The Budget Session of Parliament resumed on Monday with both Houses conducting routine business, including Question Hour and discussions on demands for grants, following last week's adjournment after key bills. A highlight in the Rajya Sabha was a farewell to former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.
The focus remained on the biennial Rajya Sabha elections to fill 37 seats, with 26 candidates, including Sharad Pawar (NCP), Abhishek Singhvi (Congress), and Tiruchi Siva (DMK), elected unopposed from states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Voting for the remaining 11 seats in Bihar, Haryana, and Odisha occurred from 9 am to 4 pm, with counting starting immediately. In Bihar, the NDA swept all five seats decisively. Its 202 MLAs voted cohesively for Nitish Kumar (JD(U)), Nitin Nabin (BJP), Upendra Kushwaha, Ram Nath Thakur, and Shivesh Kumar.
The opposition Mahagathbandhan faced setbacks, with four MLAs (three Congress, one RJD) absent, prompting poaching allegations against the BJP. Tejashwi Yadav's hopes for one seat with AIMIM and BSP support fell short.
In Haryana, for two seats, counting was halted for over an hour after objections from BJP and Congress regarding vote secrecy and handling by three MLAs. Congress had relocated many MLAs to Himachal Pradesh to curb cross-voting, while INLD abstained.
Odisha's four seats saw disruptions, including a dispute over a second ballot for a BJP MLA, and allegations of cross-voting by at least five opposition MLAs backing a BJP-supported independent. BJD leader Naveen Patnaik condemned alleged inducements and horse-trading.
The NDA, holding 134 seats currently, is poised to gain further, consolidating its Upper House majority. Opposition parties raised concerns over MLA poaching and offers reportedly up to ₹20 crore. The Election Commission will notify final results after resolving disputes.
The session continued without major disruptions, though opposition pressed issues on foreign policy and economy. The polls highlight intense political
strategies ahead.
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NDA dominates Rajya Sabha polls
Voting and counting for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states concluded on Monday, 16 March 2026, with the National Democratic Alliance securing a commanding performance, particularly a clean sweep in Bihar. Of the vacancies, 26 candidates, including Sharad Pawar (NCP), Abhishek Singhvi (Congress), and Tiruchi Siva (DMK), were elected unopposed in states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and others.
In Bihar, the NDA won all five seats comfortably as its full complement of 202 MLAs voted cohesively for candidates including Nitish Kumar (JD(U)) and Nitin Nabin (BJP). The Mahagathbandhan fell short, with absences from four opposition MLAs prompting accusations of poaching. Counting wrapped up by early evening, confirming the NDA’s dominance.
Contests in Haryana and Odisha proved more contentious. In Haryana, for two seats, counting was suspended after objections to three MLAs’ votes over secrecy violations, delaying results despite Congress claims of unity. The INLD abstained, adding to the uncertainty.
Odisha witnessed clashes and brief polling halts, with cross-voting allegations against at least five BJD and Congress MLAs supporting a BJP-backed independent. Naveen Patnaik decried horse-trading, while the BJP denied irregularities.
The outcome is poised to strengthen the NDA’s majority in the Upper House, currently at 134 seats, enhancing its legislative edge. Opposition leaders criticised the process, citing inducements and loyalty tests. Final notifications are awaited after the Election Commission resolves disputes. The polls coincided with the ongoing Budget Session, amplifying political stakes in Delhi.
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