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Congress High Command Meets to Finalize Rajya Sabha Candidates for Key States

The Congress high command, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, held a crucial meeting to select candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections across ten states. The party is particularly focused on states where it holds power, like Himachal Pradesh and Telangana, or is part of ruling coalitions like in Tamil Nadu. Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri expressed confidence that the BJP would not succeed in any political maneuvering this time, unlike in the past. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has already announced four candidates for the polls scheduled for March 16.

Key Points: Congress RS Polls Candidate Meeting: Kharge, Rahul Gandhi Attend

  • Congress high command meets at Sonia Gandhi's residence
  • Candidates for 10-state RS polls to be announced soon
  • BJP's 'Operation Lotus' tactics cited by Himachal Deputy CM
  • Trinamool announces four candidates including Babul Supriyo
2 min read

Congress high command holds meeting to discuss RS elections, candidates likely to be announced soon: Sources

Congress high command, including Kharge & Rahul Gandhi, meets to decide Rajya Sabha candidates for 10 states. Announcement expected soon ahead of March 16 polls.

"I don't think the BJP will be able to make any attempt this time. - Mukesh Agnihotri"

New Delhi, March 1

Congress high command on Sunday held a meeting at Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi's residence in New Delhi to discuss the selection of candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, sources said.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal were present in the meeting.

A top party source said that the names of candidates are likely to be announced within the next two days.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill the 37 seats across 10 states, as the members are set to complete their term in April 2026, a press note stated.

The polling is scheduled to take place on March 16, with the counting of votes on the same day at 5 pm.

According to a press note, the term of 37 members who were elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will conclude in the month of April, vacating the seats for new members to be elected.

Out of the ten states set to hold the Rajya Sabha polls, Congress has a majority government in Himachal Pradesh and Telangana, while it is a part of the ruling DMK-led coalition in Tamil Nadu.

BJP MP Indu Goswami is set to vacate an Upper House seat in Himachal Pradesh at the end of her tenure. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Wednesday stated that the BJP would not be able to repeat its previous strategy, as the Congress is fully alert this time.

Speaking to ANI, Agnihotri said the Congress high command would soon finalise its candidate.

The Himachal Pradesh Deputy CM said, "In the coming days, the Rajya Sabha election scheduled for March 16 will take place, and the party high command will soon decide the candidate. I don't think the BJP will be able to make any attempt this time."

"Earlier, they managed to win the seat despite our efforts to defeat 'Operation Lotus', but this time the Congress is fully alert," he added.

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has announced the candidature of four prominent names, Babul Supriyo, Rajeev Kumar, Menaka Guruswamy and Koel Mallick, for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The focus should be on quality, not just political calculations. We need MPs who will work, not just warm the benches. Looking at the TMC list with lawyers and actors... hope Congress chooses better. 🤞
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Aman W
Himachal seat is crucial after last time's drama. Deputy CM is confident but the party must ensure every vote is secured. No room for complacency. Jai Himachal!
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Priyanka N
Respectfully, the process seems very last-minute. With polling on March 16, announcing candidates just 2 days before? This lack of planning has hurt them before. Hope they learn this time.
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Vikram M
Interesting to see the mix of states. In Tamil Nadu as part of the coalition, Congress should get a seat. Need someone who understands both local and national issues. All the best to the candidates!
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David E
Following Indian politics from abroad. The Rajya Sabha is a vital check and balance. Hoping for candidates who will engage in substantive debate on policy, not just partisan politics.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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