As nominations open for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states ahead of the March 16 elections, intense political manoeuvring has begun, particularly within the Congress party, which faces a shrinking quota due to reduced legislative strength in several states. While the Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to secure the majority of available seats, Congress is projected to win around five seats across four states — two from Telangana and one each from Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh — making candidate selection strategically crucial.
Senior party leaders indicate that Congress is reassessing its approach to nominations, prioritising strong parliamentary speakers who can effectively challenge the government in the Upper House. The party leadership believes it currently lacks sufficient vocal presence in the Rajya Sabha compared to the Lok Sabha, where opposition leaders have been more visible in debates. With limited opportunities available, the party may move away from strictly following traditional social representation formulas and instead focus on candidates capable of strengthening its legislative influence.
Telangana has emerged as one of the most closely watched contests. A candidate requires the support of 40 MLAs to secure a seat, and Congress, with 66 MLAs along with backing from a Left legislator and AIMIM members, has enough numbers to comfortably win one berth. However, the second seat could become competitive if rival parties consolidate support. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi is widely expected to be renominated, while former Supreme Court judge Justice Sudarshan Reddy is also being discussed as a potential candidate.
In Chhattisgarh, the expiry of Phulo Devi Netam’s term has triggered a crowded contest, with more than a dozen leaders lobbying for the single available seat. The debate within the party revolves around whether to renominate Netam or introduce a new face to signal generational change. Names under consideration reportedly include T. S. Singh Deo, Mohan Markam, Deepak Baij, Tamradhwaj Sahu, and Rama Jeet Bhagat, reflecting competing internal factions and strategic considerations.
Haryana has seen equally intense lobbying, with several prominent leaders seeking nomination for the lone seat available under the Congress quota. Aspirants reportedly include Raj Babbar, Pawan Khera, Supriya Shrinate, Rao Dan Singh, Ashok Tanwar, Rao Narender Singh, Dr Anil Jai Hind, and Captain Ajay Yadav. The competition highlights both the scarcity of opportunities and ongoing internal political balancing within the state unit.
In Himachal Pradesh, veteran leaders are competing for the nomination, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu believed to be backing senior Congress figure Anand Sharma. Pratibha Singh, widow of former chief minister Virbhadra Singh, is also considered a strong contender, while Thakur Kaul Singh has emerged as a possible compromise candidate in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested decision.
Ultimately, the final selections will be made by the Congress high command, including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and party president Mallikarjun Kharge. With consultations underway and lobbying intensifying, the party is expected to finalise its candidates soon, as it seeks to maximise its limited representation while strengthening its voice in Parliament’s Upper House.
