Rajya Sabha Bypolls for Six Seats to Be Held on December 20
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that bypolls for six vacant Rajya Sabha seats across four states will be conducted on December 20, 2024.
These vacancies have arisen due to the untimely demise or resignation of sitting members.
Vacant Seats and States
The bypolls will address vacancies in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Kerala. Notably, these include two seats in Uttar Pradesh following the deaths of BJP MPs Hardwar Dubey and Brij Lal. In West Bengal, the seat vacated by TMC MP Derek O’Brien due to his resignation will also go to polls. Odisha will witness elections for two seats, including those vacated by BJD MPs Subash Chandra Singh and Sasmit Patra, while Kerala’s lone vacancy was caused by the demise of Congress MP Jose K. Mani.
Election Schedule
The Election Commission has outlined the following schedule:
- Notification Date: December 4, 2024
- Last Date for Filing Nominations: December 11, 2024
- Scrutiny of Nominations: December 12, 2024
- Last Date for Withdrawal: December 14, 2024
- Polling Date: December 20, 2024
- Counting and Results Declaration: December 20, 2024, post polling
Election Significance
The bypolls hold strategic importance for political parties as they aim to consolidate their strength in the Upper House. With these elections, political equations in the Rajya Sabha could witness notable changes, impacting legislative dynamics in the months ahead.
The Election Commission has also assured that all COVID-19 protocols and necessary arrangements will be in place to ensure a smooth election process.
