Rajya Sabha Election 2026

What observers say

The Rajya Sabha elections set for March 16, 2026, will fill 37 seats across 10 states in India, marking a crucial political event as various parties vie for influence in the Upper House. With 26 candidates already elected unopposed, the elections are shaping up to be a significant moment in Indian politics.

Polling will take place from 9 am to 4 pm, with counting of votes scheduled to begin at 5 pm. The elections are particularly notable as they are the first contested Upper House polls in Odisha after a gap of 12 years, highlighting the changing political landscape in the region.

In Bihar, five seats are contested, with prominent leaders such as Nitish Kumar and Ram Nath Thakur securing victories. This reflects the ongoing political dynamics in the state, where alliances and rivalries continue to evolve.

In Odisha, the BJP emerged victorious by winning 3 out of 4 Rajya Sabha seats, including that of independent candidate Dilip Ray. This success underscores the BJP’s growing influence in the region, which has traditionally been dominated by the BJD.

Chhattisgarh saw Laxmi Verma and Phulo Devi Netam securing their seats, while in Tamil Nadu, six candidates from DMK, AIADMK, and Congress were elected unopposed. This unopposed election indicates a strategic maneuvering among parties to consolidate their positions without facing electoral challenges.

West Bengal’s elections resulted in TMC candidates like Babul Supriyo winning seats, alongside BJP’s Rahul Sinha. This outcome is indicative of the fierce competition between these two parties in a state that has witnessed significant political shifts in recent years.

In Telangana, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Vem Narender Reddy were elected, while Anurag Sharma won the seat from Himachal Pradesh. The elections also saw notable figures like Sharad Pawar, Vinod Tawde, Tiruchi Siva, and Ramdas Athawale securing seats, further diversifying the representation in the Rajya Sabha.

The election cycle has not been without controversy, as allegations of horse-trading and vote-buying have emerged, adding a layer of drama to the proceedings. Observers are keenly watching how these dynamics will unfold as the elections approach, with many anticipating further developments in the political strategies of the involved parties.