Hardeep Singh Puri Nominated for Rajya Sabha By-Election in Madhya Pradesh
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has been named by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha by-election in Madhya Pradesh. This nomination follows the resignation of Murugan, whose term was originally set to end in 2030. The election schedule has been announced, with voting planned for November 12, 2026.
By The Junior Post
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On October 28, 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced that Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri would be its candidate for the Rajya Sabha by-election from Madhya Pradesh. Mr. Puri, who is 74 years old, currently serves as the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
This by-election is being held to fill a seat that became vacant after Murugan resigned on October 14, 2026. Murugan stated his intention to focus on strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu, even though his term in the Upper House was originally scheduled to end on April 2, 2030.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for this by-election on October 22, 2026. The last date for candidates to file their nominations is November 2, 2026. The scrutiny of nominations will take place on November 3, 2026, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until November 5, 2026.
Voting for the by-election is scheduled for November 12, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The counting of votes will happen on the same day at 5:00 PM. Given the BJP's majority in Madhya Pradesh, it is expected that Mr. Puri will have a smooth election.
Knowledge Vault
Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha is one of the two houses of India's Parliament. It is also known as the Council of States. Members of the Rajya Sabha are not directly elected by the people but are chosen by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies. It plays an important role in making laws for the country.
By-election
A by-election is a special election held to fill a vacant political office that occurs between regular general elections. This happens when a member resigns, passes away, or is disqualified before their full term ends. The purpose is to ensure that the seat is filled without waiting for the next general election.
Union Minister
A Union Minister is a high-ranking official in the central government of India. These ministers are part of the Union Cabinet and are responsible for specific departments or ministries, such as Petroleum and Natural Gas. They help in making important decisions and policies for the country.
Check your understanding
- Why is a by-election being held for a Rajya Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh?
- The term of the previous member, Murugan, naturally ended.
- Murugan resigned from his position to focus on party work in Tamil Nadu.
- Hardeep Singh Puri's term in the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh ended.
- The Election Commission of India decided to hold a new election for all Rajya Sabha seats.
- What is the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in this by-election?
- The ECI nominates the candidates for the election.
- The ECI decides which political party has a majority in Madhya Pradesh.
- The ECI announces the schedule for the by-election, including dates for nominations and voting.
- The ECI is responsible for strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu.
- Based on the article, what is a likely outcome for Hardeep Singh Puri in this by-election?
- He will face a very difficult election due to strong opposition.
- He is expected to have a smooth election because the BJP has a majority in Madhya Pradesh.
- The election will be postponed indefinitely.
- He will not be able to file his nomination on time.