Overview

• The Election Commission on Oct. 13 issued notifications aligning by-elections across Nuapada (Odisha), Anta (Rajasthan), Nagrota and Budgam (Jammu & Kashmir), and Tarn Taran (Punjab), with nominations closing Oct. 20–21, scrutiny on Oct. 22–23, and withdrawals by Oct. 24–27.
• In Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills, the Returning Officer started the bypoll process with nominations open until Oct. 21, ten filings on day one from smaller parties and independents, and BRS naming Maganti Sunitha and Congress fielding Naveen Yadav as the BJP awaits a nominee.
• Odisha’s CEO detailed Nuapada arrangements that include 358 polling stations, a cap of 1,200 voters per booth, webcasting at all locations, early closing at 47 LWE-affected booths, adequate EVMs/VVPATs, deployment of 14 CAPF companies, and a requisitioned chopper for remote areas.
• J&K’s Nagrota seat goes to a bypoll after the death of Devender Singh Rana, while Budgam was vacated when Omar Abdullah resigned the seat he also won in 2024, with both contests following the uniform Nov. 11 polling date and Oct. 20–24 nomination window.
• Bihar’s second phase opened nominations for 122 constituencies with polling on Nov. 11 and results on Nov. 14, as officials prepare earlier closing in Naxal-affected pockets and request extensive paramilitary support, air ambulances, and helicopters, with the process to conclude by Nov. 16.