Jaipur, June 2: The nomination process for the Rajya Sabha elections in Rajasthan commenced on Monday. However, both the BJP and Congress have yet to announce their candidates for the three vacant seats from the state.
No nomination papers were submitted on the first day of the process. Candidates can submit their nominations until June 8, with verification scheduled for June 9. The last date to withdraw nominations is June 11, and voting will take place on June 18.
Bharat Bhushan Sharma, the Principal Secretary of the Assembly, has been appointed as the Returning Officer for these elections. Nomination papers can be filed by candidates or their proposers at Room 106 of the Rajasthan Assembly between 11 AM and 3 PM.
The political significance of this election has increased, as the terms of three Rajya Sabha members—Rajendra Gehlot, Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Neeraj Dangi—are set to expire on June 20. Two of these members represent the BJP, while Dangi is from the Congress.
As the nomination process unfolds, the BJP has intensified discussions to finalize its candidates. Following a meeting of national officials in New Delhi on Monday, BJP National General Secretary (Organization) B.L. Santosh engaged with state presidents from regions holding Rajya Sabha elections.
According to party sources, detailed discussions are ongoing regarding potential candidates, with the core committee also involved in this consultative process. Elections are being held for 24 Rajya Sabha seats across ten states, with additional vacancies in other areas. Hence, the candidate selection process has become politically crucial for party leadership.
In Rajasthan, the BJP currently holds a strong position in the 200-member Assembly, making it likely to secure two out of the three available seats.
In contrast, there has been little movement within the Rajasthan Congress regarding candidate selection. Party leaders indicate that the final decision will be made by the Congress high command in New Delhi. However, discussions on potential candidates have begun within the party. Following the conclusion of a ten-day training camp for district presidents in Pushkar, focus is expected to shift to the Rajya Sabha elections.
Congress officials have noted that there is a growing demand within the party for adequate representation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minority communities in the nominations. Senior leaders are also lobbying for their candidacies, as the party prepares to select a candidate for the one seat it hopes to win based on its strength in the Assembly.
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