The Election Commission announced on Monday that bypolls for three West Bengal Rajya Sabha seats will take place on July 24. The seats became vacant after former Trinamool Congress MPs Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik resigned last month. All three had been elected on Trinamool tickets and stepped down in June amid internal party conflict. Ray and Baraik’s terms were due to end in August 2029, while Dev’s term ran until April 2030. Nominations open Tuesday and close July 14, with scrutiny on July 15 and withdrawals allowed until July 17. Voting will occur in the West Bengal Assembly from 9am to 4pm on July 24, followed by counting from 5pm. The outcome is expected to raise the BJP’s Rajya Sabha strength by three seats following its earlier assembly election win in the state.
