The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for by-elections in six states, with polling set to take place in two phases and the results to be declared on May 4, 2026. The bypolls will fill vacant assembly and parliamentary seats that fell vacant due to resignations, disqualifications, or the death of sitting representatives.
According to the poll body, the by-elections will be conducted in a phased manner to ensure smooth administration and security arrangements across the concerned constituencies.
Two-Phase Polling Schedule
The Election Commission said the voting will be held on the following dates:
Phase 1 – April 27, 2026
Polling will be conducted in select constituencies across multiple states.
Phase 2 – April 30, 2026
The remaining constituencies will go to the polls.
The counting of votes will take place on May 4, 2026, after which the results will be officially announced.
States Where By-Elections Will Be Held
By-elections are scheduled in six states, including:
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Tamil Nadu
- Maharashtra
- Rajasthan
- Karnataka
These elections are expected to draw significant political attention as several key parties will contest to strengthen their presence ahead of upcoming major electoral battles.
Nomination and Campaign Timeline
The Election Commission has also outlined the key dates related to the bypoll process:
- Notification for elections: To be issued in April
- Last date for filing nominations: Within a week of notification
- Scrutiny of nominations: A day after the nomination deadline
- Last date for withdrawal: Two days after scrutiny
- Polling dates: April 27 and April 30
- Counting of votes: May 4
Importance of By-Elections
By-elections are conducted to fill vacancies in legislative bodies before the next general election cycle. Though smaller in scale compared to general elections, bypolls often serve as a political barometer, reflecting public sentiment and influencing political strategies.
Major political parties are expected to launch intense campaigns in the coming weeks as they try to secure victories in these constituencies.
With voting spread across two phases and counting scheduled for early May, the by-elections will be closely watched for their potential impact on the political landscape in the respective states.
