Rajya Sabha Polls on 18 June 2026 for 24 Seats Affect Party Power

The Election Commission announced 24 seats are up for election on 18 June 2026. This is a major change compared to the current party strength in the Upper House.
By Newsroom | Politics, India |

The Election Commission of India has announced that polls for 24 Rajya Sabha seats will be conducted on June 18. These vacancies arise from the retirement of members across 10 states, with terms concluding between June 21 and July 19. The process includes bypolls for an additional seat each in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The current party distribution for these seats shows the NDA holding 18, Congress four, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha one, and YSR Congress Party three.

Election Commission of India announces Rajya Sabha polls for 24 seats on June 18 - 1

Key dates in the election schedule include June 8 as the last date for filing nominations, June 9 for scrutiny, and June 11 for withdrawals. Polling will occur in multiple states, with Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka each having four seats up for election. Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan will each see contests for three seats, Jharkhand for two, and Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram for one seat apiece.

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Election Commission of India announces Rajya Sabha polls for 24 seats on June 18 - 2

Several prominent political figures are among those whose terms are expiring. This includes Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, both from Karnataka. Union Ministers Ravneet Singh (Rajasthan) and George Kurian (Madhya Pradesh), along with former chief minister Digvijaya Singh and Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil, are also set to retire. The elections are positioned as a "big political reset," with the opposition facing a challenge to maintain its presence and influence in the Upper House.

Election Commission of India announces Rajya Sabha polls for 24 seats on June 18 - 3

Election Commission's Announcement

The Election Commission of India, on Friday, officially signaled the commencement of the electoral process. The commission stated that adequate measures would be implemented to ensure free and fair elections, including the appointment of observers to monitor the proceedings.

Election Commission of India announces Rajya Sabha polls for 24 seats on June 18 - 4

State-wise Seat Distribution

  • Andhra Pradesh: 4 seats

  • Gujarat: 4 seats

  • Karnataka: 4 seats

  • Madhya Pradesh: 3 seats

  • Rajasthan: 3 seats

  • Jharkhand: 2 seats

  • Manipur: 1 seat

  • Meghalaya: 1 seat

  • Arunachal Pradesh: 1 seat

  • Mizoram: 1 seat

Bypolls Announced

In addition to the 24 regular vacancies, bypolls will be held for one Rajya Sabha seat each in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

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Current Party Strength

Based on the current composition of the state assemblies where elections are being held:

PartySeats Held
NDA18
Congress4
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)1
YSR Congress Party3

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the Rajya Sabha elections for 24 seats take place?
The Election Commission of India has scheduled the polls for 24 Rajya Sabha seats on 18 June 2026. These elections are necessary because the terms of current members expire between 21 June and 19 July 2026.
Q: Which states are holding elections for Rajya Sabha seats in June 2026?
Elections will be held in 10 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram. Additionally, there will be bypolls for one seat each in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Q: What is the current party distribution for the 24 Rajya Sabha seats?
The current seats are held by the NDA with 18, Congress with four, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha with one, and the YSR Congress Party with three. These elections represent a significant political reset for the Upper House.
Q: Who are some of the famous leaders retiring from the Rajya Sabha?
Prominent leaders whose terms are ending include Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, and Union Ministers Ravneet Singh and George Kurian. Their departure marks a shift in the composition of the Rajya Sabha.