EC Announces March 16 Elections for 37 Rajya Sabha Seats

New Delhi: The Election Commission has scheduled biennial elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats on March 16, with several sitting members—including Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh—set to complete their six-year tenure in April.

Why the polls are being held

Rajya Sabha members serve staggered six-year terms, with nearly one-third of the House retiring every two years. This constitutional arrangement maintains continuity in the Upper House while allowing periodic replenishment through biennial elections.

The latest round of polling has been necessitated by the impending retirement of 37 members in April, creating vacancies that must be filled by state legislatures. These are routine biennial elections—often loosely termed by-elections—and not mid-term vacancies arising from resignation or death.

Since Rajya Sabha MPs are elected indirectly by MLAs through proportional representation, the results will largely hinge on the numerical strength of political parties in the respective state assemblies.

State-wise vacancies

Vacancies will arise across 10 states. Maharashtra will see the highest number with seven seats, followed by Tamil Nadu (6), West Bengal (5), Bihar (5), Odisha (4), Chhattisgarh (2), Haryana (2), Telangana (2) and Himachal Pradesh (1).

Voting is scheduled from 9 am to 4 pm on March 16, and counting will take place the same evening.

Impact on Deputy Chairman’s post

Among those retiring is JD(U) leader Harivansh, who has been serving as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman since 2018. His continuation in the constitutional post will depend on his re-election to the Upper House and the political arithmetic that emerges after the polls.

House strength

The Rajya Sabha currently has a sanctioned strength of 245 members—233 representing states and Union Territories, and 12 nominated by the President for distinguished contributions in literature, science, art and social service.

Election schedule

The Election Commission will issue the formal notification on February 26. The last date for filing nominations is March 5, scrutiny will be held on March 6, and candidates may withdraw their names until March 9.

With several state assemblies witnessing tight numbers, the March 16 contest is being keenly watched for its potential to subtly alter the balance of power in the Upper House.