PUNE: Everyone was waiting for the announcement of bypolls of Pune and Chandrapur Lok Sabha constituencies. However, according to sources, there is no likelihood of holding of the bypoll. After the death of the MP, if the next election is more than one year away, then it is necessary to hold the election but by giving the reason of exceptional circumstances, it can be avoided.
Both Pune and Chandrapur Lok Sabha seats are vacant after the deaths of BJP MP Girish Bapat in Pune and Congress MP Balu Dhanorkar in Chandrapur. There was a possibility that the bye-lections may be declared for both the seats. However, it has come to light that the ECI is not making arrangements of conducting the bypolls. Hence, the possibility of both these seats remaining vacant cannot be ruled out.
Girish Bapat had passed away on March 29 and Balu Dhanorkar had died on May 30. The tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha is ending on June 16, 2024. However, there are no chances of the bypolls being held.
If after the death of an MP, if less time remains than the tenure of the Lok Sabha, the bypoll can be avoided. The tenure of the Lok Sabha is ending on June 16, 2024. Hence, if the deaths of MPs had happened after June 16, 2023, the bypoll could have been avoided by giving the excuse that less time remains of the tenure of Lok Sabha. However, both these seats are vacant for more than a year but still there is no possibility of the bypolls being held.
The ECI can give the excuse of exceptional circumstances and the tenure and avoid holding of bypoll. Now, one of these excuses can be given and the bypoll can be avoided. The schedule of the election is publicised 30 to 35 days before the bypoll but so far, this has not happened. Hence, the possibility of bypolls being held looks remote.
