The Election Commission of India has announced that elections for 24 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states will be held on June 18. The results will be declared on the same day. The seats are falling vacant due to the retirement of members in June and July 2026.
Full Schedule
The notification for the elections will be issued on May 29. The last date for filing nominations is June 5. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on June 6, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is June 9. Voting will take place from 9 AM to 4 PM on June 18, and counting will begin at 5 PM on the same day.
State-wise Breakup of Seats
- Uttar Pradesh: 4 seats
- Maharashtra: 3 seats
- Bihar: 2 seats
- West Bengal: 2 seats
- Karnataka: 2 seats
- Andhra Pradesh: 2 seats
- Gujarat: 2 seats
- Odisha: 2 seats
- Telangana: 2 seats
- Rajasthan: 2 seats
Currently, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds a majority in the Rajya Sabha with 115 members. The opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc has 89 members. The elections are crucial as the term of several members ends in July.
Key Contests
In Uttar Pradesh, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to win at least three of the four seats. In Maharashtra, the BJP and its allies are likely to secure two seats, while the opposition may win one. In Bihar, the Janata Dal (United) and BJP alliance is expected to win both seats. In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress is likely to retain both seats. In Karnataka, the Congress and BJP may win one seat each.
The Election Commission has urged all political parties to follow the model code of conduct and ensure peaceful polling. Special arrangements have been made for COVID-19 protocols, including sanitization and social distancing at polling stations.
