Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha By-Election 2026: Date, Candidate and Full Schedule
The Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha By-Election 2026 is being held to fill a vacant seat in the Council of States following the resignation of Dr. L. Murugan on 14 October 2026. The Election Commission of India has announced the election schedule, including nomination deadlines, scrutiny, withdrawal, polling and completion of the election process.
Important Election Update
Polling date: 12 November 2026, if a poll is necessary.
Polling time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Counting: Scheduled for 5:00 PM on polling day.
BJP candidate: Hardeep Singh Puri.
The election is conducted by elected members of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, not through direct voting by the general public.
Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha By-Election 2026: Overview
| Election Name | Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha By-Election 2026 |
|---|---|
| Election Authority | Election Commission of India (ECI) |
| House | Rajya Sabha, Council of States |
| Vacant Seat | One seat from Madhya Pradesh |
| Reason for By-Election | Resignation of Dr. L. Murugan on 14 October 2026 |
| BJP Candidate | Hardeep Singh Puri |
| Last Date for Nomination | 2 November 2026 |
| Polling Date | 12 November 2026, if necessary |
| Election Completion Deadline | Before 16 November 2026 |
Why Is the Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha By-Election Being Held?
The by-election became necessary after Dr. L. Murugan resigned from his Rajya Sabha seat on 14 October 2026. His term was originally scheduled to continue until April 2029? No. The Election Commission notification records the original term as ending on 2 April 2030.
A by-election is held to fill a vacancy that arises before the end of a member’s term. The successful candidate will fill the vacant seat for the remaining term, subject to the applicable constitutional and election laws.
The Election Commission of India issued the election programme notification on 26 October 2026. Readers should consult the official notification for the legally applicable dates and any subsequent amendments.
Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha By-Election 2026 Full Schedule
The following dates are based on the published election programme for the Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha by-election.
| Election Activity | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Issue of Election Notification | 26 October 2026 |
| Nomination Filing Period | From 26 October to 2 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Filing Nominations | 2 November 2026 |
| Scrutiny of Nomination Papers | 3 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Withdrawal | 5 November 2026 |
| Polling, if Necessary | 12 November 2026, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Counting of Votes | 12 November 2026, scheduled for 5:00 PM |
| Completion of Election Process | Before 16 November 2026 |
Polling is required only if the election is contested. If the final nomination process results in an uncontested election, the procedure may conclude without a poll, in accordance with the applicable rules.
Who Is the Candidate for the MP Rajya Sabha By-Election 2026?
The Bharatiya Janata Party has announced Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri as its candidate for the Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha by-election. The announcement was reported on 28 October 2026 and attributed to the party’s Central Election Committee.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Candidate | Hardeep Singh Puri |
| Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Seat | Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha vacant seat |
| Announcement | 28 October 2026 |
This information confirms the BJP nomination announcement, not the final result of the election. The complete list of contesting candidates should be verified after nomination scrutiny and the withdrawal deadline. Do not treat an unannounced or unverified name as an officially confirmed candidate.
How Is a Rajya Sabha Member Elected in Madhya Pradesh?
Rajya Sabha members representing a state are elected by the elected members of that state’s Legislative Assembly. Members of the general public do not cast direct votes in a Rajya Sabha election.
The election follows proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, under the applicable constitutional and election rules. Eligible MLAs participate in the voting process, and the result is determined according to the prescribed counting procedure.
Key Points About the Voting Process
- The election is for a vacant Rajya Sabha seat representing Madhya Pradesh.
- Only eligible elected members of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly participate as electors.
- Voting is conducted according to the applicable election rules.
- Counting follows the prescribed proportional representation and single transferable vote system.
- The official result must be checked through the relevant election authorities.
Where to Check the Official Election Schedule and Result
For accurate information about nomination notices, candidate details, polling arrangements and the final result, use official election sources rather than relying exclusively on social media posts or unverified reports.
Official Links
The Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha election page provides a dedicated section for the 2026 Rajya Sabha by-election. Check the latest official notices for nomination information, the final list of candidates and result-related announcements.
What Happens After the Nomination Process?
- Nomination papers are submitted within the notified period.
- The Returning Officer scrutinises the nomination papers.
- Eligible candidates may withdraw their candidature by the notified deadline.
- The final contesting-candidate position becomes clear after the applicable nomination procedures.
- If a poll is necessary, voting is scheduled for 12 November 2026.
- Counting is scheduled for the same day at 5:00 PM.
- The election process must be completed before 16 November 2026.
These are the scheduled stages. Any subsequent official order or change must be checked before publishing an updated timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha By-Election 2026?
Polling is scheduled for 12 November 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, if a poll is necessary.
2. Who is the BJP candidate for the MP Rajya Sabha by-election?
The BJP has announced Hardeep Singh Puri as its candidate for the by-election. The final contesting-candidate list should be checked after the official nomination process.
3. What is the last date to file nominations?
The last date for filing nomination papers is 2 November 2026.
4. When will nomination papers be scrutinised?
Scrutiny of nomination papers is scheduled for 3 November 2026.
5. What is the last date for withdrawal of candidature?
The last date for withdrawal is 5 November 2026.
6. When will the votes be counted?
Counting is scheduled for 5:00 PM on 12 November 2026, if polling takes place.
7. Can the general public vote in this election?
No. The Rajya Sabha seat is elected by eligible elected members of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, not by direct public voting.
8. Why is this by-election being held?
The seat became vacant after Dr. L. Murugan resigned on 14 October 2026.
9. Where can I check the official result?
Check the Election Commission of India website and the dedicated Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha election page for official notices and result information.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes. Election dates and procedures are based on the published 2026 election programme available at the time of writing. Candidate details, polling requirements and results may change through official notifications. Always verify the latest information with the Election Commission of India and Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. The article does not predict or declare an election winner.
