Election Commission of India Archives - Odisha Connect

Rajya Sabha 2026: 37 Seats, 10 States – The Formula Behind the Upper House Polls

OdishaConnect — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 05:06:19 +0000

As India prepares for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16, attention is once again turning to the functioning of the country’s Upper House of Parliament. The Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in shaping national legislation and maintaining balance within India’s federal democratic structure.

Structure of the Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, can have a maximum strength of 250 members. Currently, 238 members are elected by states and union territories with legislatures, while 12 members are nominated by the President of India.

The nominated members are chosen from individuals who have made significant contributions in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. Union territories like Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir also participate in the election process through their respective legislatures.

Tenure and Retirement System

Members of the Rajya Sabha serve a six-year term. However, the House maintains continuity because one-third of its members retire every two years, making the Rajya Sabha a permanent body that is never fully dissolved.

Who Can Contest and Vote?

To contest for a seat in the Rajya Sabha, a candidate must be at least 30 years old. The elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India.

Unlike general elections, the voting process for the Rajya Sabha is indirect. Only elected members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) are allowed to vote. Members of Legislative Councils (Vidhan Parishads) do not participate in this voting process. In union territories with legislatures, a designated electoral college elects the representatives.

Voting System: Single Transferable Vote

Rajya Sabha elections follow the single transferable vote system with preferential voting. In this system, voters rank candidates based on preference.

If a candidate does not receive enough first-preference votes to win a seat, second or subsequent preferences are counted until the required number of votes is reached. This method helps ensure proportional representation in the Upper House.

Voting usually takes place between 9 am and 4 pm, while counting begins at 5 pm on the same day.

Understanding the Winning Formula

The number of votes required to win a Rajya Sabha seat is determined using a specific formula based on the strength of the state legislative assembly and the number of available seats.

The calculation involves dividing the total number of elected MLAs multiplied by 100 by the number of seats plus one, ensuring that only candidates who achieve the required quota secure a seat.

Key States in This Year’s Elections

This year’s Rajya Sabha elections will see 37 seats from 10 states going to polls. Among them, Maharashtra will have seven seats, followed by Tamil Nadu with six seats.

Both West Bengal and Bihar will see five seats contested, while Odisha will have four seats up for election.

Other states include Assam with three seats, while Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana will have two seats each. Himachal Pradesh will have one seat up for grabs.

Political Activity Expected to Intensify

With several seats at stake across major states, political observers expect intense lobbying and strategic negotiations among parties and legislators in the coming days.

Despite being less visible than the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha remains a vital institution in India’s parliamentary system, playing a key role in legislative scrutiny and representing the interests of states within the federal framework.

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Election Fever Grips India: 37 Rajya Sabha Seats on the Line in March Showdown

OdishaConnect — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:36:10 +0000

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for upcoming Rajya Sabha elections to fill 37 seats set to become vacant in April 2026. The polls are slated for March 16, 2026, covering ten states, and are expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the upper house of Parliament.

Maharashtra Leads the Contest

Among the states, Maharashtra has the highest number of seats at stake, with seven. This makes it a key battleground in western India. Other states in the fray include:

Tamil Nadu – 6 seats
Bihar – 5 seats
West Bengal – 5 seats
Odisha – 4 seats
Assam – 3 seats
Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Telangana – 2 seats each
Himachal Pradesh – 1 seat

Political Stakes and Strategy

The Rajya Sabha elections are already generating intense political activity. Parties are strategizing and scouting for strong candidates to retain or gain influence in the upper house. Analysts say these elections could affect key policy debates, from economic reforms to regional development initiatives.

Lobbying and Alliance Talks Underway

Though formal nominations are yet to open, insiders report ongoing lobbying and negotiations between political parties. Alliances are being tested, and potential deals are shaping up behind the scenes. The results of the March 16 polls could significantly impact the functioning and balance of power in Parliament over the coming months.

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EVMs Transform India’s Elections with Speed, Accuracy and Stronger Security

OdishaConnect — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:38:26 +0000

A Shift from Paper Ballots to Digital Voting

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have brought a revolutionary transformation to India’s electoral system, replacing the traditional paper ballot method that once dominated the country’s elections. First deployed on a large scale in the 2004 General Elections, EVMs have since become the standard voting mechanism for over 900 million voters, significantly improving efficiency and reducing errors.

How the EVM Works

An EVM is made up of two primary components — the Ballot Unit (BU) and the Control Unit (CU) — connected by a secure cable.

The Ballot Unit, placed inside the voting compartment, allows voters to choose candidates by pressing corresponding buttons.
The Control Unit securely stores votes electronically, removing the possibility of invalid votes and drastically reducing the time needed for counting.

