Elections For 37 Rajya Sabha Seats On March 16: NDA Vs INDIA Bloc Number Game Explained

Last Updated:February 19, 2026, 10:15 IST

The ruling BJP-led NDA is looking to secure a likely boost in its numbers in Rajya Sabha, while the Opposition INDIA bloc might see a decline in its tally in the Upper House. 

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday issued the notification for elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats, with polling and counting of votes scheduled for March 16. The term of 37 Rajya Sabha members is set to expire in April.

According to the Election Commission, the polls will take place across 10 states — Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar.

As the ruling BJP-led NDA is looking to secure a likely boost in its numbers in the Upper House, the Opposition INDIA bloc might see a decline in its Rajya Sabha tally.

Polls For Rajya Sabha Seats On March 16

The Rajya Sabha seats will fall vacant on April 2 and 9 following the retirement of several members. Important members of the Upper House who are set to retire include: Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh (JDU), NCP-SP MP Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP), former Lok Sabha deputy Speaker M Thambidurai (AIADMK) and Union ministers Ram Nath Thakur (JDU) and Ramdas Athawale (RPI-A).

The seats that are set to go for polls are spread across Maharashtra (7), Odisha (4), Telangana (2), Tamil Nadu (6), Chhattisgarh (2 seats), West Bengal (5), Assam (3), Haryana (2), Himachal Pradesh (1) and Bihar (5).

Advantage For BJP

According to reports, the BJP is set to win at least half of the 37 Rajya Sabha seats and is set to increase its strength in the Upper House. The saffron camo us currently in power or part of the ruling alliance in six of the 10 states where seats are falling vacant.

According to the Election Commission, the seats are spread across Maharashtra (7), Odisha (4), Telangana (2), Tamil Nadu (6), Chhattisgarh (2 seats), West Bengal (5), Assam (3), Haryana (2), Himachal Pradesh (1) and Bihar (5).

NDA Vs INDIA Bloc: The Number Game

If we look at the number game, the BJP is expected to win around 15 to 18 seats in the Rajya Sabha. Currently, nine of its MPs are retiring next month. The BJP and its alliance partners (in Maharashtra, Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Assam) will help the party gain numbers in the Upper House.

Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal, opposition parties are in power, which signifies that the Congress is likely to win four seats — one each in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Haryana.

Notably, the Congress party will not gain any numbers in the Upper House as four of its MPs are retiring in April.

Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD is set to lose both its seats in Bihar due to insufficient numbers. The Congress is also set to lose a seat in Chhattisgarh

In Maharashtra, the ruling BJP-led alliance is likely to win six of the seven seats while the opposition MVA may get one seat if they remain united in the fight. The Congress, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP-SP are likely to lose one seat each in the state.

In Tamil Nadu, the ruling DMK is likely to win four of the six seats, while the AIADMK is expected to secure one. While, there might be a tough contest on the one remaining seat.

In West Bengal, the ruling TMC is expected to win four seats, and the BJP is likely to win one. In Assam, the ruling BJP is likely to win all three seats.

(With agency inputs)

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