Election Commission Announces Schedule for 37 Rajya Sabha Biennial Elections
The Election Commission of India (ECI) made a significant announcement on Wednesday, declaring that the crucial biennial elections to fill 37 Rajya Sabha seats will be conducted on March 16. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place later on the very same day, ensuring a swift and efficient electoral process.
Polling and Counting Timings
According to the detailed schedule released by the Commission, polling activities will commence at 9 AM and continue until 4 PM. Following the conclusion of voting, the counting process will begin promptly at 5 PM. This tight timeline is designed to maintain the integrity and transparency of the electoral proceedings.
Vacancies and Tenure Details
The 37 seats up for election are becoming vacant as the terms of the current members of the Upper House are set to expire in April 2026. These biennial elections are a constitutional requirement to ensure the continuous representation of states in the Rajya Sabha.
Election Schedule and Key Dates
The Commission has outlined a comprehensive timeline for the electoral process:
- Notification Issuance: February 26
- Last Date for Filing Nominations: March 5
- Scrutiny of Nominations: March 6
- Withdrawal Deadline: March 9
- Polling Date: March 16 (9 AM to 4 PM)
- Counting of Votes: March 16 (starting at 5 PM)
States Involved and Prominent Retiring MPs
The biennial elections will encompass ten states where one or more Rajya Sabha members are completing their tenure. The states include Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar.
Several prominent Members of Parliament are retiring in this cycle, marking a significant transition in the Upper House. Notable names among them are Upendra Kushwaha, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Tiruchi Siva, Saket Gokhale, Ramdas Athawale, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Sharad Pawar, Bhagwat Karad, Mamata Mohanta, Rameswar Teli, Indu Bala Goswami, K.T.S. Tulsi, N.R. Elango, Amarendra Dhari Singh, and Kiran Choudhry.
Election Guidelines and Conduct
To uphold the highest standards of transparency and fairness, the Election Commission will deploy dedicated observers in each of the ten states. These observers will meticulously oversee the entire election process, ensuring compliance with all electoral norms and regulations.
The Commission has issued a strict directive regarding the voting procedure: only integrated violet sketch pens supplied by the respective Returning Officers may be used for marking preferences on ballot papers. The use of any other writing instrument is strictly prohibited to prevent any potential irregularities or disputes.
Reiterating its unwavering commitment to a fair and impartial electoral environment, the ECI emphasized that these biennial elections will be completed within the prescribed constitutional timeline. This commitment is fundamental to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the Rajya Sabha electoral process, which plays a vital role in India's democratic framework.
