Election Commission Schedules Bye-Elections for Three Vacant Rajya Sabha Seats in Andhra Pradesh

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for by-elections to fill three vacant Rajya Sabha seats from Andhra Pradesh. These vacancies emerged after the resignations of YSRCP members M Venkata Ramana, B Mastan Rao Yadav, and BC leader R Krishnaiah. Yadav and Krishnaiah left with four years remaining in their terms, while Rao had two years left.

YSRCP's loss of three members from the Council of States has reduced its Rajya Sabha representation to eight members. The TDP-led NDA alliance is set to gain these seats in the upcoming by-elections on December 20, thanks to its significant majority in the state's Assembly. The TDP holds 135 Assembly seats, Jana Sena has 21, and BJP has 8.

Rajya Sabha Representation

N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP aims to secure a presence in the Rajya Sabha, where it currently lacks representation. The YSRCP may not participate in the elections due to insufficient numbers. This situation marks the first time in nearly four decades that the TDP has no Upper House representation, a gap they hope to fill soon.

The counting of votes for these by-elections is also set for December 20.