New Delhi, March 17: On Monday, March 16, 2026, several states across India concluded a fresh round of biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha, filling 37 seats that are set to fall vacant in April. While the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured key victories in Bihar and Odisha, the process once again highlighted the unique, indirect nature of the "Council of States". Unlike the high-decibel Lok Sabha general elections, where millions of citizens cast their votes at polling booths, Rajya Sabha elections happen behind the closed doors of state assemblies, driven by a complex mathematical formula and an "open ballot" system.

The Rajya Sabha, or Upper House, serves as a permanent anchor in India’s parliamentary democracy, ensuring that the voice of the states remains constant even when the government of the day changes. Bihar Rajya Sabha Elections: NDA Wins All 5 Seats Amid Opposition Allegations of Legislator Abduction.

How the Rajya Sabha Elections Process Works

Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly. Instead of ordinary citizens, the voters are the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). The process follows a system known as Proportional Representation by means of the Single Transferable Vote (STV).

  • The Ballot: Each MLA is given a ballot paper listing all candidates. Instead of picking just one, they rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, etc.).

  • The Quota: To win, a candidate does not need a simple majority of all votes. They must reach a specific "quota" of first-preference votes.

  • Vote Transfer: If a candidate exceeds the quota, their surplus votes are transferred to the candidates marked as the second preference. If no one reaches the quota, the candidate with the lowest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on the next preferences.

Why the Rajya Sabha is Different from the Lok Sabha

While both houses are part of the Parliament, their structure and election cycles are fundamentally different:

Feature Lok Sabha (Lower House) Rajya Sabha (Upper House)
Election Type Direct (Universal Adult Franchise) Indirect (Elected by MLAs)
Term Length 5 Years 6 Years
Dissolution Dissolved every 5 years or earlier Permanent Body; never dissolved
Retirement All members at once 1/3rd of members every 2 years
Minimum Age 25 Years 30 Years

The Open Ballot' Rule: Curbing Cross-Voting

Unlike the secret ballot used in general elections, Rajya Sabha polls use an "Open Ballot" system. Every MLA belonging to a political party must show their marked ballot paper to their party’s authorised agent before dropping it in the box. If an MLA refuses to show their ballot or shows it to the wrong person, their vote is invalidated. This rule was introduced to prevent "cross-voting" and corruption, though independent MLAs are exempt and must keep their votes secret. Rajya Sabha Election Results 2026: Sharad Pawar and Ramdas Athawale Among 26 Elected Unopposed to Upper House.

The Role of Presidential Nominations in Rajya Sabha Elections

The Rajya Sabha has a sanctioned strength of 245 members. While 233 are elected through the states and Union Territories, the remaining 12 members are nominated by the President of India. These individuals are chosen for their expertise in fields such as art, literature, science, and social service, ensuring that eminent professionals have a seat in the legislature without undergoing the rigours of a political campaign.

Rajya Sabha Elections in 2026

The 2026 elections are particularly significant as they reflect recent shifts in state assembly compositions. In the most recent results declared on March 16, 2026, the BJP-led NDA expanded its footprint, while opposition parties like the BJD in Odisha faced challenges due to internal cross-voting. These biennial shifts are crucial because the Rajya Sabha holds equal power to the Lok Sabha in almost all legislation, with the notable exception of Money Bills.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 17, 2026 10:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).