Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has filed his official nomination for the Rajya Sabha election at the Vidhana Soudha complex in Bengaluru.

Mallikarjun Kharge Files Nomination, Political Activity in Bengaluru

In the election process for the upper house of parliament, major news has emerged from Karnataka. President of the All India Congress Committee, Mallikarjun Kharge, submitted his official form in Bengaluru on Friday. According to government sources, he filed his nomination papers before the Returning Officer at the Vidhana Soudha complex. There is great enthusiasm in South Indian political circles due to Mallikarjun Kharge filing his nomination.

Nomination Paper Submitted Before Returning Officer at Vidhana Soudha Complex

The Congress President completed this legal and administrative process with great enthusiasm in the presence of senior leaders. According to reports, the party had already announced the final list of its seven official candidates on Thursday. With Mallikarjun Kharge filing his nomination, the Congress has strengthened its hold on the Karnataka seats. The party has also fielded Pavan Kheda and Mansoor Ali Khan from here.

According to sources, the names of Meenakshi Natarajan from Madhya Pradesh and Neeraj Dangi from Rajasthan have been finalized. Praveen Chakravarty from Tamil Nadu and Pranav Jha from Jharkhand have been allocated tickets from the Congress party. This biennial election for the upper house will be held on June 18 in various states of the country.

Additionally, opposition parties have also intensified their strategy to field candidates based on their numerical strength. Since Mallikarjun Kharge filed his nomination, all Congress legislators have declared their full support for him.

This event comes at a time when the Election Commission issued an official notification on June 3 for 24 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states. This planning includes 4 important seats each from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. Additionally, elections will be held for 3 seats each from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The process of filing nomination papers has begun, and the last date for submitting forms has been set as June 8.

Bharatiya Janata Party Announces Official List of 11 Strong Candidates

Keeping this prestigious election in mind, the Bharatiya Janata Party has also thrown a challenge by officially announcing the names of 11 candidates. According to reports, the BJP has given opportunities to Rajubhai Shukla, Mukeshbhai Rathwa, Mansinh Parmar, and Jitendra Meghjibhai Kanjariya from Gujarat. Senior organizational leader Tarun Chugh and Rajnish Agrawal will contest the upper house election from Madhya Pradesh.

Notably, in Rajasthan, the BJP has fielded prominent faces like Satish Punia and Alka Gurjar. Tai Tagak from Arunachal Pradesh and A. Sharada Devi from Manipur are set to contest as official party candidates. With Mallikarjun Kharge filing his nomination, it is claimed that opposition unity in the upper house of parliament will become stronger. For the by-election in Odisha, the BJP has nominated Devashish Samantaray.

Meanwhile, all political parties are making final preparations to issue whips to keep their members united. With heavyweight leaders from both the ruling party and the opposition in the field, the contest is expected to be exciting.

Mathematics of 24 Rajya Sabha Seats Scheduled for June 18

After the final deadline of June 8, a thorough scrutiny process of all nomination papers will be undertaken. Following the voting on June 18, official results will be announced late that evening. With Mallikarjun Kharge filing his nomination, the Congress’s position in the parliamentary equations in Delhi will become clearer. The administrative machinery is also ready for 1 seat each from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Meghalaya.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has filed his nomination, and with that, the Rajya Sabha election scheduled for June 18 has begun. The BJP has also strengthened its claim to secure a majority in the upper house by announcing 11 candidates. Will the ruling NDA coalition be able to cross the majority mark in the Rajya Sabha after this election?

Vidhana Soudha

Vidhana Soudha is the iconic legislative building of Karnataka, located in Bengaluru, India. Constructed between 1952 and 1956 under the vision of Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah, it showcases a blend of Neo-Dravidian and Indo-Saracenic architectural styles. This massive granite structure serves as the seat of the state legislature and is a symbol of Karnataka’s democratic heritage.

Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, is the upper house of India’s bicameral Parliament, established in 1954. Unlike the directly elected Lok Sabha, its members are indirectly elected by state legislatures and represent the states and union territories of India. It plays a crucial role in reviewing and amending legislation, ensuring a federal balance in the country’s governance.

Karnataka

Karnataka, located in southwestern India, is a state rich in history, having been ruled by powerful dynasties such as the Vijayanagara Empire, the Chalukyas, and the Hoysalas. It is home to cultural treasures like the ancient ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ornate temples of Belur and Halebidu. Today, Karnataka is also known for its vibrant capital, Bengaluru, a major hub for technology and innovation.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, is a state rich in history and culture, often called the “Heart of India.” It was home to ancient kingdoms, including the Maurya and Gupta empires, and features UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Khajuraho temples and Sanchi Stupa. Its diverse heritage spans from prehistoric cave paintings at Bhimbetka to Mughal and Maratha influences, making it a key destination for exploring India’s past.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan, located in northwestern India, is a state renowned for its vibrant culture, majestic forts, and vast Thar Desert. Historically, it was a region of powerful Rajput kingdoms, such as Mewar and Marwar, which fiercely resisted Mughal rule while also contributing to a rich legacy of art, architecture, and chivalry. Today, its cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur attract visitors with their palaces, bazaars, and traditions that reflect centuries of royal heritage.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, is renowned for its ancient Dravidian culture, classical Tamil language, and magnificent temple architecture, such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. Its history spans over two millennia, with powerful dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, and Pallavas shaping its art, literature, and trade. Today, it remains a vibrant hub of traditional festivals, Bharatanatyam dance, and distinctive cuisine.

Gujarat

Gujarat, located in western India, is a state renowned for its rich history as the ancient Indus Valley Civilization site of Lothal, a major port city. It later became a key center for trade and the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, who led India’s independence movement from here. Today, Gujarat is celebrated for its vibrant culture, including the Navratri festival, and architectural marvels like the Sun Temple at Modhera and the Rani ki Vav stepwell.

Odisha

Odisha, located on the eastern coast of India, is a state renowned for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and vibrant tribal traditions. Historically known as Kalinga, it was the site of the brutal Kalinga War (261 BCE), which transformed Emperor Ashoka into a proponent of Buddhism and non-violence. Today, Odisha is famous for landmarks like the Sun Temple at Konark, the Jagannath Temple in Puri, and its classical dance form, Odissi.