ECI Announces Elections For 56 Rajya Sabha Seats Across 15 States, Polls Scheduled For Feb 27

According to an official notification, the term of office for 56 members of the Council of States, representing 15 states, is slated to conclude upon their retirement in April 2024.

Election Commission of India

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) revealed on Monday the upcoming elections for 56 Rajya Sabha seats across 15 states. The polling to fill the seats vacated by members retiring in April 2024 will take place on February 27, as conveyed in a press note issues by the commission. 

According to the official note, the term of office for 56 members of the Council of States, representing 15 states, is slated to conclude upon their retirement in April 2024. The highest count of members, totaling 10, will retire from the state of Uttar Pradesh on April 2, 2024, as stated in the press note.

Meanwhile, both Maharashtra and Bihar will witness the retirement of six members on the same date. West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh are set to have five members each retiring on April 2, 2024. Both Karnataka and Gujarat will observe the retirement of four members on April 2, 2024.

As per the press note, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Rajasthan will each see the retirement of three members. While members from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are set to retire on April 2, 2024, those from Odisha and Rajasthan will retire on April 3, 2024. Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will each experience the retirement of one member on April 2, 2024.

Meanwhile, the race for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is gaining momentum, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) currently upbeat after the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Supreme Court's verdict on Article 370, internal issues within the opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc, and the changed political landscape in Bihar could go in favour of the ruling party, political observers feel.

The Opposition is facing challenges with internal conflicts hindering their unity. The Congress, a significant member of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, encountered obstacles in West Bengal during the ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Disputes over seat-sharing between I.N.D.I.A bloc allies Trinamool Congress and the state unit of Congress have led Mamata Banerjee to consider contesting the elections independently in the state.

Furthermore, discord between the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab and the Congress over seat-sharing adds to the fractures within the coalition. The recent dissolution of the 'Mahagathbandhan' coalition in Bihar by JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, who subsequently joined forces with the BJP, is seen to have dealt a significant blow to the I.N.D.I.A bloc.