The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared the schedule for the Lok Sabha General Elections and six Assembly Constituency (AC) bye-elections in Himachal Pradesh.
According to a press release dated May 7, 2024, nominations for these elections can be filed from May 7 to May 14. The filing timings are from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm daily during this period at designated locations and before the Returning Officers (ROs)/Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) as specified in the notification.
Scrutiny of nominations will take place on May 15, 2024, and the last date for withdrawal of candidatures is May 17, 2024. Notably, nominations will not be accepted on May 11 and May 12, 2024, due to public holidays.
Voting for the four Parliamentary constituencies – Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Shimla – along with the six Assembly constituencies where bye-elections are scheduled, will be conducted on June 1, 2024. The polling will take place from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The significance of these elections stems from the disqualification of six rebel Congress MLAs who subsequently joined the BJP, leading to vacancies in the Assembly. These vacancies prompted the need for bye-elections alongside the General Elections.
The ruling Congress, which initially held 40 seats in the 68-member Assembly, faced a setback with the disqualification of six MLAs. Consequently, the Congress’ tally reduced to 34, below the majority mark of 35.
Responding to their disqualification, the rebel Congress MLAs have approached the Supreme Court seeking relief. Their contention revolves around the grounds of disqualification and the circumstances surrounding their absence during the crucial Assembly proceedings.
As the political landscape in Himachal Pradesh prepares for these consequential elections, stakeholders are gearing up for a contest that will not only determine the representation at both the state and national levels but also shape the future trajectory of the state’s governance and political dynamics.
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