Voting is taking place on Wednesday in by-elections across constituencies in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Assam, according to the day’s news roundup. Polling is being held to fill seats that fell vacant in the four states and the union territory.

By-elections are held when a seat falls vacant between general elections, usually after a resignation, a death or a disqualification. Voters in the affected constituencies are choosing their representatives for the remaining term.

State election officials have made security and polling arrangements at booths across the four regions. Results will decide the immediate composition of the concerned assemblies and could shift the political balance in close contests.

The outcomes are being watched as a test of voter mood in each state ahead of the next full election cycle. Counting dates will be announced by the Election Commission after polling closes.

Final results will show whether ruling parties held their ground or opposition parties made gains in these constituencies.