Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced by-election to one Rajya Sabha seat from Odisha on June 18 following the resignation of Debashish Samantaray.
The vacancy in the Council of States from Odisha was created following resignation of Debashish Samantaray on May 25.
According to a press note issued by the ECI, the vacancy arose after Debashish Samantaray resigned from the Rajya Sabha on May 25, 2026. His term was originally scheduled to continue until April 3, 2030.
The Election Commission has released a detailed timeline for the by-election process:
– Issue of Notification: June 1, 2026 (Monday)
– Last Date for Filing Nominations: June 8, 2026 (Monday)
– Scrutiny of Nominations: June 9, 2026 (Tuesday)
– Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidature: June 11, 2026 (Thursday)
– Date of Poll: June 18, 2026 (Thursday)
– Polling Hours: 9 am to 4 pm
– Counting of Votes: June 18, 2026, at 5 pm
– Election Process Completion Deadline: June 20, 2026 (Saturday)
The ECI stated that only integrated violet-colour sketch pens supplied by the Returning Officer will be allowed for marking preferences on ballot papers during the Rajya Sabha bypoll.
Adequate measures would be taken for close monitoring of the election process by appointing observer to ensure free and fair voting.
The announcement of bypoll schedule has triggered political discussions across the state, as major political parties are expected to begin candidate selection and strategy planning soon.
The vacant Rajya Sabha seat carries importance because the elected member will serve the remaining term until April 2030. Political observers believe the election could become significant in the current political landscape of Odisha. It has added significance as Samantaray on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after resigning from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
Political activity in Odisha is expected to intensify over the coming days as the nomination process for the by-election is set to begin on June 1 with the official notification.
