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Rajya Sabha Election 2026: Polls on March 16 for 37 Seats in 10 States
Rajya Sabha elections fill 37 seats as terms expire in April; over 120,000 electors participated in demonstration camps, officials said.
- On February 18, 2026, the Election Commission of India issued a notification scheduling elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states, with polling and counting on March 16, 2026.
- Because one-third of members retire every two years, 37 sitting members’ terms end in April 2026, necessitating biennial elections under Article 83.
- The ECI mandated use of integrated violet colour sketch pens and appointed observers to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election process, with notifications on February 26 and nominations closing March 5.
- Projections show the National Democratic Alliance is likely to gain six seats, potentially taking its tally to 21, while the INDIA bloc may lose four seats and Maharashtra remains a key battleground.
- Voting will be by elected members of State Legislative Assembly using single transferable vote; parties need 10 members or 10% proposers, and independents require 10 proposers, says the ECI.
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Rajya Sabha polls on 37 seats in 10 states on March 16: Who is retiring, party-wise tally and who will gain?
The highest number of Rajya Sabha seats going to polls is in Maharashtra at 7. In Tamil Nadu, 6 seats are set to fall vacant, while 6 each are becoming vacant in West Bengal and Bihar. Odisha will see 4 seats falling vacant.
·India
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Times of IndiaReposted by 
The Economic Times
The Economic TimesElection Commission announces Rajya Sabha polls for 37 seats on March 16
Biennial elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats in 10 states are scheduled for March 16, 2026. The Election Commission of India has set the dates for nominations, scrutiny, and withdrawals. Polling will occur on March 16, with vote counting the same day. The entire process concludes before March 20, 2026. These elections fill seats as terms expire in April 2026.
·India
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Total News Sources17
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 17%
R 33%
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