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Maharashtra By-Elections: Rahuri, Baramati Polls Set for April 23, 2026

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for by-elections to fill vacancies in the Rahuri and Baramati assembly constituencies of Maharashtra. The seats became vacant following the demise of sitting MLAs Shivaji Kardile and Ajit Pawar. Polling is scheduled for April 23, 2026, with the Model Code of Conduct taking immediate effect in these constituencies. The entire electoral process, with counting on May 4, is set to be completed by May 6, 2026.

Key Points: Maharashtra By-Elections Schedule for Rahuri, Baramati Announced

  • By-elections for 8 seats in 6 states
  • Rahuri & Baramati seats vacant after MLAs' demise
  • Polling with EVMs & VVPAT on April 23, 2026
  • Model Code of Conduct in immediate effect
2 min read

By-elections announced for Rahuri, Baramati assembly constituencies of Maharashtra

ECI announces by-election schedule for Rahuri & Baramati assembly seats in Maharashtra. Polling on April 23, 2026, with Model Code of Conduct in effect.

"Polling will be held on April 23, 2026, while counting of votes will take place on May 4. - Election Commission of India"

Mumbai, March 15

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for by-elections to eight Assembly constituencies in six states across the country. The list includes two constituencies from Maharashtra, Rahuri and Baramati.

The seats fell vacant following the demise of MLA Shivaji Bhanudas Kardile from Rahuri and MLA Ajit Anantrao Pawar from Baramati. The by-elections will be conducted to fill these vacancies.

The Election Commission has released the detailed election schedule and stated that polling will be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) along with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) at all polling stations.

For voter identification, the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will be the primary document. In addition, documents such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving Licence, Passport, Bank or Post Office Passbook, MGNREGA Job Card, and Health Insurance Smart Card will also be accepted.

Meanwhile, with the announcement of the election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in the Rahuri and Baramati constituencies. The Commission has also made it mandatory for candidates and political parties to publicise information about candidates with criminal backgrounds three times during the campaign period.

According to the schedule announced by the Election Commission, polling will be held on April 23, 2026, while counting of votes will take place on May 4.

As per the programme, the gazette notification will be issued on March 30, 2026 (Monday). The last date for filing nomination papers is April 6, 2026 (Monday), while scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on April 7, 2026 (Tuesday).

The last date for withdrawal of nominations is April 9, 2026 (Thursday). Polling in the constituencies will be conducted on April 23, 2026 (Thursday).

After polling, the counting of votes will take place on May 4, 2026 (Monday), and the results will be declared the same day. The entire election process will be completed by May 6, 2026 (Wednesday), the Commission said.

The Election Commission has instructed all concerned authorities to make necessary arrangements for the by-elections and ensure strict compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Glad to see the EC is accepting multiple ID proofs. Not everyone has their EPIC card handy, so Aadhaar and others being valid is very helpful for voters. Hope the turnout is good! 🙏
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Michael C
The mandatory disclosure of criminal backgrounds three times during the campaign is a crucial rule. Voters deserve to know exactly who they are voting for. More transparency is always better for democracy.
A
Aditya G
While the schedule seems well-planned, I hope the local administration in Rahuri and Baramati is fully prepared. By-elections sometimes see lower voter engagement, so parties need to focus on real local issues, not just symbolic rallies.
P
Priya S
My family is from Ahmednagar district. Rahuri needs an MLA who will work for farmers' issues and water scarcity, which are perennial problems there. Hope the candidates have a clear manifesto on this.
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Vikram M
The use of EVMs with VVPAT is now standard, which is good. It builds trust in the process. Let's hope for a peaceful and fair election. Jai Hind!

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