The Election Commission on Tuesday announced a June schedule for by-elections to the Nellore Lok Sabha seat and in 28 Assembly constituencies in 10 States, most of them in Andhra Pradesh.
It will almost be a mini general election on June 12 in Andhra Pradesh, where 18 Assembly constituencies, apart from the Lok Sabha constituency, will go to the polls. Sixteen seats fell vacant following the disqualification of 16 Congress MLAs by the Speaker for supporting the YSR Congress, in violation of the party whip. Another vacancy was caused by the resignation of the erstwhile Praja Rajyam Party MLA actor-politician Chiranjeevi consequent to his election to the Rajya Sabha.
Polling for the other by-elections will also be held on June 12, except in Neyyanttinkara (Kerala) and Cortalim (Goa) where the exercise will take place on June 2. Counting will be taken up on June 15.
The model code of conduct has come into effect and is applicable to the respective State governments, the Centre, political parties and candidates.
The other Assembly segments are: Madhya Pradesh – Maheshwar (SC); Tripura – Nalchar (SC); West Bengal – Daspur and Bankura; Uttar Pradesh – Mant; Tamil Nadu – Pudukottai; Andhra Pradesh – Tirupati, Allagadda, Rajampet, Rayachoti, Parkal, Ongole, Narasannapeta, Payakaraopet (SC), Anantapur Urban, Yemmiganur, Rayadurg, Kodur (SC), Udayagiri, Narasapuram, Prathipadu (SC), Ramachandrapuram, Macherla and Polavaram (ST); Maharashtra – Kaij (SC); and Jharkhand – Hatia.
For the June 2 poll in Goa and Kerala, the notification will be issued on May 9. May 16 is the last date for filing nominations. The papers will be scrutinised on May 17. May 19 is the last date for withdrawals.
As for the other by-elections, the notification will be issued on May 18 and the last date for filing papers is May 25. On May 26, the papers will be scrutinised and the last date for withdrawals is May 28.
