Jammu & Kashmir to Fill Vacant Rajya Sabha Seats Through Three Separate Elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has scheduled elections to fill four vacant Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir on October 24, 2025. These seats have been unrepresented since February 2021. Due to legal provisions, the four vacancies will be filled through three separate elections, as each falls under a different electoral cycle. Notifications for these elections will be issued on October 6, with the final date for submitting nominations set for October 13. Polling will take place from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on October 24, and counting of votes will commence at 5:00 pm the same day.

Punjab to Hold Rajya Sabha By-Election on October 24

A by-election will also be held on October 24 to fill a vacant Rajya Sabha seat from Punjab. The seat became vacant following the resignation of MP Sanjeev Arora in July after his election to the Punjab assembly. His Rajya Sabha term was originally due to end on April 9, 2028. The election schedule for this seat mirrors that of Jammu and Kashmir, with notifications issued on October 6 and polling on October 24.

Background on Vacancies in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir has been without representation in the Rajya Sabha since February 15, 2021, when the terms of Ghulam Nabi Azad and Nazir Ahmed Laway ended. Two other members, Fayaz Ahmed Mir and Shamsheer Singh Manhas, had completed their terms on February 10, 2021. The delay in conducting elections was due to the absence of a legislative assembly in the Union Territory, which is required to provide the necessary electorate for Rajya Sabha elections. Following last year’s assembly elections, the conditions now exist to conduct the biennial polls.

Conclusion

The upcoming elections will restore Jammu and Kashmir’s representation in the Rajya Sabha after over four years. The separate elections for the four seats in Jammu and Kashmir are in accordance with legal provisions, ensuring that each vacancy is filled through the appropriate electoral cycle. Voters in both Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab are encouraged to participate in the democratic process on October 24.