Election Commission Sets June 18 for 26 Rajya Sabha Seat Polls
The Election Commission has scheduled elections for 26 Rajya Sabha seats across eight states on June 18, 2026. The polls come as the terms of prominent leaders, including H.D. Deve Gowda and Mallikarjun Kharge, expire. Votes will be cast and counted on the same day.
The Election Commission of India has triggered the process to fill 26 Rajya Sabha vacancies. As the Upper House is a permanent body not subject to dissolution, these elections adhere to the constitutional mandate under Article 83(1), which requires one-third of members to retire every two years. The process involves an electoral college composed of State Legislative Assembly members, utilizing the system of proportional representation through a single transferable vote.
With high-profile departures on the horizon—including former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Mallikarjun Kharge—the composition of the Upper House will shift based on current state-level political alignments. Results will be declared on June 18 immediately following the polling process.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Polling Date | June 18, 2026 |
| Vacancies | 26 seats across 8 states |
| Notable Outgoing Members | H.D. Deve Gowda, Mallikarjun Kharge |
Glossary
Electoral College (Rajya Sabha): The body of elected MLAs from States and Union Territories responsible for voting in Rajya Sabha members.
Proportional Representation: A voting system where seats are allocated based on the proportion of votes received by a party.
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