Assam will go to the polls for three Rajya Sabha seats on March 16, following the Election Commission of India’s announcement of biennial elections to 37 Upper House seats across 10 states. Counting of votes will take place on the same day.
The three seats from Assam are falling vacant as the terms of Rameswar Teli, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Ajit Kumar Bhuyan are set to expire in April 2026, necessitating fresh elections.
The Election Commission has announced Rajya Sabha elections for three seats in Assam, with voting scheduled for March 16 and counting on the same day. The seats are falling vacant as the terms of Rameswar Teli, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Ajit Kumar Bhuyan expire in April 2026.
Election Schedule Announced
According to the Election Commission’s notification:
- February 26: Issue of notification
- March 5: Last date for filing nominations
- March 6: Scrutiny of nominations
- March 9: Last date for withdrawal
- March 16: Polling and counting
The elections will be conducted by elected members of the Assam Legislative Assembly.
In Guwahati, which houses the Assam Legislative Assembly and state secretariat, preparations are expected to begin in coordination with the Chief Electoral Officer’s office.
Seats Falling Vacant in Assam
The terms of the following Rajya Sabha members from Assam are ending:
- Rameswar Teli
- Bhubaneswar Kalita
- Ajit Kumar Bhuyan
These vacancies form part of a broader cycle of biennial Rajya Sabha elections held every two years as members complete their six-year terms.
National Context
Apart from Assam’s three seats, elections will be held in:
- Maharashtra (7)
- Tamil Nadu (6)
- West Bengal (5)
- Bihar (5)
- Odisha (4)
- Telangana (2)
- Chhattisgarh (2)
- Haryana (2)
- Himachal Pradesh (1)
Several senior political figures across parties are set to retire in this round of elections.
The seats were last contested in the 2020 biennial elections, when party positions varied across states depending on Assembly strength.
Political Significance for Guwahati
Although Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly by MLAs, the elections hold significance for Guwahati as the political and administrative centre of Assam.
The outcome will reflect the current composition of the Assam Legislative Assembly and could influence parliamentary representation from the state.
Political parties in Guwahati are expected to hold internal consultations before finalising candidates ahead of the March 5 nomination deadline.
What Happens Next?
The nomination process will begin once the formal notification is issued on February 26.
Candidates will file papers in Guwahati before the scrutiny and withdrawal deadlines are completed.
If the number of candidates equals the number of seats, the members may be declared elected unopposed. Otherwise, voting will be conducted on March 16.
Further announcements regarding party nominees are awaited.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Rajya Sabha elections in Assam be held?
Voting for the three Assam seats will take place on March 16, with counting on the same day.
Who votes in Rajya Sabha elections?
Elected members of the Assam Legislative Assembly vote to elect Rajya Sabha members.
Why are these seats vacant?
The terms of the sitting members expire in April 2026, requiring fresh elections.