Ranchi – The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced that the by-election for the Ghatshila Assembly constituency in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district will take place on November 11.
The seat fell vacant following the demise of Ramdas Soren, a former minister in the Jharkhand government. The constituency is reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST).
As per the official schedule, the gazette notification will be issued on October 13. Nominations can be submitted until October 21, with scrutiny on October 22, and the final withdrawal date set for October 24. Polling will be conducted on November 11, and votes will be counted on November 14.
With the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect across East Singhbhum district.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jharkhand stated that several new election measures will be introduced during this bypoll. For the first time, colour photographs of candidates will appear on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), helping voters identify their preferred candidates easily.
A recent summary revision of the electoral rolls showed an increase in the number of registered voters — now standing at 2,55,823, including 1,24,899 men and 1,30,921 women, with women voters slightly outnumbering men.
To improve accessibility, the Election Commission has rationalised polling stations, setting up 300 booths across 218 locations, including 12 new and 3 merged stations.
Officials said preparations are almost complete to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election. Senior administrative and security officers will soon visit Ghatshila to assess the arrangements.
This will be the first bypoll under the Hemant Soren-led government, and political activity has already gained momentum across Jharkhand.
With inputs from IANS