This system has ensured faster polling and helped streamline election-day operations across thousands of polling stations.

VVPAT: Enhancing Transparency and Trust

In 2013, the Election Commission introduced the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) to further strengthen public confidence in electronic voting. Each VVPAT device briefly displays a printed slip showing the voter’s choice — including the candidate name and symbol — before depositing it in a sealed box. This paper record enables cross-verification when required and has added a new layer of transparency to the electoral process.

Security Protocols Reinforce Reliability

EVMs are designed to operate offline, meaning they cannot be connected to the internet or hacked remotely. After the conclusion of voting, machines are sealed and guarded under multi-layer security, including CCTV surveillance. Political parties are also provided with serial numbers of the allotted machines to ensure transparency throughout the process.

Debate Continues, But Experts Vouch for EVMs

Although occasional debates emerge calling for a return to paper ballots, experts consistently affirm that EVMs have significantly reduced electoral fraud, increased accuracy, and enabled faster results — often declared within hours of voting.

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History Repeats? Record Polling Boosts Tejashwi’s CM Dreams

OdishaConnect — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 11:24:35 +0000

Bihar Records Highest-Ever Voter Turnout

In a historic first round of assembly elections, Bihar witnessed an unprecedented 64.66 percent voter turnout across 121 constituencies in 18 districts — the highest ever in the state’s electoral history.
This surpasses the previous record of 62.57 percent in 2000, sparking widespread speculation about a potential comeback for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-Congress alliance, reminiscent of past high-turnout victories.

Political Stakes and Key Contenders

The high participation has set off a political storm, with 1,314 candidates in the fray, including major figures like Tejashwi Yadav, the Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial aspirant, and the NDA’s Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with several ministers.
As the next round of polling for 122 seats approaches, political parties are intensifying campaigns across Bihar.

Election Commission’s Enthusiasm Amid Controversy

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has expressed satisfaction over the enthusiastic voter turnout, though the process hasn’t been free from controversy.
Debates continue around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, which opposition parties have condemned as flawed and biased. Despite these challenges, the high turnout signals a renewed public engagement in the democratic process.

History Suggests High Turnout Favors RJD

Historically, Bihar’s voter turnout exceeding 60 percent has often favored Lalu Prasad Yadav’s political lineage.

1990: With 62.04% turnout, Janata Dal under Lalu Yadav won 122 seats, riding on the Mandal wave.
1995: Another 61.79% turnout gave the Janata Dal 167 seats, consolidating Lalu’s power.
2000: RJD, led by Rabri Devi, benefited again with a 62.57% turnout, securing power even after the state’s bifurcation.

In contrast, lower turnouts in later years marked the rise of Nitish Kumar and the NDA’s dominance, with figures between 46% and 57% from 2005 to 2020.

The Return of RJD’s Golden Days?

This massive voter engagement has rejuvenated hopes in the RJD camp, with Tejashwi Yadav reportedly confident of turning the tide.
Many political observers see this as a potential return to the party’s “golden days,” which could challenge Nitish Kumar’s two-decade hold on Bihar’s politics.

However, as the state awaits counting on November 14, the final outcome remains uncertain. The mood on the ground, though, is clear — Bihar’s electorate wants change, accountability, and a government that addresses migration, employment, and governance issues.

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Bihar Polls 2025: The Science Behind EVM Name Placement

OdishaConnect — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:29:18 +0000

The Curious Case of Candidate Order on Bihar’s EVMs

As Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections, one intriguing question often arises among voters — how is the order of candidates’ names on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) decided? Many assume that the sequence might be determined by political parties or through a random draw, but the truth lies in a far more systematic and language-based process. This linguistic logic adds a fascinating layer to India’s democratic framework.

Alphabetical Order — The Language Logic Behind EVMs

In Hindi-speaking states like Bihar, the names of candidates on EVMs are arranged according to the alphabetical order of the Hindi alphabet (Devanagari script). This means that a candidate whose name begins with ‘क’ (Ka) will appear before one whose name starts with ‘ख’ (Kha), and so on, following the traditional Hindi alphabetical sequence.

This rule-based method often influences the strategies of political parties and candidates. Some even see an advantage in how their names appear on the list — a subtle mix of linguistic tradition and electoral psychology.

Ensuring Transparency with VVPAT Integration

To enhance transparency and voter confidence, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has integrated Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems with EVMs. When a voter casts their vote, the VVPAT briefly displays a printed slip showing the chosen candidate’s details. The slip is visible for a few seconds and then securely stored inside the machine — ensuring both verification and voter privacy.

This mechanism allows election officials to audit the votes if required, strengthening public trust in the process. In a state like Bihar, with its vast voter base and crowded electoral contests, such technology ensures elections remain secure, efficient, and credible.

