Rajya Sabha Election 2026: NDA Closes in on Majority, Opposition Trails

Rajya Sabha Elections 2026: NDA Sweeps Bihar, Gains in Odisha and Haryana

Key Highlights

• The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won all five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar and secured three in Odisha, with one seat in Haryana.
• Elections were held for 11 out of 37 Rajya Sabha vacancies, with the remaining 26 seats filled unopposed.
• The NDA now holds approximately 120-125 seats in the 245-member Rajya Sabha, giving it a clear edge over the opposition.

Bihar Results

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• JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, new Bihar BJP president Nitin Nabin, Union minister Ram Nath Thakur, Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha, and BJP's Shivesh Kumar won the five Rajya Sabha seats.
• Ram Nath Thakur and Upendra Kushwaha, both sitting MPs, were re-elected as part of the NDA sweep.

Odisha Results

• The BJP won three out of four seats, including Independent candidate Dilip Ray, whom it backed.
• The other winners were state BJP chief Manmohan Samal, sitting MP Sujeet Kumar, and the BJD's Santrupt Misra.

Haryana Results

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• The counting for two seats was halted after the BJP alleged a breach of voting secrecy by Congress MLAs.
• BJP's Bhatia and Congress's Boudh were declared elected to two Rajya Sabha seats from Haryana.

Impact on Rajya Sabha Balance of Power

• The NDA's win has tilted the balance of power in the Rajya Sabha further in its favor.
• The opposition INDIA bloc accounts for approximately 85-95 seats, while the remaining 25-35 seats are with non-aligned regional parties, independents, and nominated members.
• The NDA's clear edge gives it the ability to pass most legislation with backing from smaller parties and nominated members.