Jammu, Oct 06: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued three separate notifications, formally opening the nomination process for four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu & Kashmir, setting the stage for a crucial electoral exercise later this month.
According to the first notification, an election will be held to fill the vacancy in the Council of States created by the retirement of Mir Mohammad Fayaz on February 10, 2021, following the completion of his term.
The Returning Officer has announced that nomination papers may be filed by candidates or their proposers with the Returning Officer (Secretary, J&K Legislative Assembly) or the Assistant Returning Officer (Additional Secretary, J&K Legislative Assembly) at their offices in the Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Srinagar, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on any working day.
The last date for filing nominations is Monday, October 13, 2025, with forms available at the same offices during the designated timings. Scrutiny of papers will take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the Returning Officer’s office at the Assembly Secretariat, Srinagar. Withdrawal of nominations may be done until Thursday, October 16, 2025, before 3 p.m., either personally or through authorized proposers or election agents. Polling, if necessary, will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The second notification concerns the Rajya Sabha seat vacated by Shamsher Singh on February 10, 2021. The schedule for filing, scrutiny, withdrawal, and polling will follow the same procedure 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 arising from the retirement of Ghulam Nabi Azad and Nazir Ahmed Laway on February 15, 2021. The filing of nomination papers, deadlines, and procedural requirements remain identical, with October 13, 2025, set as the last date for submission. Scrutiny is scheduled for October 14 at 11 a.m., and withdrawals must be completed by 3 p.m. on October 16. Polling, if required, will also take place on October 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The ECI has emphasized that all forms and submissions must strictly adhere to the timelines, making candidates and their agents solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the prescribed schedule.
