The BJP has announced its candidates for the 2024 Rajya Sabha by-elections. Notable picks include Kerala’s George Kurien and leaders from Assam, Bihar, and other states. Discover the strategic choices and key dates for these pivotal elections.
BJP Unveils List of Candidates for Rajya Sabha By-Elections
In a significant move ahead of the 2024 Rajya Sabha by-elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially released its list of candidates. This announcement comes as the party gears up to contest for the 12 Rajya Sabha seats across nine states. Among the notable selections, Kerala leader George Kurien has been nominated to contest for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh (MP).
George Kurien: BJP’s Choice for Madhya Pradesh
The vacant Rajya Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh, previously held by Jyotiraditya Scindia, has been a topic of intense speculation. With Scindia’s resignation, the seat will be up for grabs until April 2026. Despite many local MP leaders vying for this position, the BJP’s central leadership ultimately chose George Kurien, a Kerala leader, as their candidate. Kurien currently serves as the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry-Dairy Department in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet.
The Strategic Importance of Kurien’s Nomination
Kurien’s nomination is seen as a strategic decision by the BJP. While many leaders from Madhya Pradesh were eyeing this seat, including former Guna MP Dr. KP Singh Yadav, former minister Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya, and Dr. Narottam Mishra, the final decision leaned in favor of a leader from outside the state. This choice highlights the BJP’s broader strategy of balancing regional representation with national political dynamics.
Key Candidates Across Other States
Alongside Kurien, the BJP has also announced candidates for other states:
- Mission Ranjan Das from Assam: A seasoned politician, Das will be contesting for one of the two Rajya Sabha seats from Assam.
- Rameshwar Teli from Assam: Currently serving as a Union Minister, Teli is another strong contender from Assam.
- Manan Kumar Mishra from Bihar: Mishra’s candidacy underscores the BJP’s focus on consolidating its influence in Bihar.
- Kiran Chaudhary from Haryana: A prominent leader in Haryana, Chaudhary’s nomination is expected to bolster the party’s standing in the state.
- Dhairyasheel Patil from Maharashtra: Patil is a key figure in Maharashtra politics, and his selection reflects the BJP’s intent to strengthen its base in the region.
- Mamta Mohanta from Odisha: Representing a state where the BJP is keen to expand its footprint, Mohanta’s candidacy is crucial.
- Ravneet Singh Bittu from Rajasthan: Bittu’s nomination is part of the BJP’s strategy to maintain its stronghold in Rajasthan.
- Rajib Bhattacharya from Tripura: Bhattacharya is a significant choice as the BJP aims to retain its influence in the northeastern state.
By-Elections: Key Dates and Procedures
The upcoming Rajya Sabha by-elections are scheduled for September 3, 2024. These by-elections will fill 12 Rajya Sabha seats across nine states. The process was triggered after 10 Rajya Sabha members, including Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Jyotiraditya Scindia, were elected as Lok Sabha MPs, leading to the vacancies. Additionally, two Rajya Sabha members have resigned, adding to the number of seats up for election.
The deadline for filing nomination papers is August 21, 2024. This date marks the final opportunity for candidates to enter the fray, and it sets the stage for what promises to be a closely contested election.
The Political Implications of BJP’s Choices
The BJP’s candidate selections for the Rajya Sabha by-elections reveal a well-thought-out strategy aimed at consolidating its power across different states. By fielding candidates like George Kurien in Madhya Pradesh, the party is not only addressing regional aspirations but also ensuring that its national leadership maintains a strong influence over state politics.
The inclusion of leaders from various states such as Assam, Bihar, and Odisha reflects the BJP’s broader objective to strengthen its presence across India. As the by-elections approach, these nominations will play a crucial role in shaping the party’s future trajectory in the Rajya Sabha.
In summary, the BJP’s announcement of candidates for the 2024 Rajya Sabha by-elections underscores the party’s strategic approach to maintaining and expanding its influence in the upper house of Parliament. With a diverse list of candidates, the BJP is well-positioned to make significant gains in these upcoming elections.
