Sri Vijaya Puram, February 10, 2026
Independent candidate Mr. A. Ganeshan has won the bye-election to Ward No. 17 of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC), defeating candidates fielded by the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), along with another independent contender.
The bye-election witnessed a four-cornered contest, with both major national parties placing strong hopes on their respective candidates. However, voters of Ward No. 17 opted for an independent representative, delivering a clear message through the ballot.
Polling for the ward was held on February 8, registering a voter turnout of 39.73 per cent.
According to available information, Mr. Ganeshan secured 1,056 votes, while his nearest rival, the BJP candidate, polled 932 votes. The remaining votes were shared between the Congress candidate and the other independent contestant.
Mr. Ganeshan’s term will continue until the next local body elections, scheduled to be held across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2027. Despite the relatively short tenure, expectations among residents of the ward are high.
Ward No. 17 faces several long-standing civic challenges, including deteriorated internal roads and other municipal issues. Residents will be looking to the newly elected councillor to address these concerns with renewed focus and urgency.
