Himachal Pradesh News
Congress Likely to Field Himachal Leader for Rajya Sabha Seat, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Signals; BJP Says No ‘Mischief’ This Time
With the Rajya Sabha elections approaching in Himachal Pradesh, the Congress party has indicated that its candidate will be a leader from within the state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made it clear that the party will avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and will prioritize a local face for the crucial election.
With the Rajya Sabha elections approaching in Himachal Pradesh, the Congress party has indicated that its candidate will be a leader from within the state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made it clear that the party will avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and will prioritize a local face for the crucial election.
The last date for filing nominations is March 5, but the Congress party has not yet officially announced its candidate. Speaking during a Holi celebration, the Chief Minister said the party would file its nomination soon and reveal the candidate’s name at that time.
According to Sukhu, the Congress leadership has decided to proceed carefully this time and ensure that democratic values are protected.
CM Sukhu Hints at Lessons Learned From 2024 Rajya Sabha Election
While speaking to the media, CM Sukhu indirectly referred to the political developments during the 2024 Rajya Sabha elections, when unexpected cross-voting changed the outcome.
Without naming any party directly, he said Congress would not allow democracy to be “influenced or sold” and that the party is taking every step carefully before finalizing its candidate.
The Chief Minister’s remarks are being widely seen as a response to the previous election scenario, where internal dissent and cross-voting created political complications for the ruling party.
Names of Anand Sharma and Pratibha Singh Surface in Political Circles
Even though the Congress has not officially declared its nominee, political discussions in Himachal Pradesh have already started gaining momentum.
Two prominent names being discussed include:
- Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Anand Sharma
- Former Himachal Pradesh Congress President Pratibha Singh
However, the party leadership has not confirmed any candidate yet, keeping the political suspense alive just hours before the nomination deadline.
BJP Responds: Jai Ram Thakur Says Party Not Planning Any ‘Pranks’
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur responded to the developments by stating that the BJP is not looking to create any political drama in the upcoming election.
Taking a subtle dig at Congress, Thakur said the ruling party should first clarify its own position and decide who it wants to field.
He added that the BJP is focused on the electoral process and is not in a mood for “pranks,” referring indirectly to the tensions that surrounded the previous Rajya Sabha election.
Why Congress Is Being Extra Careful This Time
The caution from the Congress leadership comes after the dramatic events during the 2024 Rajya Sabha elections, when the party had nominated Abhishek Manu Singhvi as its candidate.
However, due to cross-voting by some legislators, the BJP’s Harsh Mahajan secured victory, creating a major political setback for Congress in the state.
Political observers believe that this experience is one of the key reasons why the Congress leadership is now considering a local candidate strategy to avoid internal dissent and strengthen party unity.
Rajya Sabha Election Schedule for Himachal Pradesh
According to the official election schedule:
- Last date for nomination: March 5
- Voting date: March 16
- Result declaration: March 16
As the nomination deadline approaches, all eyes are now on the Congress party, which is expected to reveal its candidate soon. The announcement will likely shape the political narrative ahead of the Rajya Sabha voting in Himachal Pradesh.
