ECI Announces Bypoll Schedule For Five Assembly Constituencies Across Four States

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the schedule for by-elections in five Assembly constituencies spread across Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal.

Voting will take place on 19 June, with counting of votes scheduled for 23 June.

Gujarat To Witness Two Bypolls

Of the five assembly seats, two are located in Gujarat — Kadi (Scheduled Caste reserved seat) and Visavadar.

The Visavadar seat fell vacant following the resignation of former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Bhupatbhai Bhayani, who subsequently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Kadi constituency became vacant after the death of BJP MLA Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki.

Nilambur, Ludhiana West, And Kaliganj Assembly Also Head To The Polls

In Kerala, the Nilambur seat requires a bypoll following the resignation of Independent MLA PV Anvar.

Also Read: Heavy Rainfall And Storms Disrupt Life Across Delhi-NCR

Meanwhile, Ludhiana West in Punjab will go to the polls after the demise of sitting Congress MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi.

In West Bengal, voters in Kaliganj will cast their ballots to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of veteran Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed, who died of a cardiac arrest in February.

Nomination And Campaign Timeline Outlined For Assembly Election

According to the ECI’s schedule:

• Gazette notification will be issued on 26 May
• Last date for nominations is 2 June
• Scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on 3 June
• Last date for withdrawal of candidatures is 5 June
• The entire election process will conclude by 25 June

With the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in all districts encompassing the constituencies headed for polls.

Mandatory Disclosure Of Criminal Backgrounds

The Commission has reiterated its rules regarding candidates with criminal antecedents.

Such individuals must publish information about their criminal records in newspapers and on television three times during the campaign period.

Political parties nominating candidates with criminal backgrounds must also:

• Publish this information on their official website
• Publicise details in the media on three separate occasions
• Upload justifications for nominating such candidates within 48 hours of selection

This information will also be available on the ‘Know Your Candidates’ mobile application to ensure greater transparency and informed voting.

Model Code Of Conduct Enforced

As per ECI guidelines, the Model Code of Conduct applies with immediate effect in all relevant districts, covering areas wholly or partially under the affected constituencies.

The Commission has directed strict adherence to these rules by all political parties and candidates during the election period.