Congress candidate Praveen Chakravarty is poised to win uncontested to the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu, showcasing a significant development in the party’s political realignment in the state post the recent Assembly elections.
The Election Commission has announced a by-election for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat from Tamil Nadu on June 18. Chakravarty, along with 13 other candidates, filed nomination papers, but he is the only nominee backed by the ruling alliance.
The nominations of the independent candidates are likely to be rejected during scrutiny as they lack the necessary support from members of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, a prerequisite for Rajya Sabha elections. The scrutiny process is scheduled for Tuesday, with Chakravarty expected to be declared elected unopposed after the withdrawal deadline on June 11.
The Congress party’s position in Tamil Nadu has been further solidified by this development, following its strategic shift in alliances post the Assembly elections. The party severed ties with the DMK and joined forces with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government, securing two ministerial positions in the Vijay Cabinet.
Senior Congress leaders S. Rajesh Kumar and P. Viswanathan have been appointed to the Cabinet, marking the party’s reentry into the state government after a prolonged absence. The Rajya Sabha seat became available after TVK opted to support the Congress, aiming to strengthen the alliance between the two parties.
This move is viewed as a gesture by Vijay to enhance collaboration with the national party following the coalition government’s formation. With Chakravarty’s imminent election, the Congress will not only have representation in the Tamil Nadu government through Cabinet ministers but will also gain a voice in the Upper House of Parliament, bolstering its influence within the ruling alliance in the state.
