Upcoming Rajya Sabha Elections: Key Details and Candidates

The biennial elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats are set for March 16, 2026, with significant implications for various states. Notably, 26 candidates have already been elected unopposed, while voting will occur for the remaining 11 seats, including five in Bihar. Key players from the ruling NDA and opposition parties are gearing up for this crucial electoral event. Stay tuned for updates on candidates and results as the election day approaches.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 09:41 IST

Rajya Sabha Elections Scheduled for March 16, 2026

The biennial elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across ten states are set for Monday, March 16, 2026, with vote counting scheduled for the same day at 5 PM. The terms of the current members from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will conclude in April, leading to vacant seats for new elections.

Candidates and Uncontested Wins

Out of the 37 seats, 26 candidates have already been elected unopposed. Voting will take place for the remaining 11 seats, which include five from Bihar, four from Odisha, and two from Haryana.

Among the uncontested winners, the BJP secured seven seats, the Congress five, the Trinamool Congress four, the DMK three, while the Shiv Sena, RPI(A), NCP, NCP(SP), AIADMK, PMK, and UPPL each won one seat. Notable winners include Sharad Pawar, Abhishek Singhvi, Tiruchi Shiva, and Vinod Tawde.

Bihar's Rajya Sabha Elections

Bihar's Five Seats Up for Election

Voting for five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar will occur on Monday. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has five candidates, while the opposition party, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has one candidate in the fray. Bihar's Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar, along with BJP President Nitin Naveen, are among the NDA candidates.

The other three candidates from the ruling coalition include Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur, Upendra Kushwaha, leader of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (both current Rajya Sabha members), and BJP's Shivesh Kumar. Voting will take place at the polling station within the Bihar Assembly from 9 AM to 5 PM, where legislators will cast their votes. Counting will commence after 5 PM, with results expected to be announced the same day.