Bhubaneswar, Feb 26: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued a notification for Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha, with polling scheduled for March 16, 2026. The announcement follows a notification by the President of India under Section 12 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, formally initiating the electoral process.

Four Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha will fall vacant on April 2 following the retirement of sitting members. The retiring MPs include Niranjan Bishi and Munna Khan of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and Sujeet Kumar and Mamata Mohanta of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

As per the schedule announced by the ECI, the last date for filing nominations is March 5, scrutiny will be held on March 6, and candidates can withdraw nominations until March 9. Polling, if required, will take place on March 16 from 9 am to 4 pm, with the election process concluding by March 20.

Rajya Sabha elections are also being conducted in several other states. Political parties in Odisha are expected to announce their candidates soon.

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