Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,DD: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued three separate notifications, initiating the nomination process for four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu & Kashmir.
The first notification states that an election will be held to fill the vacancy in the Council of States caused due to the retirement of Shri Mir Mohammad Fayaz on February 10, 2021, upon the expiration of his term.
The Returning Officer has informed that nomination papers can be submitted by candidates or their proposers to the Returning Officer (Secretary, J&K Legislative Assembly) or the Assistant Returning Officer (Additional Secretary, J&K Legislative Assembly) at their offices located in the Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Srinagar, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on any working day.
The last date for submission of nomination forms is Monday, October 13, 2025. Forms of nomination may be obtained at the same offices during the stated timings.
Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the office of the Returning Officer at the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Srinagar.
Candidates may withdraw their nomination by Thursday, October 16, 2025, before 3 p.m. either personally or through authorized proposers or election agents. In the event of a contested election, polling will be conducted on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, it reads.
The second notification pertains to the Rajya Sabha seat vacated by Shamsher Singh on February 10, 2021. The procedure for filing, scrutiny, and withdrawal of nominations, as well as polling, remains the same as outlined in the first notification. The Returning Officer for this election is Manoj Kumar Pandit, Secretary of the J&K Legislative Assembly.
The third notification relates to the election of two members to the Council of States to fill vacancies caused by the retirement of Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad and Shri Nazir Ahmed Laway on February 15, 2021, upon the completion of their terms. Nomination papers can be delivered at the same offices between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with the last date for filing being October 13, 2025, it reads.
Scrutiny will be conducted on October 14, 2025, at 11 a.m., and withdrawal of candidature must be completed before 3 p.m. on October 16. Polling, if required, will be held on October 24, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The ECI has reiterated that all forms and submission procedures must adhere to the timelines specified, and candidates or their authorized agents are responsible for delivering the papers within the prescribed schedule. (KNC)
