New Delhi, July 16 (TIWN) The Election Commission of India on Friday announced that by-polls to a Rajya Sabha seat vacated by former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Dinesh Trivedi will take place on August 9.

The EC had enquired if elections to two Rajya Sabha seats — vacated by Dinesh Trivedi and Manas Bhunia — could be held at short notice. Trivedi had given up his Parliament membership after he joined the BJP ahead of the state polls this year. Bhunia, now a Bengal minister, chose to retain his Sabang assembly constituency and resign from the Rajya Sabha. In keeping with the Trinamool Congress’ poll promises, the state is likely to introduce a bill in the assembly on July 8 to reinstate a bicameral legislature in Bengal. It is largely believed that several senior ministers and leaders, who did not contest the polls, will find a place in the state’s upper House. All ministers, including the chief minister, must be a member of either lower or upper House of the state legislature within six months. Election results were declared on May 2.