BJP set to gain in Rajya Sabha as 37 seats go to polls on March 16

The BJP is set to strengthen its position in the Rajya Sabha as 37 seats go to biennial polls on March 16, with the party in power or part of the ruling alliance in six of the 10 states where vacancies have arisen.

The seats will fall vacant on April 2 and April 9, according to the Election Commission.

States where elections will be held include Maharashtra (7 seats), Odisha (4), Telangana (2), Tamil Nadu (6), Chhattisgarh (2), West Bengal (5), Assam (3), Haryana (2), Himachal Pradesh (1) and Bihar (5).


The Election Commission will issue notifications on February 26. Polling will be held between 9 am and 4 pm on March 16, with counting scheduled from 5 pm the same day.

The BJP currently has governments or is an alliance partner in Maharashtra, Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Assam — a factor expected to help the party improve its numbers in the Upper House.

In contrast, opposition parties are in power in Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal.

In Maharashtra, where seven seats are falling vacant, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) could potentially secure one seat if it puts up a united fight.

Among prominent members retiring this cycle are Sharad Pawar, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Saket Gokhale, Ramdas Athawale, M. Thambidurai and Tiruchi Siva.

(With inputs from agencies)