Election Commission Releases Notice for Rajya Sabha By‑elections in Three States

The Election Commission of India has issued a notice confirming by‑elections for the Rajya Sabha in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. Ten seats from Uttar Pradesh and one from Uttarakhand will be contested as part of the routine biennial cycle, while West Bengal will fill a single vacant seat.

The expiration of eleven members' terms in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in November 2026 triggers the need for fresh elections. West Bengal's vacancy emerged following the resignation of MP Rukmini Malliik on 16 July; her tenure was slated until April 2032.

The official notification is slated for 29 September. Candidates must file nomination papers by 6 October. The return officer will examine these filings on 7 October, after which candidates may withdraw up to 9 October.

Polling is booked for 16 October, with the voting window from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Counting will begin at 5 p.m. the same day, and the complete election process should be finalized by 19 October.

A new rule requires voters to use an Integrated Violet Colour Sketch Pen supplied by the returning officer for marking ballots; any other writing instrument will be rejected.

To guarantee an impartial and transparent election, the commission will deploy observers and enforce stringent oversight throughout the voting and counting phases.