Bypolls Announced for Five Assembly Seats Across Four States

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for by-elections to five Assembly constituencies in Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal. Polling will take place on June 19, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 23, the ECI said in an official statement on Sunday.

The five constituencies going to the polls include Kadi (SC) and Visavadar in Gujarat, Nilambur in Kerala, Ludhiana West in Punjab, and Kaliganj in West Bengal.

As per the ECI’s schedule, the Gazette Notification will be issued on May 26, the last date for filing nominations is June 2, and scrutiny of nominations will take place on June 3. The last date to withdraw candidatures is June 5, and the entire election process will be completed by June 25.

Reasons for the Bypolls

Each of these by-elections has been necessitated due to resignations or the demise of sitting MLAs:

• In Gujarat, the Visavadar seat became vacant after former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Bhupatbhai Bhayani resigned and later joined the BJP.
• The Kadi (SC) seat fell vacant following the death of BJP MLA Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki.
• In Kerala, the Nilambur by-election is being held after Independent MLA P.V. Anvar resigned.
• The Ludhiana West seat in Punjab became vacant after Congress MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi passed away.
• In West Bengal, the Kaliganj seat fell vacant following the death of veteran Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed, who died of a cardiac arrest in February.

Model Code of Conduct in Effect

With the election dates officially announced, the Model Code of Conduct has come into force in all districts where any part of these Assembly constituencies falls. This ensures free and fair elections, restricting certain government actions and campaigning activities.

Disclosure of Criminal Background

In a move to promote transparency, the ECI has reiterated that candidates with criminal backgrounds must publicize their records through newspapers and television on three separate occasions during the campaign period. Political parties fielding such candidates are also required to publish this information on their websites and social media channels.

The three disclosure periods are:

1. Within the first four days after withdrawal of nominations
2. Between the fifth and eighth days
3. From the ninth day until two days before polling

Additionally, political parties must justify the selection of candidates with criminal records within 48 hours of their nomination. These details must also be uploaded on the party’s official website and published in the media.

Voter Awareness via Mobile App

To enhance public awareness, the ECI will provide all candidate information through the ‘Know Your Candidates’ mobile application. Voters can use this app to access details about the candidates’ background, including any criminal records.

These by-elections come at a crucial time, and the ECI’s measures aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and informed voter participation.