New Delhi: Even as the Election Commission on Wednesday announced the schedule for Rajya Sabha polls for 37 seats in 10 states, the Congress which is set to witness the completion of membership of its four members is all set to gain five berths in the Upper House.
With the tenure of senior party leaders including Rajani Patil, KTS Tulsi, Phulo Devi Netam and Abhishek Manu Singhvi coming to completion, the party sources indicated that several leaders are in race to for five berths in the Upper House.
Party insiders indicated that Singhvi, whose tenure from Telangana is coming to an end will once again be sent to the Rajya Sabha from Telangana.
While for the second berth of Rajya Sabha from the southern state, the discussions in the party is on with name of Sudarshan Reddy is also in the frey.
Similarly, even former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who is a prominent OBC face in the mineral rich state could be sent to the Rajya Sabha. However, sources also indicated that even Netam, who is a tribal leader can also be considered for the Rajya Sabha from the state.
Meanwhile, from the state of Himachal Pradesh, sources indicated that name of Anand Sharma is in the front race.
The sources said that Sharma, a seasoned leader and a former Union Minister in UPA government led by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh can be the party’s choice for the Rajya Sabha berth.
Thebsource said that Sharma, who is considered close to Gandhi family and his close proximity with Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and being a Brahmins face works in his favour.
Singhvi had lost in the Rajya Sabha polls from Himachal Pradesh despite party having numbers in the assembly. Thus looking at the past experience, the leadership can go with Sharma, who is one of the veteran leaders from the state.
With Congress also to get one Rajya Sabha berth from Haryana, the party insiders indicated that actor turned politician Raj Babbar is also among the probable.
They highlighted that Babbar is considered close to former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and this also boosts his prospects where several other contenders are also present from the state.
The sources also stated that from Haryana senior party leaders like Ajay Maken as well as RK Anand had lost despite being fielded by the party in the state. So party can back the candidature of Babbar from Haryana.
Meanwhile, the sources indicated that other contenders for the Rajya Sabha from Congress included the names of party’s media and publicity department chairman Pawan Khera as well as party’s social media department chairman Supriya Shrinate.
The poll panel earlier in the day announced biennial elections for 37 seats of the Rajya Sabha in 10 states.
Seven seats in Maharashtra, six seats in Tamil Nadu, five seats each in Bihar and West Bengal, four seats in Odisha, three seats in Assam, two seats each in Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Haryana, and one seat in Himachal Pradesh are falling vacant.
The notification for the polls will be issued on the February 26, and nominations can be filed till March 5. Polling will be held on March 16 and counting will take place on the same day.