Rajya Sabha Elections Announced for Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal; Voting Set for October 16

New Delhi, September 22 (Daily Kiran) : The Election Commission has officially announced the dates for Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. Voting will take place on October 16 for ten seats in Uttar Pradesh and one in Uttarakhand, along with a by-election for one seat in West Bengal.

The terms of eleven Rajya Sabha members from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are set to expire in November 2026, prompting these elections. In West Bengal, a vacancy arose when MP Rukmini Mallik resigned on July 16, 2026, with her term originally scheduled to end on April 2, 2032. A by-election will be held to fill this seat.

According to the Election Commission, the official notification for the elections will be issued on September 29. Candidates must submit their nominations by October 6, with scrutiny of nomination papers taking place on October 7. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until Friday, October 9.

Voting is scheduled for October 16, from 9 AM to 4 PM, with vote counting commencing at 5 PM the same day. The entire election process is expected to be completed by October 19.

To ensure a fair election, the Commission has introduced a specific rule regarding voting. Voters will only be allowed to use an integrated violet color sketch pen, provided by the returning officer, to mark their ballots. No other writing instruments will be permitted.

The Commission has also stated that election supervisors will be appointed to monitor the process closely, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the election.