Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has filed his official nomination papers 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 on Friday in Bengaluru. According to government sources, he filed his nomination papers before the Returning Officer at the Vidhana Soudha complex. There is great enthusiasm in political circles in South India due to Mallikarjun Kharge filing his nomination.

Nomination Papers 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, Congress has strengthened its hold on Karnataka’s 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 by the Congress party. This biennial election for the upper house will be held on June 18 in various states across the country.

In addition, opposition parties have also intensified their strategy of fielding candidates based on their numerical strength. With Mallikarjun Kharge filing 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 plan includes 4 important seats each from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. Additionally, elections are to 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, Mansingh Parmar, and Jitendra Meghjibhai Kanjariya from Gujarat. From Madhya Pradesh, senior organizational leader Tarun Chugh and Rajnish Agarwal will contest the upper house election.

Notably, in Rajasthan, the BJP has fielded prominent figures like Satish Punia and Alka Gurjar. From Arunachal Pradesh, Tai Tagak, and from Manipur, A. Sharda Devi are set to contest as the party’s official candidates. With Mallikarjun Kharge filing his nomination, it is claimed that opposition unity in the upper house of parliament will be further strengthened. 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.

The Math for 24 Rajya Sabha Seats Scheduled for June 18

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

The Vidhana Soudha complex in Bengaluru, India, is a grand neo-Dravidian-style building that houses the state legislature and secretariat of Karnataka. Constructed between 1952 and 1956 under Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah, it symbolizes the state’s post-independence architectural ambition and democratic governance. The complex also includes the historic Attara Kacheri (High Court) building and expansive grounds, making it a prominent landmark in the city.

Bengaluru

Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore, is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka and is renowned as a major hub for technology and innovation, earning the nickname “Silicon Valley of India.” Historically, it was founded in 1537 by a local chieftain, Kempe Gowda I, and later became a significant center under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Mysore Kingdom, and the British Raj. Today, it is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that blends its royal past with a modern, dynamic culture.

Karnataka

Karnataka, a state in southwestern India, is known for its rich history, from the ancient Vijayanagara Empire to the powerful kingdoms of Mysore. Its cultural heritage is reflected in magnificent sites like the ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ornate temples of Belur and Halebidu. Today, Karnataka blends this historical legacy with modern cities like Bengaluru, making it a vibrant center of both tradition and technology.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, is known as the “Heart of India” for its rich history and cultural heritage. The region was home to ancient kingdoms like the Mauryas and Guptas, and later flourished under the Rajput and Mughal rulers, leaving behind stunning temples, forts, and monuments. Today, it is famous for UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Khajuraho, Sanchi, and the rock shelters of Bhimbetka, which showcase its deep historical and artistic legacy.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan, a state in northwestern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, majestic forts, and vibrant deserts. Historically, it was the land of the Rajput kingdoms, whose warrior rulers built formidable fortresses like those in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur between the 6th and 18th centuries. Today, it remains a popular tourist destination, celebrated for its traditional music, colorful festivals, and architectural marvels that reflect its royal past.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India known for its rich Dravidian culture, classical arts, and ancient temple architecture. Its history spans thousands of years, including the powerful Chola, Pandya, and Pallava dynasties, which left behind iconic temples like those in Thanjavur and Mahabalipuram. Today, it remains a vibrant center of Tamil language, literature, and traditional festivals.

Jharkhand

Jharkhand, located in eastern India, is known for its rich mineral resources and dense forests. The region was historically part of the larger Bihar state before being carved out as a separate state in 2000, driven by demands for greater autonomy and development for its indigenous tribal communities. Its cultural heritage includes vibrant tribal traditions, festivals, and crafts, with sites like the ancient temples of Deoghar and the scenic Betla National Park.

Gujarat

Gujarat, located in western India, is a state rich in history, known as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and the site of the ancient Indus Valley civilization city of Lothal. Its cultural heritage includes vibrant festivals like Navratri, traditional crafts such as Patola silk weaving, and architectural marvels like the Sun Temple at Modhera and the Rani ki Vav stepwell. Historically, it was a major center for maritime trade with the Roman Empire and later came under Mughal and British rule before becoming a key industrial and economic hub in independent India.