Election Commission of India Announces Polls for Two Rajya Sabha Seats in Chhattisgarh on March 16
Digital Desk
The Election Commission of India has scheduled voting on March 16 for two Rajya Sabha seats from Chhattisgarh that will fall vacant in April, with the terms of sitting members KTS Tulsi and Phulo Devi Netam set to expire on April 2. The poll notification will be issued on February 26, formally launching the election process.
According to the notification, the formal election notice will be issued on February 26. Candidates may file nominations until March 5, scrutiny will occur on March 6, and the last date for withdrawal is March 9. Voting will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 16, with counting beginning at 5 p.m. The entire process will be completed by March 20, and the newly elected members’ terms will commence on April 3.
Chhattisgarh has five seats in the Rajya Sabha. Currently, Rajeev Shukla and Ranjeet Ranjan hold terms until 2028, while Devendra Pratap Singh serves until 2030. The upcoming election will therefore determine two new representatives.
Political activity has intensified across Raipur and the state of Chhattisgarh, with major parties deliberating over potential candidates and mobilizing internal support. In Rajya Sabha elections, MLAs cast votes, making legislative strength and alliance arithmetic decisive factors.
KTS Tulsi, a senior advocate, was known for raising constitutional and legal issues during his tenure. Phulo Devi Netam, a tribal leader from the Bastar region, frequently highlighted social and indigenous concerns in Parliament. With both terms ending, the contests are expected to bring new faces to the Upper House.
The Commission has announced elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats nationwide to ensure vacancies are filled on schedule. As nominations begin, political maneuvering is likely to intensify, with candidate lists and party strategies expected to become clearer in the coming weeks.
