The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for bye-elections to fill vacancies in five Assembly Constituencies across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and West Bengal, and one Parliamentary Constituency in Assam. All vacancies resulted from resignations of sitting legislators.

Constituencies and Vacancy Details

The bye-elections will be conducted for:

  • 35-Madurantakam (SC) AC in Tamil Nadu due to resignation of Tmt. Maragatham Kumaravel
  • 101-Dharapuram (SC) AC in Tamil Nadu due to resignation of Tmt. P Sathyabama
  • 09-Thattanchavady AC in Puducherry due to resignation of Thiru N. Rangasamy
  • 70-Rejinagar AC in West Bengal due to resignation of Sh. Humayun Kabir
  • 210-Nandigram AC in West Bengal due to resignation of Sh. Suvendu Adhikari
  • 09-Nagaon PC in Assam due to resignation of Sh. Pradyut Bordoloi

Election Schedule

The complete election schedule is as follows:

  • Date of Issue of Gazette Notification: September 9, 2026 (Wednesday)
  • Last date for making nominations: September 16, 2026 (Wednesday)
  • Date for scrutiny of nominations: September 17, 2026 (Thursday)
  • Last date for withdrawal of candidatures: September 19, 2026 (Saturday)
  • Date of Poll: October 6, 2026 (Tuesday)
  • Date of Counting of Votes: October 9, 2026 (Friday)
  • Date before which election shall be completed: October 11, 2026 (Sunday)

Electoral Roll Status

The final publication dates of electoral rolls for each constituency are:

  • 35-Madurantakam (SC) AC, Tamil Nadu: February 23, 2026
  • 101-Dharapuram (SC) AC, Tamil Nadu: February 23, 2026
  • 09-Thattanchavady AC, Puducherry: February 14, 2026
  • 70-Rejinagar AC, West Bengal: February 28, 2026
  • 210-Nandigram AC, West Bengal: February 28, 2026
  • 9-Nagaon PC, Assam: February 10, 2026

Continuous updation of electoral rolls will continue until the last date of filing nominations, with applications accepted until 10 days before the nomination deadline.

Voting Arrangements

The Commission will use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPATs) at all polling stations. Adequate numbers of machines have been made available to ensure smooth polling operations.

Voter Identification

Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will be the primary identification document, but voters may also use any of 12 alternative documents including Aadhar Card, MGNREGA Job Card, bank passbooks with photograph, driving license, PAN card, Indian passport, and other officially recognized identity cards.

Model Code of Conduct

The Model Code of Conduct comes into immediate effect in the district(s) containing the constituencies going for elections, as per the Commission's instruction letter No. 437/6/1NST/ECI/FUNCT/MCC/2024/(BYE ELECTIONS) dated January 2, 2024.

Criminal Antecedents Disclosure

Candidates with criminal backgrounds must publish declarations in newspapers and on television channels on three occasions during the campaign period, following a specific schedule: within first 4 days after withdrawal, between 5th-8th days, and from 9th day until the last campaign day. Political parties must also publish criminal background details of their candidates on their website, social media, and in newspapers within 48 hours of candidate selection, in compliance with Supreme Court judgments in Writ Petition (C) No. 784 of 2015 and Writ Petition (Civil) No. 536 of 2011.

No Dues Certificate

The Commission has directed authorities to facilitate issuance of 'No dues certificates' to intending candidates who occupied government accommodation during the last 10 years, covering rent, electricity, water, and telephone charges, as per letter no. 3/ER/2023/SDR/Vol.IV dated May 3, 2024.