facing corruption charges, a beaming Sharif said that in the by-polls held on Sunday, "We received more votes than we expected."

Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single largest party in the July 25 general elections and formed a government with the support of smaller parties and independents.

In the by-elections, Sharif's PML-N managed not only to improve its position in the National Assembly by bagging four NA seats but also extended gains in the Punjab provincial assembly by securing five more seats.

Most of the seats where by-polls were held were been vacated by those elected from more than one seat in the July general elections, including Prime Minister Khan who won in all the five NA constituencies he had contested.

"For the first time in Pakistan's history, we are seeing such a result after a government has been in power for 50 to 60 days," Sharif, 68, who is facing three corruption cases, said.

Stating that despite the current situation, people came out in droves to vote for the PML-N, the three-time former premier said.&nbsp;

"(Former prime minister) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi emerged victorious in the by-election and we even nearly won from the Rawalpindi constituency. The other seats were not ours and we still defeated PTI," he said.

"These results send out a message and are indicative of the times to come," he cautioned Prime Minister Khan.

He also talked about his younger brother and president of the PML-N party Shehbaz Sharif, who was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on October 5 in a Rs 1,400 crore housing scam case.

Shahbaz, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and former Punjab Chief Minister, was accused by the country's anti-graft body of corruption in the Ashiana Housing case.

Asserting that everyone should pray for the well-being of the country, Nawaz Sharif said, "As prime minister and Punjab chief minister, Shehbaz Sharif and I fulfilled our responsibilities with honesty and this can be cross-checked."

"During our time things were not this expensive and people were happy," he claimed.

Basic items were affordable and the poor were satisfied, he said. "It is owing to the prayers of these satisfied citizens that the PML-N is emerging victorious," he contended.&nbsp;

"All of a sudden everything changed. I was imprisoned and cases are being made against me while Shehbaz has been imprisoned and remanded in the National Accountability Bureau's custody."

"The world knows how cases are being made against Shehbaz and me and everyone has verified this," he said.

"Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and I are facing a treason case, but God willing these times will change," he said.

Polling for the by-election was held in 35 constituencies on Sunday, with 11 seats each of the National and Punjab assemblies, nine of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and two each of the Sindh and Balochistan up for grabs.&nbsp;

Results from the 11 NA constituencies saw Prime Minister Khan's PTI and the PML-N win four seats apiece.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) retained the two seats that were vacated by Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, while the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) won the NA-35 constituency in Bannu.&nbsp;

The PTI was unable to retain the two seats won by Prime Minister Khan in the general election.

The improved poll performance by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the by-elections is "indicative of the times to come," party supremo and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday.

The improved poll performance by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the by-elections is "indicative of the times to come," party supremo and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday. Speaking to the media outside an accountability court here where he is facing corruption charges, a beaming Sharif said that in the by-polls held on Sunday, "We received more votes than we expected." Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single largest party in the July 25 general elections and formed a government with the support of smaller parties and independents. In the by-elections, Sharif's PML-N managed not only to improve its position in the National Assembly by bagging four NA seats but also extended gains in the Punjab provincial assembly by securing five more seats. Most of the seats where by-polls were held were been vacated by those elected from more than one seat in the July general elections, including Prime Minister Khan who won in all the five NA constituencies he had contested. "For the first time in Pakistan's history, we are seeing such a result after a government has been in power for 50 to 60 days," Sharif, 68, who is facing three corruption cases, said. Stating that despite the current situation, people came out in droves to vote for the PML-N, the three-time former premier said. "(Former prime minister) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi emerged victorious in the by-election and we even nearly won from the Rawalpindi constituency. The other seats were not ours and we still defeated PTI," he said. "These results send out a message and are indicative of the times to come," he cautioned Prime Minister Khan. He also talked about his younger brother and president of the PML-N party Shehbaz Sharif, who was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on October 5 in a Rs 1,400 crore housing scam case. Shahbaz, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and former Punjab Chief Minister, was accused by the country's anti-graft body of corruption in the Ashiana Housing case. Asserting that everyone should pray for the well-being of the country, Nawaz Sharif said, "As prime minister and Punjab chief minister, Shehbaz Sharif and I fulfilled our responsibilities with honesty and this can be cross-checked." "During our time things were not this expensive and people were happy," he claimed. Basic items were affordable and the poor were satisfied, he said. "It is owing to the prayers of these satisfied citizens that the PML-N is emerging victorious," he contended. "All of a sudden everything changed. I was imprisoned and cases are being made against me while Shehbaz has been imprisoned and remanded in the National Accountability Bureau's custody." "The world knows how cases are being made against Shehbaz and me and everyone has verified this," he said. "Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and I are facing a treason case, but God willing these times will change," he said. Polling for the by-election was held in 35 constituencies on Sunday, with 11 seats each of the National and Punjab assemblies, nine of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and two each of the Sindh and Balochistan up for grabs. Results from the 11 NA constituencies saw Prime Minister Khan's PTI and the PML-N win four seats apiece. The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) retained the two seats that were vacated by Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, while the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) won the NA-35 constituency in Bannu. The PTI was unable to retain the two seats won by Prime Minister Khan in the general election.

