Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Political activity has intensified in Chhattisgarh after the Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Voting for two Rajya Sabha seats from Chhattisgarh will take place on March 16, 2026, with results to be declared the same day.
The elections are being held to fill vacancies created by the retirement of sitting Rajya Sabha members KTS Tulsi and Phulo Devi Netam, whose terms will end on April 9, 2026. Across the country, Rajya Sabha elections will be conducted for 37 seats in 10 states in 2026.
Election Schedule Announced
According to the Election Commission, the detailed schedule for the Chhattisgarh seats is as follows:
- February 26, 2026: Issue of election notification
- March 5, 2026: Last date for filing nominations
- March 6, 2026: Scrutiny of nomination papers
- March 9, 2026: Last date for withdrawal of nominations
- March 16, 2026: Polling from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- March 16, 2026: Counting of votes from 5:00 p.m.
- March 20, 2026: Completion of election process
Indirect Election, High Political Stakes
While Rajya Sabha elections are not held through direct public voting, their political significance remains high. Members are elected by elected MLAs through a system of proportional representation using the single transferable vote.
In Chhattisgarh, 90 MLAs will participate in the voting. The current strength of the Assembly stands at 54 MLAs from the Bharatiya Janata Party, 35 MLAs from the Indian National Congress, and one MLA from the Gondwana Gantantra Party. Based on the numbers, the ruling party holds a clear advantage, though political strategists are closely watching the possibility of cross-voting.
Nomination and Voting Process
Candidates may file their nomination papers between February 26 and March 5, between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., excluding public holidays, at the designated venue inside the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly. Voting will be conducted via ballot paper, with MLAs required to mark their preference using only the purple sketch pen provided by the Returning Officer.
Strict Monitoring for Free and Fair Polls
To ensure transparency and fairness, the Election Commission will appoint observers to monitor the entire process. The Commission has also released a state-wise list of members retiring in April 2026.
With two Rajya Sabha seats at stake, political maneuvering in Chhattisgarh is expected to intensify in the coming weeks. The outcome of this election is likely to influence not only state politics but also Chhattisgarh’s role in national decision-making.