Which State Has How Many Seats Up for Election? (  Seats) 

Rajya Sabha Elections: Elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats     (  Seats)   will be held across the country today (March 16). These elections are being conducted in 10 states, as the terms of the incumbent MPs currently holding these seats are set to expire in the upcoming month of April. According to the schedule released by the Election Commission, voting for the Rajya Sabha elections will take place on March 16 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, followed by the commencement of vote counting at 5:00 PM on the same evening.

Rajya Sabha Elections to Span from Maharashtra to Himachal
Through these elections, new Rajya Sabha MPs will be elected to represent seats in Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Assam, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh. It is worth noting that Rajya Sabha members are not elected directly by the votes of the general public, but rather through the votes cast by the elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) of their respective states.

Which State Has How Many Seats Up for Election?
Regarding the specific seats scheduled for the Rajya Sabha elections on March 16, Maharashtra accounts for the highest number with 7 seats, followed by Tamil Nadu with 6 seats, and West Bengal with 5 seats. In Bihar, elections are also being held to elect Rajya Sabha MPs for 5 seats. Meanwhile, voting will take place for 4 seats in Odisha; 3 seats in Assam; and 2 seats each in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana. Additionally, an election will be conducted for 1 seat in Himachal Pradesh.

Which Party Holds the Advantage in Which State?
Significantly, from a political perspective, these Rajya Sabha elections hold great importance, as the legislative arithmetic varies across different states. In Maharashtra, the BJP and its allies hold sway, whereas in Tamil Nadu, the DMK-led alliance stands strong. Conversely, in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee’s party—the TMC—commands a majority in the Legislative Assembly, giving them a potential advantage in the elections there. Furthermore, all eyes will be on the contest between the NDA and the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ (Grand Alliance) in Bihar. In a recent development following an Iftar party, the AIMIM has announced its decision to extend support to the RJD candidate in the state. This announcement was made by the party leader, Akhtarul Iman. Congress Holds the Edge in Himachal, While BJP Has the Upper Hand in Haryana
Furthermore, a political showdown is anticipated between the BJD and the BJP in Odisha. Meanwhile, in Assam, the ruling BJP alliance appears to be in a strong position. In Telangana, the political equations have shifted significantly following the formation of the Congress government. Additionally, given that the Congress party is currently in power in Himachal Pradesh, it appears to hold the advantage there, whereas the BJP is expected to demonstrate its influence in Haryana.

Overall, the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16, 2026, could significantly impact the political dynamics within the Upper House of Parliament. The outcome of these elections will determine the direction in which the balance of power between the NDA and the opposition parties shifts within the Rajya Sabha.