Election Commission Announces Schedule for Rajya Sabha Biennial Elections
New Delhi, January 29, 2024 – The Election Commission of India has officially released the schedule for the upcoming Rajya Sabha biennial elections. A total of 56 seats across 15 states are set to be filled, as the current members’ term is due to expire at the end of April 2024.
Key highlights of the announcement include:
- Elections will take place for 56 Rajya Sabha seats in 15 states, with retirements set for the end of April.
- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will witness three vacancies each, while Uttar Pradesh will have elections for 10 vacant seats.
- The official notification is scheduled to be released on February 8.
- The nomination period will extend until February 15, with scrutiny of nominations taking place on February 16.
- Candidates can withdraw their nominations until February 20.
- The polling day is set for February 27, from 9 am to 4 pm.
- The counting of votes will commence at 5 pm on the same day.
- The Election Commission emphasized the use of integrated violet color sketch pens, provided by the Returning Officer, for marking preferences on the ballot paper.
- Strict adherence to Covid-19 guidelines, as outlined in a Press Note dated October 9, 2023, is mandated throughout the election process.
The Commission aims to ensure a fair and transparent election by appointing observers to closely monitor the entire process. The elections are slated to be completed by February 29, 2024.
Prafull Awasthi, Under Secretary, Election Commission, issued these directives to streamline the election procedures.
Rajya Sabha Biennial Elections 2024: State-wise Seat Distribution
Andhra Pradesh:
- Vacancies: 3
- Retirement Date: April 2, 2024
Bihar:
- Vacancies: 6
- Retirement Date: April 1, 2024
Chhattisgarh:
- Vacancies: 1
- Retirement Date: April 4, 2024
Gujarat:
- Vacancies: 4
- Retirement Date: April 1, 2024
Haryana:
- Vacancies: 1
- Retirement Date: April 1, 2024
Himachal Pradesh:
- Vacancies: 1
- Retirement Date: April 1, 2024
Karnataka:
- Vacancies: 4
- Retirement Date: April 1, 2024
Madhya Pradesh:
- Vacancies: 5
- Retirement Date: April 1, 2024
Maharashtra:
- Vacancies: 6
- Retirement Date: April 1, 2024
Telangana:
- Vacancies: 3
- Retirement Date: April 2, 2024
Uttar Pradesh:
- Vacancies: 11
- Retirement Date: April 1, 2024
Uttarakhand:
- Vacancies: 1
- Retirement Date: April 1, 2024
West Bengal:
- Vacancies: 5
- Retirement Date: April 1, 2024
Odisha:
- Vacancies: 3
- Retirement Date: April 1, 2024
Rajasthan:
- Vacancies: 3
- Retirement Date: April 1, 2024
This comprehensive breakdown outlines the number of seats up for election in each state and the respective retirement dates of the current members. The Rajya Sabha biennial elections aim to fill these vacancies, with the process set to unfold as per the schedule provided by the Election Commission.
