The 2026 elections are being conducted in phases from March to November 2026, covering multiple states across India. A total of 72 seats are up for election this year out of the 245-member house.
In the first phase held in March 2026:
- 37 seats across 10 states went to polls
- States included Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and others
- Voting took place on March 16, 2026, with counting on the same day
Interestingly, a large number of candidates were elected unopposed, showing pre-election political agreements and strong party dominance in certain states.
Major Political Developments in 2026 Elections
1. NDA’s Strong Performance
In states like Bihar, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) demonstrated strong dominance, winning multiple seats.
2. Close Contests and Strategic Voting
Some states witnessed intense political competition, where even a single vote could change the outcome. In Bihar, for example, political alliances and absentee MLAs made the contest unpredictable
3. Unexpected Victories
In Odisha, a major upset occurred when a candidate defeated a dominant regional party, showing that Rajya Sabha elections can still produce surprises.
4. Election Disputes
In Haryana, counting delays due to disputes over valid votes highlighted procedural challenges in the election process.
NDA Strengthens Grip
NDA’s Big Win in Bihar
Bihar turned out to be a complete one-sided contest. The NDA managed to win all five seats, leaving no room for the opposition.
This result didn’t come as a surprise to many political observers. The NDA already has a strong presence in the Bihar assembly, and that advantage translated directly into Rajya Sabha numbers.
For the opposition, especially the Mahagathbandhan, this was a major setback. It shows how difficult it is to compete in indirect elections when the numbers in the state assembly are not in your favor.
Odisha: NDA Gains Momentum
In Odisha, the contest was more competitive, but the NDA still managed to secure three out of four seats.
This is significant because Odisha has traditionally seen strong regional party influence. The NDA’s performance here suggests a shift in political momentum and growing influence in the state.
Some reports also pointed toward cross-voting, which may have played a role in shaping the final outcome.
Haryana: Results Put on Hold
Unlike Bihar and Odisha, Haryana saw unexpected drama. The results for the two seats in the state were put on hold due to a controversy.
The issue reportedly involved concerns over violation of voting secrecy, which is a serious matter in Rajya Sabha elections.
Because of this, counting was paused, making Haryana the most uncertain and closely watched battleground in this election phase.
