Election Commission Announces Rajya Sabha and Maharashtra Poll Dates

India: The Election Commission of India has announced Rajya Sabha elections for 24 seats across 10 states, with voting scheduled for June 18, 2026. The Commission also declared the schedule for Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, including polling for 17 seats on June 18 and counting on June 22.

The Election Commission directed officials in West Bengal to maintain "zero tolerance" against post-poll violence following recent assembly election tensions. A repoll in the Falta Assembly constituency will be conducted with heavy Central Armed Police Forces deployment and live monitoring arrangements. Discussions are ongoing within the Commission regarding the faster inclusion of newly eligible 18-year-old voters in electoral rolls.