Rajya Sabha election results today: Counting to begin at 5 pm as voting held for 37 seats across 10 states - Check full details

Rajya Sabha Elections

• Voting underway for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states
• Counting starts at 5 pm; results expected later in the evening
• Bihar, Odisha, Haryana contests may affect NDA strength

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Voting is underway for the biennial Rajya Sabha elections on Monday, with polling being held for 37 seats across 10 states. The counting of votes will begin at 5 pm and results are expected later in the evening.

Polling started at 9 am and will continue until 4 pm, after which the counting process will commence at designated centres in each state.

These elections were triggered by the expiry of the terms of several members whose tenure ends in April 2026. The polls could influence the balance of power in the Upper House, where the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is aiming to consolidate its numbers.

Where to check for results? Follow Moneycontrol's live coverage of the Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 here: Live blog link

26 candidates elected unopposed

Before voting began, 26 candidates were elected unopposed across seven states, reducing the number of seats going to the polls.

Several prominent leaders secured uncontested victories, including Sharad Pawar, Ramdas Athawale, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Thambi Durai, Vinod Tawde and Babul Supriyo.

However, contests remain in three states — Bihar, Odisha and Haryana — where voting is being held to decide the remaining seats.

States voting in Rajya Sabha elections

The Rajya Sabha elections are being held across the following states:

Maharashtra – 7 seats

Tamil Nadu – 6 seats

West Bengal – 5 seats

Bihar – 5 seats

Odisha – 4 seats

Assam – 3 seats

Chhattisgarh – 2 seats

Haryana – 2 seats

Telangana – 2 seats

Himachal Pradesh – 1 seat

Most seats are expected to be decided based on the strength of parties in the respective state assemblies.

Key contests in Bihar, Odisha and Haryana

The most closely watched contests are in Bihar, Odisha and Haryana, where political arithmetic and the possibility of cross-voting could influence the outcome.

In Bihar, the fifth seat has turned into a direct contest between NDA candidate Upendra Kushwaha and Mahagathbandhan nominee AD Singh.

In Odisha, the battle for the fourth seat pits BJP-backed candidate Dilip Ray against the combined strength of the Biju Janata Dal and opposition parties.

Haryana is also witnessing a tight race, where Independent candidate Satish Nandal, backed by the BJP, has complicated the contest alongside BJP nominee Sanjay Bhatia and the Congress candidate.

NDA looks to strengthen Upper House numbers

The elections could further strengthen the position of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in the Upper House.

The NDA already holds over 130 seats in the Rajya Sabha, including nominated members. Gains in states where the BJP or its allies have strong legislative numbers could push the alliance’s tally higher, making it easier to pass key legislation.

Meanwhile, the opposition INDIA alliance faces the possibility of losing ground in several states where assembly numbers favour the ruling alliance.

Rajya Sabha election schedule

The election process began with the notification issued on February 26.

Last date for nominations: March 5

Scrutiny of nominations: March 6

Last date for withdrawal: March 9

Polling: March 16 (9 am to 4 pm)

Counting of votes: March 16 (from 5 pm)

The entire election process will conclude by March 20.