The Election Commission has announced biennial elections for 24 Rajya Sabha seats in 10 states, prompting major parties to begin selecting candidates. Polling is set for June 18, with nominations due by June 8. Seats are vacant in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Rajasthan.
Several prominent figures are ending their current terms, including Union ministers George Kurian and Ravneet Singh Bittu, as well as Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Digvijaya Singh.
Party sources indicate the BJP has reviewed multiple options in recent meetings and plans to finalise its list soon. In Punjab, the renomination of Ravneet Singh Bittu from Rajasthan is considered likely. The party views him as a key representative and part of efforts to strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 state elections.
In Andhra Pradesh, the BJP is seeking one seat from ally Telugu Desam Party under the NDA arrangement, though talks continue. In Manipur, former chief minister N. Biren Singh is viewed as a leading candidate for the single vacancy.
Madhya Pradesh is drawing attention as the BJP considers several names, including Narottam Mishra, Dheeraj Pateria, Arvind Bhadoria and Ranjana Baghel, while also exploring a tribal nominee. In Jharkhand, the party has submitted a list featuring Arjun Munda and Asha Lakra for its two seats but may need extra support.
Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka will each elect four members, while Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan will choose three each. Jharkhand will fill two seats, and the remaining states one each. Focus now shifts to the BJP’s final selections, which may signal its approach to upcoming state polls.
