In seven of the eight states that went to polls this year, the Bharatiya Janata Party was in direct contest with the Indian National Congress.

Elections to the upper house where the ruling National Democratic Alliance does not command a majority are by kicking on the part of all the political leaders expected to strengthen its position.

According to the Constitution of India, elections should take place to the parliament and state legislative assemblies every five years, unless an emergency is under operation.

The members of the upper house are elected indirectly by the state legislative assemblies on the basis of proportional representation.

The Indian National Congress, which was the second largest party in the 2013 election, lost all its seats and most of its vote share.

The incumbent Indian National Congress government controlled the state in a coalition with smaller parties prior to the election, and sought to retain office.

The elections resulted in a hung assembly with no single party or alliance getting the requisite majority of 31 seats in the Vidhan Sabha.

[27] Following the election, B. S. Yeddyurappa was appointed Chief Minister and tasked with forming a minority BJP government, but resigned two days later on being unable to prove majority in the assembly.