NewsGate Press Network

A one-off window opens-up for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to formally become a MLA after Election Commission announced a by-poll to be held on 30 September.

On Saturday 4 September 2021, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced by-election for the Bhabanipur constituency, Mamata’s home turf in Kolkata.

The seat fell vacant after resignation of Shoyandev Chattopadhyay, a veteran Trinamool Congress leader and a minister in Mamata’s cabinet.

Apart from Bhabanipur, elections in West Bengal’s Samshergunj and Jangipur and Odisha’s Pipli constituencies will be held on the same day.

The last date to file nominations to contest these by-elections is 13 September 2021. Counting will take place on 3rd October 2021.

The commission held meetings with Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers and took their opinion.

In a statement, the poll panel said, “He (Chief Secretary of West Bengal) has also informed that in view of administrative exigencies and public interest and to avoid vacuum in the state, the bye-election for 159-Bhabanipur AC, Kolkata from where Ms Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister intends to contest elections may be conducted.”

The commission added that due to Covid protocols which are still operational, the indoor and outdoor meeting have been restricted to 30% and 50% of total capacity of the venue.

A number cap has also been put on star campaigners with regulations announced for door-to-door campaigns, road shows, street corner meetings and other means of campaigns.

The silence period before the poll will be for 72 hours. No motorcycle or cycle rallies will be allowed and only those who have been fully-vaccinated will be allowed for poll duty, the ECI said.

The Election Commission statement also mentions that in the country “as on date, three deferred, adjourned polls should be held and 32 assembly and three parliamentary constituencies are vacant.”