Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Political activity has gathered pace in Haryana ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, with both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress engaged in last-minute consultations to seal their nominees for the two seats that will soon fall vacant.
The vacancies arise as the terms of sitting members Kiran Choudhry and Ramchandra Jangra conclude on April 9. The Election Commission has set March 5 as the deadline for filing nominations. Scrutiny is scheduled for March 6, while withdrawals can be made until March 9. If required, voting will take place on March 16.
Congress Signals Preference for State Leader
Within the Congress camp, internal discussions have intensified over who will be fielded for the seat expected to be within the party’s reach. Party sources indicate that around ten leaders have formally expressed interest. However, senior figures have made it clear that the ticket will likely go to a loyalist from Haryana rather than an outsider.
Speculation had linked national leaders such as Anand Sharma and Raj Babbar to the contest, but insiders suggest the leadership is inclined toward a homegrown face. Among those being discussed are Haryana Congress chief Rao Narendra Singh and former state president Udai Bhan.
Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda is understood to have been in Delhi recently to advocate for his preferred choice, even as the state Assembly session was underway.
BJP Shortlists Bittu, Bishnoi Among Others
On the ruling side, the BJP has reportedly forwarded a panel of names to its central leadership. Among those under consideration are Union Minister of State Ravneet Bittu, former Hisar MP Kuldeep Bishnoi, and former parliamentarian Suneeta Duggal.
Party insiders suggest that the BJP may also weigh the option of backing an Independent candidate if it helps consolidate numbers against the Congress nominee.
Ravneet Bittu had previously entered the Upper House through an uncontested bypoll from Rajasthan in August 2024, with his current term ending in June.
With nomination dates fast approaching and negotiations continuing behind closed doors, the Haryana Rajya Sabha contest is shaping into a strategic face-off that could test party unity and legislative arithmetic alike.
