Himachal Pradesh Congress Calls CLP Meeting on March 5 as Rajya Sabha Nominee Suspense Continues

As political temperatures rise in Himachal Pradesh, the suspense over the Congress nominee for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election refuses to settle. Adding to the anticipation, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) has convened a crucial meeting on March 5 — the final day for filing nominations.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan confirmed that the party’s candidate, once cleared by the high command, will file nomination papers the same day.

“The CLP meeting has been scheduled for March 5 at 11 am in the Ruling Party Lounge at the Vidhan Sabha. Since party MLAs formally propose the Rajya Sabha candidate’s name, their presence is essential,” Chauhan stated. He also reminded that the last date for withdrawal of nominations is March 9, while polling will be held on March 16.

CM Sukhu Holds High-Level Consultations

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu returned from Delhi after consulting with the party leadership regarding the potential candidate. However, despite the meetings, no official announcement has been made yet — keeping party workers and political observers guessing.

The Rajya Sabha seat became vacant after the completion of the term of BJP MP Indu Goswami.

Lessons from the 2024 Political Setback

The Congress leadership appears to be proceeding cautiously this time, mindful of the dramatic events of February 27, 2024. In a surprising turn during the previous Rajya Sabha election, six Congress MLAs cross-voted, leading to the victory of BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan.

What made the episode more striking was that Congress held a comfortable majority — 40 members in the 68-member Assembly — yet failed to secure victory for its candidate, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The cross-voting legislators later faced disqualification and joined the BJP, arguing that the party had fielded an “outsider” instead of a leader from Himachal.

That political shock continues to influence the party’s strategy today.

BJP Watching Closely

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has kept its cards close to its chest. After pulling off a surprise win in 2024, the BJP is reportedly waiting for Congress to declare its nominee before unveiling its own strategy.

With just days left before nominations close, all eyes are now on March 5. Will Congress opt for a local face to avoid internal dissent, or will the high command take a different route? The answer could shape not just the Rajya Sabha outcome, but also the broader political narrative in Himachal Pradesh.

As the clock ticks, the suspense continues — and so does the political drama.

Read Also : Congress Rajya Sabha Candidate Still Undecided, Nomination to Be Filed on March 5