Rajya Sabha Elections
Context: Biennial Rajya Sabha elections for 8 seats, 2 from Assam and 6 from Tamil Nadu will be held on June 19, 2025, as the terms of incumbent members near completion.
Important Pointers:
Indirect Election: Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies through proportional representation by single transferable vote.
Permanent House: Rajya Sabha is a continuing chamber; it cannot be dissolved and one-third of its members retire every two years, prompting biennial elections.
Total Strength: The maximum strength is 250, of which 233 are elected and 12 are nominated by the President for contributions in arts, literature, science, and social services.
Current Strength: As of now, Rajya Sabha has 245 members — 233 elected and 12 nominated.
Representation by States: Elected seats are allocated to states and UTs based on population, as per the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution.
Voting by MLAs: Only elected MLAs vote in Rajya Sabha elections, using a secret ballot and single transferable vote system.
No Anti-Defection Shield: A whip can be issued, but cross-voting is not disqualified unless the party complains and the Speaker acts under the Anti-Defection Law.
Nominated Members: The President can nominate 12 members having special knowledge in literature, science, art, and social service.
Term of Member: Each member serves a six-year term unless they resign or are disqualified.
Vice-President as Chairman: The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.