The Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 are underway today, March 16, 2026, with key battlegrounds in Bihar, Haryana, and Odisha, where the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA)is gearing up to counter opposition gains. This election is critical as 37 seats are up for grabs across 10 states, with terms of 37 members from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telanganaconcluding in April. These seats have now been vacated, allowing for the election of new members.
Polling Schedule & Key Details:
The voting for the Rajya Sabhaseats is scheduled for today, with the counting of votestaking place at 5 pmthe same day. Out of the 37 seats, 26 candidateshave already been elected unopposed, including members from the BJP, Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, Shiv Sena, RPI(A), NCP, AIADMK, and PMK, along with others. These uncontested victories are part of the routine procedure in the Rajya Sabha elections.
The 11 contested seatsnow become the focus of attention. These include:
- Five seats from Bihar
- Four seats from Odisha
- Two seats from Haryana
These seats are crucial as both the NDAand the Oppositionare vying for control over these key areas. The BJP, especially in Bihar, Haryana, and Odisha, is working to hold its ground against the growing support for the Opposition. In particular, Bihar, where political alliances often shift, has become one of the key arenas for this battle.
Key Political Figures:
A major development in the Rajya Sabha elections this year is the nomination of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Known for his long-standing tenure as the Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar announced that he would be heading to the Rajya Sabha and filed his nomination with the presence of several key political figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This development is a significant one, as Nitish Kumar's influence in Bihar has been enormous for over two decades. His move to the Rajya Sabha is seen as a strategic move for the Janata Dal (United), the party he leads, which is part of the NDA alliance.
In addition to Nitish Kumar, Upendra Kushwahaand Nitin Nabinfrom the BJP have also filed nominations for the Rajya Sabha, signaling the importance of Bihar in this year’s elections. While Nitish Kumar’s candidacy has stirred up political discussions, it also highlights the BJP’s effort to secure strong representation in the Upper House.
Trading and Cross-Voting Concerns:
As is often the case in tight electoral races, allegations of cross-votingand horse-trading have emerged. To safeguard against any possible defections, several political parties, including the Congress, have moved their legislators to resorts and undisclosed locations outside their home states. This tactic is designed to ensure party unity and prevent members from being tempted to vote against party lines during the election process.
Unopposed Victories:
Among the 26 candidates who have already won unopposed, several prominent political figures have secured their seats. These include:
- Sharad Pawar, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)
- Abhishek Singhvi, Congress leader
- Tiruchi Siva, DMK leader
- Vinod Tawade, BJP leader
These unopposed victories have ensured a smooth start to the Rajya Sabha election process, but the real test lies in the remaining contested seats.
Importance of Bihar, Haryana, and Odisha:
The focus of the contest now shifts to Bihar, Haryana, and Odisha, where the NDA is working hard to counter the Opposition. In Bihar, with the political landscape constantly shifting, Nitish Kumar’s entry into the Rajya Sabha could alter the dynamics of the state politics, especially as the NDA faces pressure from regional parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
In Haryanaand Odisha, the NDA faces a tough fight, and the results from these regions could impact the overall composition of the Rajya Sabha, which has significant influence over the legislative process in India. The BJPis working to ensure that these seats remain in its favor, but the Oppositionhas also mounted a strong challenge to capture these seats.
