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BJP Picks Rahul Sinha for Bengal Rajya Sabha, TMC Set for Four Seats

The BJP has nominated its former state president and national secretary, Rahul Sinha, as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal. The ruling Trinamool Congress is poised to comfortably win four of the five seats up for election on March 16. The TMC candidates include former police chief Rajeev Kumar, minister Babul Supriyo, advocate Menaka Guruswamy, and actress Koel Mallick. With no other nominations expected, all five candidates are likely to be elected unopposed.

Key Points: BJP Fields Rahul Sinha for Rajya Sabha from West Bengal

  • BJP nominates Rahul Sinha
  • TMC set to win four seats
  • Elections on March 16
  • No contest likely if no other nominations
3 min read

Bengal: BJP fields Rahul Sinha for Rajya Sabha polls

BJP nominates senior leader Rahul Sinha for Rajya Sabha from West Bengal. TMC set to win four seats in the March 16 polls.

"His presence as a strong Opposition voice in West Bengal politics is notable - BJP West Bengal unit"

Kolkata, March 3

The West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party, on Tuesday, named former National Secretary of the party and also the former State party President, Rahul Sinha, as the party candidate for Rajya Sabha from the state.

"Rahul Sinha nominated as BJP candidate for Rajya Sabha. He is a well-known political figure in West Bengal and a senior leader of the BJP's West Bengal unit. He has also served as the former State BJP President. During his tenure, the BJP's organisational base in the state was strengthened, and the party took an active role in various movements. He is known for his outspoken and vocal political stance. He has also served his duties as BJP's National Secretary with dedication. His presence as a strong Opposition voice in West Bengal politics is notable," a statement issued by the West Bengal unit of the BJP said.

Of the five Rajya Sabha seats from West Bengal for which elections will be held on March 16, the ruling Trinamool Congress is all set to bag four comfortably, and the BJP will have to settle with one, as per the numerical strengths of the two parties in the state Assembly.

Trinamool Congress had already named its four candidates for the Rajya Sabha last week.

If no other candidate files a nomination during the interim period, there will be no election, and the four candidates of the Trinamool Congress and one of the BJP will automatically be elected to the Upper House of Parliament.

The four Trinamool Congress candidates are former West Bengal Police Director General Rajeev Kumar; current West Bengal Information Technology Minister and singer-cum-actor-turned politician Babul Supriyo; senior Supreme Court advocate Menaka Guruswamy, who is a leading face in the country's Queer movement; and popular Bengali actress Koel Mallick.

Of the five Rajya Sabha seats, three have fallen vacant with the end of the current terms of sitting Trinamool Congress members, namely Subrata Bakshi, Ritabrata Banerjee, and Saket Gokhale.

The fourth seat, which is becoming vacant, is that of the erstwhile Trinamool Congress MP, Mausam Benazir Noor, who resigned from the Rajya Sabha and joined the Congress recently.

Given the Trinamool Congress' existing numerical strength in the West Bengal Assembly, the party will comfortably get its candidates elected from these four seats.

The term of CPI-M Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya is also ending.

Since the CPI-M has no strength in the West Bengal Assembly now, the BJP will easily get its lone candidate elected from that seat.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting mix of candidates from TMC - a former police chief, a minister, a lawyer-activist, and an actress. It seems like they're trying to cover all bases with representation. Rahul Sinha will have his work cut out being the sole opposition voice from the state in the Upper House.
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Priya S
Good to see a strong candidate like Rahul Sinha ji. He has worked hard for the party in Bengal. Even with just one seat, a vocal leader can raise important issues for the state in Parliament. Wishing him the best! 🙏
V
Vikram M
The article mentions Menaka Guruswamy's work for the Queer community. That's a progressive step for representation from Bengal, honestly. Hope all these RS members, including Sinha, focus on development and not just political rhetoric.
R
Rohit P
With no election likely, it's all a formality. But it shows the complete shift in Bengal's politics. From Left Front dominance to TMC, and now BJP as the main opposition. CPI(M) with zero strength in the assembly... how the mighty have fallen.
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Kavya N
While I respect Rahul Sinha's experience, I have a respectful criticism. I wish parties would nominate more fresh faces with grassroots experience, not just the same senior leaders. New perspectives are needed, especially for a diverse state like Bengal.
M

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