Maharashtra: As the Rajya Sabha elections for six seats in Maharashtra are scheduled for February 27, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contemplating its candidate lineup. Key figures such as Union Minister Narayan Rane, BJP National Secretary Vijaya Rahatkar, and former minister Pankaja Munde are among those in discussion to contest these coveted seats.
The recent state BJP core committee meeting, held at Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ residence, discussed potential candidates, with decisions to be communicated to party leaders. The final names might be subject to further considerations and changes.
Notable figures such as former minister Harshvardhan Patil, State BJP Mahila Aghadi President Chitra Wagh, and Mumbai’s Sanjay Upadhyay are also being considered for the Rajya Sabha elections. While State BJP Vice President Madhav Bhandari’s name is frequently discussed, he has not secured a chance in previous elections. Pankaja Munde, despite consistent media attention, is yet to contest in the Rajya Sabha.
The BJP’s decision-making process is expected to consider factors like regional balance, caste dynamics, and alignment with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Out of the six Rajya Sabha seats, the BJP plans to contest three, with one seat allocated to Shiv Sena and another to NCP.
Speculation surrounds the potential candidacy of BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde, and party leaders are anticipated to decide on his role in the organization or his candidacy in the Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai.
As Union Minister of State V. Muralidharan’s tenure in the Rajya Sabha concludes, BJP faces decisions regarding key leaders like Narayan Rane and Prakash Javadekar. Additionally, the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct for the Lok Sabha elections is expected within 15 to 20 days after the Rajya Sabha elections.
