New Delhi: As the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections draw closer, the Indian National Congress is witnessing intense internal competition, with multiple senior and young leaders vying for a limited number of seats. Elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats are scheduled for March 16, while the last date for filing nominations is March 5.
According to party sources, the Congress is in a relatively strong position and is expected to secure five seats on its own—one each from Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana, and two from Telangana, based on its current legislative strength in these states.
The party may also win an additional seat from Tamil Nadu with the support of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). In Maharashtra, the opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP)—is also expected to secure one seat.
Expiring Terms and Likely Renominations
Four Congress members are set to retire from the Rajya Sabha in April, including Abhishek Manu Singhvi, KTS Tulsi, Phulo Devi Netam, and Rajani Patil.
Among them, Singhvi—senior advocate at the Supreme Court and a member of the Congress Working Committee—is considered the strongest contender for renomination due to his key legal role and prominence as a party spokesperson.
State-Wise Ticket Battles
In Himachal Pradesh, Congress strategists are considering a local candidate to avoid a repeat of past cross-voting issues. Former Union Minister Anand Sharma and former state party chief Pratibha Singh are among the names being discussed.
In Chhattisgarh, the leadership faces a tough choice between retaining tribal leader Phulo Devi Netam or fielding heavyweight leaders such as former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, state Congress president Deepak Baij, or former Deputy Chief Minister T S Singh Deo.
For Haryana, several contenders are in the fray, including Congress General Secretary Jitendra Singh, media department head Pawan Khera, social media chief Supriya Shrinate, and senior leader Raj Babbar.
Telangana and Maharashtra Calculations
In Telangana, the Congress is considering nominating former Supreme Court judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy for the second seat. Alternatively, he could be fielded from Tamil Nadu, while Telangana may see a minority community leader or veteran leader V Hanumantha Rao being nominated.
Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, seat-sharing talks within the MVA are ongoing. Sources suggest that senior NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar is keen on contesting, though consensus among alliance partners is yet to be reached. If negotiations fail, Congress may once again field Rajani Patil.
Party leaders maintain that discussions are underway and final decisions will be taken soon by the Congress high command.