Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha Bypoll Scheduled for November 12

The Election Commission of India announced that a Rajya Sabha bypoll in Madhya Pradesh will take place on November 12, 2026. The seat was vacated after former Union Minister of State L Murugan resigned from his Rajya Sabha seat and the Council of Ministers on October 13, although his term was originally due to run until April 2030.

Election Schedule

The election notification will be issued on October 26, 2026. Candidates can file their nominations from October 26 until November 2, and the scrutiny of these nominations will take place on November 3. The last date to withdraw nominations is November 5. Polling will be held on November 12 from 9 am to 4 pm, with vote counting scheduled to begin at 5 pm on the same day. The entire election process will be completed by November 16, 2026.

Voting Rules

For marking preferences on the ballot paper, the Election Commission directed that voters must use only integrated violet sketch pens of a prefixed specification provided by the Returning Officer. The panel also stated that it will appoint observers to closely monitor the process and ensure a free and fair election.

Context

Rajya Sabha bypolls follow set statutory timelines managed by the Election Commission to fill unexpected vacancies in Parliament. These elections use a system of proportional representation where state assembly members cast their votes.