Which one among the following states has the highest number of seats in the Council of States?

The correct answer is Tamil Nadu.

Key Points

• The Council of States (Rajya Sabha) is the upper house of the Parliament of India, representing the states and union territories.
• Seats in the Rajya Sabha are allocated based on the population of each state, as per the principle of proportional representation.
• Tamil Nadu has one of the highest allocations of Rajya Sabha seats among Indian states due to its significant population size.
• The state currently has 18 seats in the Rajya Sabha, reflecting its political importance and demographic weight.
• Other states with similar high allocations include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, but Tamil Nadu stands out due to its consistent representation.

Additional Information

• Rajya Sabha Composition
  • The Rajya Sabha is composed of 245 members, out of which 233 are elected by the legislatures of the states and union territories, and 12 are nominated by the President of India.
  • Members serve staggered six-year terms, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.
• Allocation of Seats
  • Seats are allocated to states and union territories based on their population, as determined by the last Census.
  • States with larger populations, such as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, have more seats compared to smaller or less populated states.
• Election Process
  • Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies using the single transferable vote (STV) system.
  • Nomination of 12 members by the President is based on their expertise in fields like literature, science, art, and social services.
• Role of Rajya Sabha
  • The Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in the legislative process, acting as a revising chamber for bills passed by the Lok Sabha.
  • It also represents the states' interests in the federal structure of India.