NEW DELHI — In preparation for the high-stakes biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin on Monday, March 9, 2026, appointed Central Observers for the states of Bihar, Haryana, and Odisha. The appointments come as political activity intensifies across 10 states where 37 seats are set to fall vacant this April.
The BJP has strategically deployed senior leaders to oversee the polling process:
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Bihar: Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Vijay Sharma and Union MoS Harsh Malhotra.
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Haryana: Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghvi.
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Odisha: Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
The elections, scheduled for March 16, 2026, have reached a critical juncture as today marks the final deadline for the withdrawal of nominations. The counting of votes will take place at 5:00 PM on the day of polling.
Nitish Kumar’s Historic Shift to the Rajya Sabha
The most significant development in this election cycle is the nomination of incumbent Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for one of the five vacant seats in the state. The decision initially sent shockwaves through Bihar’s political landscape, with several Janata Dal (United) leaders expressing surprise and initial opposition to their party chief leaving the state leadership. However, following a series of high-level meetings, the JD(U) cadre has resolved to support the move.
Bihar Minister Shravan Kumar informed ANI that while workers were initially upset, they have pledged to stand by Nitish Kumar after he personally clarified his decision. This shift is seen as a major realignment in Bihar politics, potentially paving the way for a leadership transition in the state. Adding to the state’s political weight in the Upper House, BJP President Nitin Nabin is also a candidate from Bihar.
Odisha and Haryana Contests
In Odisha, four seats are up for grabs. The BJP has fielded its state unit chief Manmohan Samal and Sujeet Kumar for two of these seats, aiming to strengthen its footprint in the Upper House from the eastern state. Meanwhile, Haryana will see polling for two seats, with the BJP deploying Harsh Sanghvi to ensure a smooth electoral process amidst a competitive political environment.
As the term of 37 members from states including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal concludes in April, these elections will be pivotal in determining the balance of power in the Rajya Sabha for the upcoming legislative year.
