The Congress and BJP have announced their official candidate lists for the 24 Rajya Sabha seats to be held on June 18.

Congress and BJP announce candidate names for Rajya Sabha elections

Political heat has increased ahead of the biennial Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for June 18. On Thursday, the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party released their official candidate lists. According to reports, several senior organizational faces have been included in these lists. The Election Commission has started the process of filing nomination papers.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge back in the fray from Karnataka

The Congress party has clarified its strategy by officially announcing seven candidate names. According to reports, party national president Mallikarjun Kharge will be sent back to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka. Along with him, party media and publicity department head Pavan Kheda and Mansoor Ali Khan from Karnataka have also been given tickets.

According to sources, senior woman leader Meenakshi Natarajan has been fielded from Madhya Pradesh. Meanwhile, from Rajasthan, Neeraj Dangi has been given a Rajya Sabha ticket again, showing the party’s trust. Praveen Chakravarty will contest from the Tamil Nadu seat, and Pranav Jha from Jharkhand as official Congress candidates.

Additionally, the BJP has also announced names of 11 strong candidates, aiming to increase its strength in the upper house. The last date for filing nominations for this prestigious election has been set as June 8.

This development comes after the Election Commission issued an official notification on June 3 for 24 seats across 10 states. These seats include four each from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. Additionally, elections will be held for three seats each from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, two from Jharkhand, and one each from Arunachal, Mizoram, Manipur, and Meghalaya. By-elections in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha will also be held on the same day.

BJP gives tickets to senior leaders for Gujarat and Rajasthan

The BJP’s central election committee has given opportunities to strategists and senior organizational leaders keeping state equations in mind. According to government sources, the names of Rajubhai Shukla, Mukeshbhai Rathwa, Mansinh Parmar, and Jitendra Meghjibhai Kanjariya have been finalized for the four seats in Gujarat. From Madhya Pradesh, party national general secretary Tarun Chugh and Rajnish Agarwal will go to the upper house.

Notably, in Rajasthan, the party has fielded heavyweight leaders like Satish Poonia and Alka Gurjar. Senior leader Tai Tagak from Arunachal Pradesh and state president A. Sharda Devi from Manipur have been allocated tickets. For the Rajya Sabha by-election in Odisha, the BJP has declared Devashish Samantaray as its official candidate.

Meanwhile, all political parties are making all-out efforts to secure victory based on the numerical strength of their legislators. Both the BJP and Congress have instructed their candidates to file nomination papers immediately.

Parliamentary equations in New Delhi and June 8 deadline

All candidate nomination papers will be submitted to Parliament and relevant assembly secretariats by June 8. After the voting process is completed on the morning of June 18, official results will be announced the same evening. The arrival of stalwarts like Mallikarjun Kharge and Satish Poonia will make the level of debate in the Rajya Sabha more interesting. In the coming days, the Telugu Desam Party will announce its candidates for the Andhra Pradesh seats.

For the 24 Rajya Sabha seats, the Congress has announced 7 candidates, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Pavan Kheda. In response, the BJP has finalized 11 candidates, including senior leaders from Gujarat and Rajasthan. Will the ruling NDA coalition succeed in securing a majority in the upper house after this new political distribution?

Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, is the upper house of India’s bicameral Parliament, established in 1952 under the Constitution of India. It represents the states and union territories, with members elected by state legislatures rather than directly by the public, ensuring regional interests are voiced at the national level. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body not subject to dissolution, with one-third of its members retiring every two years.

Karnataka

Karnataka, a state in southwestern India, is renowned for its rich history, having been ruled by powerful dynasties like the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Empire, which left behind magnificent temples and ruins. Its cultural heritage is reflected in classical dance forms like Yakshagana, distinctive cuisine, and the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Hampi and Pattadakal. Today, Karnataka is also a major hub for technology and innovation, with its capital Bengaluru leading India’s IT industry.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, is a state rich in history and cultural heritage, often called the “Heart of India” due to its central location. It was home to several ancient kingdoms, including the Mauryas and Guptas, and later became a key region under the Mughal and Maratha empires. The state is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Khajuraho temples, Sanchi Stupa, and the rock shelters of Bhimbetka, which reflect its deep historical and artistic legacy.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan, located in northwestern India, is a culturally rich state known for its vibrant traditions, majestic forts, and vast Thar Desert. Its history is dominated by the Rajput kingdoms, which fiercely defended their land against invaders for centuries, leaving behind a legacy of heroic tales and stunning architecture. Today, it is a major tourist destination, with cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur showcasing palaces, temples, and colorful bazaars that reflect its royal heritage.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India renowned for its rich cultural heritage, ancient Dravidian architecture, and classical Tamil language. Historically, it was home to powerful dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, and Pallavas, who built magnificent temples such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple and Meenakshi Amman Temple. Today, it remains a vibrant center of art, music, and dance, preserving traditions that date back over two thousand years.

Jharkhand

Jharkhand, located in eastern India, was formed on November 15, 2000, after a long movement for a separate state for its tribal communities, becoming the 28th state of India. The region has a rich history, including being part of the ancient Magadha and Mauryan empires, and later ruled by various local dynasties. Today, it is known for its dense forests, waterfalls, and significant mineral resources, as well as vibrant tribal cultures and festivals.

Gujarat

Gujarat, a state in western India, is known for its rich history as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and its ancient Indus Valley Civilization sites like Lothal and Dholavira. It was a major center for trade and commerce under various empires, including the Solanki dynasty and the Mughals, and later became a key hub for India’s independence movement. Today, it is celebrated for its vibrant culture, wildlife sanctuaries, and the iconic Somnath and Dwarka temples.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is a state in southeastern India known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It was once a major center of the ancient Satavahana and Vijayanagara empires, and is home to the famous Amaravati Stupa, a key Buddhist site. Today, the state is celebrated for its classical dance form, Kuchipudi, and its distinctive cuisine, including the spicy Andhra-style dishes.