BJP’s possible 3rd candidate keeps Congress on edge ahead of RS polls

Jaipur: With Rajya Sabha elections scheduled on June 18, the opposition Congress in Rajasthan is adopting a cautious approach despite having the numbers to secure one of the three seats up for grabs. Concerns surrounding potential cross voting from its own legislators are prompting the party to take strategic precautions.

The elections have been necessitated since the terms of BJP MPs Rajendra Gehlot and Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Congress’ Neeraj Dangi, will end next month.

As the politics of the number game heats up, Congress is considering measures to unify its MLAs. A senior Congressman said, “The party is preparing to issue a whip to MLAs, keep them together at one location, and hold internal meetings aimed at maintaining unity and confidence within the ranks.”

The anxiety within Congress has its roots in previous Rajya Sabha elections, particularly in 2023, where internal discontent was evident after the party chose to field candidates not domiciled in Rajasthan. “With many members now backing a local face, the party fears possible cross voting if an outsider is chosen again and is preparing strategies to prevent any rebellion,” the Congressman said.

In the 200-member Rajasthan Assembly, BJP currently holds a significant advantage with 118 MLAs, while Congress has 67. With the requirement of 51 first-preference votes to secure a Rajya Sabha seat, BJP is well-positioned to claim two seats, while Congress is asserting that it has the strength to win the third one.

However, uncertainties about BJP fielding a third candidate necessitate a proactive stance from Congress. “Speculation that BJP may field a third candidate means Congress will have to adopt its strategy in advance,” a party insider said.

Historically, Rajasthan has seen both major parties corralling their MLAs in such high-stakes scenarios, a trend that resurfaced during the 2020 and 2022 Rajya Sabha elections.

The BJP is similarly in motion, having initiated its own preparations following a recent party state committee meeting. A source said, “The CM and the party state president have been tasked with preparing a panel of probable candidates.”

Union minister Bittu, currently serving in the Rajya Sabha, is speculated to be a strong contender for re-election. “One of the two BJP seats could go to a party member from Rajasthan, while Bittu is seen as a strong contender for another term from the state as he currently represents Rajasthan in the Rajya Sabha and is believed to enjoy the confidence of the party central leadership. Also, assembly elections are due in Punjab, and the party wants to signal that it values Punjab’s representation in the Union ministry,” the source said.

Sources said a potential dark horse candidate has emerged in social worker Narsi Kularia, believed to be well-connected with a section of the RSS. Additionally, Sunita Bainsla, daughter of the late Col Kirori Singh Baisla, recently met key BJP figures in Delhi, indicating potential strategic alliances.