Voting will take place on June 19, with vote counting scheduled for June 23, according to the ECI’s statement.
Bye-elections across four states
The vacant seats consist of Kadi (SC) and Visavadar in Gujarat, Nilambur in Kerala, Ludhiana West in Punjab, and Kaliganj in West Bengal. These vacancies have occurred due to the resignation or death of the current MLAs.
In Gujarat, bypolls will be conducted in two constituencies. The Kadi seat was vacated following the passing of BJP MLA Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki, while Visavadar experienced the resignation of AAP legislator Bhupatbhai Bhayani, who subsequently joined the BJP. AAP has already announced Gopal Italia as its candidate for Visavadar in March, as reported by News18.
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Kerala’s Nilambur seat is up for election following the resignation of independent MLA PV Anvar, who left due to political disagreements with CPI(M) and later joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC), according to Moneycontrol.
Punjab’s Ludhiana West constituency became vacant after Congress MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi passed away due to an accidental injury while cleaning his pistol, as confirmed by statements from his family and state party leadership, according to News18. Both Congress and AAP have named their candidates for the seat, while the BJP has yet to announce its nominee.
In West Bengal, the Kaliganj seat became vacant following the death of TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed due to cardiac arrest in February this year.
Poll schedule and model code of conduct
According to the ECI schedule, the gazette notification will be issued on May 26. The deadline for filing nominations is June 2, with scrutiny occurring on June 3. Candidates can withdraw their names until June 5. All elections will be concluded before June 25.
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With this announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has been enacted in the relevant districts. The ECI has emphasized the regulations regarding voter identification and the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs at all polling stations.
