The Election Commission on Monday, October 6, announced that by-elections will be held in eight Assembly constituencies across seven states and Union Territories on November 11. The results will be declared on November 14, three days after the second phase of polling in Bihar. The seats going to the polls are Budgam and Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir, Anta in Rajasthan, Ghatsila in Jharkhand, Jubilee Hills in Telangana, Tarn Taran in Punjab, Dampa in Mizoram and Nuapada in Odisha. The bypolls were necessitated by resignations, disqualifications or the death of sitting legislators.
Reasons behind vacancies
In Jammu and Kashmir, the Budgam constituency fell vacant after former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah resigned from the seat, having contested and retained another in the 2024 Assembly elections. The Nagrota bypoll follows the death of National Conference leader Devender Singh Rana.
In Rajasthan, the Anta seat will see a by-election after BJP MLA Kanwarlal Meena was disqualified following his conviction and a three-year prison term for threatening a government official with a firearm.
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Jharkhand’s Ghatsila (ST) seat fell vacant following the death of sitting MLA and state Education Minister Ramdas Soren, a senior leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.
In Telangana, the Jubilee Hills constituency fell vacant after the death of BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath. Punjab’s Tarn Taran seat will go to polls after Aam Aadmi Party legislator Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal passed away in June.
Mizoram’s Dampa (ST) bypoll will be held following the death of MLA Lalrintluanga Saila, while Odisha’s Nuapada constituency fell vacant after the demise of four-time Biju Janata Dal MLA and former minister Rajendra Dholakia in September.
Contests likely in key constituencies
In Jammu and Kashmir, both Budgam and Nagrota are expected to witness keen contests. In Budgam, the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party and smaller regional fronts are likely to be in the fray. Nagrota may see a close fight between the National Conference and the BJP. The outcomes in both seats will be closely watched, given their political significance in the region.
In states like Rajasthan, Punjab and Odisha, the contests will test local political equations ahead of the next round of Assembly polls.
EC assures free and fair conduct
The Election Commission said it has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of bypolls. The Election Commission said it has completed most preparatory work for the by-elections and is coordinating with state authorities to ensure a smooth process. Officials have been asked to maintain law and order and strictly enforce the Model Code of Conduct during the campaign period.
