Congress Releases Rajya Sabha Candidate List: Sonia Gandhi, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and Ajay Maken Named

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The Congress party unveiled its official list of candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections on Wednesday, featuring prominent names including Sonia Gandhi, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and Ajay Maken. The announcement marks a strategic move by the Congress as it prepares to contest for key positions in the Upper House.

Sonia Gandhi, the former Congress president and a prominent figure in Indian politics, has been nominated by the party to represent Rajasthan in the Rajya Sabha. This decision underscores the party’s confidence in her leadership and experience.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a seasoned legal expert and prominent Congress spokesperson, has been fielded from Himachal Pradesh. Singhvi’s nomination highlights the party’s emphasis on legal acumen and parliamentary expertise.

Ajay Maken, a senior Congress leader known for his astute political insights and organizational skills, has been chosen as the party’s candidate from Karnataka. Maken’s selection reflects the Congress’s focus on strengthening its presence in key states.

In a parallel development, Chandrakant Handore, a staunch AICC member and a prominent Dalit face within the party, was nominated for the Legislative Council. Despite his stature and credentials, Handore faced defeat in the election, signaling the challenges and dynamics inherent in electoral politics.

The Election Commission announced on Monday that the biennial Rajya Sabha polls will be conducted on February 27, encompassing 56 seats. Among the incumbents whose tenure will end in April are former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and BJP president J P Nadda, along with nine Union ministers including Ashwini Vaishnaw, Dharmendra Pradhan, Bhupendra Yadav, and Mansukh Mandaviya.

The nomination process is set to commence on February 8 with the issuance of the notification. February 15 has been designated as the deadline for filing nominations, while February 20 is the last date for withdrawal of candidature. Voting will take place from 9 am to 4 pm on the designated day, followed by the counting of votes from 5 pm onwards.

With 50 members retiring on April 2 and six on April 3, the upcoming elections hold significant implications for the composition of the Rajya Sabha and the political landscape of the country. As parties gear up for the electoral battle, the Congress’s candidate list underscores its strategic approach and commitment to representing diverse voices and interests in the Upper House.

Also Read: BJP Nominates Ashwini Vaishnaw for Rajya Sabha from Odisha, Here’s the Complete List of Candidates