Election Commission Announces Bypolls for Five Assembly Seats Across Four States on June 19

In an official statement issued on Sunday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that by-elections will be held on June 19, 2025, for five vacant Assembly constituencies spread across four different states—Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal.

The move comes in light of vacancies that have arisen due to the deaths or resignations of sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in these regions.

Vacancies and Reasons Behind Bypolls

The constituencies where bypolls are scheduled include Kadi and Visavadar in Gujarat, Nilambur in Kerala, Ludhiana West in Punjab, and Kaliganj in West Bengal.

Each of these seats became vacant under different circumstances, prompting the need for a fresh electoral process to ensure representation in the respective state assemblies.

• In Gujarat, the Kadi Assembly seat fell vacant due to the untimely death of MLA Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki, while the Visavadar constituency became empty following the resignation of MLA Bhayani Bhupendrabhai Gandubhai. The Election Commission has emphasized the need to maintain continuity in representation, especially in these politically significant regions of the state.

• In Kerala, the bypoll will be conducted in the Nilambur constituency, where MLA P.V. Anvar stepped down from his position. His resignation led to the need for a mid-term election to fill the vacant seat and ensure that the constituency’s interests are properly represented in the state legislature.

• In Punjab, the Ludhiana West seat became vacant following the demise of sitting MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, a prominent figure in local politics. The absence of a legislator for this urban constituency prompted the Election Commission to schedule a bypoll to fill the position.

• In West Bengal, the Assembly seat of Kaliganj became vacant following the death of MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed. This necessitated the scheduling of a by-election to uphold the democratic process and restore legislative representation for the people of Kaliganj.

Voting and Counting Schedule

The Election Commission has also confirmed that counting of votes for all five constituencies will take place on June 23, 2025, just four days after polling concludes. The entire process is expected to be conducted under tight security and in adherence to the Model Code of Conduct.

The Commission has further stated that it will deploy adequate election staff, observers, and security personnel to ensure a smooth, free, and fair election process. Measures will also be taken to prevent any form of voter intimidation, malpractice, or disruption during the polling and counting phases.

Significance of the Bypolls

Bypolls, though smaller in scale than general or state assembly elections, often serve as a litmus test for the popularity of ruling and opposition parties and provide insight into voter sentiment.

Political observers will be closely watching the outcomes of these by-elections, particularly in politically active states like West Bengal and Punjab, to gauge potential shifts in public opinion.

Political parties are expected to announce their candidates soon, with campaigning likely to intensify in the coming weeks as stakeholders gear up for the crucial vote.

The Election Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting elections in a transparent, efficient, and inclusive manner, ensuring that all eligible voters in these five constituencies have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.