Kashmir & Punjab Rajya Sabha By-Elections Scheduled for October 24
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the program for the by-elections for two vacant Rajya Sabha seats, one in each of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Voting will be held on October 24, 2025, with the counting of votes prescribed for the same evening. These by-elections are expected to be closely watched in view of the political importance of both states and these seats play a role in the upper house dynamics.
Background of vacancies
The Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States, is the upper house of Parliament, where members are elected by the Legislative Assembly of the States and the Center. Both Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir are due to the vacancies that originated earlier this year.
- Jammu and Kashmir: After the resignation of a member of the sitting Sabha, the seat became vacant, which was recently elected to the Lok Sabha during the general elections. Since the political scenario of Jammu and Kashmir is going through a shift post-revival in the center region, this by-election holds special significance.
- Punjab: Vacancy in Punjab was formed due to the untimely demise of a sitting member, which required by-elections. Punjab’s changing political dynamics, with a multi-round competition between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), make this election particularly interesting.
Election Commission Schedule
According to the Election Commission’s notification:
- Date of Notification: October 1, 2025
- Last Date for Filing Nominations: October 8, 2025
- Scrutiny of Nominations: October 9, 2025
- Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidature: October 11, 2025
- Date of Polling: October 24, 2025
- Counting of Votes: October 24, 2025 (evening)
- Completion of Election Process: October 28, 2025
The polling will be conducted by secret ballot in the respective State Assemblies, as per the provisions of the Representation of the People Act.
Political Significance
The Rajya Sabha by-elections, although limited in numbers, often carry a political weight unequal to their size. This is because every seat in the upper house brings about important legislative business, especially for the ruling alliance at the center.
Jammu and Kashmir:
- This will be the first major political practice for the new, reorganized J&K Legislative Assembly after years of political uncertainty.
- Regional parties such as the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are expected to play a decisive role, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will try to strengthen its presence in the central area.
- Analysts believe that the result of the by-election can serve as an indicator of where the politics of Jammu and Kashmir are going in the near future.
Punjab:
- The political environment of Punjab is volatile, with AAP in power but is facing challenges from both Congress and BJP.
- The Rajya Sabha by-election cannot change the state’s rule, but it will test the power of legislative numbers within the assembly.
- It can also affect the stories ahead of the next assembly elections, indicating which side retains the MLA’s trust.
Election Method and Voting System
Unlike Lok Sabha or Assembly elections, where the public votes directly, Rajya Sabha elections are indirect. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) vote to elect representatives, using a single transferable vote system.
- In Punjab, with AAP commanding a majority in the Assembly, the party holds an advantage in fielding its candidate. However, internal unity and cross-voting remain factors to watch.
- In Jammu & Kashmir, where the Assembly is relatively new and fragmented, coalition building and floor management will be crucial. Smaller parties and independent MLAs may emerge as kingmakers in this contest.
Impact on National Politics
Though only two seats are at stake, the outcome will slightly alter the arithmetic of the Rajya Sabha. For the ruling government at the Centre, even a marginal gain strengthens its ability to push bills, especially those where the Upper House numbers are closely contested.
For the opposition, retaining or winning a seat sends out a message of resilience. In an environment where coalition politics is becoming more pronounced, every Rajya Sabha by-election acts as a barometer of political alliances.
Security and Administrative Arrangements
Given the sensitivities in Jammu & Kashmir, special security arrangements will be in place for the smooth conduct of polling. The Election Commission has directed state authorities to ensure that the election process remains free, fair, and peaceful.
In Punjab, the administrative machinery has already been alerted to prepare for the by-election, though being an indirect poll, the logistical requirements are comparatively limited.
Reactions from Political Parties
- AAP (Punjab): Leaders expressed confidence that their majority in the Assembly will ensure a smooth victory for their candidate.
- Congress: The party has stated that it will field strong candidates in both states to demonstrate its continued relevance.
- BJP: Party leaders highlighted that the J&K by-election provides them with an opportunity to strengthen their parliamentary presence in the Union Territory.
- Regional Parties in J&K: The NC and PDP have yet to announce their strategies, but insiders suggest behind-the-scenes discussions for possible alliances.
Analysts’ View
Political observers suggest that while the by-elections have not made much change in national numbers, they will serve as important signs:
- In Punjab, can AAP avoid internal dissatisfaction and maintain unity?
- In J&K, the competition will reflect the emerging balance of power in a politically sensitive field.
Conclusion
In the Rajya Sabha by-elections to be held on October 24, 2025, in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, it may appear limited to the scope, but they are highly symbolic. They provide insight into regional politics, party strength and the possibilities of coalition.
For voters, sub-poles cannot directly include them, but for legislators and parties, this election is a test of organizational power and political strategy. As the date comes, everyone’s eyes will be on Srinagar and Chandigarh to see which parties are victorious in these tightly contested competitions.