Merging Language and Technology for a Stronger Democracy

The combination of linguistic ordering and cutting-edge voting technology represents more than just administrative precision — it symbolizes India’s evolving democracy. As Bihar approaches the 2025 polls, this blend of tradition and innovation sets a new benchmark for fair, transparent, and accessible elections, reinforcing faith in the world’s largest democratic exercise.

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Odisha Chief Electoral Officer Holds Sensitization Meeting on Independent Intensive Revision

OdishaConnect — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:03:28 +0000

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, R.S. Gopalan (IAS), recently chaired a sensitization meeting on the independent intensive revision of electoral rolls. The meeting brought together key officials, including Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Laxmi Prasad Sahu, Public Relations Officer Saurabh Pradhan, and all District Information and Public Relations Officers from across the state.

Purpose and Importance of the Intensive Revision

During the meeting, CEO Gopalan emphasized the critical objectives and timely necessity of the independent intensive revision, highlighting the importance of verifying voter eligibility and countering misleading information. He stressed the role of district officials in creating awareness among the general public at the grassroots level to ensure smooth implementation.

Gopalan pointed out that over many years, the Election Commission has built a reputation for impartiality and credibility, and maintaining this requires prompt identification and correction of erroneous or misleading data.

Ensuring Accurate Electoral Rolls

A key focus of the meeting was the inclusion of only eligible voters in the electoral rolls, ensuring no ineligible names are added and that no eligible voter is omitted. The CEO confirmed that in Odisha, all necessary measures are being implemented to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the voter list.

Officer Training and Information Sharing

Deputy CEO Dr. Sahu presented detailed information through a PPT to familiarize officials with the independent intensive revision process. Additionally, he shared insights on initiatives undertaken by the Election Commission in the context of the Bihar elections, highlighting best practices and important procedural steps.

Addressing Erroneous Data

Officials were briefed on common errors such as:

Multiple deletions of the same voter name,
Incorrect booth labels,
Missing house numbers, and
Multiple registrations at a single address.

District Information and Public Relations Officers were instructed to bring accurate data to the attention of local authorities and swiftly correct any discrepancies.

Public Awareness and Outreach

The CEO’s office will continue to regularly circulate press releases and information through social and other media channels to ensure that citizens at the grassroots level are fully aware of the revision process. Officials were also encouraged to solicit creative feedback from the public to enhance the effectiveness of the program.

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Nuapada By-Election: Campaign Heats Up As Voting Date Announced

OdishaConnect — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:57:52 +0000

Nuapada Bypoll Scheduled for 11 November

The Election Commission of India has officially announced the Nuapada by-election, setting 11 November—the same day as Bihar’s elections—as the polling date. Political parties have begun intensive strategising, although official candidate declarations are still awaited.

Key Dates and Voting Details

Notifications will be issued on 13 October, with nominations closing on 20 October. Scrutiny of nominations is scheduled for 22 October, and withdrawals will be allowed until 24 October. Counting of votes will take place on 14 November. Over 2.48 lakh voters across 358 polling stations will be eligible to cast their votes. To ensure transparency, webcasting will be conducted during the elections. Voters may carry mobile phones, but polling agents are prohibited from doing so. Special arrangements will facilitate home voting for senior citizens, and candidates must disclose cases against them three times.

Campaign Trail Heats Up

The election campaign is already in full swing, with candidates and their supporters visiting villages to engage voters. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s recent visit to Bhubaneswar has energized the BJP camp, while Congress, under the leadership of its PCC president, is projecting confidence. Jay Dholakia of the BJD has also been reaching out to constituents, although the party’s top leadership has not yet joined the campaign trail.

A High-Stakes Contest

With strategies being rolled out and intense political activity across the constituency, the Nuapada by-election promises to be a thrilling and closely watched contest that will keep voters and political analysts on edge.

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Bihar Polls: Voters Can Now Bring Mobiles to Booths, Says EC

OdishaConnect — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:39:54 +0000

ECI Allows Mobile Phones at Bihar Polling Booths

In an unprecedented move, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has permitted voters to carry mobile phones to polling booths for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled in two phases on 6 and 11 November, with counting set for 14 November. Chief Election Commissioner Jnanesh Kumar announced the decision at a press conference, marking a significant departure from previous restrictions on mobiles inside polling stations.

New Measures to Enhance Voter Convenience

This change is part of 17 new measures introduced by the ECI to improve the voting experience. Previously, voters had to leave their phones at home or outside polling stations, causing inconvenience and concerns over theft. To address this, secure boxes will be provided at polling stations to safely store mobile phones during voting.

