Published: 19 February 2026DD NewsGovernance
Election Commission Announces March 16 Polling for 37 Rajya Sabha Seats Across 10 States
The Election Commission of India announced on February 20, 2026 that biennial elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states would be held on March 16. The states include Maharashtra (7 seats), Tamil Nadu (6), West Bengal (5), Bihar (5), Odisha (4), Assam (3), Chhattisgarh (2), Haryana (2), Telangana (2), and Himachal Pradesh (1).
Of the 37 seats, 26 were expected to be filled unopposed, with active contests anticipated in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana. Rajya Sabha elections are conducted through an indirect electoral system where elected members of state legislative assemblies vote. The results are significant for the balance of power in the Upper House of Parliament, particularly for passage of bills and constitutional amendments.
Mains angle
Q: Describe the electoral process of Rajya Sabha members and assess the political significance of the March 2026 biennial elections to 37 seats.
Answer (50 words):
The Election Commission announced on February 20, 2026, that 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states would be filled on March 16 — Maharashtra 7, Tamil Nadu 6, West Bengal 5, Bihar 5, Odisha 4, Assam 3, Chhattisgarh/Haryana/Telangana 2 each, Himachal 1 — with 26 seats likely unopposed through MLA ballots.
6-axis classification
CoverageNationalSubjectNationalExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceDD News
Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
Linked questionMedium
Which Indian state became the first to sign a satellite internet agreement with Starlink?
Explanation · Correct answer CMaharashtra became the first Indian state to sign a satellite internet agreement with Starlink.
Frequently asked questions
How many Rajya Sabha seats went to polls on March 16, 2026?
The **Election Commission of India** announced on **February 20, 2026** that biennial elections to **37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states** would be held on **March 16, 2026**.
Which states were involved in the March 2026 Rajya Sabha elections?
The 10 states with Rajya Sabha seats up for election: **Maharashtra (7)**, **Tamil Nadu (6)**, **West Bengal (5)**, **Bihar (5)**, **Odisha (4)**, **Assam (3)**, **Chhattisgarh (2)**, **Haryana (2)**, **Telangana (2)**, and **Himachal Pradesh (1)**.
How many Rajya Sabha seats were expected to be filled unopposed in 2026?
Of the 37 seats, **26 were expected to be filled unopposed**, with active contests anticipated in **Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana** where political competition between parties was expected.
What is the process for Rajya Sabha elections?
Rajya Sabha (Council of States) members are **indirectly elected** by the elected members of state Legislative Assemblies using the **Single Transferable Vote (STV) method** with proportional representation. Members serve **6-year terms** and one-third of the house retires every two years.
What is a biennial election in the context of the Rajya Sabha?
A **biennial election** in the Rajya Sabha context refers to the regular elections held every **two years** to fill one-third of seats as 6-year terms expire. The Election Commission announces the schedule, and State Legislative Assembly members vote to elect Rajya Sabha representatives.
