The Election Commission on July 06, 2026, notified regarding the Bye-elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Bihar Filing of nominations begin.
The Election Commission of India has announced by-elections for three Legislative Assembly constituencies—Datia (Madhya Pradesh), Manjalpur (Gujarat), and Bankipur (Bihar)—through notifications issued on July 6, 2026. With this, the nomination process has commenced, and a detailed election schedule has been laid out, including nomination filing by July 13, scrutiny on July 14, withdrawal by July 16, polling on July 30, counting on August 3, and completion of the election process by August 4, 2026.
To ensure smooth conduct of elections, the Commission has directed the respective state authorities to comply with statutory provisions, including granting a paid holiday on polling day. As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951, all eligible voters, including daily wage and casual workers, must be given a paid holiday without any wage deduction. Employers violating this provision may face penalties.
The Commission has also clarified that voters working outside their registered constituencies are entitled to a paid holiday to enable them to return and vote. This measure ensures wider voter participation and safeguards the electoral rights of migrant and outstation workers.
Additionally, strict enforcement of ‘dry days’ has been mandated under the law, prohibiting the sale or distribution of liquor within the polling areas for 48 hours before the close of polling. Dry days will also be observed on the counting day, August 3, 2026, to maintain law and order and ensure free and fair elections.
[Release ID: 2281758]
