Election Commission Sets June 18 as Voting Day for 24 Rajya Sabha Seats Across 10 States

The Election Commission of India has officially announced biennial elections for 24 vacating Rajya Sabha seats spread across 10 states with polling day set for June 18. Big political names like Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Digvijay Singh, Union Ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu, and George Kurian are among those whose terms in the Upper House are drawing to a close.

The Election Commission of India in a move that has set political circles buzzing has announced the schedule for biennial Rajya Sabha elections to fill 24 seats falling vacant across 10 states. Voters in the Upper House, which means state legislators, will cast their ballots on June 18, 2026. The poll body has already issued an official notification to kick off the process.

Among the prominent names completing their Rajya Sabha terms are Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu from Rajasthan, and Union Minister George Kurian. Their exits from the Upper House make this round of Rajya Sabha elections politically significant.

Notification on June 1, Counting on the Same Day

As per the schedule released by the Election Commission, the formal poll notification will go out on June 1. Candidates can file their nominations until June 8 and scrutiny of those papers will follow on June 9. The window to withdraw nominations closes on June 11.

Rajya Sabha elections polling will be held on June 18 between 9 AM and 4 PM. Counting will begin on the very same evening at 5 PM and the entire Rajya Sabha elections process is set to wrap up by June 20.

The poll body also clarified that only the standard violet-coloured sketch pens supplied by the Returning Officer will be allowed for marking preferences on the ballot paper. No other pen will be permitted. The commission also confirmed that observers will be deployed to keep a close watch and ensure the Rajya Sabha elections remain free and fair.

Which States Are Sending How Many Members Home?

The largest share of vacancies comes from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka four seats each are falling vacant in all three states. Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are each losing three members. Jharkhand will see two contests one of those seats has been vacant since the passing of Shibu Soren on August 4, 2025. Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram will each have one seat up for grabs.

Key Leaders to Watch in These Rajya Sabha Elections

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge is widely expected to retain his seat from Karnataka his return to the Upper House looks nearly certain. Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda’s comeback, however, will hinge entirely on what the BJP decides to do. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu currently a Rajya Sabha MP from Rajasthan is another name drawing attention. The BJP will need to decide soon whether Bittu gets sent back to the Upper House or gets mobilised ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections instead.