The Election Commission of India has officially notified the schedule for the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha and the Karnataka Legislative Council. Voting for these crucial polls is set to take place on June 18, 2026.
Rajya Sabha Elections
The elections to the four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka were necessitated as the terms of the sitting members are coming to an end on June 25, 2026. The outgoing members include former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, and BJP members Iranna Kadadi and K Narayana. The notification marks the beginning of the election process, allowing candidates to file their nominations.
Legislative Council Polls
In addition to the Rajya Sabha seats, elections will also be held for the Karnataka Legislative Council. The exact number of seats up for grabs will be announced shortly. The council polls are held under the local authorities' constituencies, and the process will follow the same timeline.
Schedule and Process
The Election Commission has laid out the complete schedule. The last date for filing nominations is June 10, while scrutiny will take place on June 11. Candidates can withdraw their nominations by June 13. Voting will be conducted on June 18 from 9 AM to 4 PM, and the counting of votes will take place on the same day. The newly elected members will assume office on June 26, a day after the current members' terms expire.
Political Implications
The elections are significant as they will determine the representation of Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha, which plays a key role in national legislation. The vacancies have triggered political maneuvering among major parties, including the Congress, BJP, and JD(S). The ruling Congress party is expected to field candidates to retain its strength, while the BJP aims to increase its tally. The JD(S) may also contest to maintain its presence.
The Election Commission has urged all political parties to adhere to the Model Code of Conduct and ensure a smooth electoral process. Security arrangements have been put in place to ensure peaceful voting across the state.
