Delhi: The Election Commission has announced the dates for the assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, as well as the by-elections in several states, including Kerala. The elections in Maharashtra will take place in a single phase on November 20, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23. In Jharkhand, the elections will be conducted in two phases: the first phase on November 13 and the second phase on November 20, with vote counting also on November 23.
The Election Commission has set November 13 as the election date for the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, as well as the Chellakkara and Palakkad legislative assembly constituencies. Vote counting for these three constituencies will also take place on November 23.
Rahul Gandhi, who previously contested from Wayanad but vacated the seat after winning in Rae Bareli, is expected to see Priyanka Gandhi contesting for the UDF in Wayanad for the by-election.
By-elections in Palakkad and Chellakkara are being held due to the resignations of MLAs Shafi Parambil and K. Radhakrishnan. Shafi Parambil vacated his seat after winning from Vadakara in the Lok Sabha elections, while K. Radhakrishnan won from the Alathur Lok Sabha constituency.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has raised concerns regarding the election date in Palakkad, requesting a change due to the Kalpathi Ratholsavam festival. They are urging the Election Commission to avoid holding the vote from November 13 to 15. A decision has been made to approach the Election Commission regarding this request.