The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, achieved a significant win in the Rajya Sabha elections. Out of the 11 contested seats across Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana, the NDA secured 8 seats, while the BJD won 1 seat.
A total of 37 Rajya Sabha seats were up for election across 10 states on March 16, 2026. In 7 states, 26 candidates were elected unopposed.
Contested polling occurred only for the remaining 11 seats: 5 in Bihar, 4 in Odisha, and 2 in Haryana.
Bihar: Clean Sweep for NDA:
The NDA won all 5 seats decisively.
Nitish Kumar (JD(U)) and Nitin Nabin (BJP national president) each received 44 first-preference votes.Ram Nath Thakur and Upendra Kushwaha each got 42 votes. KLOSIA Women Viscose Printed Kurta Pant Dupatta Set
BJP's Shivesh Kumar secured victory with 30 first-preference votes, aided by second-preference transfers after defeating the RJD candidate.
Four MLAs from the Mahagathbandhan Congress 3, RJD 1 were absent, easing the NDA's path. Tejashwi Yadav alleged vote-buying and horse-trading.Candidates for Kerala Assembly Elections 2026
Odisha: Impact of Cross-Voting:
In the 4 seats, winners included:
BJP's Manmohan Samal and Sujeet Kumar.
BJP-backed Independent Dilip Ray (who won amid significant cross-voting).
BJD's Santrupt Mishra.
The BJD-Congress-backed candidate Datteswar Hota lost. Several BJD MLAs including Devi Ranjan Tripathi and others and some Congress members cross-voted.
Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP of buying MLAs. Voting was briefly halted when one MLA submitted two ballots.Converting Tamil Nadu 2026 election query to English Who will win..?
Haryana: Ongoing Controversy:
Counting for the 2 seats remains incomplete due to allegations of breach of vote secrecy some MLAs allegedly showed their ballots. Both BJP and Congress raised objections.
Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to the Election Commission demanding action. Results are pending verification and recount if needed. Election Fever: Assembly Polls in 5 States and By-Elections for 2 Karnataka Seats Announced; Results on May 4
This round strengthened the NDA's position in the Rajya Sabha, with cross-voting and absenteeism playing key roles in Bihar and Odisha.disconnect with people may bring BJP to power in WB, says opinion polls