The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced the schedule for by-elections to three Rajya Sabha seats from West Bengal, with polling and counting set to take place on July 24. The vacancies arose after three Members of Parliament resigned from the Upper House last month.
The elections are expected to draw political attention as parties prepare for another contest following the recent developments in West Bengal’s political landscape.
Seats Vacated After MPs Resigned
The bypolls became necessary after the resignations of Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraik, who stepped down from the Rajya Sabha in June.
Their resignations came amid political developments in West Bengal after differences emerged within the Trinamool Congress following the Assembly election outcome.
Polling Schedule Announced
According to the Election Commission, the election process will begin with the issue of notifications on July 7.
Candidates can file their nominations until July 14, while scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on July 15. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is July 17.
Voting will be held on July 24 between 9 am and 4 pm, with counting scheduled to begin at 5 pm on the same day. The entire election process is expected to conclude by July 27.
Political Significance Of The Bypolls
The by-elections are expected to influence the numerical strength of political parties in the Rajya Sabha, particularly after the recent changes in West Bengal’s political landscape.
The outcome will be closely watched as it could affect the balance of representation in the Upper House and shape parliamentary equations during future legislative sessions.
Focus On Rajya Sabha Numbers
The Rajya Sabha currently has vacant seats following the recent resignations from West Bengal. Once the by-elections are completed, the composition of the Upper House will be updated accordingly.
Political parties are expected to finalise their candidates over the coming days as the nomination process begins, with the results likely to have implications for parliamentary strategy in the months ahead.
