Erode East Bypolls: When Will The Voting & Counting Take Place For This Tamil Nadu Constituency?

The Election Commission of India has set the date for the Erode East bypolls. This election follows the passing of EVKS Elangovan, a senior Congress leader and great-grandson of rationalist EV Ramaswamy Periyar. The bypoll is scheduled for February 5, with votes being counted on February 8.

Details of the Erode Byelection

EVKS Elangovan passed away at 75 due to a lung infection on December 14, 2024. This marks the second election for this seat in three years. Previously, Elangovan secured victory in a bypoll after his son, Evera Thirumagan, who was the sitting MLA, died. Thirumagan Evera experienced chest pain in January 2023 and succumbed to cardiac arrest despite being rushed to the hospital.

Delhi Assembly Elections

In addition to the Erode East bypolls, the Election Commission has announced that Delhi will hold its single-phase assembly elections on February 5. The vote counting is also planned for February 8. These elections are crucial as they precede the end of the current assembly term on February 15, 2025.

Assembly Constituencies Overview

Delhi's assembly elections will cover a total of 70 constituencies. Of these, 58 are general constituencies while 12 are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC). This distribution reflects the diverse representation within Delhi's legislative framework.

The upcoming elections in both Erode East and Delhi highlight significant political events. These elections not only fill vacant seats but also shape future governance.

It has to be noted that this is the last press conference as the Election Commissioner.

Amid persistent allegations of EVM tampering, Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reaffirmed the reliability of electronic voting machines. He emphasized their robustness and immunity to interference, citing endorsements by the High Courts and Supreme Court.

"There is no evidence of unreliability or drawbacks in EVMs. No virus, bug, or rigging is possible," Kumar stated during a press conference.

Kumar also addressed concerns over voter turnout discrepancies, explaining that variations often arise from timing differences in data updates rather than manipulation.

"Comparing final voter turnout data with 5 PM figures is misleading. Polling officials handle multiple responsibilities near the close of polls, including ensuring the accuracy of Form 17C, which is shared with polling agents," he clarified.