22 May,2026 10:52 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP
The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the schedule for biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha to fill 24 seats that are set to fall vacant following the retirement of members in June and July 2026.
According to the Election Commission, the terms of 24 Rajya Sabha members elected from 10 states will expire during the June-July period, necessitating fresh elections.
As per the schedule released by the Commission, the official notification for the elections will be issued on June 1.
The last date for filing nominations has been fixed as June 8, while scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on June 9. Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations till June 11.
Polling for the Rajya Sabha elections will be held on June 18 between 9 am and 4 pm, and counting of votes will begin at 5 pm on the same day.
The Election Commission said the entire election process would be completed by June 20.
The biennial elections will cover Rajya Sabha seats from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Mizoram.
The Commission said all necessary arrangements would be made to ensure free and fair polling during the elections.
The Election Commission also issued instructions regarding the voting process for elected representatives who will cast ballots in the Rajya Sabha polls.
It said only integrated violet-coloured sketch pens of pre-fixed specifications supplied by the Returning Officer would be allowed for marking preferences on ballot papers.
"No other pen will be allowed during the voting process," the Commission stated.
The ECI added that observers would be appointed to closely monitor the elections and ensure compliance with electoral procedures.
Among the prominent leaders completing their Rajya Sabha terms are Digvijaya Singh from Madhya Pradesh, H. D. Deve Gowda and Mallikarjun Kharge from Karnataka.
The election will also be held for the Rajya Sabha seat earlier held by Shibu Soren from Jharkhand, which has remained vacant since August 4, 2025.
Other members retiring from the Upper House include Ayodhya Rami Reddy Alla, Pilli Subhas Chandra 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, also known as the Council of States, is the Upper House of Parliament. Members are elected indirectly by elected representatives of states and Union Territories through a system of proportional representation using the single transferable vote system.
(With inputs from Agencies)
