What is the Schedule for the Biennial Election to 4 Rajya Sabha Seats from J&K?
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has announced the timeline for the biennial election of 4 vacant Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir. This election is significant as it follows a period of political transition in the region. Key details include the election schedule and voting procedures to ensure transparency.
Key Takeaways
- ECI schedules elections for 4 Rajya Sabha seats from J&K.
- Due to President's Rule, elections were delayed.
- Three separate elections will be held for the vacancies.
- Strict measures will ensure election integrity.
- Voting will require specific colored pens.
Srinagar, Sep 24 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently revealed the timeline for the biennial elections to fill 4 vacant seats in the Rajya Sabha representing Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Due to the imposition of President's Rule and the dissolution of the Assembly, the Rajya Sabha elections in J&K could not be conducted in February 2021.
The ECI's announcement stated, “The term of office for 4 members of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) from the former State of Jammu and Kashmir has concluded upon their retirement.
“Following the bifurcation of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature), the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 mandates that, as per Section 9, the 4 sitting members from the former State shall be regarded as elected to represent the seats allocated to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, as detailed in the First Schedule of the Act.
“All 4 aforementioned seats have remained vacant since the expiry of the terms of the previous members, due to the absence of the necessary electorate to conduct elections at that time.
“With the establishment of the State Legislative Assembly for the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, the electorate is now in place to proceed with the Biennial Elections for the Council of States from the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, following this schedule: Notifications Issued on 6th October, 2025 (Monday). Deadline for nominations is 13th October, 2025 (Monday). Nominations scrutiny is set for 14th October, 2025 (Tuesday). Last day for withdrawal of candidatures is 6th October, 2025 (Thursday). Polling date is 24th October, 2025 (Friday), from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Counting of votes will occur on 24th October, 2025 (Friday) at 5 P.M. The elections must conclude by 28th October, 2025 (Tuesday).
“These 4 vacancies, in accordance with the law, will be filled through 3 separate elections since each vacancy falls into distinct cycles.
“It is noteworthy that this decision to hold separate elections has faced scrutiny before the Hon'ble Delhi High Court in Civil Writ Petition No.132 of 1994 (A.K. Walia Vs. Union of India and Others) by the Indian National Congress, arguing for a unified election for all 3 vacancies, as Rajya Sabha elections are conducted under a system of proportional representation.
“However, the Hon'ble Delhi High Court dismissed the petition on 14th January, 1994, asserting, among other points, that once the seats were categorized into 3 groups from the beginning, the Respondents were justified in conducting separate elections for each category. Consequently, as these 3 seats fall into 3 separate categories, elections for these seats must also be distinct,” the ECI's notification emphasized.
“In accordance with the legal framework, the aforementioned 4 seats that became vacant in the Rajya Sabha on 10.02.2021 and 15.02.2021 from the UT of Jammu and Kashmir will be filled through 3 separate biennial elections.
“Moreover, the term of office for those who will be elected to the Council of States from the UT of Jammu and Kashmir will be subject to the Hon'ble Supreme Court's decision in SLP No. 17123 /2015 (Election Commission of India Vs Devesh Chandra Thakur & Others).
“The Commission has also mandated that for marking preferences on the ballot paper, only integrated violet color sketch pens of a specified kind, provided by the Returning Officer, must be used. No alternative pens are permitted for use in this election.
“Comprehensive measures will be implemented to closely monitor the election process by appointing observers to ensure a free and fair election,” concluded the notification.
Point of View
It is paramount to approach this announcement with an unbiased perspective. The biennial elections in Jammu and Kashmir represent a significant step toward restoring democratic processes in the region. The Election Commission's adherence to procedural integrity and transparency is critical in fostering public trust.
NationPress
24/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key dates for the Rajya Sabha elections in J&K?
The key dates for the elections include Notifications issued on 6th October 2025, Last date for nominations on 13th October 2025, Scrutiny on 14th October 2025, and polling on 24th October 2025.
Why were the Rajya Sabha elections postponed in 2021?
The elections were postponed due to the imposition of President's Rule and the dissolution of the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir.
How many separate elections will be held for the vacant seats?
Three separate elections will be held to fill the four vacant seats, as each vacancy falls under different categories.
What measures are being taken to ensure fair elections?
The Election Commission will appoint observers to monitor the election process closely, ensuring transparency and fairness.
What are the voting procedures for the elections?
Voters must use only integrated violet color sketch pens provided by the Returning Officer to mark their preferences on the ballot.
