Four states hold legislative council elections across 28 seats

Polling began on October 23 for 28 legislative council seats spread across four Indian states, marking a significant electoral exercise in the region's democratic process.

Uttar Pradesh leads the contest with 11 seats up for election, followed by Bihar with 8 seats. Karnataka is contesting 4 seats while Maharashtra has 5 seats at stake in the day's polling. The elections will replenish the legislative councils of these states, which play a complementary role to their respective lower houses in the legislative process.

The legislative council elections are conducted through an electoral college comprising members of the state assembly, local government representatives, and registered graduates and teachers, rather than through direct popular voting. This indirect election method ensures representation of various stakeholder groups in the upper houses.

These council seats are among the most closely watched legislative contests in India's electoral calendar, as they often reflect shifting political dynamics and voter sentiment in major states. The results are expected to influence political calculations ahead of future state and national elections.

Polling officials were deployed across all four states to ensure smooth conduct of the elections and adherence to electoral guidelines. Election authorities had made arrangements to facilitate participation from all eligible voters within the designated electoral colleges.