Bareilly: A meeting with representatives of recognised political parties was held at the Commissionerate auditorium in Bareilly on Monday under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner Shambhu Kumar in connection with the upcoming 2026 election for the Bareilly-Moradabad Teachers’ Constituency of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council.
The Divisional Commissioner briefed representatives on the election schedule, nomination process and provisions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), and sought their cooperation in ensuring a peaceful, fair and transparent election.
The Assistant Electoral Registration Officer said the election notification would be issued on September 29, 2026. Nomination papers can be submitted before the concerned Returning Officer (RO) or Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) from September 29 to October 6, between 11 am and 3 pm each day. Scrutiny will be held on October 7, while candidates can withdraw their nominations on October 9. Polling will take place on October 23 from 8 am to 4 pm, followed by counting on October 27. The entire election process is scheduled to be completed by October 31.
Nomination papers must be submitted personally by the candidate or proposer. Nominations sent by post, fax or email will not be accepted. Each candidate may submit a maximum of four nomination papers. Technical verification of the candidate’s and proposer’s details against the electoral roll will also be conducted during the nomination process.
Officials stressed that all required documents must be attached correctly with nomination papers. All columns of Form 26, the affidavit accompanying the nomination, must be completed, with “Nil” or “Not Applicable” entered wherever appropriate. The required documents must reach the RO by 3 pm on October 6, the final day for nominations.
The meeting also covered specific provisions of the Model Code of Conduct. Officials said official tours by ministers must not be combined with election campaigning, while the use of government machinery and personnel for electoral purposes is prohibited. Directions of the Election Commission must also be followed for inaugurations, foundation-laying ceremonies and other programmes involving educational institutions that could influence voters in the Teachers’ Constituency.
During the election period, no new policy, scheme or programme that could influence voters in the constituency may be announced. Election officers cannot be invited to political meetings for electoral purposes, while approval or commencement of government schemes and new development works must comply with Election Commission provisions.
The representatives were also briefed on restrictions concerning the transfer of ROs and AROs, dry-day provisions relating to the sale and distribution of liquor, the use of vehicles and convoys for campaigning, the ban on campaigning during the 48-hour period preceding the close of polling, and equal access to government buildings, guest houses, inspection bungalows and public places.
Officials assured the representatives that all political parties and candidates would be provided a level playing field during the election process. They were advised to bring any complaint, problem or procedural issue to the notice of the RO or ARO in a timely manner to facilitate a fair and orderly election.
Assistant Electoral Registration Officer for the Bareilly-Moradabad Teachers’ Constituency and Additional Commissioner (Judicial) Preeti Jaiswal, along with representatives of various political parties, attended the meeting.
Report by Akhilesh Chandra Saxena, Bareilly
