Himachal Pradesh News
Congress Leader Anurag Sharma Elected Unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Himachal Pradesh
In a significant political development in Himachal Pradesh, Congress leader Anurag Sharma was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha on Monday after the deadline for withdrawal of nominations passed without any other candidate entering the race.
In a significant political development in Himachal Pradesh, Congress leader Anurag Sharma was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha on Monday after the deadline for withdrawal of nominations passed without any other candidate entering the race.
The Returning Officer formally declared Sharma elected and handed over the official certificate once the nomination process concluded.
Sharma remained the only candidate after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chose not to field a contender for the seat. The Congress leadership described his uncontested victory as a positive signal for party unity in the state.
Speaking to party workers after receiving the certificate, Sharma thanked Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Congress leadership for placing their trust in him.
“I never imagined that a grassroots worker like me would get the opportunity to reach the Rajya Sabha. This decision has sent a very positive message to Congress workers across the country,” Sharma said.
Sharma, who has long been associated with the tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh, said he would raise the state’s issues in Parliament and work towards strengthening tourism infrastructure.
He emphasised that promoting Himachal’s tourism potential at the national level would remain one of his key priorities.
Soon after the announcement, senior Congress leaders and party workers gathered at the Assembly complex to congratulate him.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu described Sharma’s election as a proud moment for the party and said it reflected the Congress leadership’s commitment to recognising hardworking grassroots workers.
Sukhu also revealed that the Congress high command had asked the state unit to suggest four district presidents for consideration, from which Rahul Gandhi selected Sharma.
According to the Chief Minister, the move was meant to encourage dedicated party workers and strengthen the organisation ahead of upcoming political challenges.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri also congratulated Sharma and urged him to strongly represent Himachal Pradesh in Parliament.
He criticised the BJP, saying several of its leaders had earlier claimed they would create history in the Rajya Sabha election but eventually did not even file nomination papers.
