Bye-Election to Rajya Sabha Seat from Punjab Scheduled for October 24, 2025
The Election Commission of India has announced a bye-election to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) from Punjab to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Shri Sanjeev Arora. The seat had fallen vacant on July 1, 2025, and the term for the position extends up to April 9, 2028.
According to the official schedule issued by the Commission, the bye-election will be conducted as per the following timeline:
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Issue of Notifications: October 6, 2025 (Monday)
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Last Date of Nominations: October 13, 2025 (Monday)
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Scrutiny of Nominations: October 14, 2025 (Tuesday)
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Last Date of Withdrawal: October 16, 2025 (Thursday)
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Polling Date: October 24, 2025 (Friday)
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Polling Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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Counting of Votes: October 24, 2025 (Friday) at 5:00 PM
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Completion of Election Process: October 28, 2025 (Tuesday)
The Commission has directed that only integrated violet-colored sketch pens of pre-fixed specifications, provided by the Returning Officer, will be used for marking preferences on ballot papers. No other pen will be permitted under any circumstances.
Additionally, the Election Commission has assured that adequate measures will be taken to ensure free and fair elections, including the appointment of observers for close monitoring of the process.
This bye-election will play a crucial role in filling the casual vacancy and ensuring representation of Punjab in the Rajya Sabha until the completion of the term in 2028.
