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Rajya Sabha Elections Today: 37 Seats Across 10 States Up for Grabs

Voting is underway for biennial elections to fill 37 Rajya Sabha seats across ten Indian states, including Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The terms of several prominent members, including Union Ministers and party leaders, are set to expire in April, necessitating these polls. The Election Commission has mandated the use of specific violet-coloured pens provided by officials to mark ballot papers, with observers appointed to ensure a fair process. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent house with members serving six-year terms, with one-third retiring every two years to maintain continuity.

Key Points: Rajya Sabha Polls Today for 37 Seats in 10 States

  • Voting for 37 Rajya Sabha seats
  • Polls across 10 states including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu
  • Terms of key leaders expiring in April
  • Strict voting protocol with specific pens
2 min read

Rajya Sabha polls today for 37 seats across 10 states

Voting for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states is underway. Key leaders' terms expire in April. Get schedule and key details here.

"Only integrated violet-coloured sketch pens... must be used to mark preferences - Election Commission"

New Delhi, March 16

Voting for the biennial elections to 37 seats in the Rajya Sabha will take place on Monday, with polling scheduled from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and counting of votes will begin at 5:00 P.M. the same day, according to the Election Commission of India.

The ECI has put in place a detailed schedule to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process. Elections are being held to fill 37 seats of the Rajya Sabha across 10 states.

The seat distribution includes seven seats from Maharashtra, six from Tamil Nadu, five each from Bihar and West Bengal, four from Odisha, three from Assam, two seats each from Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Haryana, and one seat from Himachal Pradesh. These seats are falling vacant as the terms of the sitting members from these states are set to expire in April, prompting the biennial elections to fill the vacancies in the Upper House.

The Election Commission had announced the schedule for the biennial polls earlier on February 18 to fill these vacancies.

Among those whose terms in the Upper House are set to expire in April are Union Ministers Ramnath Thakur and Ramdas Athawale, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Sharad Pawar of the NCP-SP, Upendra Kushwaha of the RLM, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, AIADMK leader M. Thambidurai, and DMK leader Tiruchi Siva.

The poll body has directed that only integrated violet-coloured sketch pens of a pre-fixed specification, provided by the Returning Officer, must be used to mark preferences on the ballot paper. No other pen will be permitted for voting.

The Commission has also said that observers will be appointed to closely monitor the process to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.

Unlike the Lok Sabha, which is elected for a five-year term and can be dissolved, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent house and continues to function without interruption. Members of the Upper House serve a six-year term, with one-third of the members retiring every two years. Elections are held to fill these vacancies, ensuring continuity and experience in the House.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see representation from so many states. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have the most seats this time. Hope the new members will raise issues specific to their regions in Parliament. The continuity of Rajya Sabha is a strength of our system.
R
Rohit P
While the process seems robust, I sometimes wonder if these indirect elections truly reflect the people's will. MLAs vote, not the public. It can feel a bit distant from ground realities. Just a thought.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the mix of big names retiring - ministers and deputy chairman. This is a crucial test for the ruling alliance and opposition in states like West Bengal and Bihar. The results will shape the dynamics in the Upper House.
M
Meera T
The six-year term and staggered retirement is a smart design. It brings stability and prevents sudden, complete changes. Hope the new members are knowledgeable and contribute to meaningful legislation. 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V
Violet pens only! 😄 The ECI leaves no stone unturned. Jokes aside, the observers and strict protocols are essential. Our democracy's strength lies in these meticulous details. All the best to all candidates.

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