New Delhi, Oct 6: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced the schedule for by-elections to Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, alongside the Bihar Assembly elections 2025 and other bypolls across the country.
Addressing a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said polling for the two J&K seats will be held on November 11, while counting of votes is scheduled for November 14, 2025. The announcement brings relief to political parties and voters in both constituencies, which have remained vacant for nearly a year.
The Budgam seat became vacant after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah retained his Ganderbal seat following victories in both constituencies during last year’s Assembly elections. The Nagrota seat fell vacant after the death of BJP leader Devender Singh Rana on October 31, 2024, shortly after the Assembly polls. Political leaders in J&K welcomed the ECI’s decision, emphasizing the need to restore representation for the people.
Separately, the ECI issued three notifications initiating the nomination process for four Rajya Sabha seats from the Union Territory. The first notification covers the seat vacated by Shri Mir Mohammad Fayaz after his term ended on February 10, 2021. The second relates to the vacancy caused by Shri Shamsher Singh, while the third addresses two seats vacated by Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad and Shri Nazir Ahmed Laway on February 15, 2021.
Nomination papers can be submitted between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on working days at the J&K Legislative Assembly Secretariat in Srinagar, with the last date for filing on October 13, 2025. Scrutiny will be conducted on October 14 at 11 a.m., and withdrawal of nominations can be made by October 16 before 3 p.m. Polling, if required, will be held on October 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The ECI stressed strict adherence to timelines and procedures, urging candidates or their authorized agents to ensure timely submission. These elections mark a significant step in restoring legislative and parliamentary representation for Jammu and Kashmir.
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