**Election Commission of India Announces By-Elections Across Seven States and Jammu & Kashmir**
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Monday that by-elections for eight assembly constituencies across seven states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be held on November 11. The counting of votes is scheduled for three days later, on November 14.
These by-elections are being conducted to fill vacancies arising from resignations, deaths, or disqualifications. The by-elections will take place in the following constituencies:
– Budgam and Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir
– Anta in Rajasthan
– Ghatshila in Jharkhand
– Jubilee Hills in Telangana
– Tarn Taran in Punjab
– Dampa in Mizoram
– Nuapada in Odisha
The Election Commission confirmed that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems will be used at all polling stations to ensure a smooth and transparent polling process. Adequate EVMs and VVPATs have been arranged for the elections, and voters will be required to present their Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) as the primary identification document at polling booths.
An official statement from the poll body further stated that the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately in all the districts where the elections are being held.
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**Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Over 7.4 Crore Voters to Decide Fate of NDA and INDIA Bloc**
The Election Commission has also announced the poll dates for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. Voting will take place in two phases—November 6 and November 11—with the counting of votes scheduled for November 14.
More than 7.4 crore electors are eligible to vote for the 243-member Bihar Assembly, which will go to polls following a shorter schedule compared to previous elections.
This election is shaping up as a direct contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc.
Currently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds the most number of legislators at 80, followed by its ally Janata Dal (United) with 45 seats. Backed by four MLAs from the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), led by Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, the NDA’s tally stands at 129, comfortably above the 122-seat majority mark.
On the opposition side, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties collectively hold 112 legislators, falling short by 10 seats.
Reflecting on past elections:
– In 2020, BJP won 74 seats but increased its numbers later through defections and bypoll victories.
– In 2015, BJP secured 53 seats while Janata Dal (United) bagged 71.
– In 2010, JD(U) emerged as the largest party with 115 seats in the 243-member assembly.
(With ANI and PTI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/election-commission-by-elections-for-8-assembly-constituencies-across-7-states-and-uts-on-november-11-counting-3-days-later-23597491
