Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha Bypoll Set for November 12 After Murugan's Resignation

The Election Commission of India has released the schedule for the Rajya Sabha bypoll in Madhya Pradesh, setting November 12, 2026, as the date for polling. The election will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Union Minister L. Murugan.

The ECI announced the schedule on Thursday (October 22, 2026). The announcement sets the dates for issuing notifications, filing nominations, scrutiny, withdrawal, polling and counting.

Nomination schedule

The notification for the bypoll will be issued on October 26, 2026. Candidates can submit their nominations until November 2, 2026. The scrutiny of nominations will take place on November 3, 2026.

The last date for withdrawing nominations is November 5, 2026. These stages will determine the final list of candidates who will contest the election for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat.

Polling and counting on November 12

Polling will be held on November 12, and counting of votes will take place on the same day after polling at 5 p.m. The completion of the election is scheduled for November 16, 2026.

The ECI has also issued a direction on marking preferences on the ballot paper. Voters must use only integrated violet colour sketch pens of the prefixed specification provided by the Returning Officer for this purpose.

The panel said adequate measures would be taken for close monitoring of the election process by appointing an observer. The stated aim of the measure is to ensure a free and fair election.

Source: The Hindu