New Delhi | May 22,2026 | SKY LINK TIMES
ECI Announces Rajya Sabha Polls for 24 Seats:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday announced the schedule for the biennial Rajya Sabha elections to fill 24 seats falling vacant across 10 states due to the retirement of sitting members in June and July 2026. Polling for the elections will be held on June 18, while the counting of votes will begin the same evening.
The elections are significant as several senior political leaders, including Digvijaya Singh, H.D. Deve Gowda, and Mallikarjun Kharge, are completing their current terms in the Upper House of Parliament.
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ECI Releases Full Election Schedule
According to the official schedule issued by the Election Commission, the notification for the Rajya Sabha elections will be published on June 1. Candidates can file their nominations until June 8, while scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on June 9.
The last date for withdrawal of candidature has been fixed for June 11. Voting will be conducted on June 18 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., followed by counting of votes from 5 p.m. onwards on the same day. The entire election process is expected to conclude by June 20.
States Where Elections Will Be Held
The Rajya Sabha elections will cover seats from the following states:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Gujarat
- Jharkhand
- Madhya Pradesh
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
- Rajasthan
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Mizoram
The polls will decide the representation of these states in the Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States.
Prominent Leaders Completing Their Terms
Several high-profile political figures are among the members whose terms are ending this year. These include:
- Digvijaya Singh from Madhya Pradesh
- Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda from Karnataka
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge from Karnataka
The election will also be conducted for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat from Jharkhand that was earlier held by the late Shibu Soren. The seat has remained vacant since August 2025.
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.
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ECI Announces Strict Voting Guidelines
The Election Commission stated that only integrated violet-coloured sketch pens provided by the Returning Officer will be allowed for marking preferences on ballot papers. No other pens will be permitted during the voting process.
The poll body also assured that adequate arrangements would be made to ensure free and fair elections. Observers will closely monitor the electoral process in all participating states.
How Rajya Sabha Members Are Elected
Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly by elected representatives of states and union territories through a system of proportional representation using the single transferable vote method.
The Rajya Sabha serves as the Upper House of Parliament and plays a crucial role in reviewing legislation and representing the interests of states at the national level.
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