ECI Announces Bye-Elections for Six Constituencies Across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, West Bengal and Assam
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
New Delhi, September 7, 2026: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for bye-elections to five Assembly constituencies and one Parliamentary constituency across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, West Bengal and Assam.
The vacancies have arisen following the resignations of the sitting elected representatives. Polling for all six seats will be held on October 6, 2026, while counting of votes is scheduled for October 9.
The constituencies going to polls are:
- Tamil Nadu: 35-Madurantakam (SC) and 101-Dharapuram (SC)
- Puducherry: 09-Thattanchavady
- West Bengal: 70-Rejinagar and 210-Nandigram
- Assam: 09-Nagaon Parliamentary Constituency
Constituency-Wise Vacancies
The Madurantakam (SC) Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu became vacant following the resignation of Maragatham Kumaravel. The Dharapuram (SC) seat was also vacated following the resignation of P. Sathyabama.
In Puducherry, the vacancy in Thattanchavady Assembly constituency followed the resignation of N. Rangasamy.
West Bengal will witness bye-elections in Rejinagar and Nandigram. The Rejinagar seat fell vacant after the resignation of Humayun Kabir, while the Nandigram constituency became vacant following the resignation of Suvendu Adhikari.
In Assam, the Nagaon Parliamentary constituency will go to a bye-election following the resignation of Pradyut Bordoloi.
Poll Schedule
The Election Commission has fixed the following timetable:
| Election Process | Date |
|---|---|
| Gazette notification | September 9, 2026 |
| Last date for nominations | September 16, 2026 |
| Scrutiny of nominations | September 17, 2026 |
| Last date for withdrawal | September 19, 2026 |
| Polling | October 6, 2026 |
| Counting of votes | October 9, 2026 |
| Completion of election process | October 11, 2026 |
Electoral Rolls to Remain Open for Updating
The ECI has emphasized the importance of accurate and updated electoral rolls for conducting credible elections.
The electoral rolls for all six constituencies have already undergone the relevant revision process. The final publication dates were:
- Madurantakam (SC), Tamil Nadu — February 23, 2026
- Dharapuram (SC), Tamil Nadu — February 23, 2026
- Thattanchavady, Puducherry — February 14, 2026
- Rejinagar, West Bengal — February 28, 2026
- Nandigram, West Bengal — February 28, 2026
- Nagaon Parliamentary constituency, Assam — February 10, 2026
However, voters will continue to have an opportunity to update the electoral rolls until the last date for filing nominations, subject to the applicable provisions and timelines.
EVMs and VVPATs to Be Used
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) along with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems will be deployed at all polling stations covered by the bye-elections.
The Commission said sufficient numbers of EVMs and VVPAT units have been arranged to facilitate the polling process.
EPIC to Be Primary Voter ID
The Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will remain the principal identification document for voters.
However, voters who do not produce an EPIC may use other permitted identity documents, including:
- Aadhaar Card
- MGNREGA Job Card
- Photograph-bearing bank or post-office passbook
- Health Insurance Smart Card or Ayushman Bharat Health Card
- Driving Licence
- PAN Card
- Indian Passport
- Pension document carrying photograph
- Government/PSU/Public Limited Company employee identity card with photograph
- Identity cards issued to MPs, MLAs and MLCs
- Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card
Model Code of Conduct Comes Into Force
With the announcement of the bye-election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into effect in the districts where the concerned Assembly constituencies, or parts of them, are located.
Political parties and candidates will therefore be required to comply with the Commission’s applicable election-related guidelines during the poll process.
Candidates with Criminal Records Face Disclosure Requirements
The ECI has reiterated its rules concerning candidates with criminal antecedents.
Candidates with criminal cases are required to publish details of their criminal background in newspapers and through television channels on three separate occasions during the campaign period.
Political parties fielding candidates with criminal antecedents must similarly disclose the candidates’ criminal background through their websites, newspapers and television channels.
The disclosures are to be made in three designated periods:
- Within the first four days after withdrawal of candidature;
- Between the fifth and eighth days; and
- From the ninth day until the final day of campaigning.
Political parties are also required to explain the reasons for selecting candidates with criminal backgrounds and publish the information through newspapers, official social media platforms and their websites within 48 hours of selecting such candidates.
Voters will also be able to access candidate-related information through the ECI’s ECINET platform under the “Know Your Candidates” facility.
No-Dues Certificate Facility for Candidates
The Commission has also reiterated arrangements for intending candidates who have occupied government accommodation at any point during the 10 years preceding the election notification.
Such candidates can approach the concerned authorities for obtaining a No Dues Certificate covering outstanding liabilities relating to rent, electricity, water and telephone services.
Bye-Elections to Test Political Strength
The six bye-elections will assume political significance as parties prepare for contests across four states and a Union Territory.
With polling scheduled for October 6 and counting on October 9, the coming weeks are expected to see intensified campaigning, candidate selection and alliance-level preparations in the constituencies concerned.
The Election Commission has directed all stakeholders to follow the prescribed electoral procedures to ensure a free, fair and transparent polling process.
© IBG NEWS