Maintaining Electoral Integrity

Despite allowing mobiles, strict rules will be enforced within the polling and confidential areas to preserve the sanctity of the election process. The ECI emphasized that the reform balances voter convenience with transparency and security.

Nationwide Implications

Starting with Bihar, this initiative is expected to expand nationwide, making voting more comfortable for citizens across India. Officials believe the reform could boost voter turnout by removing a longstanding obstacle for voters.

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Supreme Court Scrutinises Bihar’s Voter List Revision Amid Allegations of Mass Exclusions

OdishaConnect — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:42:46 +0000

Hearing Centers on Special Intensive Revision Process
On March 21, 2023, a crucial Supreme Court hearing before Justices Suryakant and Dipankar Datta examined petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls. The proceedings questioned the legality, accuracy, and procedural fairness of the revision process, which has sparked concerns over voter disenfranchisement.

ECI Admits Scope for Errors in Large-Scale Exercise
During the hearing, the Election Commission of India (ECI) acknowledged that errors were inevitable in a project of such scale. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the ECI, admitted that mistakes such as wrongly marking living individuals as deceased were “unfortunate but inevitable.” The bench, however, pressed for specific figures and questioned the adequacy of verification measures carried out by Booth Level Officers.

Petitioners Alleging Massive Exclusions
Senior advocate Gopal Shankaranarayan alleged that the SIR had excluded as many as 65 lakh voters, while senior advocate Kapil Sibal highlighted a constituency where 12 living voters were listed as deceased. Sibal argued that the BLOs failed to properly verify records, and that the SIR ignored established procedures such as sending Form 4 notices or collecting supporting documents from residents.

Debate Over Legal Compliance and Procedural Norms
Sibal contended that the SIR could not be treated as a mere procedural update but amounted to an entirely new roll creation, requiring strict adherence to legal provisions. He questioned the implementation of Rule 12’s Form 5 and Form 6, stressing that citizens should not be required to provide Aadhaar for voter registration, and that date of birth and place of residence should suffice.

Burden of Proof at the Center of the Dispute
One of the key debates was over the burden of proof in voter eligibility challenges. Sibal cited Rule 13, stating that it is the objector—not the citizen—who must prove ineligibility. Justice Datta reinforced that if a citizen’s name is missing from the draft roll, the onus lies on the authorities to prove non-citizenship once a Form 6 application is submitted.

Pending Verdict with National Implications
Both the petitioners and the ECI acknowledged flaws in the SIR process. However, the Supreme Court refrained from delivering a final verdict on its compliance with electoral laws, instead adjourning the matter for further consideration. The outcome could set a precedent for voter-list corrections across India, with millions of Bihar’s electorate awaiting clarity on their voting status.

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BJP Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Over Voter Fraud Allegations

OdishaConnect — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:09:49 +0000

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp counterattack against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s accusations of large-scale voter fraud in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, accusing him of spreading a “false narrative” to undermine India’s constitutional institutions, particularly the Election Commission of India (ECI).

BJP Calls Allegations Politically Motivated

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, in a press conference on Friday, dismissed Gandhi’s claims as politically driven attempts to cover up Congress’s electoral failures.
“He talks of dropping an atom bomb of evidence, but ends up cutting the branch he sits on. Is this language befitting a Leader of the Opposition?” Yadav asked, also accusing Gandhi of intimidating ECI officials with threats of action if the opposition came to power.

Specific Charges by Rahul Gandhi

Gandhi alleged that in Bengaluru Central’s Mahadevapura Assembly segment, over 1,00,250 votes were “stolen” using duplicate entries, fake addresses, and misuse of Form 6, helping the BJP win by a margin of 32,707 votes.
He further claimed Maharashtra saw one crore new voters between the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections — a figure disputed by Yadav, who said the actual difference was only 40 lakh, based on ECI data.

ECI Seeks Proof Under Rule 20(3)(b)

The Election Commission has formally asked Gandhi to submit a sworn affidavit under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, to substantiate his claims.
Karnataka’s Chief Electoral Officer warned that failing to provide evidence would indicate the allegations are baseless.

BJP MPs Reject Fraud Claims

BJP MP P.C. Mohan, who won from Bengaluru Central, termed the accusations “political theatre,” insisting his win was purely due to voter trust and not manipulation.
Yadav stressed that voter roll revisions were handled independently by the ECI and accused Gandhi of “selectively questioning” election results only when Congress lost.

Political Fallout and Next Steps

The Congress has announced a protest march to the ECI office in Bengaluru, intensifying the political battle.
While leaders like Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah back Gandhi’s demand for greater electoral transparency, the BJP insists these allegations aim to deflate public faith in democratic institutions.
All eyes are now on the ECI’s response and the affidavit Gandhi has been asked to provide.

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