The Supreme Court on Oct 26 2026 ordered the Union government and the Election Commission to respond to a petition challenging MLAs who resign, switch parties and trigger costly by‑elections. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, issued notices to the Centre, the ECI and six former AIADMK legislators.
The Bharatiya Janata Party announced that Hasirani Rath, mother of slain Suvendu Adhikari aide Chandranath Rath, will contest the Nandigram Assembly by‑poll, while former Murshidabad BJP president Shakharav Sarkar will stand in Rejinagar. The by‑elections are scheduled for October 6, with nominations due by September 16.
The rebel faction of the All India Trinamool Congress led by Ritabrata Banerjee announced its candidates for the October 6, 2026 by‑elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar. The move pits the splinter group directly against the Mamata‑Banerjee‑led camp, intensifying a dispute over the party’s name, symbol and organisational control.
The Trinamool Congress announced its candidates for the Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly by‑polls in West Bengal. The two by‑elections are set to be held on October 6.
The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has shifted three Class 12 Semester III exam papers by one week, moving them from October 5‑7 to October 12‑14. The change, prompted by upcoming by‑elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar, leaves exam timings unchanged but gives students an extra week to prepare.
Madurantakam and Dharapuram, both SC‑reserved constituencies in Tamil Nadu, will hold by‑elections next month, with AIADMK women candidates currently leading. Party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed confidence that AIADMK will secure both seats.
