The Rajasthan BJP is convening a crucial core group meeting in Jaipur to deliberate on potential candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Party leaders have confirmed that a panel of three names will be prepared during the meeting, which will then be forwarded to the BJP Parliamentary Board for final approval. While some leaders will be physically present in Jaipur, others are expected to join via video conferencing.
The agenda of the meeting extends beyond candidate discussions to include organizational issues, Gram Chaupal outreach programs, and the Pandit Deendayal training campaign. Currently, one of the BJP-held Rajya Sabha seats is occupied by Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, who represents Rajasthan despite hailing from Punjab. The three seats becoming vacant belong to Rajendra Gehlot (BJP), Ravneet Singh Bittu (BJP), and Neeraj Dangi (Congress).
Sources within the BJP suggest that Ravneet Singh Bittu, given his strong position in the Union Cabinet, is a leading contender for renomination to the Upper House. Rajendra Gehlot, a seasoned BJP leader from the Marwar region, is recognized as a significant organizational figure in the party. Neeraj Dangi, on the other hand, is viewed as a prominent Dalit face representing the Congress in the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan.
With Rajasthan having a total of 10 Rajya Sabha seats, the political landscape is already shaping up for the upcoming elections. Based on the current strength in the 200-member Rajasthan Assembly, the BJP is well-positioned to secure two seats, while the Congress is anticipated to maintain one. The decision on whether the BJP will field local or external candidates for these elections is yet to be revealed, according to party insiders.
The BJP’s objective is to enhance its tally to bolster the NDA’s presence in the Rajya Sabha, while the Congress is gearing up for a challenging battle to retain its single seat from the state, as per insider sources.
