Published: 15 March 2026DD News / India TV News / The Quint / GoodreturnsGovernance
Rajya Sabha Biennial Elections 2026: Polling Held on March 16 for 37 Seats Across 10 States; NDA Wins 22 Seats
On March 16, 2026, the Election Commission of India conducted biennial elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states — Maharashtra (7), Tamil Nadu (6), West Bengal (5), Bihar (5), Odisha (4), Assam (3), Telangana (2), Haryana (2), Chhattisgarh (2), and Himachal Pradesh (1). Polling was held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in respective state assemblies, as Rajya Sabha members are elected by elected representatives of State Legislative Assemblies using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) method under proportional representation.
Of the 37 seats, 26 candidates had already been elected unopposed following the withdrawal deadline, leaving 11 seats across Bihar (5), Odisha (4), and Haryana (2) to be contested. In Bihar, the NDA secured a clean sweep — winning all five seats with Nitish Kumar and Ram Nath Thakur from JD(U), Nitin Nabin and Shivesh Kumar from BJP, and Upendra Kushwaha from Rashtriya Lok Morcha. In Odisha, Dillip Ray (Independent/BJP-backed) defeated joint opposition candidate Datteswar Hota. Counting for Haryana's two seats was temporarily put on hold following objections regarding ballot validity. Overall, the NDA won 22 of 37 seats, reinforcing its strength in the Upper House.
Rajasthan Relevance: While Rajasthan had no contested seats this cycle, the outcome directly affects Parliament's composition and the passage of bills relevant to state interests, including legislation on GST, agriculture, and federalism. The elections also demonstrate India's federal democratic structure where state legislatures are integral to composing the national upper house.
0Mains angle
Q: Analyse the constitutional mechanism of Rajya Sabha biennial elections and the significance of the March 2026 polls for NDA's strength in the Upper House and federal legislative processes.
Answer (50 words):
On March 16, 2026, the Election Commission conducted biennial Rajya Sabha polls for 37 seats across 10 states using Single Transferable Vote proportional representation. Of these, 26 were unopposed; NDA won 22 of 37 including a Bihar sweep. Counting for Haryana's two seats was put on hold pending ballot-validity objections.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionMedium
The Election Commission scheduled biennial Rajya Sabha elections on 16 March 2026 to fill how many seats across 10 states?
Explanation · Correct answer BThe Election Commission's February 2026 press note scheduled biennial elections to fill 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states, with polling, where required, on 16 March 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How many seats were contested in the Rajya Sabha biennial elections held on March 16, 2026, and how many had already been filled unopposed?
Elections were held for 37 seats across 10 states on March 16, 2026. Of these, 26 seats had already been filled unopposed before polling day, so actual polling occurred for the remaining 11 seats.
How are Rajya Sabha members elected, and which constitutional article governs this?
Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly by elected members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) through the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system with proportional representation. This is governed by Article 80 of the Constitution of India.
Why can the Rajya Sabha never be dissolved, and how often do its members retire?
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House (Upper House of Parliament) and cannot be dissolved because it provides continuity in the legislative process. One-third of its members retire every two years, which is why biennial elections are held.
What was the outcome for NDA in the March 2026 Rajya Sabha elections, and which state did it sweep?
NDA won 22 of the 37 contested Rajya Sabha seats, consolidating its majority in the Upper House. It achieved a clean sweep in Bihar, winning all 5 seats. Counting for 2 Haryana seats was temporarily put on hold due to procedural issues.
What is the term of a Rajya Sabha member and which body conducts its elections?
A Rajya Sabha member serves a term of six years. Elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Members represent states and union territories.
