THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Ranchi, May 22: The Election Commission on Friday announced the schedule for Rajya Sabha elections to 26 seats across 12 states, with polling set for June 18. Jharkhand will vote for two Rajya Sabha seats, making the upcoming election politically significant for both the ruling alliance and the Opposition.
One seat from Jharkhand is falling vacant following the completion of the tenure of BJP MP Deepak Prakash, while the second seat became vacant after the demise of JMM founder and former Chief Minister Shibu Soren.
Elections Across 12 States
Of the 26 seats, regular elections will be held for 24, while by-elections will be held for one seat each in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
The Maharashtra bypoll will be held for the seat earlier held by Sunetra Ajit Pawar, while the Tamil Nadu bypoll will be conducted for the seat vacated by C.V. Shanmugam.
Apart from Jharkhand, elections will be conducted for four seats each in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh will elect three members each, while Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram will vote for one seat each.
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Key National Leaders Retiring
Several prominent political leaders are set to retire from the Rajya Sabha, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, JD(S) chief H.D. Deve Gowda and Nabam Rebia from Arunachal Pradesh.
Election Schedule
According to the Election Commission, the notification for the Rajya Sabha elections will be issued on June 1. The last date for filing nominations is June 8.
Voting will take place on June 18 from 9 am to 4 pm, followed by counting later in the evening. Results are expected to be declared the same night.
Political Significance in Jharkhand
The Rajya Sabha elections are expected to trigger intense political activity in Jharkhand, particularly over the seat left vacant after Shibu Soren’s demise. The election will be closely watched for indications of political alignment ahead of future electoral battles in the state.