Bypolls 2025: UP’s Milkipur, Tamil Nadu’s Erode to vote on Feb 5 alongside Delhi elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday, January 7 announced the schedule for the upcoming by-elections in two Assembly constituencies: Milkipur in Uttar Pradesh and Erode (East) in Tamil Nadu. The by-elections for both the seats will be held alongside the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, with the results to be declared on February 8.

The Milkipur Assembly seat in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya district became vacant following the resignation of Awadhesh Prasad, who had been elected as an MLA during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Prasad resigned from his seat after being fielded by the Samajwadi Party (SP) as the Lok Sabha candidate from Faizabad (Ayodhya) in 2024, where he won against BJP’s Lallu Singh.

Similarly, the Erode (East) seat in Tamil Nadu was vacated following the death of EVKS Elangovan. The Election Commission confirmed that electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter verifiable paper audit trails (VVPATs) will be used across all polling stations to ensure a fair and transparent process.

The Model Code of Conduct will come into effect immediately in the constituencies concerned. The election process will also be closely monitored to maintain transparency. The ECI has assured that adequate arrangements will be made for smooth and efficient polling, and “all necessary steps have been taken to ensure the integrity of the elections.”

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The Election Commission had previously delayed the Milkipur election due to a legal petition filed by former MLA Gorakhnath Baba, challenging Awadhesh Prasad’s 2022 election victory. However, the case has since been withdrawn, clearing the path for the by-election. The ruling BJP is hoping to continue its winning streak, while the Opposition Samajwadi Party aims to retain its hold over the high-profile constituency.