A major change is expected in the Rajya Sabha in 2026, as the terms of several big political names are set to come to an end.
Next year, voting will be held for 75 out of the 245 seats in the Upper House. Out of these seats, 233 are filled through elections by State Legislatures while the remaining 12 are nominated by the President.
Among these prominent leaders stepping down is Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, whose term as a Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka will end on June 25, 2026. Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda representing Karnataka, will also retire along with him.
Two Union Ministers—Hardeep Singh Puri and BL Verma from PM Modi’s Cabinet are set to finish their terms on November 25, 2026. They are among the ten members including eight others retiring from the state.
Another key name is Ravneet Singh Bittu, the former Congress leader who joined the BJP just before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Even though he lost his Lok Sabha seat from Ludhiana, he made it to the Union Cabinet and represents Rajasthan in the Rajya Sabha. His tenure will end on June 21, 2026. On the same day, Union Minister George Kurien elected from Madhya Pradesh and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh will also complete their terms.
In Maharashtra, seven seats will fall vacant in April 2026, including those held by influential leaders like Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena UBT), and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale
From Jharkhand, Shibu Soren, a founding member of the JMM, will step down in June 2026 along with Shaktisinh Gohil from Gujarat. Andhra Pradesh will see the exit of Sana Satish Babu (TDP) and YSRCP leaders Ayodhya Rami Reddy, Parimal Nathwani, and Pilli Subhash.
Telangana’s Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi will retire in April 2026. Bihar, which heads into assembly elections soon, will witness the retirement of Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman Harivansh, along with RJD’s AD Singh and Prem Chandra Gupta, and former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha.
In West Bengal, five members will complete their terms, including Saket Gokhale. Tamil Nadu will have six seats vacant in April 2026, with senior leaders like former Deputy Lok Sabha Speaker Thambi Durai and Tiruchi Siva among those retiring.
From the President-nominated category, former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi will finish his tenure in March 2026. Other members from the Northeast—covering states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Mizoram are also set to retire. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh will each see one retirement, including Naresh Bansal and Indu Bala Goswami, who currently heads the Rajya Sabha housing committee.
Many of these leaders have played important roles in key parliamentary debates. Their exit could open doors for new faces and younger politicians.
Parties are already strategising to field strong candidates in states where they have the numbers to win.
Given the recent Lok Sabha results, all eyes are now on whether the NDA can maintain its edge or the opposition will gain strength in the Upper House.
The retirements could also impact important bills that need Rajya Sabha clearance, so coalition politics may become even more crucial.
At present, the NDA holds 129 seats in the Rajya Sabha, while the opposition controls 78. These upcoming elections will play a critical role in deciding who holds sway in the Upper House in the years to come.
As the country looks ahead to this big change in the Rajya Sabha, it is clear that these retirements could bring fresh faces and new ideas into Parliament. Many of the leaders stepping down have shaped important debates for years, and their absence will be felt. But this also gives political parties a chance to bring in young leaders and voices that better reflect today’s India. In the end, what really matters is whether this change helps our Parliament work better for the people because that’s what democracy is all about.
