Upcoming Rajya Sabha Elections: Schedule and Key Details
Election Schedule Announced
An aerial view of the the Rajya Sabha. (Photo:X)
New Delhi, May 22: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revealed the timeline for the upcoming biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha, aimed at filling 24 seats that will become vacant due to member retirements in June and July 2026.
The ECI noted that the terms of 24 Rajya Sabha members from ten states will conclude during this period.
According to the announced schedule, election notifications will be issued on June 1, with the deadline for nomination submissions set for June 8. The scrutiny of these nominations is scheduled for June 9, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until June 11.
Voting will take place on June 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with vote counting commencing at 5 p.m. on the same day. The entire electoral process is expected to conclude by June 20.
The ECI has specified that only integrated violet-coloured sketch pens, provided by the Returning Officer, will be allowed for marking preferences on ballot papers, prohibiting the use of any other writing instruments during voting.
To ensure a transparent electoral process, the ECI will implement various measures, including appointing observers to monitor the elections closely.
The elections will involve seats from states such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Mizoram.
Notable leaders whose terms are expiring include Digvijaya Singh from Madhya Pradesh, H.D. Deve Gowda, and Mallikarjun Kharge from Karnataka. Additionally, a seat previously held by the late Shibu Soren from Jharkhand, which has been vacant since August 4, 2025, will also be contested.
Other retiring members include Ayodhya Rami Reddy Alla, Pilli Subhaschandra Bose, Rambhai Harjibhai Mokariya, George Kurian, Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, Wanweiroy Kharlukhi, Neeraj Dangi, Rajendra Gehlot, Nabam Rebia, Iranna Kadadi, and K. Vanlalvena, among others.
The Rajya Sabha, known as the Council of States, serves as the Upper House of Parliament, where members are elected by representatives from states and union territories through a proportional representation system.