Rajya Sabha Elections 2026: NDA Set for Major Gains as Bihar Sweep Likely, Opposition Faces Setbacks

The Rajya Sabha elections 2026 entered a crucial phase on March 16, with counting underway for 37 seats across 10 states. Early trends and voting patterns indicate a strong performance for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), particularly in Bihar, where the alliance is poised to secure all five seats, significantly strengthening its presence in the Upper House.

NDA Dominates Bihar Contest

In Bihar, the NDA appears set for a clean sweep in the Rajya Sabha elections, thanks to its solid legislative strength and united voting by its MLAs. Leaders from parties including the BJP, JD(U) and allied groups said all 202 NDA legislators cast their votes, giving the alliance a decisive edge.

The NDA coalition includes parties led by leaders such as Nitish Kumar, Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha.

Opposition numbers weakened after several legislators from Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal remained absent during the voting process, further improving the NDA's chances.

Nitish Kumar Moves to Rajya Sabha

One of the most significant developments in the Bihar contest is the decision of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to enter the Rajya Sabha. His nomination, filed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, signals a strategic shift while maintaining influence over Bihar's political direction.

In a message to supporters, Nitish Kumar assured that his connection with the people of Bihar would remain strong even after moving to the Upper House.

Odisha Polls Marked by Dispute

While the NDA gained momentum in Bihar, the Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha saw a tense contest and controversy. Biju Janata Dal leader Naveen Patnaik alleged irregularities during voting, claiming that a BJP MLA was allowed to cast a second ballot after making an error on the first one.

The dispute briefly halted polling for four seats in the state. Despite the allegations, voting concluded with reports of cross-voting by some opposition MLAs in favour of BJP-backed Independent candidate Dilip Ray.

National Seat Battle

Across the country, the Rajya Sabha elections cover 37 seats from 10 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha.

Of these, 26 candidates have already been elected unopposed, including prominent figures such as Sharad Pawar, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Vinod Tawde.

The ruling NDA is seeking to increase its tally in the 234-member Rajya Sabha, where it currently holds 134 seats.

Haryana Voting Concludes

Polling also concluded in Haryana for two seats amid tight political manoeuvring. The BJP fielded Sanjay Bhatia while Congress nominated Karamvir Singh Boudh, with Independent Satish Nandal also in the fray.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the final picture would become clear only after the counting of votes, though BJP leaders expressed confidence of a strong performance.

NDA Strength Likely to Grow

With the Bihar sweep likely and competitive contests underway in other states, early indications suggest the NDA is on course to strengthen its position in the Rajya Sabha. The outcome of the remaining seats will determine the extent of the alliance's advantage, but the ruling coalition appears well placed to expand its influence in the Upper House.