The political spotlight is once again on Jammu and Kashmir as the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that the Biennial Rajya Sabha Elections to fill four vacant seats from the Union Territory will be held on October 24, 2025. These seats have been lying vacant since 2021, and their filling marks a major step in restoring political representation for Jammu and Kashmir in India’s Upper House.
Why Are Rajya Sabha Elections in Jammu & Kashmir Significant?
The elections are historic because the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated in 2019 under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, creating:
- Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (with a legislature)
- Union Territory of Ladakh (without a legislature)
As per the Act, four Rajya Sabha seats were allocated to the new UT of Jammu and Kashmir. However, these remained vacant because there was no functional Legislative Assembly to elect members.
Now that the UT Assembly has been constituted, the required electorate is in place, paving the way for the long-pending elections.
Election Schedule and Counting of Votes
According to the Election Commission:
- Polling Date: October 24, 2025
- Counting of Votes: Evening of October 24, one hour after polling concludes
This quick turnaround means results will be available on the same day, making it a high-stakes contest to watch.
Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha Seats in Jammu & Kashmir
Many people are curious about the parliamentary representation of the Union Territory. Here’s a breakdown:
- Rajya Sabha Seats in Jammu & Kashmir: 4
- Rajya Sabha Seats in Ladakh: 0 (no legislature)
- Lok Sabha Seats in Jammu & Kashmir: 5
- Lok Sabha Seats in Ladakh: 1
This structure ensures that the region continues to play an important role in India’s national politics despite the 2019 reorganization.
How Many Rajya Sabha Seats in Jammu & Kashmir ?
For 2024, Jammu and Kashmir has 4 Rajya Sabha seats. These elections will decide which political parties gain influence at the national level through their representatives in the Upper House.
Who Are the Current Rajya Sabha Members from Jammu & Kashmir?
At present, no members represent Jammu & Kashmir in the Rajya Sabha because the four seats have been vacant since 2021. The upcoming elections will therefore fill this void, restoring the region’s voice in Parliament.
Why Were the Seats Vacant for So Long?
The four Rajya Sabha seats fell vacant when the terms of sitting members ended in 2021. At that time, elections could not be held because there was no Legislative Assembly in the Union Territory after reorganization.
Now, with the Assembly in place, the electorate required to conduct elections has been restored.
Political Implications of the Rajya Sabha Elections 2025
These elections will be a litmus test for political parties in Jammu and Kashmir. Winning Rajya Sabha seats will not only provide representation at the national level but also boost the credibility of parties in the newly revived political landscape of the Union Territory.
The announcement of the Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir on October 24, 2025 marks an important milestone in the democratic process of the Union Territory. With four seats up for grabs, all eyes are now on which parties will secure their place in India’s Upper House. This election is not just about filling vacancies—it’s about restoring representation, strengthening democracy, and shaping the political future of Jammu and Kashmir.
