Hyderabad, Nov 25th: The notification for the by-election to the prestigious Pulivendula Assembly seat, represented by late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy for five terms, was issued on Wednesday. After a meeting with all political parties, State Chief Electoral Officer I V Subba Rao told reporters that ''the last date for filing nominations is December two and scrutiny will be taken up on the next day. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is December five. Polling, if necessary, will be held on December 19.'' The seat fell vacant following the death of the late Chief Minister in a helicopter crash on September two.

Pradesh Congress President (PCC) D Srinivas had indicated that the party is likely to field a family member of YSR. However, party sources said the party high command was against fielding the late Chief Minister's son Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, a Congress MP from Kadapa, as it would mean another byelection to the Kadapa Lok Sabha seat. The parties high command wanted either YSR’s widow Y S Vijayalakshmi or their daughter Sharmili to contest, the sources added. The model code of conduct came into force on November 20 when the schedule was announced. The code would be applicable to candidates, political parties and the State Government.