By-elections likely for 6 Assembly & 1 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal after puja

Sources from the Election Commission indicate that by-elections are likely to be held for six assembly seats in West Bengal following Durga Puja. The seats where elections are anticipated include Sitai in Cooch Behar, Medinipur in West Medinipur, Naihati and Haroa in North 24 Parganas, Madarihat in Alipurduar, and Taldangra in Bankura.

These elections are expected to coincide with Maharashtra's assembly polls in October. The Election Commission has instructed the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in West Bengal to finalize all necessary documentation related to these constituencies by the first week of October.

Additionally, the Commission has held multiple video conferences with the state’s electoral office to ensure proper coordination and preparedness for the upcoming by-elections. Along with this, a bye-election on the Lok Sabha seat of Basirhat is also possible following the unfortunate demise of TMC MP Haji SK Nurul Islam.

It has also been confirmed that central security forces will be deployed to ensure that the by-elections are conducted smoothly and without any incidents. The Commission is focused on maintaining law and order and providing a safe environment for voters during these elections, which are considered critical for the state's political landscape.