Rajya Sabha elections: EC initiates preparations in Odisha, 9 other states

The Election Commission of India has initiated the process for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, with several seats across multiple states set to fall vacant in April. As part of the preparatory exercise, the Commission has sought proposals for the appointment of Returning Officers and other key arrangements from the states concerned.

The Election Commission has formally written to the Chief Electoral Officers of 10 states, including Odisha, directing them to submit proposals related to the conduct of the elections. These include recommendations for the appointment of Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers, identification of polling venues, and details regarding the type of ballot boxes to be used for the polls.

According to official sources, a total of 37 Rajya Sabha seats from 10 states will become vacant in April, necessitating elections to fill these positions.

Seats Across 10 States To Go To Polls

Rajya Sabha elections will be held for seven seats in Maharashtra, four seats in Odisha, six seats in Tamil Nadu, five seats in West Bengal, two seats in Telangana, and three seats in Assam. In addition, elections are scheduled for five seats in Bihar, two seats in Chhattisgarh, two seats in Haryana, and one seat in Himachal Pradesh.

The Election Commission has asked state election machinery to begin groundwork well in advance to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.

Tenure Of Four Odisha MPs Ending On April 2

In Odisha, the term of four Rajya Sabha members will conclude on April 2. The members whose tenure is coming to an end are Munna Khan, Niranjan Bishi, Sujeet Kumar, and Mamata Mohanta.

With the process now underway, political parties are expected to begin internal consultations and candidate selection in the coming weeks. Further schedules related to nominations and polling are likely to be announced by the Election Commission in due course.