Election Commission Announces By-Polls in 7 Assembly Constituencies Across 5 States

The Election Commission (EC) has announced that by-polls will take place in seven Assembly constituencies across five states on September 5. Nominations for these by-polls are scheduled to be filed from August 10 to August 17, with the counting of votes set to occur on September 8.

The constituencies where the by-polls will be held are Dumri in Jharkhand, Puthuppally in Kerala, two seats in Tripura (including Dhanpur), Dhupguri in West Bengal, and Ghosi and Bageshwar in Uttar Pradesh.

This decision from the EC follows closely on the heels of recent developments, including the Supreme Court’s stay on the conviction of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case. This development led to the reinstatement of his membership in the Lok Sabha. Sources suggest that the EC had been awaiting the outcome of Rahul Gandhi’s case before confirming the by-poll for his Wayanad seat.

Among the constituencies selected for the by-polls, Dumri in Jharkhand and Puthuppally in Kerala have garnered attention due to recent events. Puthuppally was left vacant following the passing of Oommen Chandy, while Dhanpur in Tripura was vacated due to the resignation of Pratima Bhoumik. Other constituencies to be contested include Dhupguri in West Bengal and Ghosi and Bageshwar in Uttar Pradesh.

The EC’s planned schedule outlines the upcoming process for the by-polls. From August 10 to August 17, interested candidates will file their nominations for the contests. Following this, on September 8, the votes will be counted, determining the outcome of these crucial by-polls.

As citizens eagerly await these by-polls, they represent an important step in the democratic process, offering residents of these constituencies the opportunity to select their representatives and shape the future direction of their respective states.