CM Sukhu Heads to Delhi Ahead of Rajya Sabha Poll; Candidate Deliberation Underway
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu left for New Delhi on Sunday. The visit is considered politically significant ahead of the Rajya Sabha election for the state’s lone seat. Sukhu may meet the central leadership on Monday, where a final decision on the party’s candidate is expected.
The current Rajya Sabha MP from the state, Indu Goswami, will complete her term on April 9, leaving the seat vacant. The election notification has been issued, and the last date to file nominations is March 5. Due to Holi on March 4, only three working days remain for filing.
The Congress party is proceeding cautiously, learning from the 2024 election when cross-voting by six Congress MLAs and support from three independents led to their candidate’s defeat. This time, the leadership is taking a strategic approach in selecting the nominee.
Multiple Names Under Discussion
Several names are under consideration for the Rajya Sabha seat. Among central leaders, state party in-charge Rajni Patil and Pawan Kheda are being deliberated. Other prominent names include former Union Minister Anand Sharma, Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, former Congress state president and ex-MP Pratibha Singh, former ministers Kaul Singh Thakur and Asha Kumari, CM Sukhu’s political advisor Sunil Sharma Bittu, IT advisor Gokul Butel, and principal media advisor Naresh Chauhan.
CM Sukhu’s Delhi visit is seen as part of this strategic deliberation process.
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