Bhubaneswar, Jan 22: The process for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections has officially commenced.

The Election Commission of India has directed the Chief Electoral Officers of 10 states, including Odisha, to submit proposals regarding the appointment of Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, polling stations, and the type of ballot boxes to be used.


Following this directive, the respective State Election Commissions have been asked to coordinate with their Legislative Assembly Secretariats to initiate necessary measures.

According to the Commission’s communication, a total of 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states will fall vacant in April 2026 due to the retirement of sitting members. The vacancies include:
- Maharashtra – 7 seats
- Odisha – 4 seats
- Tamil Nadu – 6 seats
- West Bengal – 5 seats
- Telangana – 2 seats
- Assam – 3 seats
- Bihar – 6 seats
- Chhattisgarh – 2 seats
- Haryana – 2 seats
- Himachal Pradesh – 1 seat

The Commission has sought detailed proposals for the appointment of Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers, including their contact details such as telephone numbers, mobile numbers, fax numbers, and email IDs. Additionally, information regarding polling stations and specifications of ballot boxes to be used must also be provided.