When Will the ECI Hold By-elections for Five Assembly Seats in Four States?
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Synopsis
The ECI has officially set the dates for crucial by-elections in five Assembly constituencies across four states, marking a significant political event. With polling on June 19 and counting on June 23, the electoral landscape is about to change. Discover the details surrounding these contests and their implications.
Key Takeaways
- Polling Date: June 19
- Counting Date: June 23
- States Involved: Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, West Bengal
- Deadline for Nominations: June 2
- Criminal Background Disclosure: Required from candidates and parties
New Delhi, May 25 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revealed the timeline for by-elections in five Assembly constituencies across Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal.
The polling is scheduled for June 19, with the counting of votes occurring on June 23.
Among the five constituencies, two are located in Gujarat — Kadi (a reserved seat) and Visavadar.
In Kerala, the bypolls will take place for the Nilambur seat.
Meanwhile, Punjab will see bypolls in Ludhiana West, and West Bengal will conduct elections for the Kaliganj seat.
The ECI shared this schedule on its official handle on X this past Sunday.
The issuance date for the Gazette Notification is May 26.
The deadline for nominations is set for June 2, followed by scrutiny on June 3.
The final date to withdraw candidatures is June 5.
The ECI has confirmed that all election activities must conclude by June 25.
The vacancy for the Visavadar seat in Gujarat arose due to the resignation of the former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Bhupatbhai Bhayani, who later joined the BJP. The Kadi seat, reserved for Schedule Caste (SC) candidates, became vacant following the passing of former BJP MLA Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki.
The necessity for a bypoll in the Nilambur Assembly seat in Kerala stems from the resignation of Independent MLA P.V. Anvar.
The Ludhiana West constituency in Punjab became vacant due to the death of sitting Congress MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi.
In West Bengal, the election will occur in Kalighat following the passing of veteran Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed in February due to cardiac arrest.
With the announcement of the election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has been activated immediately in the districts encompassing the affected Assembly constituencies, as stated by the ECI.
The Commission has mandated that candidates with criminal backgrounds disclose this information in newspapers and on television on three separate occasions during the campaign. Political parties presenting candidates with criminal records are also required to publish such details on their websites and in media outlets three times.
The guidelines dictate that this information must be made available in three phases: within the first four days of withdrawal, during the following fifth to eighth days, and finally from the ninth day until the campaign's conclusion (the second day before polling).
The ECI has further emphasized that political parties must publish details and reasons for nominating candidates with criminal histories within 48 hours of their selection on their official social media and websites. This information will also be accessible via an app called ‘know your candidates’.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the importance of these upcoming by-elections. They not only shape the political landscape in their respective states but also reflect the changing dynamics of voter sentiment. The ECI's strict adherence to transparency and ethical campaigning is commendable and serves the democratic process well.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the polling dates for the by-elections?
The polling date for the five Assembly constituencies is scheduled for June 19, with the counting of votes occurring on June 23.
Which states are holding by-elections?
The by-elections are being held in Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal.
What is the deadline for nominations?
The last date for making nominations is June 2.
What happens if a candidate has a criminal background?
Candidates with criminal antecedents must publish this information in newspapers and through TV channels on three occasions during the campaign.
When does the Model Code of Conduct come into effect?
The Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately with the announcement of the election schedule.
