The Election Commission of India has announced bypolls for three assembly constituencies across Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat. The elections will be held on July 2, 2026, with counting of votes scheduled for July 5, 2026. The bypolls are necessitated due to the resignation or death of sitting MLAs.
Details of the Bypoll Seats
In Madhya Pradesh, the bypoll will be held for the Amarpatan assembly seat in Satna district. The seat fell vacant after the death of Congress MLA Rajendra Kumar Singh. In Bihar, the Morwa assembly constituency in Samastipur district will go to polls following the resignation of Janata Dal (United) MLA Ranvijay Singh, who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. In Gujarat, the Rajkot East assembly seat in Rajkot district will see a bypoll after the death of sitting BJP MLA Uday Kangad.
Schedule and Key Dates
According to the Election Commission, the notification for the bypolls will be issued on June 8, 2026. The last date for filing nominations is June 15, 2026. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on June 16, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is June 18. Voting will be held on July 2, and counting will take place on July 5. The bypolls will be conducted using electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines.
Political Significance
The bypolls are crucial for the ruling parties in these states. In Madhya Pradesh, the Amarpatan seat is currently held by the Congress, and a win for the BJP would strengthen its position in the state assembly. In Bihar, the Morwa seat is a key constituency for the JD(U) and the ruling Mahagandhi alliance. In Gujarat, the Rajkot East seat is a stronghold of the BJP, and the party aims to retain it. The Election Commission has urged voters to exercise their franchise and ensure a high voter turnout.
Preparations and COVID-19 Guidelines
The Election Commission has directed state authorities to ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols during the election process. All polling stations will be sanitized, and voters will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing. The commission has also appointed observers to oversee the conduct of the bypolls and ensure free and fair elections. The total number of voters in these three constituencies is approximately 5.5 lakh, according to electoral rolls.
