The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday announced bye-elections to two Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu to fill vacancies caused by the resignations of sitting members.
According to an official press note, the vacancy from Maharashtra arose following the resignation of Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on May 6. Her term in the Upper House was scheduled to continue till July 4, 2028.
The second vacancy is from Tamil Nadu, following the resignation of C. Ve. Shanmugam, Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on May 7. His tenure was due to end on June 29, 2028.
The ECI said the notification for the bye-elections will be issued on June 1. The last date for filing nominations has been fixed as June 8, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on June 9. Candidates may withdraw their nominations until June 11.
Polling for both seats will be held on June 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while counting of votes will take place the same day at 5 p.m. The entire election process is scheduled to be completed by June 20.
The Commission also issued instructions regarding the voting procedure, stating that members casting their votes must use only the integrated violet-coloured sketch pens of pre-fixed specification provided by the Returning Officer. The use of any other pen will not be permitted.
The ECI said adequate arrangements would be made to ensure free, fair and transparent elections, including the deployment of observers to monitor the electoral process.
The bye-elections are being conducted to ensure representation of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu in the Rajya Sabha for the remainder of the respective terms.
(IANS Inputs)
