Biennial Elections to the Council of States to fill the seats of members retiring in June and July, 2026

**Executive Summary** This notification, issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice on June 1, 2026, initiates the process to fill 24 seats in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) across ten states. In accordance with Section 12 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the President has called upon elected members of the respective State Legislative Assemblies to conduct elections to replace members whose terms are set to expire. The relevant terms of office expire on various dates between June 21, 2026, and July 19, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** **Legal and Regulatory Basis** * The notification is issued under Section 12 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of 1951). * Elections must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the rules and orders made thereunder. **Election Mandate and Vacancies** * The President calls upon elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of ten specified states to elect members to the Council of States. * The purpose of the election is to fill seats vacated by members whose terms of office are expiring. * A total of 24 seats across 10 states are identified for filling upon the expiration of current terms. **Schedule of Term Expiries and Seat Distribution** * **June 21, 2026:** Terms expire for members in Andhra Pradesh (4 seats), Gujarat (4 seats), Jharkhand (2 seats), Madhya Pradesh (3 seats), Manipur (1 seat), Meghalaya (1 seat), and Rajasthan (3 seats). * **June 23, 2026:** Term expires for one member in Arunachal Pradesh (1 seat). * **June 25, 2026:** Terms expire for members in Karnataka (4 seats). * **July 19, 2026:** Term expires for one member in Mizoram (1 seat). **Impact Analysis** **Elected Members of the Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) of the Specified States** **Impact** MLAs in the ten listed states are legally empowered and required to act as the electorate for the upcoming Council of States vacancies. **Action Required** They must elect the specified number of members for their respective states in accordance with the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and associated regulations. **Outgoing Members of the Council of States** **Impact** The terms of office for members currently holding the 24 specified seats will officially expire on the dates listed in the notification (ranging from June 21 to July 19, 2026). **Action Required** These members must vacate their seats upon the expiration of their terms as specified in column (4) of the document's table. **Ministry of Law and Justice (Legislative Department)** **Impact** The Ministry is responsible for the formal notification and legal oversight of the election call. **Action Required** Ensure the election process is initiated and conducted according to the statutory timelines and the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Key Entities Referenced