Polling will be held on June 19, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 23, as per the statement released by the ECI.
Bye-elections across four states
The vacant seats include Kadi (SC) and Visavadar in Gujarat, Nilambur in Kerala, Ludhiana West in Punjab, and Kaliganj in West Bengal. These vacancies have arisen due to either the resignation or death of the sitting MLAs.
In Gujarat, bypolls will be held in two constituencies. The Kadi seat fell vacant after the demise of BJP MLA Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki, while Visavadar saw the resignation of AAP legislator Bhupatbhai Bhayani who later joined the BJP. AAP had already announced Gopal Italia as its candidate for Visavadar in March this year, as per News18.
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Kerala’s Nilambur seat is going to polls following the resignation of independent MLA PV Anvar. He stepped down after political differences with the CPI(M) and later joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC), as per Moneycontrol.
Punjab’s Ludhiana West constituency became vacant after Congress MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi died due to an accidental injury while cleaning his pistol, according to the statements from his family and the state party leadership, reported News18. The Congress and AAP have already named their candidates for the seat, while the BJP is yet to declare its nominee.
In West Bengal, the Kaliganj seat fell vacant following the death of TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed due to cardiac arrest in February this year.
Poll schedule and model code of conduct
As per the ECI schedule, the gazette notification will be issued on May 26. The deadline for filing nominations is June 2, followed by scrutiny on June 3. Candidates will have time until June 5 to withdraw their names. The election will be completed before June 25.
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With the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has come into effect in the concerned districts. The ECI has reiterated the rules on voter identification and the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and VVPATs at all polling stations.
