Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Byelections were held for five Assembly constituencies and one Lok Sabha constituency across three states and one Union Territory.
Key points
- The byelections were necessitated due to various reasons including resignation of elected members and a chief minister winning two seats.
- Constituencies involved are Nandigram and Rejinagar in West Bengal, Madurantakam and Dharapuram in Tamil Nadu, Thattanchavady in Puducherry, and Nagaon in Assam.
- Key political parties like BJP, Congress, Trinamool Congress, and AIUDF are contesting in these elections.
- Counting of votes for some constituencies was scheduled for October 9, 2026.
Background & context
Byelections are held to fill vacancies in legislative bodies that occur during the term of a legislature. They are conducted by the Election Commission of India following specific procedures outlined in the Constitution and electoral laws.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The elections were held on October 6, 2026, with counting on October 9, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Indian Society (elections, representation); GS Paper II: Governance, Elections, Electoral Reforms.
Why in news?
The State government has prepared the draft reservation list for elections to gram panchayats, taluk panchayats, and zilla panchayats and is seeking permission from the Election Commission to publish it.
Key points
- The draft reservation list for rural local bodies is ready.
- Permission is being sought from the Election Commission due to the model code of conduct being in force for Legislative Council elections.
- Finalization of the list will involve hearing objections and suggestions.
- An affidavit will be filed in the High Court, and a proposal will be submitted to the State Election Commission.
Background & context
Local self-governance in India is based on the Panchayati Raj system (rural) and Municipalities (urban). Reservations are provided for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Women in these bodies to ensure representation, as mandated by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Elections are for gram panchayats, taluk panchayats, and zilla panchayats.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Local Self-Government.
Why in news?
A group of former bureaucrats and activists accused CEC Gyanesh Kumar of 'proved misbehaviour' and sought his removal, citing disregard for law and constitutional duty.
Key points
- Allegations include undermining ECI's collective functioning, unauthorized changes to Form 6, centralizing electoral roll functions, and presiding over a flawed Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
- The group attempted to submit an 'impeachment notice' but was prevented from reaching the ECI office.
- They emailed their 'chargesheet' invoking Article 324(5) of the Constitution.
- Rahul Gandhi accused Gyanesh Kumar of illegally changing Form 6 during SIR, alleging it was to help the BJP.
Background & context
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) are appointed by the President. Article 324(5) of the Constitution states that the CEC shall not be removed from office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court. This means removal requires a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament with a special majority on grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Article 324(5) of the Constitution deals with the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Legislature and Executive, Constitutional Bodies, Election Commission of India, Electoral Reforms.