By-election results 'indicative of the times to come': Nawaz Sharif

By-elections were held in six Indian states and one union territory today, the first since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government&#39;s move to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The elections were held for four Parliament and 10 assembly constituencies in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won both the Nepanagar assembly seat and the Shahdol (reserved constituency) Lok Sabha seat with its candidate Gyan Singh defeating Cong rival Himadri Singh by a margin of over 60,000 votes.

Around 66 per cent people voted in the by-polls in Shahdol constituency while the turnout in Nepanagar was about 73 per cent.

In BJP-ruled Assam, the party is leading by a huge margin in the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat vacated by chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal. It is also leading by 4,835 votes in Baithalangso assembly seat, where an ex-Congress candidate fought.

In West Bengal, where by-elections were held for one assembly seat - Monteswar - and two Parliament seats - Coochbehar and Tamluk - all the seats were held by the Trinamool Congress of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Trinamool Congress candidates were way ahead of rivals in the vote count on Tuesday where by-polls were held on Saturday. Dibyendu Adhikari was declared elected from Tamluk Lok Sabha seat defeating his nearest rival CPM&rsquo;s Mandira Panda by 497,000 votes.

In Tamil Nadu, by-elections were held for three assembly seats which are all won by AIADMK candidates, who were in direct contest with rival DMK.

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy of the Congress has won the Nellithope Assembly seat.

In Tripura, the CPI-M won both the assembly seats in Barjala and Khowai.

These were the first elections after the currency ban, over which the opposition has attacked the government.

(WION)

The BJP won all seats in Madhya Pradesh, Trinamool in West Bengal, CPI (M) in Tripura, and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu

By-elections were held in six Indian states and one union territory today, the first since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government's move to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The elections were held for four Parliament and 10 assembly constituencies in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won both the Nepanagar assembly seat and the Shahdol (reserved constituency) Lok Sabha seat with its candidate Gyan Singh defeating Cong rival Himadri Singh by a margin of over 60,000 votes. Around 66 per cent people voted in the by-polls in Shahdol constituency while the turnout in Nepanagar was about 73 per cent. In BJP-ruled Assam, the party is leading by a huge margin in the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat vacated by chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal. It is also leading by 4,835 votes in Baithalangso assembly seat, where an ex-Congress candidate fought. In West Bengal, where by-elections were held for one assembly seat - Monteswar - and two Parliament seats - Coochbehar and Tamluk - all the seats were held by the Trinamool Congress of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Trinamool Congress candidates were way ahead of rivals in the vote count on Tuesday where by-polls were held on Saturday. Dibyendu Adhikari was declared elected from Tamluk Lok Sabha seat defeating his nearest rival CPM’s Mandira Panda by 497,000 votes. In Tamil Nadu, by-elections were held for three assembly seats which are all won by AIADMK candidates, who were in direct contest with rival DMK. Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy of the Congress has won the Nellithope Assembly seat. In Tripura, the CPI-M won both the assembly seats in Barjala and Khowai. These were the first elections after the currency ban, over which the opposition has attacked the government. (WION)

By-polls in 6 Indian states: Ruling parties retain most seats

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