Upcoming Rajya Sabha Elections: Key Dates and Details for 24 Seats

The Election Commission has set June 18, 2026, as the date for voting on 24 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states. This article outlines the election schedule, notable retirements, and the current composition of the Rajya Sabha. Key figures such as former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge are among those stepping down. With a detailed breakdown of vacant seats and the timeline for nominations and voting, this article provides essential insights into the upcoming elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2026, 12:20 IST

Election Announcement for Rajya Sabha Seats

The Election Commission has announced that voting for 24 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states will take place on June 18, with results expected to be declared at 5 PM on the same day. The elections are necessitated by the expiration of terms for current members at various intervals. Voting will commence on June 21 and conclude on July 19.

The elections will cover four seats each in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka; three seats each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan; two seats in Jharkhand; and one seat each in Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram.

Notable Retirements from Rajya Sabha

Among those retiring from the Rajya Sabha are former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Deve Gowda, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge (both from Karnataka), and Union Ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu (Rajasthan) and George Kurian (Madhya Pradesh). Other notable retirees include former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, along with Shaktisinh Gohil from Congress.

Details of Retiring Members

Other retiring members include Alla Ayodhya Rami Reddy, Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose, and Parimal Nathwani (all from the Youth Congress Party); Satyasai from the Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh; Nabam Rebia from the BJP in Arunachal Pradesh; and several BJP members from Gujarat and Jharkhand. The list also includes members from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.

Complete Schedule for Rajya Sabha Elections

Final date for filing nominations: Monday, June 8, 2026

Scrutiny of nomination papers: Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Last date for withdrawal of candidatures: Thursday, June 11, 2026

Voting date: Thursday, June 18, 2026

Voting hours: 9 AM to 4 PM

Counting of votes: June 18, 2026

Election conclusion date: Saturday, June 20, 2026

Breakdown of Vacant Seats

Andhra Pradesh: 4

Gujarat: 4

Karnataka: 4

Rajasthan: 3

Madhya Pradesh: 3

Jharkhand: 2

Mizoram: 1

Manipur: 1

Meghalaya: 1

Arunachal Pradesh: 1

Current Composition of Rajya Sabha

The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds 16 out of the 24 seats. The BJP has 12 members, while its allies, including the National People's Party (NPP), Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS), Mizo National Front (MNF), and Telugu Desam Party (TDP), each hold one seat. The opposition bloc, known as the India Block, consists of five members, including four from Congress and one from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Following the passing of former Chief Minister Shibu Soren of Jharkhand in August last year, one seat remains vacant. Additionally, three members from the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party, led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, are present in the upper house.